A request for a fee award under section 2-611 is addressed to the sound discretion of the trial court, and absent a showing of abuse, its determination will not be disturbed on review. ( Mari v. Westinghouse Broadcasting Co. (1989), 179 Ill. App.3d 321, 322, 534 N.E.2d 526; La Salle National Bank v. Union Oil Co. (1988), 177 Ill. App.3d 259, 532 N.E.2d 277.) Because section 2-611 is penal in nature, it is strictly construed. ( La Salle National Bank, 177 Ill. App.3d at 262.)

Because former section 2-611 is penal, it is strictly construed. See La Salle National Bank v. Union Oil Co. of California, 177 Ill. App. 3d 259, 262 (1988). Thus, "the complaining party may seek only those costs and fees which have a direct connection to the sanctionable pleadings or statements."

Solovy, Hirsh Brewer, Sanctions Under Amended Section 2-611: Remedying Litigation Abuse, 76 Ill. B.J. 486 (1988). • 36 The standard of review of section 2-611 awards is whether the trial court committed an abuse of discretion. ( La Salle National Bank v. Union Oil Co. (1988), 177 Ill. App.3d 259, 532 N.E.2d 277.) In the case at bar, the plaintiff's attorneys filed suit on plaintiff's behalf without first ascertaining the precise statements which formed the defamation.