EUROPEAN RACQUET STRINGERS ASSOCIATION

Industry News

Features

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05 My Serve

07 Product News

09 ERSA Sign-up Sheet

10 Industry News

20 News Shorts

21 Report on Wimbledon 2013

24 Tips

26 Wimbledon Stringing Logs 2013

28 ERSA Around the World

-Group Led By David Palmer Buys BlackKnight USA-Ashaway MonoGut® ZX Series Tennis Strings Provide Exceptional Dynamic Stiffness,High Spin, and Gut-Like Playability- DUNLOP FORT TOURNAMENTBESTER BALL TESTSIEGER IM TENNISMAGAZIN- Stacey Allaster to headline New York Tennis Debate: 'Beyond the Baseline - What can tennis do to improve lives in Africa?'- Wimbledon Champion Marion Bartoli suddenly retires-WTA signs sponsor agreement with SAP- USTA solves Ashe Stadium retractable roof Problems- Virgin Media scores the winner with BT Sport

Welcome back to the August issue of RacquetTech Magazine!

One of the Industry News Articles this this issue, on Virgin Media in the UK, brought a smile to my face. They have taken over all the paid sports channels in the UK and offering a huge package to their subscribers, at no extra cost, including things like 21 WTA events for 2014. This would be like going to heaven for me and many friends. In Germany, like many countries, the sports are divided up among many pay programs. We have to pay for cable television, then pay extra for HD, then pay again for a sports package. This does not include Sky Sports, so we have to sign up for Sky television to get the sports on their channels, like Wimbledon. It cannot be good for the sport if most people cannot watch major events on television. I took a survey in our club and most people do not have Sky, so almost no one watched Wimbledon this summer. Hopefully, fans and not only money will be considered in future decisions on television viewing rights.I am looking into having a sample contract for Pro Tour Stringers to use as a starting point when negotiating their contracts. Things such as accommodations, food, drinks, travel costs, number of stringers and front desk, on top of pay should be included. This will be in the next issue of RacquetTech along with a short article on differences in stringing services.

We are busy looking into what we want on the new ERSA website. Please write in and tell us your thoughts and ideas on making it a first class site. What you want to see on the site and what is useful for you stringing business. Some other member benefits we are negotiating are group insurance, travel discounts, car rental discounts and business consulting for you shop and online business.

The 2014 dates and venue will be announced in the next week. It will be in Dusseldorf again but a month earlier. We are expanding the program and bringing in more presenters next year. To do this we will charge 99€ for 3 days and will again offer a package of strings, grips, bags (possibly rackets) to cover your costs of the Symposium and hotel. Also, free private lessons will be offered to each participant at no cost with one of the top stringers in the world. Hope to see many of you next year.

Here is my adjusted schedule as of today if anyone has a chance to meet up with me. I will be in the Düsseldorf office except for these dates, September 5 – 15 Warsaw, Poland, Davis Cup Australia - Poland, September 26 - October 10, Tokyo, Japan Open. I will also be travelling doing workshops in October, November and December. I will update my schedule in the next issue with workshops in Italy (Racket Tuning), TenniscoachUK, England, TIA UK Workshops and Certification – UK, Beginner / Advanced and Racket Tuning Workshops in Dusseldorf one weekend each month starting in October. December or January we will launch ERSA Ukraine and offer the first workshops there.

Best wishes

Mark MaslowskiDirector - ERSA

RACQUETTECH EUROPE

European Racquet Stringers AssociationDirectorMark Maslowski

ERSA Germany, Austria, Switzerland ManagerSanda Maslowski

ERSA AustraliaAnthony Aley

ERSA UK ManagerJamie Pethick

ERSA UK TesterRoger Dalton

ERSA Spain ManagerRichard Parnell

ERSA France ManagerJean Baviera

ERSA Italy ManagerMarco Rossani

ERSA Netherlands ManagerTimo van DrielRob Maessen

ERSA Greece Manager

ERSA Greece Tester

ERSA Czech Republic & SlovakiaVaclav Smat

TECHNICAL CONSULTANTRod Cross

TENNIS CONSULTANTGabe Jaramillo

European Racquet Stringers AssociationLenaustr. 3840470 DüseldorfDE GermanyPhone /Fax 0049(0)211-68814151

