Gambling tennis players banned
2008-07-21 19:13
London - The Czech Republic's Frantisek
Cermak and Slovakia's Michal Mertinak became the latest players
to be banned and fined for betting on tennis matches, the ATP
said on Monday.
As the governing body of men's tennis continues to crack
down on gambling in the sport, the two Eastern European doubles
specialists became the first non-Italians to be sanctioned under
the ATP's anti-corruption programme.
Cermak, 31, who does not have a singles ranking, was banned
for 10 weeks from Monday and fined $15 000, while world number
616 Mertinak received a two-week suspension and a $3 000 penalty.
"An ATP investigation launched in November 2007 found that
Mr Cermak had wagered on tennis matches during a period dating
from 9 Sept 2006 through 1 Feb 2007," the ATP said in a
statement.
"The same investigation found that Mr Mertinak had wagered
on tennis matches during October of 2006."
The ATP said neither player had placed bets on their own
matches and the independent hearing officer found no evidence of
any intent to affect the outcome of any matches wagered upon.
"The ATP's anti-corruption programme is clear that gambling
on any form of tennis match will not be tolerated," said Gayle
David Bradshaw, ATP's executive vice-president, rules and
competition.
Five Italians had already been sanctioned since the ATP
launched a worldwide investigation almost a year ago.