RacquetTech 2-2010 by ERSA

RacquetTech europe Issue 2 - 2010 www.ersa-stringers.com

Machine Charts Find Your Perfect Machine

2010 Proâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s Equipment Racquet Technologies Do They Really help Your Game?

Prince Has Discovered A New Source Of Energy. Plug Into It. And Turn On Your Game.

Gael Monﬁls plays the Rebel.

Introducing Puts More Energy Where You Want It — Into Your Shot. Available in four distinct models for different player types. Demo An Today.

princetennis.com

ENERGY WHERE IT MATTERS

Gamma TNT Touch is 2

the first multifilament string ENERGIZED with the Gamma patented TNT process. A premium string that of fers amazing feel and power without sacrificing control.

Welcome New Customers! Gamma Sports International Contact Mr. David Kukleski Email: gsi@corp.gammasports.com Phone: +1 412 323 0335 Web: www.gammasports.com

AVAILABLE NOW! Netherlands: Zero 2 Zero +31 204 082 933

Germany: Stefan Kornhass +49 5371 89 7777

United Kingdom: Apollo Leisure +44 1202 812000

Czech Republic Sport und Freizet +420 387 240 156

Racquet Tech Europe European Racquet Stringers Association

erve

DIRECTOR Mark Maslowski

Over 30 Million Tennis Players in the USA in 2009! The latest survey from the USTA/TIA in the United States shows a growth to over 30 million players and the latest survey from Tennis Europe shows 25.3 million in Europe. The USA has the largest number of players in over two decades. And most important is that growth was in all areas and age groups. Tennis participation grew 12% in the last year and 25% since 2003. According to Kurt Kamperman of the USTA, the growth is due to making tennis accessable to more people, especially in parks and schools. I think this growth is due to the tennis coaches working together with the USTA and the TIA . With everyone working together they have had many successful programs bringing millions of new players to tennis. Tennis Across America, Cardio Tennis and QuickStart tennis are several of the inventive programs. With the coaching industry offering free beginner lessons all over the United States, they are able to get millions of new players starting each year. I believe a EuropeanTennis Industry Association is vital to keep tennis strong and bringing new people into tennis while keeping those already playing continuing. The ITF and Tennis Europe are also helping greatly promoting the sport here in Europe, but with a TIA Europe more people and associations would be involved. We should find a way to get the countries, companies and coaches all working together across Europe to promote tennis .

Deutsch

Über 30 Millionen Tennisspieler in den USA in 2009! Die letzte Studie von der USTA/TIA in den vereinigten Staaten zeigt uns einen Wachstum bis zu mehr als 30 Millionen Spieler und die letzte Studie von Tennis Europe zeigt uns, dass es 25,3 Millionen Spieler in Europa gibt. Die USA hat die größte Anzahl an Spielern in 2 Jahrzehnten. Und am wichtigsten ist, dass der Wachstum in allen Bereichen und Altersgruppen

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OFFICE MANAGER Sanda Maslowski AUSTRALIA MANAGER Anthony Aley UK MANAGER Sam Chan SPAIN MANAGER Richard Parnell GREECE MANAGER Petros Biris GREECE WORKSHOP MANAGER George Pahiakos Czech Republic & Slovakia Vaclav Smat FOUNDING MEMBERS Ashaway Babolat Head Isospeed Kirschbaum Luxilon Wilson Pacific COPORATE MEMBERS Ashaway Head Prince Isospeed GAMMA Dunlop Slazenger Carlton STRING SUPPLIER MEMBERS Apollo Leisure Bow Brand Kirschbaum GOSEN Signum Pro TOA Strings Technical Consultant Rod Cross CONTACT European Racquet Stringers Association Lenaustr. 38 40470 Düsseldorf, Germany Phone - +49-(0)211-87511548 Fax - +49-(0)211-87511549 www.ersa-stringers.com

Racquet Tech II -2010

rve gestiegen ist. Tennisbeteiligung stieg um 12% im letzten Jahr und 25% seit 2004. In Anlehnung an Kurt Kamperman von der USTA ist der Wachstum bedingt durch Tennis für mehr Menschen zugänglich zu machen, besonders in Parks und Schulen. Ich denke dieser Wachstum is bedingt durch die Tennistrainer, die mit der USTA und der TIA zusammenarbeiten. Mit der Zusammenarbeit von allen haben sie mehrere erfolgreiche Programme ausgeführt, die mehrere millionen Menschen zum Tennis gebracht haben. Tennis Across America, Cardio Tennis und Quickstart Tennis sind mehrere von den einfallsreichen Programmen. Mit der Trainerverbände, die kostenlose Anfängerstunden in den ganzen USA anbieten. Ich glaube ein EuropeanTennis Industry Association ist entscheidend um Tennis stark sein zu lassen und um neue Menschen zum Tennis zu bringen, während man diese schon spielen lässt. Die ITF und Tennis Europe helfen auch sehr gut um für diesen Sport in Europa zu werben. Wir sollten einen Weg finden um alle Länder, alle Firmen und Trainer dazu zu bringen zusammen jenseits Europa für Tennis zu werben.

Mark Maslowski Director - ERSA

SPIKY SHARK The Kirschbaum SPIKY SHARK based on ten years of know how of the SUPER SMASH ASH SPIKY with its diagonal surface structure. The new SPIKY SHARK is equipped with an octactagonal proﬁle parallel to the string. Using g a specially developed technique we accomplish ish distinctive peaks for an optimum grip to the ball to ensure best slice and spin transfer (US Patent 6,117,383). Kirschbaum SPIKY SHARK – a new meaning of spin transfer! – no string slipping – enlarged acceleration and high comfort rt – best spin transfer (available in 1,25 mm / 17 and 1,30 mm / 16, 12 m- und 200 m-unit)

THE T HE STRI STRING WITH A BITE

NEW Kirschbaum Sportartikel GmbH · Schweerstraße 1 · D-58456 Witten phone: +49 (0) 23 02-9 70 50 · fax: +49 (0) 23 02-7 76 76 www.kirschbaum-strings.de · info@kirschbaum-strings.de

contents issue 2 - 2010

FEATURES 7 12 20 24 28 29

New Products Industry News Stringing Machine Charts Pro‘s Equipment Technology Smokescreen Technology - Deutsch

INDUSTRY NEWS Head Viral Film Tennis Europe AGM Head‘s Golden Ball 2010

Prince Tour News London Tennis Show Roland Garros

roductsss roducts Welcome to GAMMA, our new corporate member. GAMMA, known in the USA as the top synthetic string for over 20 years. They also have a full line of rackets, stringing machines and one off the best assortment of coaching equipment in the world This TNT2 string offers a stiffer crisper feel for Tour-Like control and accuracy but still offers excellent resiliency and elasticity. TNT®2 Tour features a new and unique construction that consists of six high-energy monofilaments surrounded by a stiffer high tenacity polyamide outer matrix core. 16 Gauge - 1.32mm 12.2m sets & 110m reels.