George Pahiakos

Petros Biris

FOUNDING MEMBERSAshaway BabolatHead IsospeedKirschbaum LuxilonPacific Wilson

CORPORATE MEMBERSAshaway HeadPrince IsospeedGOSEN Tecnifibre

STRING SUPPLIER MEMBERSApollo Leisure Bow BrandKirschbaum Signum ProTyger / Tennis Planet

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Timo van Driel – NetherlandsRob Maessen – NetherlandsOscar Sallmen – SwedenGiuseppe Sella – EnglandRay Wan – EnglandGeoff George - England

PRO TOUR STRINGERS

Marco Rossani – Italy (Level 1)Adriana Moretti – Italy (Level1)Michele Fabbretti – Italy (Level 1)

New Certified Stringers, Master Racquet Technicians and Pro Tour Stringers.

ERSA now offers certification for different levels of stringers, from beginners to the top professional stringers in the world. The first level is ERSA Stringer is for new stringers to show they have completed a stringing course and learned to string correctly. Certified Stringer is for stringing services, such as coaches, club stringers, shop string¬ers, after passing a day of practical and written tests. Master Racquet Technician is for shop stringers and owners who can tune racquets, string at a high level and have a broad knowledge of products for their customers. Pro Tour Stringer certification is for MRTs who are stringing at ATP and WTA tournaments. There are 3 levels for this certification, Level 1, Level 2 and Master Pro Tour Stringer. The highest level, Master PTS is only given to stringers who have proven themselves at professional tournaments for over 10 years.NEW – Anyone with a Master Racquet Technician certification can take the Level 1 Pro Tour Stringer certification without tournament experience. This will only be a practical test. After five years, the applicant can apply to take the Level 2 certification. A resume will be required with tournament experience. Master Pro Tour Stringer can be applied for after 10 years and must be recommended from another Master PTS.Congratulations to :

Marco Gazziero – Itlay (Level 1)Paolo Facci – Italy (Level 1)Mauro Lissandrini – Italy (Level 1)

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The new MANTIS Tour squash ball has been developed in conjunction with their professional players with durability, playability and an even bounce at the forefront of the technology. MANTIS have sourced the highest quality rubber and tested it for quality as well as weighing it for consistency.World number 16 and MANTIS ambassador, Steve Coppinger, commented; “MANTIS have been very thorough with the development of the new squash ball and have worked closely with both myself and fellow professionals to create the ultimate ball.“At all levels it is vital that the ball maintains its shape throughout the game and the speed consistency remains true. With trust in the ball we can focus on our game and play our shots and most importantly enjoy the game of squash.”Martin Aldridge, Founder and Managing Director of MANTIS, said; “We’re delighted to introduce another high quality product to our rapidly expanding squash portfolio. The MANTIS Tour has been tested by a number of our professional players and we are excited with the feedback we received.

“This is yet another product that fits perfectly with our philosophy of providing ‘exceptional products at superior prices.”Steve Coppinger and World ranked Emma Beddoes and Eddie Charlton join exciting age group juniors Elise Lazarus and David Ryan as ambassadors for the MANTIS Squash range of the UK based racket sports brand.MANTIS is the official racket to the Allam British Open squash and recently announced former British number 1 and US Open finalist, Greg Rusedski, as brand ambassador for their tennis range.MANTIS is the official Racket and Ball Partner of the Statoil Masters Tennis at the Royal Albert Hall.

For more information about MANTIS go to www.mantis-sport.comBecome a MANTIS fan on Facebook go to www.facebook.com/mantissportsFollow MANTIS on twitter @MANTISsport

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MANTIS Launch Squash Ball into Market

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Tecnifibre has expanded their line of ATP Official Products with more accessories. Included are 2 new dampeners, including their popular Vibra Clip and a double pack of ATP Tour vibration dampeners. A pre-cut package of 4 clear Protect Tape with the ATP logo on it is now available, along with 2 gram pieces of lead tape.

