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ATP ask BHA for help
The ATP have called in help for their Davydenko investigation.
Last Modified: 17 Aug 2007 15:13 GMT

Nikolay Davydenko: The ATP continues to search for answers [GALLO/GETTY] 

The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) have approached the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) to assist in its investigations into irregular betting in a match involving world number five Nikolay Davydenko.
 
British online bookmaker Betfair voided all bets on the Russian's defeat by Martin Vasallo Arguello at the Sopot Open in Poland.
Davydenko won the first set but retired with a foot injury when trailing 2-1 in the deciding set.
 
ATP chairman Etienne de Villiers believes the BHA experience in the field makes them invaluable partners in the investigation.

"We are committed to a thorough, fair and comprehensive ATP investigation and our decision to involve the BHA, as well as employing independent investigators, is testimony to that commitment," de Villiers said.

"It underscores how seriously we regard any suggestion of corruption in our sport.

"The BHA team are industry leaders in this area and their expertise, knowledge and resource will be invaluable to our investigation."

At the time of the Davydenko match, a Betfair spokesman said that the odds for an Arguello victory shortened considerably to make him the favourite despite Davydenko winning the opening set.

Betfair, which allows clients to bet against each other and act as both gambler and bookmaker, said that $7.3 million of bets had been placed and accepted on the match, more than double the expected amount.

Upset

Davydenko said he had been upset by the controversy surrounding the match and that he had never received any contact from anyone regarding the throwing of a match.

"I play 30 tournaments in a year," he said.

"Last year I lost 10 tournaments in the first round, and also sometimes I'm injured and I retire from a match.

"In the future I would like somebody to protect me from all these rumours or something like this that's happening."

BHA chief executive Nic Coward said they were "only to happy to oblige" after being asked by the ATP.

Source:
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