Tennis circuit ends

Press, 3 August 1983, Page 40

Tennis circuit ends

PA Wellington The New Zealand men’s satellite tennis circuit for 1983-84 has collapsed after the withdrawal of Broadbank as sponsors, according to the executive director of the New Zealand Tennis Association, Mr Stan Painter.

He said yesterday that the sponsorship had been lost primarily because the association could not guarantee television coverage.

“For the satellite circuits of both 1981-82 and 1982-83 we were advised in writing by Television New Zealand there would be some days of live television coverage,” he said. “During those two cir-

cuits and shortly before the television coverage was due to take place, Television New Zealand advised that owing to unforeseen circumstances the cover of the satellite circuit would not take place, but they would still pay the agreed fee.” To replace the satellite circuit, the association has drawn up a schedule of lowkey combined men’s and women’s tournaments involving North and South Island circuits running simultaneously and culminating in the BP national championships in Wellington. Few overseas players are expected to be attracted.