Sport Book Service | Justin Rose fears the end for British Masters golf tournament with no sponsors lined up

JUSTIN ROSE is praying the British Masters is handed a dramatic reprieve, after being told it is in danger of slipping into obscurity.

Rose is hosting the event at Walton Heath this week, and it has proved a huge success just as it did when Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Luke Donald acted as front men.

Justin Rose hopes the British Masters can survive on the European Tour scheduleCredit: Getty Images - Getty

The tournament first played in 1946 - was revived three years ago, following a seven year absence from the European Tour schedule.

But the four year deal with Sky Sports is coming to an end, and with no new title sponsor in the offing, it could disappear for good.

World No 2 Rose commented: It would be a shame if it finishes here. It's a tournament that is very close to my heart obviously, having won it in 2002 with my dad around.

Dare I say there are so many events on the European Tour that maybe shouldn't be there, and that these are the ones that should be preserved. I'd urge the powers that be to make that happen.

Justin Rose has hosted this week's British Masters but fears the tournament will not exist next yearCredit: PA:Press Association

Rose's sublime driver off the fairway was similar to Andy Sullivan's on day oneCredit: PA:Press Association

Justin Rose won his first major championship at the 2013 US Open at Merion Golf ClubCredit: Getty Images - Getty

There's an argument there's too many tournaments, I get that. But it's a shame that these ones with history, and ones that get support, are under threat.

The fans really do come out in force in the UK and support these events. And the players love the atmosphere you get from playing in front of them.

It seemed that news had created a subdued mood yesterday - until the event suddenly exploded into life as the leaders took on the par five eleventh.

The three shot lead Eddie Peperell enjoyed at the start of the day had been trimmed to two by Swedens Alexander Bjork and Julian Guerrier of France as the Englishman teed it up.

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Justin Rose prepares to play a putt on 15th green during Day Three of British Masters at Walton Heath Golf ClubCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Justin Rose is currently ranked the 2nd best golfer in the world and is the only English player in the top 10Credit: PA:Press Association

Playing partners Matt Wallace and Jordan Smith also needed to kick on, as both had slipped down the leaderboard after ropey starts.

All three Englishmen hit the green in two at the 529 yards hole and all three walked off with eagles!

Pepperell signed for a one under par 71, and at nine under he is still three shots clear of the pack.

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