WTA Finals commentator apologises for signing off 'from China' instead of Singapore

Serena Williams of the US (middle) lifts the trophy at the podium after defeating Simona Halep of Romania in the finals of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) finals in Singapore on Oct 26, 2014. -- PHOTO: AFP
Serena Williams of the US (middle) lifts the trophy at the podium after defeating Simona Halep of Romania in the finals of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) finals in Singapore on Oct 26, 2014. -- PHOTO: AFP

SINGAPORE - The sports commentator who made a blunder for signing off "from China" during Sunday's WTA singles final here has apologised.

When signing off after the prize presentation ceremony, American announcer Kevin Skinner was heard saying "zai jian" (Chinese for goodbye), followed by "goodbye from China". He later apologised on Twitter for the "serious mistake".

Skinner's blunder irked many Singaporeans, who were unhappy that he had seemed to confuse Singapore with China.

Many, including local celebrity Hossan Leong, took to Twitter to air their annoyance.

"Makes me so mad! Didn't help the commentating was lame from him. Just let the women talk!" tweeted Leong.

In response to Skinner's apology, Leong later tweeted: "Kevin Skinner apologized on Twitter for his "goodbye from China" last night. Thank you." Other netizens, however, were not appeased, branding his apology as insincere.

Skinner made headlines too during last year's China Open, when he dropped multiple references to television series Breaking Bad during a Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki match.

yeosamjo@sph.com.sg

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