Chennai Open Final Postponed After Rain and Smog

The Chennai Open women’s singles final between Janice Tjen and Magda Linette was postponed until Monday, November 9, after rain delays were followed by smog that impaired visibility at the stadium. The WTA rescheduled the match for 11 a.m. at the SDAT Tennis Stadium in Chennai, the tournament’s reserve day.

The final had been due to start at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, November 8, after the doubles final. Rain delayed play several times, and organisers later announced a 9 p.m. start after drying the court. But smoke from Diwali fireworks subsequently enveloped the venue, and the singles match did not begin.

Both finalists came onto the court and spoke with tournament supervisor Sheetal Iyer before leaving. The WTA said the postponement was due to unforeseen weather conditions. The Chennai Open organisers said fireworks smoke had prevented the championship match from getting underway.

Tjen, the defending champion, reposted an image from her coach, Chris Bint, showing smog around the stadium and an AQI reading displayed as 1,556. The post included the words, “And they still wanted the match to go ahead.” The allegation that organisers pressed to play came from Bint’s post; the official...