SANTIAGO: Chilean officials say they will back a request by former world No.1 Marcelo Rios to have the International Tennis Federation investigate whether Petr Korda committed a doping violation in the 1998 Australian Open.

Korda beat Rios 6-2 6-2 6-2 in the final.

Accused: Petr Korda with the Australian Open trophy after his victory in the 1998 final. Credit:Ray Kennedy

Korda tested positive for a banned steroid later that year at Wimbledon, but wasn't penalised for it until after he retired in mid-1999.

"Chile Tennis Federation will support Marcelo because he's the best player in Chile's history," Rodrigo Valdebenito, a spokesman for the federation told AP on Thursday.