Tennis: Li Na reserved over political crisis

TOKYO: Chinese star Li Na remained reserved yesterday about her decision to participate in Japan’s Pan Pacific Open this week as a political crisis between the two countries deepens. Li refused to respond to a series of questions about the row over tiny islands in the East China Sea, causing moments of awkward silence. Competitors from Japan are staying away from table tennis, cycling, rugby sevens and ice hockey events hosted by China, while Chinese badminton players and archers have pulled out of Tokyo-based events, citing safety fears. Furthermore Li also remained undecided for other reasons. “I can’t go back on the practice court straightaway,” said Li after losing the US open against Laura Robson. “I have to take some days off otherwise this will kill me.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 24^th, 2012.