Asian Tour 'closely monitoring' situation in Saudi Arabia after deadly attacks

Oct 13 : Golf's Asian Tour said on Tuesday that it is monitoring the security situation in Saudi Arabia ahead of the Saudi International in Riyadh in November, as a series of attacks threaten to disrupt sport in the kingdom.

A strike on Riyadh's international airport on Saturday killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 300, with Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement claiming responsibility for the deadliest attack in Saudi Arabia in more than a decade.

On Sunday, one more person was killed and nearly a dozen hurt in another attack on the airport, with airlines cancelling flights to Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries.

The PIF Saudi International, which serves as the Asian Tour's season-closer, is scheduled to take place at the Riyadh Golf Club from November 18 to 21.

"The Asian Tour is closely monitoring the situation in Saudi Arabia and we are discussing the developing situation with our partner Golf Saudi with respect to hosting the PIF Saudi International in Riyadh in November," the circuit told Reuters in a statement. 

"Any changes to the schedule will be announced as soon as we have determined the right course of action for our players, fans and partners. 

"The PIF Saudi International is incredibly important to the Asian Tour as our season finale, however the safety of our players, staff and service teams is always our number one priority."

The disruptions could affect Saudi Arabia's sporting calendar, with the kingdom having become a major venue after investing huge amounts of money into sports including soccer, Formula One, tennis and golf.

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