Archive for November 3, 2021

A sex scandal: Peng Shuai and Zhang Gaoli

Reuters reports “BEIJING, Nov 3 (Reuters) – Former world No.1 tennis doubles player Peng Shuai, one of China’s biggest sporting stars, has publicly accused a former Chinese vice premier of forcing her into sex several years ago in a social media post that was later deleted.”  Chinese tennis star accuses former vice-premier of #MeToo abuse, headlined the Guardian.

The VP in question is Zhang Gaoli (张高丽 1946– ). Peng (彭帅 1986-) had achieved doubles ranking #1 in 2014. She never won a grand slam in singles. I remembered her the best was her semi final at US Open, against Caroline Wozniacki, refusing to retire. I thought it wasn’t fair and sportsmanlike. And, it was totally not cool. … SO, USTA was willing to bend the rule for her in 2014 but now, merely seven years later, in 2021, is willing to pull out of China?

2021

… and yes, WTA pulled out of China in 2022, may return in 2023, per CEO Steve Simon.

~ Guardian: WTA boss placing principle ahead of profit in standing up to China
~ Time: His Fight for a Chinese Star
~ cnn: IOC’s call with Peng Shuai ‘very much orchestrated’

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#WhereIsPengShuai

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