Former world number one and 2016 RACV Ladies Masters Champion Jiyai Shin has announced that due to medical reasons she been forced to withdraw from the RACV Gold Coast Challenge and the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open.

Shin passed on the statement below yesterday to ALPG.

“It is with deep regret that I must officially withdraw from the upcoming RACV Gold Coast Challenge and ALPGA Australian Ladies Open events”

\"Due to medical reasons, which have prevented me from practicing, playing and preparing for the upcoming events and following the advice of the medical doctors, I must take the next month to regain my health”

\"I am truly saddened that I cannot play in Australia. Coming to Australia to play is a highlight of my yearly schedule and when I was invited back for the 2017 events, I did not hesitate to say yes.”

\"To everyone, the organisers, sponsors, officials, players, volunteers, media and especially the fans I offer you my best wishes for the events. I will miss you all and hope to be back next year.

Sincerely

Jiyai Shin”

ALPG CEO Karen Lunn was clearly disappointed to lose one of the RACV Gold Coast Challenge`s main tournament drawcards but acknowledged Shin`s support of the event\"

\"We are obviously disappointed to lose a player of Jiyai`s calibre from the field at this week`s RACV Gold Coast Challenge, but we thank her for her support throughout the year and wish her all the best for a speedy recovery`

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