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| Peng Shuai was not seen in public for three weeks after making allegations of sexual assault. There was a widespread concern for Peng after she accused former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault. (Photo by= Getty Images) |
[Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] The Women's Tennis Association has announced the immediate suspension of all tournaments in China amid concern for Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai. Peng, 35, disappeared from public view for three weeks after accusing a top Chinese official of sexual assault.
WTA chief Steve Simon said he had "serious doubts" that Peng was "free, safe and not subject to intimidation". News of the WTA suspending tournaments in China has been removed from the internet in the country, although the WTA's account on Chinese social media site Weibo is still available. The WTA has repeatedly called for a full investigation into Peng's claims. She said she’s "safe and well" during a video call with Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee, in November. However, the WTA said the video was "insufficient evidence" of Peng's safety.
In a lengthy statement, Simon said he’s "greatly concerned" about the risks players and staff could face if events were held in China in 2022. There have been no WTA events in China for the past two years because of the coronavirus pandemic. However, the governing body has heavily relied on Chinese investment in its tour in recent years, leading to a number of lucrative tournaments being held in the country.
