Tennis: Parun slams 'dark forces'

WELLINGTON - Tennis great Onny Parun has launched a stinging attack on "dark forces" in New Zealand tennis following his unsuccessful bid for a place on the new board of directors.

Parun and former star Chris Lewis both missed out on places on the seven-member board on Tuesday after having made public their intention to seek election.

Parun has vowed not to have anything to do with the new board, saying in a press statement he was "saddened, shocked and dismayed at my rejection".

Lewis made a similar statement on radio yesterday.

"Dark forces with rudderless aims have been ruling our national game for some time and unfortunately these very same forces still effect a strong influence today," Parun said.

"With the new administration in power I have decided to unequivocally and immediately withdraw all offers of help and advice that I have given so freely in the past.

"It is not only a disgrace but wholly unjust, and I appeal to tennis associations around the country to immediately overturn their decision."

Parun returned to New Zealand from Germany last summer after a long stint as a professional coach.

He was one of the most successful players New Zealand has produced, representing his country in Davis Cup contests a record 29 times from 1966 to 1982.

"I had said before the election of this board that because of my vast experience at a national and international level I was, without a doubt, among the better qualified of candidates."

The board was selected by a panel headed by All Blacks legend Sir Brian Lochore, and comprises several prominent people from the business community.

The board sits for the first time on December 14, and the appointment committee recommended that current chairman David Howman continue with that role.

Howman said he was very keen to see the likes of Parun, Lewis and recently-retired Brett Steven serve in advisory roles on the board, and did not rule out co-opting them.

However, as the new board had just been selected, and had not even become acquainted, he felt Parun and Lewis were jumping the gun.

"I am sad that this is their reaction, and I'll be communicating with them as soon as possible," Howman said.

Howman said he was very keen to resolve the dispute at the earliest opportunity.

Parun said he felt obliged to make his displeasure known.

"I don't want to get in some sort of slanging match but I feel if I don't take a stand after what's happened, in my standing in the game, I'm totally negligent."

Speaking before Parun's verbal volley, Howman said he had big plans for Lewis and Parun despite their being left off the new board.

"What I anticipate is that we have a group that includes Chris and Onny and Brett Steven and Bruce Derlin - there are a number of them actually - to get their tennis knowledge, and make sure their combined knowledge is used wisely in creating policy," Howman said.

"There's a group of women as well - Brenda Perry, Belinda Cordwell and Claudine Toleafoa - all top-class players who have toured the world extensively, and it would be stupid if the board didn't listen to them." - NZPA