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Thomas apologises after using anti-gay slur at Sentry

World number three Justin Thomas said he was deeply apologetic after using a homophobic slur during the third round of the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii on Saturday.

FILE PHOTO: PGA: Sentry Tournament of Champions - First Round
FILE PHOTO: January 7, 2021; Maui, Hawaii, USA; Justin Thomas walks off the 18th hole during the first round of the Sentry Tournament of Champions golf tournament at Kapalua Resort - The Plantation Course. PHOTO: Reuters/ Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

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REUTERS: World number three Justin Thomas said he was deeply apologetic after using a homophobic slur during the third round of the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii on Saturday.

Thomas, the defending champion at the US$6.7 million event, missed a five-foot putt on the fourth hole after which he uttered the slur which was picked up by a television microphone.

"There's just no excuse," the 27-year-old American told Golf Channel. "There's absolutely no reason for me to say anything like that. It's terrible. It's not the kind of person that I am."

"I need to do better. I deeply apologise to anyone and everybody who I offended and I'll be better because of it," he added.

Thomas fired an eagle and six birdies on Saturday for a five-under 68. He heads into Sunday's final round in a tie for fifth place at 17 under, four shots behind leaders Ryan Palmer and Harris English.

(Reporting by Arvind Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Ana Nicolaci da Costa)

Source: Reuters