French Open to review equal prize money issue next month

PARIS, Feb 23 (Reuters) French Open officials will next month review the issue of awarding equal prize money to men and women at the claycourt grand slam.

''The matter is on the agenda of the executive committee's meeting scheduled on March 16,'' a French Open's spokesman said today. ''We have made great progresses recently and we are keen to carry on in the right direction.'' The French Open remains the only grand slam not to award equal pay to male and female competitors throughout the rounds.

Wimbledon broke with tradition on Thursday to join the Australian and US Opens in offering the same amount to both sexes from this year's championships.

''Our decision to review this matter has nothing to do with the decision taken by Wimbledon,'' the spokesman said. ''The subject was on the agenda for quite a time now.'' REUTERS PM PM1705