New Zealand’s No.1 player Finn Tearney has revealed that he was kidnapped and forced to withdraw money during a Challenger tournament in Shanghai last year.
The incident occurred when Tearney and his friend got lost in the city whilst looking for a place to eat. During their walk in the city, they were stopped by a group of men who demanded that they pay them money. The group claimed to be members of the Chinese Mafia, however, that claim was never confirmed.
“I was absolutely petrified,” Tearney told Fairfax media.
“I was wearing a white shirt and I was completely drenched. It was one of the first times in my life I felt like I had no control.”
Tearney was forced to withdraw NZ$1100 from his credit card to pay the group. The group threatened to cut off the finger of his friend because he couldn’t withdraw any money due to his card being declined.
“We couldn’t get out. There were too many of them. Basically, they told us, ‘Give us the money’.” He recounted.
“They had some weapons. It was horrendous. I never want to be in that position again.”
Fortunately Tearney was able to get his money back after informing tournament officials, who sent a translator to the police station concerning the incident. It is unclear as to what happened to the criminals.
According to the Overseas Security Advice Council, foreigners visiting Shanghai can be victims of crime due to their ‘perceived affluence’. Despite this, the OSAC has concluded that crime in the city is relatively low in Shanghai compared to other cities of the same size.
The Incident has failed to deter Tearney from playing in the country. This year he has already played in a trio of Chinese Futures events, reaching the final in two of them. The 25-year-old is currently ranked 362nd in the world and has only won one Futures title in his career so far.
This weekend Tearney will make his Davis Cup debut when New Zealand plays Pakistan at the Energy Wilding Park Tennis Centre in Christchurch.
