LTA aims for tax deal to keep finals

The Lawn Tennis Association are optimistic of securing a tax exemption for players at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, boosting the chances of the event returning to London after its current deal expires in 2013.

The end-of-season showpiece featuring the eight best singles players and doubles teams moved from Shanghai to the O2 Arena in 2009 on a five-year deal. Attendances have been huge, while London’s geographical proximity to Paris, which hosts the Masters Series tournament immediately beforehand, also goes in the city’s favour.

But the UK’s tax system, which requires players to pay a percentage of their endorsement deals while competing in the country, is a major issue.

There has been talk of the tournament returning to the United States, where it was held in 2003 and 2004, while there is also interest from Brazil.

Other sports are also involved, with athletics chiefs particularly keen to see a rule change to enable them to attract the likes of Usain Bolt. LTA chief executive Roger Draper received a letter from Chancellor George Osborne this week and believes the government are sympathetic.

Draper said: “There will be a budget statement in March and hopefully we will hear whether we have got the tax exemption. The government are taking it seriously and we are very hopeful.”