Golf - European Tour: Next year's Indian Masters has been postponed because of the global financial downturn and security concerns, organisers said today.

The European Tour Event was due to be staged at Delhi Golf Club from February 5th.
   
"We have done everything possible to ensure that the second edition of the Indian Masters was played in 2009, but with this tournament we considered that the current economic uncertainty coupled with security concerns made it impossible for us to present the tournament in the manner that we would wish to for world class golfers," said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of 'golf in Dubai' - the promoters and organisers of the €2 miilion event.
   
George O'Grady, chief executive of The European Tour, said he hoped the tournament would return in 2010.
   
"We share with 'golf in Dubai' their disappointment that the Indian Masters will not be played in 2009. We understand, however, the economic challenges they face with title sponsorship."
   
India was rocked last week when a three-day siege in Mumbai by militants killed 171 people.