LTAM left in the dark

THE Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM) are still waiting for WTA Malaysian Open organisers Carbon Sports Sdn Bhd to confirm the cancellation of next year’s edition.

Carbon recently stated that they were not continuing with the tournament and had informed the licence holders from Palermo, Italy about it.

LTAM secretary Rahizam Rahim said the national body have only been aware of the cancellation through media reports.

“Unofficially, we have read the news about the tournament being moved back to Palermo,” said Rahizam.

“We should have been informed by now as we need to write official letters to the Sports Ministry and other relevant parties if it is to be hosted next year.

“Hopefully we will be able to receive some feedback by December 1.”

The withdrawal of the tournament will leave Malaysia without a major competition next year.

Rahizam, however, disclosed that LTAM are hoping to host three new Men’s ITF Pro Circuit tournaments (Futures) here next year, which will give local players a chance to earn ATP ranking points.

“We are hoping to add another three events in Melaka, Perlis and Selangor on top of the three we already have now.

“It will roughly cost us RM140,000 for each leg,” Rahizam added. Fadhli Ishak