The first multifilament string energized with the Gamma patented TNT2 Process. A premium string that offers power without sacrificing control. Available in 16 Gauge (1.32mm) Natural color in 12.2 meter sets.

GAMMA Tour 340X Heavier midsize frame with 18x20 pattern for control. •Beam: 22 mm. •Headsize: 93 sg. in. •Length: 27 in. •Tension 58+-5Lbs. •Pattern: 18 - 20 •Weight: 340 g. •Balance: 31.5 cm.

www.ersa-stringers.com

The STT lets you know when it’s time to restring. Measures relative tension loss of strings over time. Modern ergonomic design is easy to operate with one hand. Larger scale, quickly gives readings with more accuracy than competitive testers.

Racquet Tech II -2010

roductsss roducts Ashaway Racket Strings has achieved another first with the introduction of its new ZyMax® line of badminton strings. A new core construction technique called ZyWeaVe™ makes the flagship product of the new line, ZyMax 62, the lightest badminton string ever made. The unique ZyWeaVe core construction in ZyMax 62 prevents tension loss while its braided surface provides superior control. The result is exceptional playability and the crisp sound badminton players want to hear. ZyMax 62 maintains tension throughout its life and maximizes repulsion on smashes and drop shots. “There is no other string on the market comparable to ZyMax 62,” said Steve Crandall, Vice President of Ashaway. “ZyMax 62 is designed for very particular professional players who want the lightest string possible in their racket for more power on smashes and better feel and control on touch shots. ZyWeaVe technology guarantees less elongation, so ZyMax 62 strings up tighter and plays crisper with maximum tension stability.” Ashaway recommends 22 gauge ZyMax 62 be strung at 25 lbs tension for optimum durability and playability. At 25 lbs tension, ZyMax 62 has the same repulsion power as a .70 mm string strung at 30 lbs or more. ZyMax 62 is available in 10m sets and 200m reels.

Ashaway Introduces Zyex-based UltraKill® 17 Racquetball String Zyex® multifilament core maximizes power and durability, maintains tension throughout string life Ashaway has introduced UltraKill® 17, the first of a new line of Zyex-based racquetball strings. Built on a new multifilament core, UltraKill 17 is designed to provide amateur and professional players with a strong durable string with both exceptional power and ball control. The braided surface maximizes control and increases spin while the Zyex® multifilament core prevents tension loss for more consistent performance throughout the life of the string. According to Ashaway Vice President, Steve Crandall, recent advances in material technology have produced Zyex filaments that are even finer and stronger than before. He said, “We’ve been experimenting with these in our R&D lab, developing ever thinner multifilament core packages with increased linear density and more cross-sectional strength. UltraKill 17 is available for all players in 40 ft sets and 360 ft reels. Recommended stringing tension is up to 40 lbs. Ashaway suggests using 10–20% less tension than normally used for standard nylon strings. Ashaway is the Official String of USA Racquetball and the Women’s International Squash Players Association.

www.ashawayusa.com

www.ersa-stringers.com

Racquet Tech II -2010

roducts We would like to welcome back Isospeed as a Corporate Member this year. Isospeed is one of the most innovative string companies. They became well known with their Professional string used on the tour by many World Class Players. Their R & D has also designed many popular strings for other companies along with a wide range of strings under the brand name ISOSPEED. Their newest line of strings, AXON, use new materials and technology to produce better playing characteristics in the strings. AXON Mono uses totally unique compound of materials giving a more lively response, soft feel and good control. The string is a real co-polymer with over 30% of a secondary material mixed with polyester. The material is muliple heated and pre-stretched. The strings are then coated with a Liquid Wax making them easy to string and extends the like of the string by reducing friction. ERSA has tested several sets and it is very soft feeling and easy to string. Feel was very good and reduced vibration from the strings compared to other monos. Recommended for tournament and competative players. Available in 12 meter sets, 1.25 mm in Ice Blue. It feels totally different from other monofilaments. We hope to do a playtest in the near future. The AXON Multifilament has a colored mono center core with a transparent coating. The core is polyester with polypropylen wrap on the outside, making play like a crisper version of Professional. Tecnologies include Multiple Heating, Pre-Stretch, Power Ribbons and Liquid Wax coating. Recommended for ambitious club players looking for a good mix power, comfort and control. Available in 12 meter sets, 1.25mm with a black center core and transparent outer wrap. Contact : www.isopeed.com

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Racquet Tech II -2010

roducts Wilson introduces three

game improvement frames this month. The CIRRUS ONE BLX is the most powerful racket in the BLX line offering a blend of power, lightweight and comfort.

Cirrus One BLX

Most powerful racket in the BLX line. •Beam: 28 mm. •Headsize: 118 sg. in. •Length: 27.50 in. •Pattern: 16 - 19. •Weight: 264 g. •Balance: 36.2 cm.

The KHAMSIN FIVE BLX 108 is a lightweight powerful racket offering the proven TRIAD system for comfort, Basalt Fibers and the (AGT) Articulated Grommet Technology. The KHAMSIN FIVE BLX also comes in a 98 in² version for players looking for power, comfort and control. Visit: www.wilson.com

Khamsin Five BLX 108

Khamsin Five BLX 98

•Beam: 26 mm. •Headsize: 108 sg. in. •Length: 27.25 in. •Pattern: 16 - 20. •Weight: 272 g. •Balance: 35.7 cm.

