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Angry reactions to withdrawal

Special Correspondent

Chennai’s three-decade wait in vain
It reveals ignorance, prejudice: Raghavan

NEW DELHI: The Indian Davis Cup team is disappointed that Australia will not play in Chennai.

“It is extremely disappointing that Australia has decided not to come to Chennai. The ITF had examined the facilities and declared the tie safe, as far as security is concerned.

“The safe conduct of the Chennai Open this January and the assurances of the Tamil Nadu government should have been guarantee enough. It is unfortunate that Australia has taken this extreme step,” said Leander Paes.

Mahesh Bhupathi said, “we were looking forward to a very good tie. The Australians look to be so far away from reality, we visited the U.S. a few weeks after the September 11 attack in 2001.”

The captain of the Indian team, S.P. Misra was more upset than the players as he felt that India had a good chance of winning the tie and be well prepared for the World Group play-off.

“Looking at it from a positive angle, it gives us more time to be ready for the World Group play-off in September,” said Rohan Bopanna.

Our Chennai Bureau reports

Former CBI Director, R.K. Raghavan, who was involved in the security arrangements at the request of the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association, was shocked at the decision.

“I told the ITF Security Consultant that Chennai is one of the safest cities in the world. Also it had an efficient and sensitive police with an outstanding track record.”

He added that after several queries the consultant appeared satisfied and submitted a positive recommendation to the ITF.

“Tennis Australia’s decision now to pull out of the tie is a shocker. It reveals ignorance as well as prejudice. TA cannot be allowed to get away with a fine and a one-year ban.”

A sad day for tennis

“It is a sad day for tennis,” observed M.A. Alagappan, President, Tamil Nadu Tennis Association. Alagappan recalled the visit of the ITF security consultant and the interaction with Mr. Raghavan on the issues involving security at the venue, hotel and even routes to be taken by players.

“The TNTA had even persuaded the players to accept a 4 p.m. start to avoid the heat, and also enforce strict check at entry points for spectators. We were looking forward to this match after 30 years,” he added.

Ramanathan Krishnan, termed the decision “a shame”.

What anguished him most was that Chennai would be deprived of a contest that it had been waiting for nearly three decades. “I am very, very sad,” he said.

Ramesh Krishnan said, “it is sad that Australia is not coming. I thought when the ITF cleared Chennai as the venue the tie will go on as per schedule.”

Ramesh said, “India and Australia have had a lot of exchanges in sports. Sportspersons from Australia have been coming to the country often.

“Why, Dennis Lillee comes here regularly. The other day cricketer Matthew Hayden was here. Well, it is their (Tennis Australia) decision and so what more can I say,” he said.

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