Three new ATP Tour line basic grips are being introduced. A 1,7mm X-tra Sharp grip featuring natural felt under the grip for more moisture absorbtion, a 1,9mm X-tra Feel grip with Hydrocell bond and an X-tra Full grip in 2,1mm featuring Wax Resin which keeps the tacky feel much longer than other grips.

Two overgrips have been also introduced this summer. Pro Players Grip features Hydrocell Bond and come in white, black and red, in 0,50mm and 3, 12 or 30 to a package. Pro Contact Grip features Wax Resin and comes in white, black and red, 0,60mm and 3 to a package.

Visit: www.tecnifibre.com

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Tecnifibre ATP Products

SIGN-UP ERSA 2013

Name_____________________________________________________________

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1.Year Membership 99Euro____________________________________________

2.Year Membership 170Euro___________________________________________

3.Year Membership 220Euro___________________________________________

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Card Number________________________________Exp. Date_______________

I am interested in the FREE Annual Meeting/ Symposium

Signature__________________________________________________________________________

Please Fax or e-Mail this form to European Racquet Stringers Association.

Fax +49(0)211-68814151; email mmaslo3330@aol.com

Sign up Now for 2013 and receive 3 sets of Test String and Stringer Software free of charge. You will receive the latest updated version every year with your renewal. Become a member today and receive:

- STRINGERS DIGEST- RACQUETTECH MAGAZINE- STRINGER SOFTWARE - Value- WEB ACCESS- DISCOUNTS ON ADVERTISERS PRODUCTS- FREE SAMPLES- REDUCED PRICES ON WORKSHOPS AND CERTIFICATION- ANNUAL MEETING / SYMPOSIUM - Value

99 EURO

350 EURO

I am interested in the Symposium

1 Year Membership -99€2 Year Membership – 170€3 Year Membership - 220€

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Group acquires all US marketing and distribution rights to Black Knight racquets-- To set up headquarters in Orlando, FL-- To continue strong partnership with Ashaway Racket Strings

Ashaway, RI – A group led by World Champion and squash legend David Palmer has acquired BlackKnight USA, the US arm of top squash, racquetball, and badminton racquet maker, Black Knight. The management group will handle all marketing and distribution for the US from its new headquarters in Orlando, Florida.

The team includes Palmer, recognized as one of the 10 best players in the history of squash, Dean Young, Bryan Patterson, and several others. Young currently manages the Westchester Squash Club in Mamaroneck, NY, while Patterson is one of the most recognized teaching pros in the United States. In his playing career Patterson reached a World Ranking of 16, an English ranking of 2, and played for Great Britain in the Team and Individual World Championships. He is now the Director of Squash at New York's CitySquash, the Inner City Academic and Squash program for at-risk youth in the Bronx.

"Black Knight is well known among squash enthusiasts," said Palmer. "However, the brand's success in the United States has lagged behind its global growth. The combined skills of our diversified management team provide us with a tremendous opportunity to market the world's greatest squash brand to the world's greatest sports market."

Black Knight was founded in Vancouver in 1976, by racquet sport enthusiasts with a true commitment to the development and support of the sports they loved. Over the years Black Knight has been first to market with many key developments in squash and badminton racquets, such as full graphite shafts; true one-piece graphite racquets; wide body frames; inverted racquet heads; 67 and 68 cm racquet lengths in badminton; graphite/aluminum hybrids; TurboFlex shafts; high tension frames; the Control 2000 speed adjustment system; TUF Grip; Power Channel; VibraPlate; the Knight Trainer; Magnum oversized frames in squash and badminton; and more.

That commitment to sports remains at the heart of the company while Black Knight has grown and diversified, both as a major brand within North America, and around the world. Black Knight also represents Ashaway for racquet strings and court shoes, and continues to offer more and more models pre-strung with Ashaway strings.

Group Led By David Palmer Buys BlackKnight USA

Said Ashaway's Steve Crandall, "We are especially pleased with the acquisition of BlackKnight USA by David and his group. Not only does Ashaway have a strong and growing partnership with Black Knight, but our relationship with David as an Ashaway sponsored player goes back almost twenty years. We're certain that David and his team have the skills and experience, and the recognition within the industry to push the Black Knight brand to the top of the charts. We wish them all the best."