•Beam: 26 mm. •Headsize: 98 sg. in. •Length: 27.25 in. •Pattern: 16 - 20. •Weight: 266 g. •Balance: 35.5 cm.

A combination of Basalt Fibers, AGT Grommets and Triad System.

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The Khamsin Five also comes in a 98 in² headsize.

Racquet Tech II -2010

roducts NEUE DUNLOP THERMO-BAGS IN LIMITIERTER AUFLAGE ANLÄSSLICH DER GRAND SLAM TURNIERE BESTECHEN DUNLOP BAGS MIT AUSSERGEWÖHNLICHEM DESIGN DUNLOP SPORT baut seine Taschen-Kollektion aus und liefert ab Mitte April ein limitierte Auflage Thermo-Bags an den Sportfachhandel aus. Angelehnt an die Grand Slam Turniere French Open, Wimbledon und US Open erscheint eine „Clay Court“-Edition, eine „Grass Court“-Edition sowie eine „Hard Court“-Edition. Je ein Damenund Herrenmodell wird pro Serie angeboten. Vier Wochen vor Beginn des jeweiligen Grand Slam Turnieres sind diese im Sportfachhandel erhältlich erhältlich. Die 10er-Thermo-Bags bestechen durch außergwöhnliches und witziges Design. Alle DUNLOP-Profis werden bei den Grand Slam Turnieren mit diesen Taschen auflaufen. Der empfohlene Verkaufspreis liegt bei 79 EUR.

Men’s Collection - Clay, Grass, Hard Court Dunlop Sport introduces a Limited Edition Grand Slam Thermo-Bag Collection coming out in the middle of April. Their are Men’s and Ladies Clay Court, Grass Court and Hard Court bags available. The Dunlop contract Pros will be carrying these bags at the appropriate Grand Slam Tournaments. The bags are all available in 10 racket bags.

Women’s Collection - Clay, Grass, Hard Court

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Racquet Tech II -2010

I was able to see a preview of this film at the Tennis Europe AGM last month and can recommend it to everyone. A great new marketing idea from HEAD! Novak Djokovic vs. Tennis Machine

The Merger of Science and Tennis: Novak and his Team Use Tennis Balls and Racquets to Create an Astonishing Chain Reaction ATP World Tour No. 2 Novak Djokovic gives tennis fanatics a chance to see the HEAD player off court in his upcoming lead roles in broadcasted tennis viral films. The films cleverly exemplify Head’s logo “The Power of You” by depicting an experiment with tennis balls and racquets, where an astonishing chain reaction is unexpectedly created to the surprise of Novak and his team. The viral films began by depicting the team’s contraptions formed from tennis balls and racquets, where the basic ball, racquet, ball reaction is created and tested. Eventually a few contraptions turn into a hall filled with hundreds of contraptions. Everywhere you look, there are balls hanging from the ceilings by rubber cords and Speed racquets in brackets. Finally, it is time for the big experiment. Novak strikes the first ball, starting the process. At incredible speed, one racquet after another strikes ball towards the next racquet - the team watches the process in shock, but the real surprise comes when the final ball hits the first racquet, and the whole reaction starts over again! www.head.com/experiment

Europe’s Top Coaches to Meet in Moscow in October

Tennis Europe has confirmed that the 2010 European Coaches Symposium, the biggest annual meeting for Europe’s leading coaches, will be held at the University for Sports in Moscow October 14th-18th. The program will focus on developing successful players for the future and will cover different development strategies by comparing eastern and western European approaches, exchanging information about the use of modern training equipment, and will discuss the best practices in developing players’ tactical, technical and mental skills. Confirmed speakers so far include some of the top experts in the field, such as Anna Skorodumova (RUS), Bruce Elliot (AUS), Steven Martens (GBR), Frank van Fraayenhoven (NED), as well as several former top players. As usual, the conference will be open to a maximum of two participants from each of Tennis Europe’s member nations, with all delegates involved as persons in charge of National Junior or Coaches Education Programs.

www.ersa-stringers.com

Racquet Tech II -2010

The Chance Win & Play with Novak Djokovic

WIN AND PLAY WITH NOVAK DJOKOVIC How to participate: a) Find a code in a HEAD ATP ball can and check code at head.com b) Or simply play on head.com

1x Main Prize:

200x Weekly drawings:

900x Daily drawings:

Hit some balls with Novak in an exclusive training session; accompany Novak for a training day and watch an ATP World Tour Tournament live from your VIP seats (for 2 persons, incl. ﬂights and players’ hotel).

of total 50 Head racquets, 50 pairs of HEAD shoes and 100 HEAD bags.

of total 750 Head ATP tennis ball cans, 100 HEAD grips and 50 HEAD strings.

It is the dream of millions to have a tennis lesson personally coached by a world-renowned tennis player. HEAD is turning this dream into reality by giving tennis fanatics all over the world the once in a lifetime chance to “Win & Play” with World No. 2 Novak Djokovic by simply participating in the Golden HEAD tennis ball promotion. The promotion runs from April 1st to June 30th, 2010. To participate, contestants have to find a code in a HEAD ATP ball can and check the code at head.com. Another possibility is to simply play on head.com or to send in a postcard sketch of your favorite tennis ball.

The letters ATP and the tennis player design are registered trademarks of ATP Tour, Inc.

The lucky winner will end up claiming the grand price: a one-on-one training session with World No. 2 Novak Djokovic, attendance at an exclusive training day and the possibility to watch an ATP World Tour Tournament live from special VIP seats. The grand price also allows the winner to bring a friend, as this unbelievable opportunity includes VIP seats for two, roundtrip airfare and stay in the players’ hotel. In addition to the grand price, participants have the chance to win numerous other exciting HEAD prizes such as new racquets, bags, footwear, strings and grips, or a set of the alwaystrusted HEAD ATP tennis balls. www.head.com Participation without obligation to purchase: simply play on head.com or draw your favourite tennis ball on a post card and send post card to HEAD Sport GmbH, Wuhrkopfweg 1, A-6921 Kennelbach, Austria. Terms of participation on head.com, drawings of all prizes will be done randomly among all registered codes and sent-in post cards from all participating countries. End of participation: June, 30th 2010.

