The Strange and Tragic Start to the Wuhan Open’s Existence

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: September 29, 2015

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A mysterious death is by far the most tragic incident associated with the WTA Tour's Wuhan Open. However, it's one of many strange and unfortunate occurrences to mar the tournament in only its second year.

Last week, Robin Llyr Evans, 21, died while working as a systems operator for Britain-based Hawk-Eye Innovations, the company that provides tracking software used to review calls in tennis matches. After Evans' death, Hawk-Eye Innovations packed up its crew and left the tournament.

This left Wuhan, a premier event with $2,212,250 in prize money at stake, without the use of Hawk-Eye. 



Hawk-Eye Innovations released a statement, via the Daily Post, "We are devastated to confirm that there has been a tragic incident in Wuhan, China resulting in the death of a UK based Hawk-Eye employee. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time."

When contacted by Bleacher Report, the WTA responded with a quote from Tour President Micky Lawler, "We're deeply saddened by the tragic accident that took place. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family." 

Neither the cause of death or details about the incident have been made public. 

It's the latest black eye on what is supposed to be a sparkling example of the WTA's successful expansion in Asia.

The increase in tournaments and exposure in Asia is part of the legacy of out-going WTA CEO Stacey Allaster, who once called Li Na the most important player in the world.

Staged in Li's hometown, the Wuhan Open was positioned between the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo and Beijing's China Open, as part of the post-U.S. Open Asian swing. 

As Li's popularity soared, so did interest in tennis in China. The Wuhan Open was the tournament Li built. 

Unfortunately, just a couple of weeks before Wuhan's debut, Li announced he...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Tennis

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