Ashaway Racket Strings are made by Ashaway Line & Twine Mfg. Co., the only U.S. manufacturer of string for squash, tennis, racquetball, and badminton. Operated by the Crandall family since 1824, Ashaway has been making racquet strings since 1949, and is responsible for several important technical innovations. Ashaway has been the Official String of USA Racquetball for more than ten years. Ashaway Line & Twine Mfg. Co. also makes braided products for medical and industrial applications. For more information visit

For additional product information, contact: Ashaway Line & Twine Mfg. Co.PO Box 549Ashaway, RI 02804 USATel: (800) 556-7260 (U.S. only) or +1 (401) 377-2221Fax: +1 (401) 377-9091Website: http://www.ashawayusa.comEmail: sales@ashawayusa.com

www.ashawayusa.com

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Ashaway Racket Strings offers two versions of its popular Zyex-based MonoGut® tennis strings, 16 gauge (127 mm) MonoGut ZX, and 17 gauge (1.22 mm) MonoGut ZX Pro. MonoGut ZX Pro is a thinner lighter string, designed to provide even better elongation, snap-back and playability for players who do not require the added durability of a 16 gauge string. Both strings offer 100% Zyex monofilament construction, which provides exceptional dynamic stiffness and gut-like playability. The total lack of polyester increases elongation and decreases stiffness for comfortable soft power.

"Like natural gut, MonoGut ZX series strings provide exceptional energy return," said Steve Crandall, Vice President of Ashaway Racket Strings, "better than any other synthetic material. This means more power. Also like gut, MonoGut ZX series strings remain soft at higher tensions, reducing impact shock. This results in more comfortable performance -- what we call 'soft power.' MonoGut ZX offers more durability, while many professional players prefer the responsiveness of the thinner lighter MonoGut ZX Pro."

Crandall added that reports from players of all stripes indicate that MonoGut ZX series strings also generate spin like the, "so-called high-tech polyesters. Because of the strings' high elasticity and low coefficient of friction, players claim better snap-back for improved spin, better results from more compact strokes, and overall reduced impact shock and enhanced comfort." Crandall noted few breakage problems have been reported, and quoted several players as saying: 'Playing with this string is just easier;' 'Great power and spin;' and 'Totally different feel than when playing with other monos.'"

MonoGut ZX and MonoGut ZX Pro are designed for players seeking both gut-like playability and superior durability in a solid monofilament string, as well as for players using monofilament strings in hybrid stringing patterns. MonoGut ZX and MonoGut ZX Pro come in either a natural gut-like tan or fiery red. They are available in 40-ft (12 m) sets and in both 360-ft (110 m) and 720-ft (220 m) reels. Recommended stringing tension is up to 60 lbs. (27 kgs).

Ashaway Racket Strings are made by Ashaway Line & Twine Mfg. Co., the only U.S. manufacturer of string for squash, tennis, racquetball, and badminton. Operated by the Crandall family since 1824, Ashaway has been making racquet strings since 1949, and is responsible for several important technical innovations. Ashaway has been the Official String of USA Racquetball for more than ten years. Ashaway Line & Twine Mfg. Co. also makes braided products for medical and industrial applications. For more information visit www.ashawayusa.com

Ashaway MonoGut® ZX Series Tennis Strings Provide Exceptional Dynamic Stiffness,High Spin, and Gut-Like Playability

-- 100% Zyex® monofilament construction increases elongation, decreases stiffness for comfortable soft power-- Thinner, lighter version of MonoGut ZX Pro delivers even more playability for players who do not require added durability of 16 gauge MonoGut ZX– Surface design plus solid monofilament construction minimizes string movement, improves abrasion resistance and durability

Seine herausragende Stellung im Tennisball-Business hat DUNLOP SPORT erneut unter Beweis gestellt: Im Ball-Test des TENNISMAGAZINS aus der Ausgabe August 2013 ist der DUNLOP Fort Tournament zum Tests ieger gekürt worden. Von den zehn teilnehmenden Ballmarken erhielt er mit Abstand die beste Benotung. Insbesondere bei den Eigenschaften Spielgefühl, Absprungverhalten, Flugverhalten und Haltbarkeit ist er nicht zu schlagen.

