by The Associated Press
Published: Tue, February 17, 2009 - 10:47 am CST
Last Updated: Tue, February 17, 2009 - 10:50 am CST
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - Organizers of the DubaiTennis Championships say they barred an Israeli women's player
because they feared her presence would antagonize fans angry over
Israel's recent offensive in Gaza.
The Women's Tennis Association is denouncing the last-minute
visa denial for Shahar Peer. She is ranked 48th and had been
scheduled to play yesterday.
Tournament organizer Dubai Duty Free says in a statement that it
doesn't want to politicize sports, but it has to be "sensitive to
recent events in the region." It says it was concerned about
threats to Peer's "well being" and doesn't want to put players at
risk.
The move also raises the possibility of more controversy when
men's play begins next week. A lawyer for Israeli doubles
specialist Andy Ram says the player hopes to be in the draw, but is
still awaiting word on a visa.
More Deaths In Gaza As Fighting Continues
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