Royal Trophy postponed

Next week’s Royal Trophy in Bangkok – a match play tournament between teams from Europe and Asia – has been postponed after the country entered a period of mourning following the death of the King’s sister.

Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, elder sister of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, died yesterday aged 84 after receiving treatment for abdominal cancer in hospital for the last six months.

The Thai government have announced a 15-day mourning period and asked that festive activities be suspended during this time as a mark of respect.

Ryder Cup stars David Howell, Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley, Lee Westwood and Robert Karlsson were due to play alongside European counterparts Graeme Storm, of England, French duo Raphael Jacquelin and Gregory Havret and Denmark’s Anders Hansen in Seve Ballesteros’ team.

The tournament, due to be played from Friday to Sunday next week at the Amata Springs Country Club, will be rescheduled at a later date.