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Sunday, Jan 04, 2009
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Tight security for Chennai Open

Kunal Diwan

CHENNAI: Visitors to the Chennai Open have been advised to reach the venue a little earlier than they would have normally in view of the rigorous security measures in place.

Addressing a press conference at the SDAT Tennis Stadium here on Saturday, security expert Reg Dickason said that arrangements for securing India’s premier men’s tennis tournament had been patterned on international standards.

“Our arrangements will complement those of the local authorities. We have gone through several security protocols and share a good relationship with the local police. With their cooperation, the enhanced security will not come in the way of spectators having a good time.”

Associated with the England and Wales Cricket Board, Mr. Dickason was also involved in assessing security for the recent India-England Test matches. Asked if additional security would be provided only to foreign players, he said: “We do not differentiate on the basis of nationality or ranking. Security is a generic thing.”

International Management Group managing director Ravi Krishnan said that this was the first time he was addressing a press conference of this nature.

“Given the world that we live in, reviewing security is the responsible thing to do.”

Mr. Krishnan said that his organisation had not received any intimation of players wanting to pull out of Chennai Open in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks.

“Every player or person who attends the tournament is a stakeholder and we want all of them to be safe. It is important that the spectators be made aware of the extra security measures to minimise inconvenience to them,” he added.

Mr. Krishnan also admitted that security arrangements at international events did not come cheap.

“Adding international security at short notice is an unbudgeted expense. Though the cost factor is very important in any business, there are certain things that one just has to do, and securing the venue is one of them.”

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