Tennis Life Magazine Launches Into Eastern Europe and Central Asia Tennis Life Magazine with Tennis KZ has signed a multi-year agreement to publish Tennis Life CIS starting with the May/June 2010 issue.

Through Tennis Life Magazine’s new partnership, an important and large group of countries known as the Commonwealth of Independent States will now have a magazine devoted to regional and international tennis and tennis players. Tennis Life CIS will be published in the Russian language. The CIS countries consist of Russian, Armenia, Azerbijan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. Each country’s edition will be regionalized with a certain amount of editorial focused on that specific country. Tennis Life CIS will now be the fifth international edition, joining Tennis Life UK, Tennis Life Ireland, Tennis Life KZ and Tennis Life en Espanol.

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Racquet Tech II -2010

PRINCE TOUR NEWS: - Spaniards David Ferrer and Juan Carlos Ferrero have put together an incredible few weeks on tour. The close friends and countrymen are both now using O-technology (Ozone Tour) with Ferrero up to #14 in the world and Ferrer to #17. Recently, Ferrero captured his 13th and 14th career titles, winning at Costa do Sauipe. and then the following week the Copa Telmex in Buenos Aires - over Ferrer. Prince currently has 6 men in the top 25 all of whom are playing racquets with O-Technology: Davydenko, Ferrero, Monfils, Ferrer, Isner & Querrey - Vera Zvonareva, the 26 year-old Russian ranked #22 in the world has officially re-signed with Prince and will be using the EXO3 Black 100! In fact, one-quarter of all women left in the singles draw in Miami play Prince racquets with O-technology. 

Sam Querrey and David Ferrer took time out of their playing schedules to sign autographs for fans at the Prince store on site at the Sony Ericsson Open this week. Images attached.

No Change is Imminent in Britain’s Government Funding of Tennis

No one passing the Lawn Tennis Association’s headquarters at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton outside London reported the overwhelming sound of a huge sigh of relief but it would have been totally justified after Britain’s Minister of Sport Gerry Sutcliffe announced there would be no immediate cuts in government funding. Many within Roehampton were preparing themselves for bad news after Parliament’s All-Party Tennis Group heavily criticized the LTA for not achieving better results, not providing sufficient grass roots opportunities and insufficient transparency on financial matters. Sport England is distributing GBP26m of Lottery and Exchequer funding to the LTA between 2009 and 2013 and Sutcliffe has backed the injection of funds to increase participation.

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Racquet Tech II -2010

Tennis Europe’s 36th Annual General Meeting was held in Riga, Latvia from March 25th - 28th, where it was hosted for the first time by the Latvian Tennis Union. Delegates from 36 of Tennis Europe’s 49 member nations attended the event, where updates were given on the organisations key constitutional and operative matters, alongside presentations from external speakers and the International Tennis Federation. Photo left: Tennis Europe President Jacques Dupre (left) and Latvia Tennis Union President Juris Savickis(right).

The London Golf & Tennis Show will take place from Friday 30 April through Sunday 2 May, 2010 at ExCeL in London and over 30,000 visitors are expected to attend over the three days. All the major brands in the UK have signed up along with the TIA UK and the LTA. The ERSA will also take part promoting the TRS along with Apollo Leisure. Stringing demos will be done for the three days along with stringing rackets for the spectators, giving presentations on the importance of good stringing, and Question and Answer sessions.

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A new ATP rule designed to help both the 250 and 500-level tournaments has taken effect. Players that enter the larger 500-level events 12 weeks before and compete in four ATP 500 events, one of which must be held following the US Open, will be allowed to count a third 250 result in lieu of their lowest 500 result. Last year, top players were only allowed to count two 250s in their rankings, and 250-level tournaments held in the second half of the year struggled to attract stars, as most of the elite had already done well enough in the 250s and didn't have enough ranking incentive to compete. The 500s also wanted more early commitments so than they could market their top players ahead of time. “That rule and the fact that the 250s are having 28 draws now where the top guys can start playing on Thursday will give more incentive to top players to play more”, said former ATP Player Council member Ivan Ljubicic.

Racquet Tech II -2010

gauge: 1,20 mm/17 | color: peet etrol troll | le len len en ngggttth h: 12 h: 12 m/40 feett

gau ga auug uge gee:: 11,2 ,20 mm/117 | color: petrol | length: 12 m/40 feett ,2

A xons, t he b o d y ’s pr imar y ner v o u s systee m f ibre s, c onduc t imp ul s e s f rom t he br a in to th he mu s c l e s . A XON – t he ne w s t r ing f rom I S OSPEED – re l ay s t he s e imp ul s e s d ire c t ly t o th he ball, gu ar an t e e ing pre c is ion pl ay and c om fort. Feel t he game and ke ep t he b al l and y o ur oppponee nt under c on t rol . A XO N – T h e u l t im a t e u n ion o f p l a y e r an d b al l !

www.isospeed.com

No Davis Cup Changes Planned by the ITF

Several highly ranked players have made complaints about the demands of the Davis Cup in what is a crowded calendar, and Novak Djokovic was the only top player to compete in first round matches recently, either due to injury or lack of interest, or both. Is the International Tennis Federation listening to the players? It appears not; at least no changes are expected from the ITF. The Annual General Meetings of Tennis Europe and the Asian Tennis Federation took place last week in Riga and Guangzhou respectively, and at the invitation of both Regional Associations ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti and Executive Vice President Juan Margets made presentations about the Role of the ITF in Professional Tennis. The AGMs were told that the ITF Board of Directors at its recent meeting in Munich had defined four principles as intrinsic to the future of Davis Cup and Fed Cup: 1) They will continue to be played on an annual basis. 2) They will continue to be played on a home-and-away format. 3) They will be played in association with National Associations. 4) They will be played conforming to the Rules of Tennis.

