SALEM Open organisers were late last night making desperate attempts to persuade world number one Andre Agassi to reverse his shock decision to pull out of next week's tournament at Victoria Park.
Agassi has officially pulled out, informing organisers yesterday that he was still suffering from a back problem that first affected him two weeks ago during a Davis Cup tie.
Although the flamboyant American, expected to be one of the main drawcards in Hong Kong next week, is still competing in the Japan Open in Tokyo, he wants to rest his back in preparation for the French Open late next month.
A spokesman for the organisers said: 'It is our worst nightmare. He has pulled out because of back problems.
'We are still talking to his manager in the hope that he will change his mind, but we will not be forcing him as we know he has to look after his health.
'The organisers and the sponsors are very disappointed.' The spokesman said that no action can be taken against Agassi as it is expected the player will provide a valid doctor's certificate.
After reaching the quarter-finals of the Japan Open in Tokyo, Agassi said that he was worried by back pains which have affected him for more than two weeks.
