Wimbledon in 3D Selling Out in UK Cinemas in Anticipation of Murray Making History
For the first time ever, the climax of Wimbledon is being shown live in 3D in cinemas across the UK.
A limited number of these special events will be hosted around the country, spanning the final three days of the prestigious tournament. Starting with the Men’s Semi Finals on 1st July, including Nadal vs Murray, tennis lovers in the UK will be introduced to the ultimate viewing experience outside of Centre Court.
Teaming up with major cinema chains in the UK, tennis fans and cinemagoers are booking their seats to witness this never before seen Wimbledon experience, and get up close with Andy Murray, to see if he can become the first British Men’s Champion in 75 years. Read more
Novak Djokovic qualified for the 2011 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals
Serb qualifies for London as 2011 unbeaten streak continues
Novak Djokovic has sealed his qualification for the 2011 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals following his win over Rafael Nadal in the final of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.
Djokovic’s win in Rome adds another 1000 South African Airways 2011 ATP Rankings points to his 2011 points tally, meaning that the Serb is assured of his place at the season-ending finale, set to take place at The O2 in London from 20-27 November. Only the world’s Top 8 players based on results in 2011 qualify to compete in the season’s final showdown in London.
Djokovic qualifies for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals for a fifth successive year. He captured the season-ending title in 2008 when it was held in Shanghai. Last year, Djokovic reached the semi-finals in London before losing to Federer. He has not lost a match since.
The Serb has enjoyed a remarkable run of form in 2011, capturing seven successive titles including the Australian Open in January and four ATP World Tour Masters 1000 titles. He heads into Roland Garros later this week with an incredible 37-0 match record so far this season. Read more
First Ever 3D Broadcasts of US Open Spearheaded by Panasonic and CBS Sports
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS GIANT BECOMES OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF US OPEN IN NEW THREE-YEAR SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT
The USTA announced that consumer electronics giant Panasonic has become an official sponsor of the US Open in a new three-year agreement.
Working with CBS Sports, the USTA and Panasonic will spearhead the first-ever 3D broadcasts of the tournament. CBS Sports will produce 3D versions of all the Arthur Ashe Stadium matches that it broadcasts in High Definition on Labor Day Weekend and on Finals Weekend, September 10-12. These matches will be made available nationwide via DirecTV’s exclusive dedicated 3D entertainment channel, “n|3D Powered by Panasonic” (DirecTV channel 103).
On-site at the 2010 US Open, Panasonic will have three 3D viewing galleries–a 3D Panasonic Showcase located in the former International Tennis Hall of Fame Gallery on the floor level of Louis Armstrong Stadium, and another in SmashZone, the US Open’s interactive tennis experience for fans and families located in the state-of-the-art indoor facility and one more in the South Plaza area. Panasonic and DirecTV also will provide the US Open semifinal and final matches live in 3D to hundreds of TV retail outlets nationwide, including scores of Best Buy stores, as part of the September 10-12 “National 3D Demo Days” organized by the Consumer Electronics Association. Read more
HSBC Bank USA Brings Authentic Wimbledon Experience to New York City June 21-25
Week of Complimentary Activities at Rockefeller Center to Include Live Wimbledon Screenings, Public Tennis on Manhattan’s Only Grass Court and More Champions Jim Courier and Monica Seles to Play with Fans at June 21 Kickoff Event
HSBC, “The world’s local bank” and official Banking partner of Wimbledon, will launch their third-annual initiative to bring the tournament to life for tennis fans in New York. “HSBC presents Wimbledon 2010 at Rockefeller Center” will feature a week of complimentary activities from June 21-25, including live screenings at the HSBC outdoor viewing area and the opportunity to play tennis on Manhattan’s only grass court.
At the June 21 kickoff event on Day One of Wimbledon, former world No. 1 ranked players Monica Seles and Jim Courier will play with select fans on the authentic grass court. The event will take place at noon at the HSBC outdoor Rockefeller Center venue (between 50th/ 51st Streets and 5th/6th Avenues), with former French Open doubles champion Luke Jensen serving as emcee.
“As the world’s local bank, HSBC strives to bring notable international events like Wimbledon to customers in our local markets,” said Ashley Parker, Executive Vice President and Regional President, HSBC Bank USA. “For this year’s Wimbledon program, we’re creating an even more innovative and interactive experience for tennis aficionados in New York City.” Read more
Washington Kastles acquire 2008 World TeamTennis MVP Rennae Stubbs
Team Trades Angela Haynes and CoCo Vandeweghe to Sacramento for Stubbs and Olga Puchkova
The Washington Kastles have completed a blockbuster trade sending their second and third round picks, Angela Haynes and CoCo Vandeweghe, to the Sacramento Capitals for Rennae Stubbs, the reigning 2008 World TeamTennis Female MVP and 2008 Championship Finals MVP, and Olga Puchkova. With Stubbs’ six Grand Slam championships, the team now boasts 36 total Grand Slam titles among their five players and head coach.
Stubbs, ranked in the top ten in the world in doubles, is a former #1 ranked doubles player and has won 59 career Sony Ericsson WTA titles. She has also represented Australia four times in Olympic and Federation Cup competition. She won last year’s WTT and Championship Finals MVP titles as a member of the Kansas City Explorers and helped lead the Philadelphia Freedoms to WTT championships in 2001 and 2006, and the St. Louis Aces to a title in 1996.
“Our goal this year is to win the Championship when it is played in Washington on July 26th and this trade makes us a clear favorite to accomplish that. Rennae is one of the top doubles players in the world and is a fierce and experienced competitor,” said owner Mark Ein, who brokered the deal. “With this trade, we will be tough to beat in any set, much less a complete match.”
The Kastles also acquired Puchkova, who ranked #32 in the world in singles in 2007. Puchkova played three matches for the Capitals in 2008, compiling a 10-5 game record. She has local ties, having trained at the Junior Tennis Champions Center in College Park, Maryland, where she has recently begun working again. She is also a professional model represented by Elite Management.
“Olga has the ability to be one of the best women in the league and, with her recent work at the JTCC, we know she is ready to play,” continued Ein. “Both Olga and Rennae bring a lot of personality to our squad on and off the court. Our fans will love this team.”
The two newest Kastles will join their teammates on Thursday, July 2 to kick off the 2009 season on the west coast against the Newport Beach Breakers. The Kastles open the home schedule in DC on July 7 against two-time defending Wimbledon Champion Venus Williams and the Philadelphia Freedoms.
Source: Washington Kastles