Golfer Jason Day to play at World Cup after losing 8 relatives in Philippines typhoon

Email|Print|Comments       twitter     facebook     Sina Microblog     reddit    

Australian golfer Jason Day will play at the World Cup in Melbourne after learning that eight family members lost their lives in the Philippines typhoon, local media reported on Monday.

Day's grandmother, uncle and six cousins were among the thousands of people killed by Typhoon Haiyan.

"I am deeply saddened to confirm that multiple members of my family lost their lives as the victims of Typhoon Haiyan," Day said in a statement.

"My family and I are thankful for all who have reached out with their prayers and concern. We feel devastated for all who have been affected by this horrific tragedy."

He said he understood media's interest in the matter but hopes any coverage can spread awareness to assist with the relief efforts that continue in the Philippines.

"I hope that all will respect my family's privacy during this difficult time. I will have no further public comments at this time," he said.

"Please pray for all who have suffered loss."

Golf Australia, the governing body of the sport of golf in Australia, has extended its sympathies to Day and his family.

Day is currently in Melbourne preparing for the World Cup tournament, where he will team up with U.S. Masters champion Adam Scott to represent Australia.

Immediately after defending his Australian Masters title yesterday, Scott declared he and Day would win the tournament, which begins at Royal Melbourne on Thursday.

Day's mother Dening, who migrated to Australia from the Philippines about 30 years ago, told local media that she is confident that Day can remain focused.

"He's a very strong boy, mentally he's very strong," she said.

"Hopefully he can focus on what he is doing."

• UNICEF supplies for Filipino children affected by super typhoon
• 3D pictures of super Typhoon Haiyan swept across Philippines
• Typhoon survivors crowd in Philippines' Tacloban airport, waiting to flee
• China to provide aid to typhoon-hit Philippines

We Recommend

• Luxury-cars parade held in Dubai
• Special forces take tough training sessions
• Fire guts 22-storey Nigeria commercial building in Lagos
• Singles Day:
  In the name of love
• Temperature drops dramatically in Beijing
• Typhoon Haiyan hits south China's Hainan
• Top 10 celebrity moms in China
• Weekly Sports Photos:
• Gingko leaves turn brilliant golden yellow in Beijing