Murray Wants Match-fixers Punished As Aussie Scandal Erupts

DOHA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 06th Jan, 2017 ) : World number one Andy Murray on Thursday called for the "most severe punishments" against match-fixers, in the wake of an Australian corruption scandal involving one of the sport's emerging stars.

Media reports from Down Under said that 18-year-old sensation Oliver Anderson, the reigning Australian Open boys champion, had been charged with match-fixing. The claim, just days before the world's leading players assemble in Melbourne for the first Grand Slam of the season, related to a first-round match at the second-tier Traralgon Challenger tournament in Victoria last October.

Reports added that police in Australia confirmed they had charged an 18-year-old and the case was due to go to court later in the year. Murray, playing in the Qatar Open in Doha, said he had read about the case and although he did not want to comment on the specifics, said the issue of match-fixing in tennis had to be tackled.

"It's disappointing for the game any time something like that comes out," said Murray. "However, if people are caught and charged, I see that as being a positive thing. "If it's going on and nothing is happening about it that's much worse for the future of the sport.

"So, if it's happening, there should be the most severe punishments for whoever is involved in it." He was backed by rival Novak Djokovic, also in Doha, who said he was saddened on hearing the news.

"Very disappointing to hear, especially considering the fact that he's young and won the junior Grand Slam," said Djokovic. "You know, obviously the quality is there and the potential is there.

"I don't understand why he has done it," before adding: "Everyone makes mistakes." On the eve of the Australian Open last year, there were further media allegations that match-fixing was rife in tennis and the authorities had done little to counter corruption.