NTA Found 'Insufficient Evidence' of Match-Fixing

NTA FOUND 'INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE' OF MATCH-FIXING

A string of recent matches featuring top 10 player Mat Clash have been the subject of a lengthy match-fixing investigation by the National Tennis Association.

"A detailed investigation into the matches in question found insufficient evidence for any action to be taken,” said NTA boss Richard Templeton.  “A number of players and officials cooperated with our investigation but we have not been able to conclusively determine if there has been any wrongdoing.”

The investigation came after claims that Mat Clash had results that were inconsistent with his ability.  “He lost a string of games he should have won”, says an anonymous source close to the tour. “It’s ridiculous to think that he could have lost some of those matches.  One maybe, but not that many to lower ranked players. He must have thrown them.”

Adding to the allegations of match-fixing are Mr. Clash’s other results.  “I don’t understand how he can lose so badly, and then win so impressively over a player ranked higher than him.  There’s definitely something fishy going on,” the source added.

Also under scrutiny is umpire Amanda Wright who has received unwanted attention recently over some questionable calls.  “Ms. Wright was part of the same investigation and I repeat that there was no conclusive proof of wrongdoing against Ms. Wright,” said Mr. Templeton.  “Umpiring is hard. It’s often a high stakes, high-pressure situation, and mistakes are made. Plus Ms. Wright is one of the senior umpires on the tour so she chairs high profile matches.  Her umpiring is more visible than some others on the tour.”

Templeton stated he was aware match-fixing “probably existed” within the sport at the national level, but that it was "on an incredibly small scale”.

“We’re incredibly vigilant and will continue to take accusations of match-fixing and questionable behavior seriously,”  Mr. Templeton said.

Story by Jenny Smith