August 09, 2007	Thursday	Rajab 24, 1428

KARACHI, Aug 8: The Pakistan Table Tennis Federation (PTTF) on Wednesday officially announced cancellation of the Pakistan Open ITTF World Junior circuit, scheduled to be held in Islamabad from Sept 4 to 7, due to security concerns.

“Yes, the event has been cancelled on the advice of the world governing body of the game in the aftermath of the Red Mosque scenario,” President PTTF, S. M. Sibtain told Dawn.

He said though four foreign countries — Australia, India, Iran and Sweden — had confirmed their participation, they later became reluctant due to the turmoil in the capital.

“We could not strike a deal with the sponsors as we had given them the assurance that there will be at least 12 foreign teams competing,” said a dejected PTTF official.

Allotted last year, the tournament was to be held in juniors’ boys and girls U-18 singles, doubles, mixed doubles and team events and cadet U-15 singles, doubles and team contests.