Montreal Gazette ePaper

WTA SUSPENDS CHINA TOURNEYS

The Women's Tennis Association said on Wednesday it will suspend tournaments in China over concerns about the safety of former doubles world No. 1 Peng Shuai, pictured. “I don't see how I can ask our athletes to compete there when Peng Shuai is not allowed to communicate freely and has seemingly been pressured to contradict her allegation of sexual assault,” WTA chief executive Steve Simon said in a statement. Peng 's whereabouts became a matter of international concern for nearly three weeks after she posted a message on social media alleging that China's former Vice-premier Zhang Gaoli had sexually assaulted her. IOC President Thomas Bach talked to Peng on Nov. 21, but Simon isn't convinced all is well. “While we now know where Peng is, I have serious doubts she is free, safe and not subject to censorship, coercion and intimidation,” Simon said.

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2021-12-02T08:00:00.0000000Z

2021-12-02T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://montrealgazette.pressreader.com/article/283274576026510

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