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PARIS: Forty-five tennis matches played in the last five years are
under investigation as part of a major inquiry into betting in the
sport, it was revealed on Monday.
The review, led by two former Metropolitan
Police corruption-busters, is examining unusual betting patterns in
the matches and has recommended to tennis three ruling bodies to
implement radical changes to stamp out the problem.
“The review identified 45 professional tennis
matches played in the past five years that had unusual betting
patterns that require further review to ascertain if they affected
the integrity of professional tennis or if there were other tennis
reasons for the outcome of the matches,” said the report.
The inquiry has been led by experienced
investigators Jeffrey Rees and Ben Gunn.
Rees established the International Cricket
Council’s anti-corruption unit, while Gunn led a group to examine
the integrity of the British horse racing industry.
Although the report found that “professional
tennis is neither systematically nor institutionally corrupt . . .
or that no evidence of a link to organized crime exists,” the four
Grand Slams, the International Tennis Federation, ATP and WTA Tour
say they will introduce the recommendations.
One of the major initiatives is the creation of
a global Integrity Unit and coordinated Anti-Corruption Programme.
“We applaud the governing bodies for taking
bold and decisive measures to meet the challenges they face,” said
Gunn.
“Their decision to accept the recommendations
outlined, underpinned by an agreement to introduce a uniform
Anti-Corruption Programme, will help to maintain and enhance the
integrity of a global sport enjoyed by millions.”
Rees added: “The findings of this Review
clearly demonstrate the need for having an Integrity Unit. The aim
to rid any uncertainty or implication of corruption in tennis is
fundamental to the reputation and future standing of the game and is
fully supported by all international tennis bodies.”
The problem of betting in tennis has grabbed
headlines over the last year.
Men’s world No. 4 Nikolay Davydenko was the
subject of an investigation into his match against Argentine Martin
Vassallo Arguello in Poland last August after an online betting
agency voided all wagers because of suspicious betting patterns.
Vassallo Arguello won after losing the first set
when Davydenko retired in the third set with an injury.
The Russian has denied any wrongdoing.
Five Italians—Federico Luzzi, Giorgio
Galimberti, Potito Starace, Daniele Bracciali and Alessio Di
Mauro—have all served suspensions.
At this year’s French Open, which starts on
Sunday, there will be a ban on courtside laptops and surveillance of
anyone suspected of using mobile phones to place bets online.
-- AFP
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