Scott urges French to copy Wimbledon's pay rule

LONDON, Feb 22 (Reuters) WTA Tour chief Larry Scott hailed Wimbledon's decision to offer men and women equal prize money as 'a catalyst for change' in society and hoped the announcement would persuade the French Open to follow suit.

The grasscourt championships broke with tradition at long last today to join the Australian and US Opens in handing out equal pay across the board in all events and in all stages of competition.

''Today's decision will have a far reaching impact. It's a historic moment, not just for the world of tennis but it's a significant step forward for the campaign for equality for women in society globally,'' Scott told Reuters in a telephone interview.

''Sport can be a reflection of where society is at on social issues and can also be a catalyst for change. Sport can play an important role in changing the world.

''Today sends the strongest possible signal that barriers are breaking down and that equal opportunities are available for women and that will have far reaching impact in all corners of the globe.'' Today's announcement left the French Open as the only major tournament not to offer the same prize money throughout the rounds.

Scott hoped organisers of the Paris grand slam would have taken note of Wimbledon's stance and would also recognise the contribution of the women competitors at the claycourt tournament.

''I'm very hopeful that today's decision by Wimbledon will help persuade Roland Garros that the time is right for them to do the right thing for the sport of tennis, for women around the world and for their tournament,'' Scott said.

'NO COMMITMENT' ''I've been in regular dialogue with the leadership at Roland Garros and they have not at this point let on (whether they will offer equal prize money this year). We will know in the next 60 days or so.'' The French Open introduced equal pay for their men's and women's singles champions in 2006 but the tournament has maintained a disparity in pay in all the other rounds of the tournament.

Scott believed organisers at Roland Garros were trying to gloss over the issue of offering woman equality and wants the tournament to address it as soon as possible.

''They described it (offering the champions equal pay) as a step in the right direction but in our point of view, it's a question of doing the right thing and the right thing is across the board and not just doing something that is cosmetic.

''We view it as something as cosmetic and no real commitment to equality. I'm hoping today really helps convince them that they need to go the whole way.'' The French Open have long maintained the belief that women do not deserve equal pay as they contest best-of-three-set matches while the men had best of five.

They also argue that men have more pulling power among the fans and unlike Wimbledon, the tournament features men's quarter-finals on the same day as the women's last-eight matches as they feel a woman-only schedule will not draw in as many spectators.

However, with women's tennis attracting more and more sponsors, Scott was determined to drive the WTA's cause home to the Roland Garros organisers.

''It's something that the players and leaders of the tour have been advocating for so long and has been such a difficult struggle,'' he said.

''We've steadily but diplomatically been putting forward our case for some time and we will continue to do so.'' REUTERS PM PM2004