WTA to continue blanket ban on Chinese events in 2022 while it seeks resolution of Peng Shuai case

By Ben Church, CNN

Updated 0952 GMT (1752 HKT) April 25, 2022

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(CNN)The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) will not return to China this year while the tour seeks a resolution with China over the Peng Shuai case, WTA CEO Steve Simon confirmed.

Last November, tennis star Peng was feared to be held incommunicado by the Chinese government after she accused retired Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli of forcing her into sex during a years-long on-off relationship.Peng, a three-time Olympian and grand slam doubles champion, later denied having made the sexual assault claim. The WTA continued to call for a thorough and transparent investigation into Peng's allegations and suspended all tournaments in China over her safety.«We remain dedicated to finding a