Owen calls for cancellation of Qatar Masters

Britain's Greg Owen urged the European PGA to cancel next week's Qatar Masters because of the threat of war in Iraq.

"It seems crazy that we should take a risk for one tournament," Owens said.

Owen voiced his concern after the opening round of the Dubai Desert Classic. Tiger Woods, Colin Montgomerie and Nick Faldo withdrew from Dubai last week, and Darren Clarke, Faldo and a number of other top European players withdrew from Qatar.

European PGA executive director Ken Schofield said Thursday the Qatar Masters will be played despite some players' concerns. He said the tournament will be "complete and secure."

Owen said he would compete at Qatar if the tour can guarantee safe transportation between the hotel and golf course.

Scotland's Alistair Forsyth was also reconsidering his plans to play at Qatar.

"It is probably not worth any risk involved," he said.

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