Hong Kong's Davis Cup star Melvin Tong Man-chung has been banned for a year from South China Athletic Association (SCAA) events for his recent on-court misbehaviour.
The incidents happened in the semi-final of the association's tournament two weeks ago.
Tong twice hit a linesman with his serve and screamed 'bitch' at a female umpire as he crashed out of the men's singles to Michael Brown in the SCAA/Coca-Cola Open.
Tournament director David Ho Wai-tak said the decision to punish Tong was made on Tuesday after the SCAA's executive committee reviewed reports from the female umpire and the chief umpire, as well as verdicts from committee members who watched the match.
'Melvin explained in a letter he sent us that he didn't intend to do what he was accused of but we believe strongly that he did it deliberately,' said Ho, who sent copies of the SCAA's report to the Hong Kong Tennis Association (HKTA) and Tong yesterday.
Tong's prize money of $3,500 and trophy, however, will not be seized. Tong can also keep his half of the $8,000 prize money for winning the men's doubles.
Tong, meanwhile, said he did not want to comment until he received the official notice from the SCAA.