Players stay firm, AITA says all demands not valid

New Delhi, Jan 7 (IANS) The All India Tennis Association (AITA) Monday said “enough is enough” after players rejected its compromise formula and said it will select the Davis Cup squad with those who make themselves available for the tie against South Korea here Feb 1-3.

AITA chief executive Hiranmoy Chatterjee told IANS over phone from Kolkata that it was not possible for the national body to accept all the demands of the players.

“Today the players wrote back to us and want us to agree all their demands. But it is not possible and enough is enough for the AITA. We have accepted the demands that we could have,” said Chatterjee.

Chatterjee said the AITA won’t hesitate in picking the Davis Cup squad without the rebel players.

“We have done what was possible. Now we will go ahead with the selection and will pick players who make themselves available for the tie,” he said.

Taking a dig at Somdev Devvarman, who has been leading the revolt by eight players, Chatterjee said: “He doesn’t merit a place in the side based on his concern.”

The AITA has set the deadline of Jan 11 for the players to make themselves available for the tie against South Korea.

“If they (players) want to play then they have to make themselves available by Jan 11, when the squad will be announced,” he said.

The AITA has agreed to most of the demands made by the players that includes a higher share of prize money, demands for new coach and choice of venues for ties at home.

IANS 2013-01-07 21:52:03