Women's tennis stars face tough choice

NANJING: Nearly a year after women's tennis champions were permitted to exit the state-support system and manage their careers themselves, mixed feelings persist about the path-breaking decision, with the sport's governing body reluctant to let more players follow suit.

The move had granted top players unprecedented freedom regarding schedules, coaches and back-up teams. Moreover, since these self-managed players did not have to hand over a significant portion of their prize money to the national tennis association, it had been widely welcomed by the champs.

Officials, however, remain unconvinced about the efficacy of the decision, with many retaining a strong faith in the traditional state-support system.