Dubai Ladies Masters suspended after caddie dies during play

The caddie, who collapsed while on the 13th hole, was taken to hospital where he was later pronounced dead

The first round of play will be resumed on Thursday (Getty)

The first day's play at the Dubai Ladies Masters was suspended following the death of a caddie during play.

The caddie, who collapsed while on the 13th hole, was attended to by the on-site medical team and taken to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Ivan Khodabakhsh, chief executive of the Ladies European Tour, said: "Everyone at the Ladies European Tour is extremely shocked and saddened today by this sudden death and therefore we have taken the decision to suspend first round play as a mark of respect.

On behalf of our membership, we offer heartfelt condolences to the individual’s family and loved ones."​

Mohamed Juma Buamaim, the vice chairman of 'golf in DUBAi' said: “We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of this caddie. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.”

The tournament has been reduced to 54 holes, with the first round set to resume on Thursday.

Additional reporting by PA