The US LPGA Interrupted for the First Time

Following the complete cancellation of the PGA US Tour, the LPGA US Tour, in which several Korean men are participating, has finally decided to call off the Safeway Classic.

Ty M Votaw, the commissioner of the US LPGA stated on the 14th, ``After engaging in a serious discussion with players and sponsor companies, we have concluded that it is not the time to hold this game before such terrible disaster.`` This is the first time in 51 years since the LPGA Tour was established that it has failed to hold even one round.

Park Seri (Samsung Electronics), who expressed great concern for her sister who was living in Manhattan, New York announced her right and left the clubhouse six hours before the notification of tour cancellation. Kim Mi-Hyun (KTF), who aspired after her second victory, lost the opportunity to defend her title. She complained, ``I am bewildered and despondent. I do not know how I will make it to North Augusta in South Carolina for the tournament next week.`` The LPGA Tour is planning to rent a plane to transfer the players, but nothing is for sure.

In the meantime, games of the US pro-baseball major league will begin on the 18th, after an interruption of its regular season for the first time in fifty seven years. Park Chan-Ho (LA Dodgers) will take the mound in the home game against Arizona Diamondbacks on the 21st. The LA Dodgers coach Jim Tracey explained that ``During the three series games with San Diego, Brown-Adams-Baldwin will take the mound, and Park Chan-Ho will take the mound on the first game of the four series games against Arizona.`` Park Chan-Ho, who has been pushed down to the fourth selection, will have four more opportunities to be selected should things go according to this schedule.

Kim Jong-Seok kjs0123@donga.com