Peng Shuai 'reconfirms' she is safe and well in second call with IOC, says Olympic organization

Summarizing the second call, the IOC stated that it had provided the tennis star "wide-ranging support," and pledged to remain in common contact with her, including that it had "already agreed on a personal meeting in January."The IOC additionally advised CNN that it wasn't offering any visible asset of Wednesday's second video call amid rising skepticism about how freely Peng has been allowed to speak, as well as concern for her security. Later on Thursday, a WTA spokeswoman advised CNN it had obtained a brand new e-mail from Peng.According to the WTA, this is the third e-mail its had from Peng.

Reacting to this newest e-mail, a WTA spokeswoman stated that the organization stands by its determination to droop tournaments in China.In an announcement launched on Thursday, ATP Tour chairman Andrea Gaudenzi stated the Peng state of affairs "continues to raise serious concerns.""The state of affairs involving Peng Shuai continues to lift severe issues inside and past our sport. The response to these issues has up to now fallen quick. We once more urge for a line of open direct communication between the participant and the WTA in order to ascertain a clearer image of her state of affairs."We know that sport can have a constructive affect on society and typically consider that having a world presence provides us the perfect probability of making alternative and making an influence."We will continue to consult with our members and monitor any developments as this issue evolves."

China hits again at boycott

WTA chairman and CEO Steve Simon stated that the choice was based mostly on the "unacceptable" response of Chinese officers, together with dashing to censor Peng's allegations and ignoring requires a full and clear investigation."In good conscience, I don't see how I can ask our athletes to compete there when Peng Shuai is not allowed to communicate freely and has seemingly been pressured to contradict her allegation of sexual assault," Simon stated."Given the current state of affairs, I am also greatly concerned about the risks that all of our players and staff could face if we were to hold events in China in 2023."

Beijing fired again on the determination, with China's state-run outlet, the Global Times, accusing the WTA of "setting a bad example for the entire sporting world," in a extremely vital editorial printed Thursday. The piece known as the WTA's determination an "exaggerated show," meant to behave as "a lever of Western public opinion against China's political system."China "firmly opposes any act that politicizes sports," China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Wang Wenbin added throughout a briefing Thursday.

"Unfortunately, the leadership in China has not addressed this very serious issue in any credible way. While we now know where Peng is, I have serious doubts that she is free, safe, and not subject to censorship, coercion, and intimidation," Simon stated.Longtime IOC member Dick Pound stated the "unanimous conclusion" by these on the November 21 call with Peng is that she is fantastic, including he has been "puzzled" by the worldwide response to the call.Chinese authorities haven't acknowledged Peng's allegations in opposition to Zhang -- who has light from public life since his retirement in 2018 -- and there is no indication an investigation is underway. It stays unclear if Peng has reported her allegations to the police.

Players sign assist for WTA

Men's world No. 1 Novak Djokovic stated he supported the WTA's boycott. "I support fully WTA's stance because we don't have enough information about Shuai Peng and her well-being," Djokovic stated in Madrid following a Davis Cup tie. "It's life of a tennis player that is in question here, so we, as the tennis community, need to stand together."

Zhang has stored a low profile and light from public life since his retirement in 2018, and there is no public info referring to his present whereabouts.Before retiring as vice premier, Zhang was the top of a Chinese authorities working group for the Beijing Games. In the position, he inspected venues, visited athletes, unveiled official emblems and held conferences to coordinate preparation work.Zhang beforehand met with IOC President Bach on at the very least one event, with the 2 being photographed collectively shaking fingers in the Chinese capital in 2016.