Thursday, April 03, 2008

War Of The Words Continues

Thai golf star Prayad Marksaeng has spoken out against Colin Montgomerie’s comments about Asian players receiving invitations to play in the Masters. Yesterday we reported on Monty’s claims that the invitations were awarded to certain players in an attempt to boost the tournament’s profile, as well as TV revenue in China, India and Thailand. Marksaeng disagrees however.

"I believe they invite Asian players because golf and golfers in Asia are developing fast, and Asian golfers are playing better and better in big tournaments," Said the player, who is currently ranked 93rd in the world. But Marksaeng didn’t leave it there. Clearly offended personally, he went on to attack Monty’s attitude towards Asian players on tour.

Prayad Marksaeng, not happy.

"I have no idea why he (Montgomerie) said that, but maybe he dislikes Asian players - he never talks to Asian players anyway.”

Monty’s manager, Guy Kinnings has been trying to diffuse the situation since the Scot made his original comments.

"Colin completely understands Augusta's right to promote themselves. The last thing he would want to do is show disrespect or tell them who they should or should not invite.”

"He's done everything he can to be there, including changing his schedule, and he's just very disappointed because he values the tournament so highly. He does, though, feel he makes an important contribution around the world in promoting golf."

Is this the end of the argument, or will it be handbags at dawn? We’d back Monty in a wrestling match against most of the players on tour.




4/3/2008 10:45:56 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0]