Star vows to boycott Guangzhou tournament
Troubled mainland diva Peng Shuai was fined and censured yesterday by Chinese sports authorities for a public tantrum at a year-end tournament in Guangzhou.
The incident was compounded by an allegation that an unidentified member of Peng's entourage attacked a spectator in the stands after the women's singles final of the domestic Chinese Grand Prix Cup at the weekend.
Peng, the world number 45, is one of eight stars, among them Maria Sharapova and Venus Williams, who will contest the JB Group Classic at Victoria Park next month.
Peng abandoned the final against Zhang Shuai on Sunday after persistent but futile protests at several decisions by the umpire. The 22-year-old was trailing 2-3 in the decisive third set when she smashed her racquet against the wall behind the baseline and walked off the court, citing a 'bad cold', amid jeers from an estimated 2,000-strong crowd at the Guangzhou Tianhe Sports Centre.
Peng also refused to attend the medal ceremony and told a press conference she would never play in the tournament again.