Fed Cup: Syria, SL withdraw

Wellington:

Syria and Sri Lanka have withdrawn from the Fed Cup Asia Oceania zone women's tennis tournament, starting in Christchurch on Monday.

The move came after a terror threat was phoned to the International Tennis Federation's London headquarters.

The threat was made last month and tournament organizers, working with New Zealand and overseas police, said they were confident security measures were in place, which would ensure the safety of all participants.

Tournament director David Blackwell said while the withdrawals were disappointing "the organizers respect the independent decisions made by these countries."

The ITF said the tournament, which was to be played in two groups, will now comprise 10 teams playing in a single group.

Featured Video Of The Day