Monday, 19 May, 2008

An independent review has recommended the further scrutiny of 45 professional tennis matches played over the past five years because of suspect betting patterns.

The International Tennis Federation, the ATP, the WTA Tour and the four grand slam tournaments have jointly published the review, which stressed that "professional tennis is neither systematically nor institutionally corrupt".

However, having examined 73 matches since 2003, the panel identified 45 in which "the betting patterns give a strong indication that those account holders are in receipt of 'inside information', which has facilitated successful betting coups".

The report does not go into detail on the matches but reveals further confidential information has been shared with the tennis authorities.

The review adds: "The scale of the allegedly suspicious matches indicates there is no room for complacency."

The report states that tennis is "potentially at a crossroads" adding that the intelligence available "indicates that there is sufficient cause for concern about the integrity of some players and those outside tennis who seek to corrupt them".

Led by Ben Gunn and Jeff Rees, the review began in January this year and aimed to look into the integrity of the sport.

It found five potential threats to the sport, namely corrupt practice by players and others in respect to gambling; breaches of the rules in relation to tanking; violation of credentials; misuse of inside information and illegal or abusive behaviour towards players.

As such, the panel has outlined 15 recommendations, which the four grand slams, ITF, ATP and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, through the joint anti-corruption programme, will implement.

Rees said: "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."

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