BBC to retain rights to televise Masters after Sky pull out of bidding

The BBC is set to hold on to one of its most important events after it emerged today that Sky had abandoned its attempt to broadcast the Augusta Masters. Sources said the satellite channel baulked at a suggestion from the Augusta hierarchy that the two networks broadcast simultaneously, leaving the way open for the BBC to continue an association that started in 1967. An announcement is expected during next week's Open Championship at St Andrews. Peter Alliss and other members of the BBC's golf broadcast team have been sidelined in recent years as coverage of the sport has migrated to Sky. It was widely reported the BBC was resigned to losing the Masters, having been told it would have to pay the "going market rate".