WTA fined 300,000 dollars with Peer to benefit

WTA LogoDubai, UAE - Shahar Peer is set for the biggest pay day of her career after the WTA fined Dubai tournament organizers a record 300,000 dollars over failure to secure a visa into the UAE for the Israeli ranked 45.

The women's governing body put the boot in by also ordering the Gulf event to post a 2-million-dollar bond if it hopes to hold an event next year.

Under the sanctions, Peer will benefit by around 45,000 dollars plus a massive 130 ranking points and will be allowed free entry into any 2010 edition in Dubai notwithstanding her ranking.

The Israeli who won her only three minor WTA titles three years ago, will also get to pick a charity for the remainder of the cash to go to.

"The actions taken today are intended to redress the wrongs suffered by Shahar Peer, who was victimised by an unjust policy of discrimination by the UAE," said WTA boss Larry Scott.

"These actions are also intended to send a clear message that our tour will not tolerate discrimination of any kind, and that we will never allow this situation to happen again, in the UAE or elsewhere." (dpa)