Organizers postpone Hong Kong WTA event due to protests
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The Hong Kong Open tennis tournament was postponed indefinitely Friday because of widespread protests in the region.
The tournament had been scheduled to be held from Oct. 5-13 on outdoor hard courts at Victoria Park. Tournament organizers said the event would be put back "in light of the present situation" but did not give a new date.
A summer of protest has rocked the region, led by campaigns against a proposed extradition law which would allow Hong Kong suspects to be sent to China for trial.
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"In light of the present situation, Hong Kong Tennis Association and the WTA are announcing a postponement of the 2019 Hong Kong Tennis Open," organizers said in a statement. "We strive to maintain a high standard of the event for all participants, players and the fans in particular.
"However, after extensive discussions with our key stakeholders, we conclude that a smooth running of the tournament can be better assured at a later time."
The packed tennis calendar could make that impossible.
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If the tournament is delayed by more than a week, it would clash with two end-of-season events, the Elite Trophy and WTA Finals. Shortly after that comes the Fed Cup final between France and Australia.