India Tennis Association Wants TNTA To Prove Chennai Open Was Loss-Making Venture

The All India Tennis Association will not waive off "royalty" of around $40,000 on the Chennai Open unless the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association proves that "it was a loss-making venture and made it clear that constitutional provisions are binding on all members," according to the PTI. Snubbing the AITA, the TNTA got the government clearance for hosting one of the season-openers on the ATP tour on its own, "and has also refused to pay the royalty," which is 10% of the total prize money. The TNTA's view is that since it does not get any help and voting rights from the AITA for hosting the event starting Dec. 30, it will not pay the royalty, which it has been "paying all these years." When asked why the AITA insists on royalty when it is being done without its help, AITA Secretary General Bharat Oza said, "That is their view. They have to follow constitutional rules. It is a constitutional provision" (PTI, 11/20).