Lancome trophy to go ahead in Paris

This week's European golf tour event in Paris goes ahead tomorrow after officials talked sponsors into staying with the Stg£900…

This week's European golf tour event in Paris goes ahead tomorrow after officials talked sponsors into staying with the Stg£900,000 tournament.

Colin Montgomerie, Sergio Garcia, Ian Woosnam and US Open champion Retief Goosen are among the stars taking part in the Lancome Trophy.

Tournament director Peter German spoke last night of the cosmetic company's "last-minute intention to cancel" following the terrorist attacks in America last week.

But instead all hospitality units and brand advertisements have been removed from the tournament as a mark of respect to the victims.

READ MORE

An earlier company statement said: "Due to the dramatic events that occurred last week in the United States, Lancome has made the exceptional decision this year not to participate in the golf tournament that bears it name.

"The company organising the tournament Mark McCormack's International Management Group has decided to hold the sporting event all the same.

"Lancome International has specifically requested the company to ensure that the Lancome brand is not included in the communication created around the event.

"The Lancome International Management and all of its teams extend their condolences to the families and with this gesture wish to show their grief and support."

The event was originally to have featured Tiger Woods.

But the world number one withdrew last Thursday, a decision which was followed three days later by the 12-month postponement of the Ryder Cup at The Belfry. -PA