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MELBOURNE - The Australian Masters golf tournament has suffered a huge blow with the withdrawal of its leading European player, Thomas Bjorn.
Tournament officials confirmed that Bjorn has left Australia to return to his sick wife in Denmark.
It is understood Pernilla Bjorn has a severe back complaint which has become critical.
The loss of Bjorn is a body blow to the tournament, which is co-sanctioned by the European and Australasian tours.
Bjorn, the world No 56, was the only European in the world's top 100 who had travelled to Australia for the tournament at Huntingdale, starting tomorrow.
The 36-year-old Dane only arrived in Melbourne yesterday.
A spokesman for tournament organiser IMG said Bjorn's wife had been due to have an operation on her back on Friday week.
But the surgery had been brought forward to Monday, and he wanted to be with her.
The spokesman, David Rollo, said organisers were naturally disappointed at Bjorn's withdrawal.
"But we fully understand," Rollo said.
"We wish them well and our thoughts are with them both."
Bjorn has enjoyed success around the world, including in Australia where he won the 1998 Heineken Classic at The Vines Golf Club in Western Australia.
- AAP
