Skinner sorry for ‘Goodbye from China’ blunder

SINGAPORE — The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has spoken to television commentator Kevin Skinner over his blunder during the WTA Finals on Sunday that sparked angry reactions on social media.

TODAY understands WTA officials and representatives from relevant agencies met him late that night to investigate the matter, in which Skinner said “Goodbye from China” as he wrapped up his live commentary as the 10-day tournament concluded at the Sports Hub concluded. He has since apologised.

When contacted, the WTA declined to comment on the controversy.

“I made a serious mistake. I signed off saying Singapore 11x & said China once. This is not acceptable. I apologize to those I have offended,” the American wrote on Twitter.

Among those who took to Twitter to express their disapproval of the gaffe was local TV personality Hossan Leong, who tweeted: “#WTA #WTAFinals #WTAFinalsSingapore did the commentator just say goodbye from CHINA??? #epicfail get another job man!”

Blogger Lee Kin Mun, better known as Mr Brown, also tweeted: “The #WTAFinalsSingapore commentator said “Goodbye! From China!” Oi! Singapore where got is part of China? #WTAFinals”.

Skinner made an earlier error when he said the WTA Finals was the first time Singapore has had a live broadcast of a major tennis event. He also received publicity for his references to TV series Breaking Bad in the quarter-final between Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki at last year’s China Open. JEAN IAU