The WTA reiterates its intentions to eliminate tournaments in China if Peng Shaui’s case is not clarified

WTA President Steve Simon reiterated, in a letter to the Chinese Ambassador to the United States, his intention to eliminate tournaments in the Asian country if the case of Peng Shaui is not clarified.

The tennis player, former number one in the world in doubles, His whereabouts are unknown since he reported sexual abuse by former Chinese Deputy Prime Minister Zhang Gaoli on November 2. Only media related to the Chinese government have distributed images of Peng in recent days, while the WTA has tried to contact her without success.

Simon, in a letter to the Chinese ambassador to the United States, has asked that Peng be allowed to leave the country or have a meeting with her, with no one else in the room, to confirm that he is okay, and that his allegation of sexual abuse of the former Chinese leader is taken seriously and investigated.

“If our requests are not fulfilled, we will have no choice but to reconsider if we will play in China again. If Shuai Peng is not safe, cannot travel or speak freely, we have no assurance that our players can be safe in there, ”said Simon.

Insufficient images shown by the Chinese state

In addition, the president assured that it is a good sign to see the videos of Peng Shuai in a restaurant in Beijing, but considers it insufficient because it is not clear if the Chinese tennis player is at liberty.

“I am glad to see the videos distributed by the Chinese state media showing Peng Shuai in a restaurant in Beijing,” Simon said in a statement.

“Although it is positive to see her, it is not clear if she is free and can make decisions for herself, without being forced or outside interference. These videos are insufficient. As I have made clear from the beginning, I am very concerned for Peng Shuai’s health and safety and that his allegations of sexual abuse have been censored and hidden under the rug, “he added. (D)