Dubai Ladies Masters suspended following death of a caddie

The first round of the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters has been suspended following the death of a caddie, the Ladies European Tour has announced.

The caddie, who has not been named, collapsed before being taken to hospital where he later died.

The tournament has been reduced to 54 holes, with the first round set to resume on Thursday.

In a statement, the Ladies European Tour said: “First round play was suspended at 10.30am on Wednesday at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters after a caddie collapsed on the 13th fairway.

“After being immediately attended to by the on-site medical team, the caddie was taken to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.”

Ladies European Tour CEO Ivan Khodabakhsh said: “Everyone at the Ladies European Tour is extremely shocked and saddened by this sudden death and therefore we have taken the decision to suspend first round play as a mark of respect.

“On behalf of our membership, we offer heartfelt condolences to the individual’s family and loved ones.”