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Daly claims knife attack by wife

09/06/2007

Former Open champion John Daly says he was attacked with a steak knife by his wife, Sherrie, last night.

The American said he contacted Memphis police at 06:00 (12:00 BST) on Friday to report the incident but when officers arrived Sherrie had left with their two children.

Daly told police that he had argued with his wife in a restaurant earlier that evening.

In a statement he said: "While I slept at home last night, I was the victim of an assault by my wife. This morning, I filed a complaint with the Shelby County sheriff's office. They are investigating, and I'll have no further comment on the matter while they pursue their investigation.

Daly is currently in Memphis for the St Jude Championship where he was tied for eighth place after the first round.

The 41-year-old was visibly shaken when he arrived to play the second round on Friday morning.

He added: "My only concern at this point is for the safety of my children and myself, and we are working closely with local authorities and PGA tour security officials to assure appropriate safeguards."

Although Daly has won two major tournaments his career has been defined by gambling and alcohol problems that led to his suspension from the PGA tour at one stage.

Daly's wife was charged over alleged involvement in illegal gambling in 2003 and was sentenced to five months in prison in January 2006.

Sherrie is Daly's fourth wife and the two married seven weeks after they first met in 2001.

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