We read with interest the letter from Yvonne Maarse headlined, 'Sports fans 'abandoned' ', which appeared in the South China Morning Post, on September 8 and the letter of August 31 on the Asian Games. Our company showed great interest in both the US (tennis) Open and the Asian Games, because we are a broadcaster, but we were simply outbid by a wide margin, especially in the case of the Asian Games. Despite the loss of the US Open, Ms Maarse and other tennis fans should be pleased to note that TVB Pearl will be bringing full-length coverage of the semi-finals and final of the ATP Championship. All of the top 1998 grand slam performers are involved in this championship. Regarding Ms Maarse's comment on a list of protected events, it is true that countries such as the UK, with its Heritage List and Australia, with the Anti-Syphoning Act, ensure that sporting events which are of national importance are carried by terrestrial services. It is with much regret that the Hong Kong SAR does not provide such assurances to television viewers of major sports events. WINNIE HO Corporate and Community Relations Manager External Affairs Division Television Broadcasts Limited
