January 16, 2008	Wednesday	Muharram 06, 1429

SINGAPORE, Jan 15: The Asian Tour has settled its differences with the European Tour and reached an agreement to co-sanction the Ballantine’s Championship in South Korea.

The decision follows an earlier breakthrough over next month’s Indian Masters, with that event also now co-sanctioned.

Relations between the tours turned sour last year when the European Tour announced the two tournaments without the Asian Tour’s involvement.

The additions of Korea, with 2.9 million dollars in prizemoney, and India, where 2.5 million dollars is offered, further strengthens the Asian Tour’s 2008 schedule, which presently includes 25 tournaments.

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han said they were aiming to announce four other tournaments when negotiations are concluded with the respective sponsors.

Han expects the burgeoning schedule to surpass the 30-tournament mark for the first time in the Asian Tour’s history. Last year, the Tour staged 27 tournaments.

The Indian Masters will be the season-opening event when it is played at Delhi Golf Club from Feb 7 to 10, with Ernie Els the top drawcard.

The Ballantine’s Championship will be held at Pinx Golf Club on Jeju Island from March 13-16, with Korean star K.J Choi, British Open champion Padraig Harrington, and Colin Montgomerie headlining.

“We are delighted to announce that the Asian Tour have reached an agreement with the European Tour to co-sanction the Ballantine’s Championship and EMAAR-MGF Indian Masters,” said Han.

“The two new events in Asia will enhance our 2008 schedule which is shaping up into a very strong one.

“Our players will continue to enjoy great playing opportunities and also test their games against the best players from around the world.”

Han also announced several updates to the schedule. The Asian Tour International, originally slated in Malaysia this month, will now be held in Thailand from March 20 to 23.

The Pakistan Open, which was initially set for the end of this month, has been postponed indefinitely following a request by the Pakistan Golf Federation.

The Singapore Masters has been removed from the schedule due to a lack of sponsors. However, Han is hopeful that the event, will make a quick return. —AFP