Woods withdraws from event

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Woods withdraws from event

London: World number one Tiger Woods said he had withdrawn from the European Tour's Lancome Trophy in Paris next week because of Tuesday's terror attacks on the United States.Woods was due to arrive in Paris on Monday for the event, starting next Thursday, but had said earlier in the week that he was unsure whether he would travel.

With the Ryder Cup scheduled to start in England the following week, the chances of the biennial Europe v United States event taking place remain in doubt.Along with most other leading American players, Woods has said he is unsure whether the Ryder Cup should go ahead. His absence would be likely to have a significant impact on the overall decision.

"Due to the tragic events over the past few days I have decided not to compete in next week's Trophee Lancome in Saint-Nom-la-Breteche, Paris," Woods said on his website."I don't believe this is an appropriate time to play competitive golf. I feel strongly that this is a time to pause, reflect and remember the victims of Tuesday's horrific attack."I have always felt that I must be fully committed to each and every golf competition I enter, but due to this week's events, I am not. I also fear that the security risks of travelling overseas at the present time are too great."

DIFFICULT SITUATION

He added: "I would like to thank Trophee Lancome for their understanding and cooperation in this difficult situation."Asked earlier this week whether he thought the September 28-30 Ryder Cup should go ahead, he said: "I really don't know."I have got to talk to the (U.S. PGA Tour) commissioner (Tim Finchem) about all the different scenarios about playing in the next few weeks. It's very tough for everybody."

Woods's withdrawal from the Lancome event is likely to be followed by others.British Open champion David Duval, Mark Calcavecchia and Stewart Cink - three of the 12-man U.S. Ryder Cup team - have all voiced reservations about travelling.

American and European officials have yet to make any firm decision about the Ryder Cup but Jim Awtrey, head of the PGA of America, which administers the competition from the U.S. side, said he hoped it would go ahead.

"It is our desire for the Ryder Cup matches to go forward," he said in a statement on Thursday."Having said that, the magnitude of the matches requires many logistics which are impacted by the events of this week."We are reassessing every logistic connected with the matches - a process which will take a number of days and which will require input from our government. When our assessment is complete, we will make further announcements as appropriate."