LPGA Tour cancels 2 more Asia tournaments due to coronavirus

LPGA Tour has canceled two more tournaments in Asia because of coronavirus, kcking out three of five tournaments that comprise its first international swing.

LPGA said Sunday night Honda LPGA Thailand, scheduled for Feb. 20-23, and HSBC Women's World Championship in Singapore, scheduled for following week, have been canceled.

It previously postponed Blue Bay LPGA on Hainan Island in China over concerns about new of coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China.

Mainland China reported ar rise in cases with deaths increasing by 97 to 908. China's health ministry said 40,171 people have been affected on mainland.

cancellations of Thailand and Singapore events were “due to continued health concerns and recent visories in some Asian countries” that large-scale events should t be held, LPGA Tour said in a statement.

“It is always a difficult decision to cancel events and LPGA greatly appreciates understanding and all efforts me by our title sponsors (Honda and HSBC) as well as IMG to host incredible events for our players,” statement said. “ health and safety of our players, fans and everyone working on event is always our highest priority.”

Thailand event dates to 2006, while HSBC Women's World Championship dates to 2008. y have been backbone of LPGA Tour's international events, offering fields limited to top players, cuts and a lucrative time for players who are given free travel and lodging in premium hotels.

Women's Australian Open is this week in elaide, second straight week in Australia. cancellation means after this week, LPGA Tour will be out of action a full month before returning with Founders Cup in Arizona on March 19.

Two or golf events in Asia have been postponed or moved.

PGA Tour China Series moved its qualifier from China to Singapore. R&A anunced this week that it was canceling Women's Asia-Pacific Amateur in Thailand, premier amateur event in Asia that rewards winner with a spot in two LPGA majors and Augusta National Women's Amateur.

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