Caddie dies at Ladies Dubai Masters

A caddie who collapsed on the course at the Dubai Ladies Masters has died, tournament officials have confirmed.

The caddie has been named as Max Zechmann, bag-carrier of Anne-Lise Caudal.  He went down ill on the 13th hole at Emirates Golf Club and was attended to by on-site medical staff.

Play was immediately suspended and, after being taken to hospital, the victim was pronounced dead. All of Wednesday's play has been cancelled.

Zechmann also caddied on the European Tour for Marcel Siem and Markus Brier

Ladies European Tour chief executive Ivan Khodabakhsh said: "Everyone at the Ladies European Tour is extremely shocked and saddened today by this sudden death and therefore we have taken the decision to suspend first round play as a mark of respect.

"On behalf of our membership, we offer heartfelt condolences to the individual's family and loved ones."

Carly Booth, who was playing in Anne-Lise Caudal's group along with Blair O'Neal, tweeted:

Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and chief executive of golf in Dubai said: "We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of this caddie. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace."

The competition will resume on Thursday, with the contest now to be played over 54 holes.