Organisers are still trying to fill the last three places in the 12-man field for the world matchplay championship at Wentworth on October 11th-14th.

Five members of the European side who would have been playing in the Ryder Cup next week - Lee Westwood, Colin Montgomerie, Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington and Thomas Bjorn - are taking part.

But so far there is no one from the US side which has decided not to travel to the Belfry in the wake of last week's terrorist attacks.

The other players committed to the £1 million sterling event so far are US Open champion Retief Goosen, Fiji's Vijay Singh, Australian Robert Allenby and Canadian Mike Weir.

Westwood defends the title he took by beating Montgomerie at the second extra hole, having previously knocked out Sergio Garcia and Ernie Els in the two previous rounds.

First prize is again £250,000, and Mark McCormack, whose International Management Group run the event, said: "The postponement of the Ryder Cup and the understandable uncertainty over whether some players are willing to travel means he cannot confirm the names of all 12 players at this stage."

Meanwhile, the company sponsoring this week's European Tour event in Paris are removing all hospitality units and brand advertisements as a mark of respect to the victims of last week's atrocities.

An original statement indicating that cosmetics company Lancome were pulling out altogether has been corrected by officials.

The £900,000 Lancome Trophy still goes ahead at St-Nom-la-Breteche, with Montgomerie, Garcia, Ian Woosnam and Goosen among the stars taking part.

"Due to the dramatic events that occurred last week in the United States, Lancome has made the exceptional decision this year not to participate in the golf tournament that bears its name," said a statement.

"The company organising the tournament (IMG) has decided to hold the sporting event all the same.

"Lancome International has specifically requested the company to ensure that the Lancome brand is not included in the communication created around the event.

"The Lancome International management and all of its teams extend their condolences to the families and with this gesture wish to show their grief and support."

The European Ryder Cup Board hopes to finalise the dates for next year's postponed event today. Director Richard Hills wants the revised date to be agreed as soon as possible.

The European Tour has admitted that issues like ticketing, hotel bookings and corporate hospitality have to be urgently addressed, with regard to possible compensation.

"We will be addressing all relevant issues, ranging from ticketing to the timing of future matches," Hills said.