Tennis final to go ahead in Belgium with increased security

LONDON (AP) — The International Tennis Federation says the Davis Cup final is set to go ahead as planned in Ghent this weekend with increased security measures because of the terror alert in Belgium.

Belgium hosts Britain in the three-day final, starting Friday. Ghent is about 35 miles (56 kilometers) from Brussels, which is on the highest state of alert because of what the Belgian government calls a “serious and imminent” threat.

In a statement, the ITF says it is “taking every necessary step to ensure the safety” of those at the final, implementing additional security measures including a ban on fans carrying bags.

The federation says organizers “in consultation with the relevant officials and our risk assessment and security advisers, are closely monitoring the situation in Belgium and specifically in Ghent.”