„Wir freuen uns, von einem wichtigen Fachmagazin die Bestätigung erhalten zu haben, der beste Ball im Markt zu sein. Dies spiegelt auch die Wahrnehmung vieler Freizeit- und Turnierspieler wider. Nicht zufälligerweise wird die Ballmarke DUNLOP in vielen deutschen Landesverbänden und auch bei vielen Profi-Turnieren auf der ganzen Welt offiziell gespielt. Wir verfügen neben dem deutschen „Flaggschiff“ DUNLOLP Fort Tournament auch über weitere Premium-Bälle wie dem DUNLOP Fort Clay Court und dem DUNLOP Fort All Court, welche sich weltweit großer Beliebtheit erfreuen“, so Torsten Bonacker Marketing Communications Manager bei DUNLOP SPORT.

Credit Suisse will present the New York Tennis Debate on Friday 23 August at the Grand Hyatt in midtown Manhattan.

Three days before the start of the US Open in New York City, the panel will debate the topic, 'Beyond the Baseline - What can tennis do to improve lives in Africa?' The debate will feature Stacey Allaster, the Chairman and CEO of the WTA, as well as Lorne Abony, the Chairman and CEO of Mood Media, and a member of the ATP's Competition Committee. They will be joined by Justin Gimelstob, a former player, who is now a tennis broadcaster and a member of the ATP's board, and Janine Händel, the CEO of the Roger Federer Foundation. Bill Macatee, a broadcaster for CBS Sports and The Tennis Channel, will host the panel.

Credit Suisse is a partner of the Roger Federer Foundation, which supports children in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malawi, South Africa and Ethiopia, as well as in Federer’s native Switzerland.

This is the second debate presented by Credit Suisse, following the successful London Tennis Debate last November, when the panel featured former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash and a businessman and Boris Becker’s former manager Ion Tiriac.

The Tennis Channel is confirmed as Official Media Partner, and will film the debate as part of its global tennis coverage.

Schedule for the New York Tennis Debate: 08.30 - 09.00 - Media Breakfast09.00 - 10.00 - The Debate10.00 - 11.00 - Interviews and Photo-Call with Panellists

Credit Suisse and the Roger Federer FoundationIn 2009, Credit Suisse started a long-term partnership agreement with Roger Federer. As part of this collaboration, Credit Suisse provides support for the Roger Federer Foundation (RFF), which promotes education projects for children mainly in southern Africa. Over a period of ten years the Roger Federer Foundation receives one million dollars every year. Thanks to this partnership with Credit Suisse, a 10-year initiative providing support in early childhood was launched in Malawi in 2011. Over 50,000 children between the ages of four and six will receive help in preparing for their transition to primary school education. The Foundation’s local partner is the NGO ActionAid Malawi. Credit Suisse provides regular updates on this new initiative in Malawi through the documentary series “Growing up in Malawi”: www.credit-suisse.com/rogerfedererfoundation

DUNLOP FORT TOURNAMENTBESTER BALL TESTSIEGER IM TENNISMAGAZIN

Stacey Allaster to headline New York Tennis Debate: 'Beyond the Baseline - What can tennis do to improve lives in Africa?'

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Shocking the world of tennis, Marion Bartoli announced her immediate retirement from the WTA pro tour following her defeat at the hands of 25th-ranked Simona Halep of Romania in the second round in Cincinnati.It has been just 32 days since the Frenchwoman lofted the Wimbledon trophy after her surprise win against Germany's Sabine Lisicki."Well, it's never easy, and obviously there is never a time to say it or whatever," Bartoli said, citing recurring pain as the reason for her decision."But that was actually the last match of my career. Sorry!“It's time for me to retire and to call it a career. I feel it's time for me to walk away, actually."Ranked No 7, Bartoli lost 3-6 6-4 6-1 to Halep in a match that ended with an errant forehand from the French player.After two hours and a call to her father, a red eyed Bartoli gave her shock announcement to assembled media at the Western & Southern Open in Mason, Ohio.At 28 years of age, Bartoli has been on tour for 13 years and latterly has been hampered by a variety of injuries, including an injured left foot, right ankle, right hamstring and Achilles tendon as well as endurIng shoulder, hip and lower back pain.

