Runaway groom Rory McIlroy calls off engagement with Caroline Wozniacki

Rory McIlroy and Caroline Wozniacki during happier times

The most spoken about sporting couple in recent times are parting ways. The high profile, Twitter-fed relationship between Rory McIlroy and Caroline Wozniacki has come to an end in the most dramatic of circumstances.

The couple, who got engaged last New Year's Eve, had started circulating wedding invitations this past weekend. But in an abrupt turn, McIlroy issued a rather curt statement today, announcing his decision to end the relationship.

The Dublin-based management firm that runs the golfer’s affairs issued this statement on behalf of the Irishman: "There is no right way to end a relationship that has been so important to two people. The wedding invitations issued at the weekend made me realise that I wasn't ready for all that marriage entails. I wish Caroline all the happiness she deserves and thank her for the great times we've had. I will not be saying anything more about our relationship in any setting."

The two sports stars have been in a relationship since 2011 and looked all set for marital bliss before this sudden turn of events. After rumours swirled around at various times last time about the impending end of the romance, the couple put matters to rest in an emphatic manner at the start of the year. Breaking the news of their engagement at the start of this year, the pair posted pictures of delight and a diamond the size of a small rock.

"Happy New Year everyone! I have a feeling it's going to be a great year!!" asserted McIlroy at the time. "My first victory of 2014 #shesaidyes!!"

Not one to be left behind, Wozniacki had tweeted, "Rory and I started 2014 with a bang! I said YES!!!!"

All seemed well these past few months too. Wozniacki was seen caddying for McIlroy on the eve of the Masters earlier this year. Apparently, however,, it seems McIlroy felt it was too early for him to get married. The announcement came as a big surprise, especially after the two posted pictures of themselves at a romantic dinner from Nobu in Monte Carlo.

The two were supposed to marry in August, with around 200 of the world's celebrated stars set to decoratie the wedding at a mystery location somewhere in Europe.

The Dane must be shattered at the decision, having spoken in recent weeks about her willingness to give up tennis for motherhood and family. McIlroy blamed himself for the sudden turn of events, affirming too that he was making this public after a discussion with his beau of more than two years.

We can only hope that the two of them deal with this in peace and return to their chosen field of play soon.