I dont think the Saudis have too much to complain about, regardless of how much they pay attempts at soft political manipulation are going to be rebuffed by even the most mercenary, hopefully for a mighty long time on the sporting front, a not in consequential punishment for an apparently brutal crime. So I see pulling out as positive.

Achieving a political agenda through Sport is rife, the top athletes and their agents are not naive, they have an understanding as to why certain events are so well paid. Participation in highly paid non competitive matches are purely for the appearance fee. Similar the ATP, WTA structure and prize money is designed to insure events are well supported by players regardless of the human rights issues at stake outside the stadium. They are complicit.

One can see working in the Middle East two way. Not a fan of taking money to work in Saudi or the Middle East generally but again it can be a difficult call as the job you are doing might well help the general population or indeed one or two individuals so definitely prepared to do broader educational pro bono stuff. For the time being I cant see the WTA playing there or doing any work in schools in Saudi, however the acceptance of WTA tournaments in the Middle East is a big step and I would encourage the womens game to take every dollar offered as long as they (the players) are shown the respect they deserve. I know of a female colleague who had an awful time in Saudi on a pro bono educational visit.

Sport can be a very powerful political force, the DOlivera incident had massive repercussions which were undoubtedly a constant thorn in the side of apartheid worth celebrating when things turn out well and questioning the reverse (also very positive for that covert civil rights group, the black pears who continue to thrive on the DOlivera legacy (Damian) and leadership Brett).