*Undated
Women's tennis united on Wednesday night (December 1st) decided to support Peng Shuai by suspending all tournaments in China.
The 2013 Wimbledon doubles champion appears to be under house arrest after making allegations of sexual assault against China's former vice-premier. Steve Simon, chief executive of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), issued another robust statement calling for a transparent investigation.
By suspending events in China, including Hong Kong, the WTA have put in jeopardy more than £30million (Ksh 3B) of prize money, plus large staging fees.
The country has become a huge part of their market. In the last scheduled calendar prior to the pandemic it was due to host 10 events on the WTA Tour, plus more on the lower rungs of the circuit.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) also held a second call with Peng Shuai on Wednesday December 1st and said that the Chinese tennis star "reconfirmed" that she was safe and well given the "difficult situation" she is in, the sporting organization. Summarizing the second call, the IOC said that it had offered the tennis star "wide-ranging support," and pledged to stay in regular touch with her, adding that it had "already agreed on a personal meeting in January."
An IOC statement today added: "There are different ways to achieve her well-being and safety. We have taken a very human and person-centred approach to her situation. "Since she is a three-time Olympian, the IOC is addressing these concerns directly with Chinese sports organisations."
"We are using "quiet diplomacy" which, given the circumstances and based on the experience of governments and other organisations, is indicated to be the most promising way to proceed effectively in such humanitarian matters."
WTA chairman and CEO Steve Simon said that the decision was based on the "unacceptable" response of Chinese officials, including rushing to censor Peng's allegations and ignoring calls for a full and transparent investigation.
"In good conscience, I don't see how I can ask our athletes to compete there when Peng Shuai is not allowed to communicate freely and has seemingly been pressured to contradict her allegation of sexual assault," Simon said.
Chinese authorities have not acknowledged Peng's allegations against Zhang - who has faded from public life since his retirement in 2018 - and there is no indication an investigation is underway. It remains unclear if Peng has reported her allegations to the police. Before retiring as vice premier, Zhang was the head of a Chinese government working group for the Beijing Games. In the role, he inspected venues, visited athletes, unveiled official emblems and held meetings to coordinate preparation work.
Zhang previously met with IOC President Bach on at least one occasion, with the two being photographed together shaking hands in the Chinese capital in 2016.