Reigning Australian Open boys champ Oliver Anderson has been charged with match fixing, days before the start of the year’s first grand slam tournament.
Victoria Police charged Anderson on summons with engaging in conduct that corrupts a betting outcome. Their investigation allegedly involved bookmakers in the Latrobe Valley.
The 18-year-old, who is from Brisbane, has been accused of fixing a match at the Traralgon Challenger tournament last October. A spokesperson for Anderson’s family says he “is cooperating fully with authorities” and “awaits the legal process”.
It is alleged that he was approached to tank in his first mach of the Traralgon Challeger, against fellow Aussie player Harrison Lombe. PEDESTRIAN.TV does not allege that he was actually involved or was responsible for the charges he has been accused of.
Anderson is considered an immense talent, and is coached by former pro Wayne Arthurs. Fairfax reports that tennis figures regard him as capable of developing a successful professional career.
“It’s extremely disappointing,” one former pro told Fairfax. “I just don’t know why he would have [allegedly] got involved in something like that. I didn’t think he was that dumb.”
He will appear at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court on March 2.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald.
Photo: Getty Images.
