Peng's whereabouts became a matter of international concern following a nearly three-week public absence after she posted a message on social media in early November, alleging that China's former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli had sexually assaulted her.Peng did appear in mid-November at a dinner with friends and a children's tennis tournament in Beijing, photographs and videos published by Chinese state media and by the tournament's organisers showed.
But WTA chief executive Steve Simon, who said the decision to suspend tournaments in China had the full support of the WTA Board of Directors, said they were not convinced all was well with Peng. Aside from seeking assurances of Peng's well-being, the WTA has called for a"full and transparent investigation" into her accusations against Zhang.
He has said that these appearances by Peng should have been enough to relieve or eliminate most concerns for the player, but that people were"aiming to attack China's system and boycott the Beijing Winter Olympics". The ministry said late last month that"certain people" should stop the"malicious hyping" and"politicisation" of the Peng issue.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
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