Paul Casey accepts he got it wrong in withdrawing from 2019 Saudi International

Casey pulled out of the tournament in 2019, saying he would be a “hypocrite” to accept money to play in Saudi Arabia given concerns over the country’s record on human rights

Paul Casey has defended his decision to play in the Saudi International (Bradley Collyer/PA)

Paul Casey has defended his U-turn to compete at this week’s Saudi International by saying he was wrong to withdraw from the inaugural event.

Casey, 43, pulled out of the tournament in 2019, saying he would be a “hypocrite” to accept money to play in Saudi Arabia given concerns over the country’s record on human rights.