The ATP and Ricoh have announced that they have extended their partnership through 2012, elevating Ricoh to Platinum Partner and Official Office Solutions Provider of the ATP World Tour in Europe. Ricoh, a partner of the ATP World Tour since 2005, provides state-of-the-art document solutions and services behind the scenes. As part of the new agreement, Ricoh will sponsor six additional European events in Spain, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland, increasing the total number of tournaments it sponsors to 12. Ricoh has also extended its existing sponsorship of events in Monte Carlo, Rome, Madrid, Hamburg, Paris and the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals through 2012. Ricoh's on-court branding at the 12 tournaments includes the umpire chairs, speed-serve displays and TV graphics.

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The future of Roland Garros as the traditional home of the French Open is in doubt as opposition grows to expansion of the site by the Parisian government, under pressure from environmentalists. Anyone who has attended the event in the past couple of years will agree that Roland Garros, situated next to the Bois de Boulogne in the west of Paris and the home of the French Open since 1925, has become horrendously overcrowded. The French Federation de Tennis (FFT) acknowledge the problem and plans have been submitted for a new main court, complete with retractable roof, but so far nothing has been agreed upon. So now FFT General Director and French Open tournament director Gilbert Ysern has made things very clear. Roland Garros cannot stay the way it is," maintained Ysern. "We have two options. One is to make it bigger, the other is to move out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It would be heartbreaking to leave Paris but we have to consider it. Over the last 10 years, the three other grand slam tournaments have progressed, notably in terms of infrastructure, but we haven't.â&#x20AC;? For the clay-court Grand Slam to remain at Roland Garros but facing the building of new facilities involving construction work amounting to 200 million Euros (US$ 271.79m) would be required. A brand new complex while would cost an estimated 600 million Euros (US$813.50m).

Racquet Tech II -2010

If Tennis is your Racket MEMBERSHIP BRINGS: x Free entry in The Tennis Book x Reduced rates at the London Golf & Tennis Show and in Tennis Outlook x Sales opportunities via The Tennis Shop at selected events x Wimbledon ground pass entry x TIA UK Insurance x Access to TennisWire PR services x Networking and industry contacts

www.tiauk.org

Then the TIA UK is the trade body for you. We provide a range of benefits and resources to boost your business and can help to raise your profile.

Tennis Industry Association UK FOR MORE INFO CONTACT OUR ADMIN OFFICE AT: c/o Sport Wins, PO Box 238 Tadworth KT20 5WT, UK Phone +44 (0)1737 831 707 Email: gilly@tiauk.org

Over 60 companies already enjoy membership!

