The return of WTA tournaments to China in 2023 will depend upon the decision of the Peng Shuai difficulty, the governing physique of the ladies’s sport advised Reuters on Wednesday, including that it nonetheless has not met the Chinese former doubles world primary in particular person.
Peng accused Chinese former vice-premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual harassment in 2021 in a put up on social media that was quickly faraway from the nation’s web. He later denied making the allegation.
Peng’s put up sparked a world outcry over her security and led the WTA to postpone the event in China – the ladies’s tour was anticipated to price lots of of thousands and thousands of {dollars} in broadcasting and sponsorship.
A provisional 2023 event calendar launched late final 12 months listed the WTA’s schedule until September, however there was no readability on the occasions to be held in China.
“There has been no change to the WTA’s position on our return to China and we have confirmed our 2023 calendar through the US Open only,” the WTA stated in a press release.
“Return to the sphere would require decision of Peng’s state of affairs wherein she made a daring transfer to publicly allege that she was sexually assaulted by a senior Chinese authorities chief.
“As we do with any of our players globally, we have asked for a formal investigation of the allegations by the appropriate authorities and an opportunity for the WTA to meet with Peng – in private – to discuss her position.”
The WTA stated it has obtained affirmation that Peng is secure and sound however has but to fulfill her in particular person. “We stick to our position and stand with Peng,” the assertion stated. “The WTA continues to work in the direction of a decision.
“While we have always indicated that we are hopeful that we will be in a position to operate WTA events again in this region, we will not compromise our founding principles in doing so.”
In July final 12 months, males’s governing physique ATP canceled its occasions in China as a result of COVID-19 disaster within the nation.
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