"I have pain everywhere after 45 minutes or an hour of play. I've been doing this for so long, and, yeah, it's just body-wise, I just can't do it anymore, "she said.

“I've been already through a lot of injuries since the beginning of the year. I've been on the tour for so long, and I really push through and leave it all during that Wimbledon."The demands of playing years on the circuit have taken a heavy toll and it Is apparently a price she is no longer willing pay.The decision to retire was made easier by the fact that Bartoli realised her lifetime goal of becoming a Grand Slam champion at Wimbledon, where she fulfilled the dream she had since she was six years old.She chased that dream through 47 majors, sacrificing everything she had to offer.

"It's hard to explain but when you dreamed about something for so long and you have been on the tour for many, many, many years and you have been through up and downs and high and lows," said Bartoli, struggling to regain her composure.

"I really felt I gave all the energy I have left inside my body. I made my dream a reality, and it will stay forever with me, but now my body just can't cope with everything."You know, everyone will remember my Wimbledon title," she said. "No one will remember the last match I played here.

“It's been a tough decision to take. I don't take this easily. I mean, I've been a tennis player for a long time and I had a chance to make my biggest dream a reality. I felt I really, really pushed through the ultimate limits to make it happen but now I just can't do it anymore."

The WTA has announced a global sponsorship agreement with SAP, a worldwide leader in enterprise application software.The partnership hopes to transform tennis by developing innovative solutions for fans, players and media in a multi-year global deal.Through the agreement, the WTA and SAP will collaborate to transform the sport - aiming to develop innovative solutions to further engage with fans, provide players with the tools to analyse performance and optimize strategy and better service the media.In addition, SAP is now an official sponsor of the prestigious WTA Championships."Through our cooperation with SAP, we aim to provide revolutionary analysis for our fans, players, coaches and media," WTA Chairman & CEO Stacey Allaster said."We are thrilled to be teaming with a global, innovative leader like SAP as international companies continue investing in women's tennis.""SAP has a longstanding commitment to the sport of tennis, and the WTA provides an excellent platform for SAP to demonstrate this on a global scale," SAP's Steve Peck said."Our technology is transforming sports and entertainment around the world and we look forward to working with the WTA to help players and coaches to perform at a higher level and engage fans like never before."The announcement of the SAP sponsorship expands on the WTA's continued business success off court with over $200 million in revenue generated for the organisation since 2011.The WTA's sponsorship portfolio continues to grow with six new sponsors in the past three years, including the signing of Xerox as a global partner in February of this year.In addition, Singapore was recently awarded the year-end WTA Championships for 2014 to 2018 in a record-setting partnership.

SAP helps companies and organizations run better, including in the sports world, of which individuals in organizations and tournaments, coaches, players and ultimately the fans get to experience their passion in new and exciting ways.The WTA provides a platform for SAP to demonstrate its commitment to the sport of tennis on a global scale and help the WTA become a best-run business.

SAP is planning to work with the WTA to develop solutions that truly enhance and grow the sport, focusing on on-court player performance in the first phase, with plans to broaden to fans and media.SAP is also the current mobile app provider at the Sony Open Tennis, has Ambassador relationships with former US Open champion Andy Roddick and current rising star Milos Raonic, and was the proud title sponsor of the SAP Open for the last nine years.

For more visit www.sap.com/sports

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Wimbledon Champion Marion Bartoli suddenly retires

WTA signs sponsor agreement with SAP

At a press conference in New York on Thursday, broadcast to international media across the internet, the USTA announced its plans for a sweeping transformation of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center that will include building a retractable roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium, and the construction of two new stadiums.

"In addition Louis Armstrong (Stadium) will have a roof as well.”

The Arthur Ashe Stadium roof, teflon-coated and translucent in appearance, will measure 200,000 square feet and organisers hope to have it installed "at the earliest for the 2016 US Open and most likely by the 2017 US Open".

The site transformation will be implemented in three phases to begin at the conclusion of the 2013 US Open, with the goal of overall completion by the 2018 US Open with completion of the retractable roof for Arthur Ashe Stadium scheduled for August 2017.

