Watchdog Down Under
1st November, 2007
To ensure that the biggest tennis tournament in Australia, the Australian Open is free of illegal betting, the Australian Sports governeing body has hired an outside firm to to the job of preventing any illegal bets and match fixing.
Players and coaches were threatened with a life ban from the tournament if they were found to be in breach of the rules. The new strict regime has come into force following rumours of players being approached and offered sums of money to throw their matches.
Calibre International is the company that has been hired to protect the integrity of the game in Australia. it is thought that other host countries of other tournaments will follow suit.
Wimbeldon doubles champion Michael Llodra came forward to say that 4 years ago he was called up and asked "not to try too hard the next day".
"It is a disgrace that people try and fix these matches - professional players train long and hard and for the fans that pay money to see the games its a complete rip off if the match is rigged" commented a source.
