By IANS
Bangkok : Season-opener Royal Trophy golf has been postponed as Thailand has gone into two-week mourning following the death of the Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, the elder sister of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The third edition of the event between Asia and Europe, which is backed by the King, who has himself presented the trophy for it, was to be staged from Jan. 11-13 at the Amata Spring Country Club.
The Asian team had two Indians – Jeev Milkha Singh and Shiv Kapur.
“We were informed about the postponement, but we do not alternate dates,” said Jeev, who this week got married to his childhood friend, Kudrat.
“My plan was to begin the season with Royal Trophy, but it will now start with the Abu Dhabi Open and will be followed by Qatar Masters, Dubai Classic and the EMAAR-MGF Indian Masters,” added Jeev.
Kapur will also be playing in the same events in Middle East and then return to India for the Indian Masters.
The event was on schedule with both teams all set for it, when the Princess passed away on Jan 2 after receiving treatment for abdominal cancer in the hospital for the last six months. She was 84.
The Thai government announced a 15-day mourning period and asked that festive activities be suspended during this time as a mark of respect.The teams for the Royal Trophy, which is a three-day Ryder Cup-style team competition were:
Europe: Darren Clarke, Niclas Fasth, Anders Hansen, Gregory Havret, David Howell, Raphael Jacquelin, Robert Karlsson, Paul McGinley and Graeme Storm. Captain: Seve Ballesteros