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Racquet Tech II -2010

5 5 5 Life 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 2 2 2 3 3

Babolat Sensor Expert

Babolat Star 5

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Gamma 5800 Els w/2pt SC

Gamma 8800 Els w/6pt SC

Gamma 8800 Els w/2pt SC

Pacific Digital X8 Pacific Digital X8

Pacific Digital 700

Pacific Tronic X6

Prince Neos 1000

Prince 5000

MACHINE

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www.ersa-stringers.com

Racquet Tech II -2010

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Gamma XͲ6

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Gamma 6500 Els w/6pt SC

Gamma 6500 Els w/2pt SC / p

Gamma 5800 Els w/6pt

Gamma 5800 Els w/2pt SC

Gamma 8800 Els w/6pt SC

Gamma 8800 Els w/2pt SC

Pacific Digital X8 Pacific Digital X8

Pacific Digital 700

Pacific Tronic X6

Prince 5000 x

Prince Neos 1000

Babolat Star 5

Gamma Progression 602

Babolat Sensor Expert

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Duaal Single Action x

360° 0° clamps glide bars x

Diam mond Dust x

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Leve el Pads x

Start rting Clamp x

Cuttters x

Plier ers x

TOOLS

Awll

Extras

Flyin ng Clamp

Clamps

Guid ding Awl

Cabi binet

S Stringing Machine C Charts

Bent nt nose pliers x

Asse embly tools

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Racquet Tech II -2010

x x

10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 5yr./3/1

Stringway ML90 T98

Stringway ML 100 T98

Stringway ML 100 T92

Stringway MS 200 T98

Stringway MS 200 T92

Stringway EM450ͲN T98

Stringway EM450ͲN T92

Stringway EM450ͲL T98

Stringway EM450ͲL T92

Tecnifibre ERGO Select

Tecnifibre ERGO Touch

Tecnifibre ERGO Pro

Tecnifibre TFͲ6000

Wilson Baiardo

Wise USA 2086 Tension Head

Yonex ES5 Pro Tech

Xtreme Pro Master x x

x x

5yr./3/1 5yr./3/1 5yr./3/1 5yr./3/1 5yr./3/1

Xtreme RXͲV2

Xtreme XLR8ͲPro

Xtreme NRG

Xtreme NRG Pro

Xtreme ProͲMaster GT

3 10

Warranty

Stringway ML90 TH

Stand

MACHINE Prince 6000

Table Top x

TT Option x

TT Level Pads x

Stand Level Pads x

Adjustable Height x

2Pt. x

4 Pt. x

5 Pt. x

6 Pt. x

Lock x

360 Turn x

3D Turn x

Hand crank x

2Ͳsided crank

Stand Option

Tensioning

Electric

Turntable

Beep

Machine

MultiͲspeed x

Constant x

LockͲout

DW Rachet

Drop Weight Clutch

DropͲweight

S Stringing Machine C Charts

PreͲStretch x

Linear Elevating linear pull x

Release x

Diablo x

Tensioner x

Foot pedal x

Kilo/Lbs. x

Manual Calibration x

SelfͲCalibrating

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Racquet Tech II -2010

head

Plus/Minus Touch Keypad Tension

adjusting

x x

Wilson Baiardo

Wise USA 2086 Tension Head

Yonex ES5 Pro Tech

Glide Bars

Flying Clamps

Xtreme ProͲMaster GT

Xtreme NRG Pro

Xtreme NRG

Xtreme RXͲV2 x

Xtreme XLR8ͲPro

Xtreme Pro Master

x x

Tecnifibre TFͲ6000

Tecnifibre ERGO Pro

Stringway EM450ͲL T92

Tecnifibre ERGO Touch

Stringway EM450ͲL T98

Stringway EM450ͲN T92

Tecnifibre ERGO Select

Stringway EM450ͲN T98

Stringway MS 200 T92

Stringway MS 200 T98

Stringway ML 100 T92 x

Dual Single Action p g x

bars x

Diamond Dust x

Auto Base release j x

clamps

Tool Tray x

Cover x

Dual double action x

String Measurer

Unit x

Ruler

Knot Tensioning x

Racket Stand

Stringway ML 100 T98

LED/LCD Pad x

Cabinet

Stringway ML90 T98

Level Pads x

Starting Clamp

Stringway ML90 TH

MACHINE Prince 6000

Reel Rack

Cutters x

Pliers x

TOOLS

Awl

Extras

Flying Clamp

Clamps

Guiding Awl

S Stringing Machine C Charts Bent nose pliers x

Assembly tools

uipment i 2010 MEN Player

Racket

Strings

Shoes

Clothes

1 Federer, Roger (SUI)

Wilson BLX Six.One Tour 90

Wilson Natural/Alu Rough

Nike

2 Djokovic, Novak (SRB)

Head YouTek Speed Pro

Alu Rough/Natural Gut

Adidas

Sergio Tacchini

3 Nadal, Rafael (ESP)

Babolat Aeropro Drive

Babolat RPM Blast

Nike

4 Murray, Andy (GBR)

Head YouTek Radical MP

Alu Power Rough

Adidas

5 Del Potro, Juan Martin (ARG)

Wilson BLX Pro Tour

Alu Power

Nike

6 Davydenko, Nikolay (RUS)

Prince Ozone Tour

Polystar Energy

Asics

Airness

7 Roddick, Andy (USA)

Babolat Pure Drive Roddick+

Bab. Pro Hur.Tour/VS Gut

Babolat

Lacoste

8 Soderling, Robin (SWE)

Head YouTek Radical MP

Luxilon Alu Power

Lotto

Adidas

9 Tsonga, JoͲWilfried (FRA)

Babolat AeroPro Drive Cortex

Babolat RPM Blast

Adidas

10 Cilic, Marin (CRO)

Head YouTek Radical MP

Luxilon Alu Power

Fila

11 Verdasco, Fernando (ESP)

Dunlop 4D Aerogel 300

Luxilon BB Original

Adidas

12 Gonzalez, Fernando (CHI)

Babolat Pure Storm+

Luxilon Alu Rough

Adidas

13 Monfils, Gael (FRA)

Prince EXO3 Rebel 95

Luxilon Alu Power

Nike

14 Stepanek, Radek (CZE)

Bosworth Tennis

Bosworth Gut

Nike

Alea

15 Youzhny, Mikhail (RUS)

Head YouTek Extreme Pro

Pacific Hybrid

Adidas

16 Simon, Gilles (FRA)

Head YouTek Prestige MP

Head Intellistring

Adidas

17 Robredo, Tommy (ESP)

Dunlop 4D Aerogel 300

Luxilon BB Original

Nike

Sergio Tacchini

18 Haas, Tommy (GER)

Head YouTek Prestige MP

Babolat VS Gut

KͲSwiss

19 Ferrer, David (ESP)

Prince Ozone Tour

Luxilon BB Original

Lotto

20 Hewitt, Lleyton (AUS)

Yonex RDiS 100 mid

Alu Power/VS Gut

Yonex

PLAYER

RACQUET

STRINGS

SHOES

CLOTHING

1 Williams, Serena (USA)

Wilson [K] Blade Team

Wilson Nautral Gut

Nike

WOMEN

2 Safina, Dinara (RUS)

Babolat Aero Storm

Luxilon Alu Power

Adidas

3 Wozniacki, Caroline (DEN)

Babolat Aeropro Drive

Babolat VS Gut

Adidas

4 Kuznetsova, Svetlana (RUS)

Head YouTek Extreme MP

Luxilon Alu Power

Fila

5 Williams, Venus (USA)

Wilson [K] Blade Team

Wilson Natural Gut

EleVen

6 Azarenka, Victoria (BLR)

Head YouTek Extreme Pro

Luxilon Alu Power

Nike

7 Dementieva, Elena (RUS)

Yonex RDiS 100 Mid

Luxilon Alu Power

Yonex

8 Jankovic, Jelena (SRB)

Prince O3 Speedport White

Prince Hybrid

Anta

9 Radwanska, Agnieszka (POL)

Babolat Pure Drive Lite

Babolat Hybrid

Nike

Prokom

10 Li, Na (CHN)

Babolat Pure Drive

Babolat Excel Power

Nike

11 Pennetta, Flavia (ITA)

Wilson [K] Blade 98

Luxilon Alu Power

Sergio Tacchini

12 Stosur, Samantha (AUS)

Babolat Pure Storm

Babolat RPM Blast

Nike

Lacoste

13 Bartoli, Marion (FRA)

Prince O3 Red

Nike

14 Zvonareva, Vera (RUS)

Prince EXO3 Black 100

GAMMA Zo Tour

KͲSwiss

Prince

15 Wickmayer, Yanina (BEL)

Donnay

Nike

Erke

16 Sharapova, Maria (RUS)

Prince EXO3 Black 100

Luxilon M2/VS Gut

Nike

17 Clijsters, Kim (BEL)

Babolat Pure Drive

Babolat VS Gut

Fila

18 Schiavone, Francesca (ITA)

Babolat Aeropro Drive

Babolat Pro Hur. Tour

Lotto

19 Petrova, Nadia (RUS)

Babolat Aero Storm

Babolat Revenge

Babolat

Ellesse

20 Zheng, Jie (CHN)

Yonex RDiS 300 MP

Anta

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STARS OF TOMORROW The Tennis Europe Junior Tour is the leading pan-European competitive forum for junior talent in any major sport. Jonathan Jobson reports

rom its earliest tournaments into the 1970s and its official creation in 1990, the Tennis Europe Junior Tour has come to be universally recognised as the best starting point for a successful career in tennis. A string of world #1s, from Ivan Lendl and Steffi Graf to Roger Federer and Justine Henin chose this path, alongside non-Europeans such as Lindsay Davenport, Lleyton Hewitt, David Nalbandian and Andy Roddick, all of who had an early taste of success on the courts of Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier junior events. The increasingly professional organisation of the tournaments has meant that the Tennis Europe Junior Tour effectively serves as a dress rehearsal for life as a professional tennis player, with

a cumulative ranking system, a seasonending Masters tournament, Player of the Year awards, online ranking information, calendars and the playing records of potential opponents. The Tour has expanded from 43 tournaments in its first year to over 300 annual events for players of age categories 12, 14 and 16 & under. Care is taken that the focus is not solely on performance, with sightseeing tours, players parties and educational events held in tandem, ensuring a social and informative aspect to tournaments which allows players to focus on more than just their tennis and provides an excellent opportunity to learn about anti-doping, nutrition and training patterns, to name just a few topics. Team events are some of the highlights of the season, as top players earn an early chance to

