Table tennis: Feng Tianwei did not make false monetary claims, says STTA

Feng Tianwei eyes the ball during play against Ai Fukuhara of Japan during the Women's Table Tennis quarterfinals at the 2016 Rio Olympics. PHOTO: REUTERS

The Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA) has clarified that national player Feng Tianwei did not make any false monetary claims while under its fold.

This, after some sections of the media - citing unnamed sources - listed in detail various allegations against her, including that she had falsified monetary claims.

The STTA said in a statement released yesterday: "Regarding the recent media reports, Feng Tianwei was cautioned about the proper claiming procedure, but she did not falsify nor claim more than what she was permitted."

There had been allegations that Feng, 30, made false claims for the reimbursement of food purchases with handwritten receipts, including for over 200 eggs for breakfast over nine days.

Feng also told The Straits Times yesterday: "I never made any claim for more than what I'm entitled to, nor cheated the association of money, or did anything unlawful."

In its statement, the STTA also responded to queries from The Straits Times regarding its deputy president David Sim.

Website The Middle Ground posted screenshots yesterday where Mr Sim, responding to comments on his Facebook page, said Feng had been "ill-discipline, disrespect n misconduct (sic)" and "a disgrace to the nation".

The Middle Ground also reported that Mr Sim had implied that the STTA had leaked news of Feng's alleged transgressions to the media.

The association distanced itself from his comments last night, saying: "The recent Facebook comments made by Mr David Sim, deputy president of STTA, are his personal views and he is not speaking on behalf of STTA."

The Straits Times could not reach Mr Sim for comment.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 29, 2016, with the headline Table tennis: Feng Tianwei did not make false monetary claims, says STTA. Subscribe