USTA solves Ashe Stadium retractable roof Problems

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The full cost for this strategic plan is currently estimated at $550 million, including the cost of the retractable roof, which is expected to cost in excess of $100 million.As it has done with improvements to the National Tennis Center in the past, the USTA will self-finance the entire cost of this transformation through a combination of bonds and USTA revenue generation but has no plans to load ticket prices.Since 1994, the USTA has invested more than $500 million in improvements to the site."We have been working toward a viable design for a roof on Arthur Ashe Stadium for more than a decade," continued Mr Haggerty."Through a long and arduous process, we feel that we now have a design that meets the criteria of being architecturally sound, aesthetically pleasing, reasonably affordable, and buildable."

In addition to the roof on Arthur Ashe Stadium, phase one of construction is scheduled to include the shifting of the existing practice courts and two tournament courts to the north.This will allow the construction of an expanded viewing area for the practice courts and the three new tournament courts.This enhanced fan experience will require the re-building of the current transportation facilities located adjacent to Arthur Ashe Stadium.The USTA has hired Hunt Construction Group to build the retractable roof structure, a company that has a long and impressive track record of sports facility construction in New York City, including construction of the Barclays Center and nearby Citifield.As designed, the retractable roof constructed of flexible, translucent PTFE fabric stretched over a steel frame, will be supported by eight steel columns surrounding Arthur Ashe Stadium.Phase two of the transformation will be anchored by the construction of a new 8,000-seat Grandstand Stadium in the southwest quadrant of the Tennis Center.Simultaneously, field courts 7 through 16 will be moved south so that a larger pedestrian and fan esplanade can be created, better connecting the new Grandstand with Court 17.This southern expansion also allows the USTA to further enhance the fan experience, with a new additional food court, new merchandise locations and sponsor exhibit booths, and other fan amenities across the southern expanse of the Tennis Center.

They said it couldn't be done but, for ten years, a team headed by Daniel Zausner, Chief Operating Officer of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, has been exploring and rejecting proposals because of prohibitive costs and challenging building conditions.Now, an innovative scheme for the retractable roof has been designed by the architects of Arthur Ashe Stadium, Rossetti, who have solved the logistical problems and halved the estimated cost."In order to have spectacular facilities we want to make sure we have the excitement and the energy that New York deserves and the world comes to see," Dave Haggerty, the USTA's Chairman of the Board and President, said at the news conference."Our strategic mission, when completed, will have a couple of new stadiums, a better fan experience, we will have wider walkways so that people can get around and, yes, as you have heard, there will be a roof on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The project's final phase will include the construction of a new 15,000-seat Louis Armstrong Stadium.The USTA expects final design work for Armstrong to be completed in the next 12 to 18 months and the targeted completion date of the stadium, which will be built "roof-ready," is August 2018.Also during the third and last phase, the USTA will complete a series of upgrades to the East Entrance, the most trafficked entry point to the US Open.

"We have an aggressive construction agenda for the entire National Tennis Center, with a new Grandstand Court built in time for the 2015 US Open, new retractable roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium by 2017, and a new Louis Armstrong Stadium opening for the 2018 US Open," said Gordon Smith, USTA Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer.As a direct result of these collective enhancements to the NTC, the facility will be able to accommodate an extra 10,000 people each day during the US Open, increasing attendance by approximately 100,000 new visitors, and amounting to a significant economic boost to Queens, New York City and the entire metropolitan region.The plans have been welcomed by the players, who have been frustrated by the havoc wrought by the weather that resulted in the men's final being held over to an extra Monday evening for five years in a row.

The five-year plan ensures the US Open site will remain a world-class venue hosting a world-class event and now, with a roof on Arthur Ashe Stadium, the fulfilment of a dream made possible by advances in technology, weather delays will become a thing of the past.

In 1978, when the US Open left Forest Hills for Flushing Meadows, the move took the US Open out of the country club and gave it to the country.The US Open has since become an event that belongs to the world-and, according to the USTA, in 2018, the world will be wowed after its next historic transformation.For more visit www.usopen.org

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Virgin Media scores the winner with BT Sport

As a result, subscribers can access BT Sport 1, BT Sport 2 and ESPN in glorious High Definition in addition to its Sky Sports channels offerings, with Sky Sports 1 and 2 in HD.BT Sport holds the on-going exclusive rights to 21 events on the WTA Tour, having taken these over recently from Eurosport.

