20th December, 1998

BEST BET IS TO PLAY IT SAFE

The big issue in sport is illegal gambling in cricket - something that does not happen in tennis.

Cricketers Shane Warne and Mark Waugh have had a rough time.  But I believe they have paid the price by being fined and that is where the punishment should stop.

I have never been approached to throw a match for money or provide information to bookmakers. But a few years ago in Manchester, some of the boys and I were able to gamble on matches with a legal bookmaker.  We had a few small bets. I bet about five pounds on myself and it was simply a bit of fun.

It was the only time I have ever gambled on tennis. It is legal in England and Australlia to bet on many tournaments, but it is not something I do.  Your mind is on playing tennis rather than betting on it, anyway.

I spent part of last weekend in Melbourne for the Presidents Cup and I was fortunate enough to meet some players.

Meeting Greg Norman, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, and catching up with Steve Elkington and Craig Parry, was a buzz.

Hopefully, some of their magic rubs off when I play in Jack Newton's tournament at Twin Waters tomorrow and Tuesday.

Then I wil go home for Christmas in Brisbane before going to Sydney to prepare with Tony Roche for the AAPT Championship in Adelaide.

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