Doubles pair banned after betting probe
Published Date:
22 July 2008
By Eve Fodens
CZECH Frantisek Cermak and Slovakian Michal Mertinak became the latest players to be banned and fined for betting on tennis matches.
As the ATP 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 governing body's anti-corruption programme.
Cermak, 31, who does not have a singles ranking, was banned for ten weeks from yesterday and fined $15,000, while world No 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 September 2006 through to 1 February 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.
"Gambling on any form of tennis match will not be tolerated," said Gayle David Bradshaw, ATP's executive vice president.
The full article contains 197 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
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Last Updated:
21 July 2008 11:42 PM
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Source:
The Scotsman
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Location:
Edinburgh
