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Herbert Chow insists he is not going to pay the WTA fine. Photo: SCMP

Now it’s personal as WTA singles out Hong Kong tennis president Herbert Chow

US$10,000 fine was not for the tournament or its organisers but for Chow alone, insists governing body - as outspoken local official insists he won't be paying up, or shutting up

The dispute between Hong Kong Tennis Association president Herbert Chow Siu-lung and the world governing body of women’s tennis became personal today with outspoken Chow singled out as the only reason for, and target of, a US$10,000 fine as the Eugenie Bouchard pull-out controversy took another twist.

WTA executive vice-president Laurence Applebaum stressed the Women’s Tennis Association was extremely happy with the way the inaugural Prudential Hong Kong Open was run, but issued the fine for Chow’s “disparaging” remarks after Bouchard’s last-minute pull-out before the tournament last September.

READ MORE: The original story that has landed Chow in hot water

Applebaum claimed Bouchard had not even entered the tournament and had “committed no violation” which further incensed Chow, who renewed his attack on the WTA saying it “has completely ignored the interest of the HKTO and the tournament”.

Applebaum said in a letter to the HKTA council: “Please note that the WTA has not fined the Hong Kong Tennis Open. The fine is a code of conduct violation committed by Herbert Chow for the disparaging comments made as referenced in the original notice.

“The code of conduct serves as a guide for the acceptable professional behaviour of not only players, but of tournament officials and support personnel as it relates to the promotion of the positive image of women’s professional tennis.

The fine is a code of conduct violation committed by Herbert Chow
Jonathan Applebaum, WTA

“Finally it is critical to note that all WTA players are aware of the requirement to enter each WTA event, at least, six weeks out from the start of the tournament. Eugenie Bouchard never official entered the Hong Kong Tennis Open and as a result committed no violation of the WTA Rules,” Applebaum said.

But Chow stood by his view Bouchard did not “honour her agreement” and “keep her word” and refuted Applebaum’s claim the Canadian star hadn’t entered the event.

Chow also said he would not pay the fine and would wait and see what action the WTA would take.

“Based on the comments made by Mr Lawrence Applebaum, it appears the fine is personal and not directed at the HKTO nor the HKTA. Under such circumstances, I ask that the council takes no action and pays no fine as I shall wait and see what the WTA can do to me personally,” Chow wrote back to the HKTA council.

I am very surprised and disgusted that the WTA has blown this little issue completely out of proportion
Herbert Chow

“As for the WTA’s claim that Ms Bouchard did not enter the tournament, the HKTO was informed by tournament director Mr Kenneth Low that Ms Bouchard forgot to enter (very unprofessional) and has asked for a wild card to play. Mr Kenneth Low exercised his authority as tournament director and granted a main draw wild card to Ms Bouchard.

Read More: A case of 'bullying and intimidation'?

“It appears that the WTA has completely ignored the interest of the HKTO/the tournament as a result of the player’s late withdrawal (on September 6th) and her unprofessional behaviour, not entering the tournament after she has agreed to play under contract of appearance fees and bonuses.

“The code of conduct clearly states that it is there to protect the player, the tournament and the WTA. I am very surprised and disgusted that the WTA has blown this little issue completely out of proportion,” Chow said.

Applebaum said the row would not affect the growth and future success of the tournament.

“The fine being assessed to Mr Herbert Chow in no way affects our positive outlook and optimism for the tournament’s future growth and success,” Applebaum said

“The WTA was pleased with the inaugural Hong Kong Tennis Open in 2014 and very appreciative of the investment and organisational efforts made into the event.”

 

 

 

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