The Tennis Europe Junior Tour has proven to be a fruitful training ground for world-class players such as Novak Djokovic and Ana Ivanovic.

represent their country at prestigious championships such as the Tennis Europe Winter Cups by HEAD, the European Summer Cups and the Tennis Europe Nations Challenge by HEAD. Julyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s European Junior Championships is without doubt the most sought-after prize for individual players, as past champions such as Novak Djokovic, Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, Martina Hingis and Boris Becker can attest. As the tour goes from strength to strength, so does its appeal. Some 350,000 spectators attend Tennis Europe Junior Tour events each year to see around 10,000 young talents from over 100 countries take their first steps on the international tennis stage. Aside from extensive coverage at TennisEurope.org, reports about the Tour in over 780 newspapers and magazines and over 12,000 minutes of annual radio and TV airtime ensure that every day, people are learning about the latest players to follow in the footsteps of stars like Rafael Nadal, Andrew Murray, Ana Ivanovic and Maria Sharapova in celebrating some of their earliest successes on the Tennis Europe Junior Tour.

Tennis Europe Junior Tour 1 GAME 1 TOUR 1 CONTINENT 43 ORGANISING COUNTRIES 282 TOURNAMENTS 7320 VOLUNTEERS 10000 PLAYERS 25936 MATCHES 190000 TENNIS BALLS 354200 SPECTATORS

PARTNERS OF THE TENNIS EUROPE JUNIOR TOUR

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Technology Smokescreen? A tennis physicist says racquet company marketing claims may have little meaning in a scientific sense. (This is a purely scientific look and does not take into consideration that the new technologies help build interest in purchasing new products. ERSA) By Rod Cross Recent issues of RacquetTech have included nice summaries of the different technologies used by various racquet companies. As a physicist, I know that the most important physical properties of a racquet are its mass, length, swing weight, head size and stiffness. Together with string type and tension, these are the things that determine how a racquet performs. I also know that these physical properties and the performance of a racquet can be measured, and so can the differences between different racquets. I would therefore expect that the various technologies used by the racquet companies, if they are of any real benefit to a player, could be described in terms of the above properties. But given that these properties are rarely mentioned in the advertising literature, I wonder if the tennis industry is being well-served by advances in technology, or whether it is more of a smokescreen. Some of the improvements that are quoted, such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;30% more feel,â&#x20AC;? have no meaning in an engineering or scientific sense, and leave me feeling that I am being conned. The actual performance of a racquet can be measured in terms of ball speed, ball spin and rebound angle. The question that players should ask is how each technology affects the speed, spin and direction of the ball as it comes off the racquet. If the technology makes no difference, or if the difference is too small to measure, then there may be no real advantage. Suppose that a manufacturer comes up with a racquet that delivers 5% more power, in the sense that the ball comes off the strings 5% faster. Will that actually benefit a player? Most players would probably agree that it will, but the physics of the situation says there are only two basic ways to increase the ball speed by 5%. One way is to swing the racquet 5% faster. The other way is to increase the swing weight of the racquet, by making the racquet head heavier. Either way, the player will need to work a bit harder to get an increase in the ball speed. A decrease in string tension will also help to increase the ball speed off the strings, but the effect is very small and it leads to a small decrease in ball control. An increase in racquet stiffness will increase ball speed off the tip of a racquet, by reducing the energy lost to racquet vibrations, but it has no effect on ball speed off the middle of the strings. There are certain properties of a racquet that have nothing to do with ball speed, spin, or direction, but that do affect the choice of the racquet that a player prefers. Players are sensitive to the feel of

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Racquet Tech II -2010

a racquet, and they are also sensitive to the sound of a racquet. If a racquet doesn’t feel right or if it doesn’t sound right, then the player won’t like it. The main way to affect the sound is to add or remove a string dampener. Players who normally use a string dampener say that the racquet feels terrible if the dampener is removed. Players who don’t use a dampener say that the racquet feels terrible if a dampener is added. In either case, the player confuses the feel of the racquet with its sound. If the dampener is stuck to the throat of the racquet with tape, rather than being inserted in the strings, then sound will be different but the feel and performance of the racquet will be the same. In any case, dampeners are too light to have any significant effect on racquet performance. The feel of a racquet is affected by its weight, its swing weight and its stiffness. It is also affected by the type of grip used. The stiffness affects the level of vibrations in the handle that occur after the ball leaves the strings. Excessive vibration feels uncomfortable and the player won’t like it, even if the ball comes off the strings as fast as with any other racquet. For that reason, much of the effort that goes into the design of a racquet is aimed at reducing handle vibrations, thereby improving the feel of the racquet. If the player hits the ball at the sweet spot in the middle of the strings, then the racquet won’t vibrate at all. But most recreational players hit the ball all over the string plane, in which case any technology that helps reduce racquet vibrations will feel good, even if there is no difference in racquet performance.

