Ryan Fu, who was sacked recently by the UPA along with James Ignatowich and Vivian Glozman, has spoken out against the association’s decision to cut ties with him and his peers.
Fu, who was No. 39 in Men’s Singles and No. 34 in Mixed Doubles in the PPA Tour, took to X to air his side after the UPA’s unceremonious axing, which the latter attributed to a “black-and-white violation of UPA agreements.”
On X, Fu clarified that the trip to Japan in question “was approved by the UPA committee in July” and that he and his peers “did the exact same trip last December,” as approved also by the UPA. Fu also noted that he, Ignatowich, Glozman, and Parris Todd (whose status is still under review) “did not compete in any event,” but taught in four clinics.
Tellingly, Fu said that “there was no conversation before termination,” which could hint that it might have been done arbitrarily.
These terminations come on the heels of Quang Duong’s axing back in August after the latter repeatedly participated in unsanctioned events, mostly in Asia. What is interesting is that none of Fu, Ignatowich, Glozman, and Todd have had prior violations, which would make them first-time offenders. That is, unless they have violated the terms of their contracts previously but went unreported.
Ryan Fu’s revelations, and the ongoing review of Todd’s own situation, make this a developing story worthy of keeping tabs on. But, as of press time, Fu’s and Ignatowich’s profiles on the PPA Tour have been deleted already, while Glozman’s MLP profile has been taken down as well. Todd’s, however, is still accessible.
