WTA takes measures to protect players from betting: Larry Scott

Bangalore, Mar 4 (UNI) Sony Ericsson WTA tour Chairman and CEO Larry Scott today said that following reported threat about bringing pressure on the players to throw their matches, WTA had introduced certain measures to protect their interest.

Talking to newsmen here, he said that the measures included checking of the background of Coaches as to whether they had any criminal records and involved in betting.

The other measures also included looking after education, providing security and training in the interest of players' welfare, he said.

Players had welcomed the measures, while some coaches had objected to it stating that it affected their privacy.

"During Doha tournament a couple of coaches did not sign the agreement as it encroached their privacy," he said.

Scott said it was proposed to combine Tier I and Tier II tournaments and launch a Premier level tournament.

When asked about continuing Bangalore as the centre for future tournaments, he said that "It depends on commitment and sponsors. We have to see the competetivness for hosting the championship. We will certainly encourage as far as possible but after completion of the this tournament we will study the impact and other things before taking a final decision".

He was appreciative of the facilities provided to the players and preparation of court for the ongoing USD 600,000 WTA Tier II Bangalore Open which began yesterday.

He said that India had gained a lot by hosting this event and more such events would boost the game in the country and region.

WTA was also looking for expanding in China and Middle East and India is also included.

Replying to a question, he said that Women' s tennis was not all about fashion or glamour. The quality was high and lot of young players were attracted and game has huge viewership on TV.

He said that equal prize money was a major achievement for the WTA and it planned to improve the tour taking some innovative steps, offering better facilities, bigger prize money and better comfort levels to the players.

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