Tennis: More protests planned for ASB Classic

Shahar Peer. Photo / Getty Images

Organisers say Israeli tennis player Shahar Peer isn't expected at next month's ASB Classic in Auckland, but a group is set to protest against her, saying they reckon she will turn up.

Peer has drawn protests in the past because of Israel's policies towards Palestinians.

The Global Peace and Justice Auckland group said a protest would be held on January 3 at the Classic "on the basis we expect Peer to be playing".

Spokesman John Minto said Peer was not on Auckland's official playing list yet, but she was expected to be a last-minute, wild-card entry "to avoid early publicity and associated controversy".

A spokesman for the Auckland tournament said Peer was not expected to line up for the Classic, which has drawn a strong field including former top-ranking Russians Maria Sharapova and Svetlana Kuznetsova, because she is set to play in the Brisbane International at the same time.

"Peer hasn't entered our tournament, but she is on the official list for Brisbane, which is on at the same time."

Eight people last year protested against Peer's participation in the Auckland tournament in a repeat of similar action 12 months ago.

Peer has made four appearances at the Classic, her first in 2005. She made the quarterfinals in 2009, where she went down to top seed and eventual winner Elena Dementieva of Russia.

- NZPA