Bitcoin splits to create clone, but new currency off to slow start

New York

BITCOIN'S underlying software code was split on Tuesday, generating a new clone called "Bitcoin Cash", but the new virtual currency got off to a slow start due to lacklustre support for its network.

The initiative was headed by a small group of mostly China-based bitcoin miners - programmers who essentially operate the bitcoin network - who were not happy with scheduled improvements to the currency's technology meant to increase its capacity to process transactions.