Scarr keen to go to Delhi despite risks

As things stand, Masterton's international table tennis umpire Val Scarr is still uncertain on which side of the net the ball might fall.
Scarr, one of two New Zealand umpires selected to officiate at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi starting early in October - the other being Alan Moore from Christchurch - was referring to impending decisions by the Government and also Table Tennis New Zealand on whether she should attend the event due to security concerns.
"It's a real case of wait and see," Scarr said. "I really want to attend but whether I do or not is a decision others will make. We'll be advised when the time comes.
"Mind you, if no team is sent to Delhi then we - the umpires - would be putting ourselves at risk if we decided to attend."
Included in the risk factor is insurance concerns if Scarr decides to attend contrary to the Government's stance.
"We might not have full cover. It's something we'll really have to think about, depending on the decision, of course."
Scarr seemed unfazed about security concerns. "Personally, I'm keen to go," she said. "There are countries we've been advised to avoid in the past but things have worked out fine."
Scarr, who has been an international umpire since 2004, says her duties as an umpire have taken her around the world.
"Just this year, I've already been been to Moscow for the World Teams event, which New Zealand participated in, then on to Taiwan for the International Paraplegic tournament.
"After the Commonwealth Games, I'll be back home for just a matter of days before heading to Korea for the World Disabled table tennis championship. The passport is looking pretty full."