Technology Smokescreen? Deutsch Ein Tennis Physiker sagt Marketing-Gesellschaft hat vielleicht eine kleine Bedeutung in einem wissenaschaftlichen Satz. Von Rod Cross Aktuelle Ausgaben der RacquetTech haben schöne Zusammenfassungen der verschiedenen Technologien und verschiedene Unternehmen nutzten diese. Als Physiker weiß ich, dass die wichtigsten physikalischen Eigenschaften eines Schlägers die Masse, Länge, Schwunggewicht, Kopfgröße und Steifigkeit sind. Zusammen mit dem Bespannungstyp und der Spannung. Dies sind die Eigenschaften, die die Performance der Schläger bestimmen. Ich weiß auch, dass diese physikalischen Eigenschaften und die Leistung eines Schlägers gemessen werden kann und so können die Unterschiede zwischen verschiedenen Schlägern festgestellt werden. Ich würde daher erwarten, dass die verschiedenen Technologien, die von Schlägerfirmen verwendet werden, wenn sie echte Vorteile für die Spieler sind, im Hinblick auf die oben genannten Eigenschaften beschrieben werden könnten. Aber angesichts der Tatsache, dass diese Eigenschaften nur selten in der werbenden Literatur erwähnt werden, frage ich mich, ob die Tennis-Branche gut mit den Fortschritten der Technologie bedient wird oder ob es eher ein Vorwand ist. Einige der Verbesserungen, die zitiert werden, wie z.B. „30% mehr Gefühl, “ haben keine Bedeutung in einem ingenieur-oder naturwissenschaftlichem Sinn und ließ mich das Gefühl haben, dass ich betrogen wurde. Die tatsächliche Leistung eines Schlägers

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Racquet Tech II -2010

kann in Bezug auf die Ballgeschwindigkeit, Ball-spin und (rebound angel) gemessen werden. Die Frage, die sich Spieler fragen sollten ist wie jede Technologie die Geschwindigkeit, den Spind und die Richtung des Balles beeinflusst, wenn sie vom Schläger kommt. Wenn die Technologie keinen Unterschied macht oder wenn der Unterschied zu klein zum Messen ist, dann kann es keinen wirklichen Vorteil geben. Angenommen, ein Hersteller produziert einen Schläger, der 5% mehr Leistung liefert, im Sinne, dass der Ball sich 5% schneller von der Saite löst. Wird der Spieler tatsächlich dadurch provitieren? Die meisten Spieler würden wahrscheinlich zustimmen, dass es so sein wird aber die Physik der Situation sagt, dass es nur 2 grundlegende Möglichkeiten gibt um die Ballgeschwindigkeit um 5% zu erhöhen. Eine Möglichkeit ist es den Schläger 5% schneller zu schwingen. Die andere Möglichkeit besteht darin das Schwunggewicht des Schlägers zu erhöhen, indem sie den Schlägerkopf schwerer machen. In jedem Fall wird der Spieler ein wenig härter arbeiten müssen um die Ballgeschwindigkeit zu erhöhen. Eine Reduzierung der Saitenspannung wird auch dazu beitragen die Ballgeschwindigkeit zu erhöhen aber der Effekt ist sehr gering und es führt zu einer geringen Reduzierung der Ballkontrolle. Eine Erhöhung der Steifigkeit erhöht die Ballgeschwindigkeit von der Spitze eines Schläger aus, indem man sich die Energie, die bei der Schlägervibration verloren geht zu nutze macht aber es hat keine Auswirkung auf die Ballgeschwindigkeit ab der Mitte der Bespannung. Es gibt bestimmte Eigenschaften eines Schlägers, die nichts mit Ballgeschwindigkeit, Spin, oder die Richtung zu tun aber das tut die Wahl des Schlägers, den der Spieler bevorzugt. Die Spieler sind empfindlicher, was das Gefühl des Schlägers und den Klang eines Schläger angeht. Wenn sich ein Schläger nicht richtig anfühlt oder wenn es nicht richtig klingt, dann wird der Spieler diesen nicht mögen. Der wichtigste Weg um den Klang zu beeinträchtigen ist das Hinzufügen und Entfernen von einem Dämpfer. Spieler, die normalerweise einen Dämpfer benutzen, sagen, dass der Schläger sich schrecklich anfühlt, wenn der Dämpfer entfernt wird. Spieler, die nicht mit einem Dämpfer spielen, sagen, dass der Schläger sich schrecklich anfühlt, wenn einer hinzugefügt wird. In jedem Fall verwirrt es den Spieler ein Gefühl für den Schläger anhand des Sounds zu haben. Wenn der Dämpfer an den Hals des Schlägers mit Klebeband geklebt wird anstatt in der Bespannung dann klingt es ganz anders aber das Gefühl und die Leistung des Schlägers werden die gleiche sein. In jedem Fall sind Dämpfer zu leicht um eine signifikante Wirkung auf die Performance eines Schlägers zu haben. Das Gefühl eines Schlägers wird durch das Gewicht, sein Schwunggewicht und seine Steifigkeit beeinflusst. Es ist auch von der Art des Griffs, das angewendet wird, betroffen. Die Steifigkeit wirkt sich auf die Schwingungen im Griff, die auftreten nachdem der Ball die Saite verlässt. Starke Vibrationen fühlen sich unwohl an und der Spieler wird es nicht mögen auch wenn der Ball die Saiten so schnell wie bei anderen Schlägern verlässt. Aus diesem Grund wird ein großer Teil der Anstrengungen, die in das Design des Schlägers gehen, zur Reduzierung von Vibrationen und zum Verbessern des Gefühls des Schlägers. Wenn der Spieler den Ball in der Mitte des Schlägers, im sweet sport, schlägt dann vibriert der Schläger überhaupt nicht. Aber die meisten Freizeit-Spieler schlagen den Ball auf der ganzen Bespannung. In diesem Fall hilft jede Technologie die Vibrationen zu reduzieren und den Schläger sich gut anfühlen zu lassen auch wenn es keinen Unterschied in Schlägerperformance gibt. Please send your comments to : mmaslo3330@aol.com

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Racquet Tech II -2010

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Participation without obligation to purchase: simply play on head.com or draw your favourite tennis ball on a post card and send post card to HEAD Sport GmbH, Wuhrkopfweg 1, A-6921 Kennelbach, Austria. Terms of participation on head.com, drawings of all prizes will be done randomly among all registered codes and sent-in post cards from all participating countries. End of participation: June, 30th 2010.