Updated at 3:51pm
Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai, whose whereabouts have been a matter of international concern for weeks, attended a tennis tournament in Beijing on Sunday afternoon (NZ time), according to official photos published by the tournament organised by China Open.
Peng can be seen among guests at the Fila Kids Junior Tennis Challenger, dressed in a dark blue jacket and white trousers, according to the pictures published on the event's official page on WeChat.
Video emerges of Shuai dining with friends
Former doubles world No.1 Peng has reportedly been staying at home "freely" after not been seen nor heard from publicly, since she made social media claims that former vice-premier Zhang Gaoli had coerced her into sex and they later had an on-off consensual relationship.
Neither Zhang nor the Chinese Government have commented on her allegations, but Peng's social media post was quickly deleted and the topic has been blocked on China's heavily censored internet.
"In the past few days, she stayed in her own home freely and she didn't want to be disturbed,” tweets Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of the state-media Global Times.
“She will show up in public and participate in some activities soon."
The Global Times is published by the People's Daily, the official newspaper of China's ruling Communist Party.
Hu says he has confirmed through his sources that photos shared on Twitter by a journalist working for Chinese state media, purportedly showing Peng at home, depicted her "current state".
He has also posted a video that appeared to show Peng at a restaurant.
"I am glad to see the videos released by China state-run media that appear to show Peng Shuai at a restaurant in Beijing," says Women's Tennis Association (WTA) chairman Steve Simon.
"While it is positive to see her, it remains unclear if she is free, and able to make decisions and take actions on her own, without coercion or external interference. This video alone is insufficient.
"As I have stated from the beginning, I remain concerned about Peng Shuai's health and safety, and that the allegation of sexual assault is being censored and swept under the rug. I have been clear about what needs to happen and our relationship with China is at a crossroads."
GROWING CONCERN
Amid growing concern about her whereabouts, the WTA has threatened to pull tournaments out of China and the men's ATP has demanded clarity from the Chinese authorities.
The United States has called for proof of Peng's whereabouts and safety.
Britain's Foreign Office says: "The Chinese authorities should urgently provide verifiable evidence of her safety and whereabouts.
"Everyone should be allowed to speak out without fear of repercussions. All reports of sexual assault, anywhere in the world, should be investigated."
The International Olympic Committee could be pushed into taking a hard line with the 2022 Beijing Olympic hosts, senior IOC member Dick Pound has confirmed.
So far, the IOC has declined to comment, saying it believes "quiet diplomacy" offers the best opportunity for a solution.
The IOC's Athletes Commission, made up of athletes elected by their peers, is "very concerned" for Peng, and hopes contact with her and fellow athletes could be established soon.
Wimbledon's All England Lawn Tennis Club shared its concern: "We are united with the rest of tennis in the need to understand that Peng Shuai is safe. We have been working in support of the WTA's efforts to establish her safety through our relationships behind the scenes."
Swiss tennis great Roger Federer has also joined the chorus of athletes calling for more information on Peng's wellbeing.
"She was the No.1 [doubles player] in the world, but regardless of that, I hope she is well," Federer has told Sky Sports Italy.
"The whole tennis family is with her - I am connected to all players. I hope good news will come soon from her."
Spanish tennis player Rafa Nadal has followed the situation closely.
"I follow the news and read about Peng Shuai," Nadal tells L'Equipe. "Even if I don't have all the information, the most important thing is to know if she is OK.
“All of us from the tennis family are hoping to see her back with us soon."
Reuters