According to Sportbusiness.com, the newly-launched UK pay-television broadcaster has agreed a three-year carriage deal with Virgin Media ahead of the start of its coverage of English Premier League football this weekend.The wholesale deal enables Virgin Media to offer BT Sport directly to its 3.8m television customers.

Dana Strong, Virgin Media's chief operating officer, said: "Virgin Media homes are kicking-off the new season with the most complete sporting line-up around in one simple subscription, from Barclays Premier League football and Aviva Premiership rugby to F1, live golf and the culmination of a great Ashes series.

“We're excited to announce our deal with BT, making these fantastic new channels available at no extra cost to millions of Virgin TV viewers and in HD as standard."BT Sport is available at no extra cost to sports fans in every Virgin XL TV home2, while other customers will be able to either upgrade to Virgin XL TV, with over 200 channels or, for £15 a month, add BT Sport - BT Sport 1, 2 and ESPN and all HD variants - to their existing TV package.

The new channels will also be made available on Virgin TV A ny w h e re , t h e a w a rd - w i n n i n g c l o u d - b a s e d entertainment service for mobiles, tablets and online.Virgin Media is the first provider of all four broadband, TV, mobile phone and home phone services in the UK.

The company's cable network - the result of multi-billion pound private investment - delivers ultrafast broadband to over half of all UK homes, with speeds of up to 120Mb, as well as market leading connectivity to thousands of public and private sector organisations across the country.

Virgin Media has developed the most advanced interactive television service, bringing together broadcast TV, thousands of hours of on demand programming and the best of the web in a single set-top box powered by TiVo.The company was the first to offer HD TV and 3D on demand to millions of British households and launched the world's first virtual mobile network in addition to being the largest fixed-line home phone providers in the country.

Virgin Media is a part of Liberty Global plc, the world's largest broadband communications group.Together, Virgin Media and Liberty Global serve 25 million customers across 14 countries, helping connect people to the digital world and enabling them to discover and experience its endless possibilities.For more visit www.virginmedia.com

Virgin TV has signed a landmark deal with BT Sport, making the cable company the only place for every major UK sports channel in one subscription, and at no extra cost for millions of Virgin Media sports fans.

This year’s US Open champions will receive a record $2.6 million in prize money. The sum represents a 37% increase on the amounts awarded to last year’s winners. The runner-up prize will increase from $950,000 to $1.3 million, while the prize money awarded to first round losers increases from $23,000 to $32,000. The USTA previously announced that the total prize money will increase to $50 million by 2017.

Serena Williams has been confirmed as the first player to qualify for the WTA Championships in Istanbul.

Former British #1 Anne Keothavong has announced her retirement from professional tennis and will now work as a tennis commentator for new British satellite channel BT Sport.

Maria Sharapova has ended her coaching relationship with Tomas Hogsted in order to work with former world #1 Jimmy Connors. The Russian also recently topped Forbes’ list of the highest-paid female athletes for a ninth consecutive year, ahead of Serena Williams, Li Na and Victoria Azarenka. Tennis players account for seven of the top nine places in the list.

Milos Raonic this week became the first Canadian ever to reach the singles Top Ten. The same rankings update also marked the first time that no American players appeared in the men’s Top 20.

2013 Men’s singles champion Andy Murray spent 18 hours on the Wimbledon show courts this year - 2 hours 10 minutes less than in 2012 when he was runner-up.Source: SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC.Wimbledon Census 2013.

Monica Seles will be inducted into the US Open Court of Champions at a ceremony before the women’s final on September 8th.

Martina Hingis will re-enter the WTA Tour doubles rankings Top 200 next week after winning at least one match in all three tournaments played so far in her comeback.The British Royal Mail has commemorated Andy Murray’s historic Wimbledon win with the issue of a special set of souvenir postage stamps.

20

The Brisbane International and China Open have been honoured with the ATP International GroupBest Fan Experience Award, as voted by ATP World Tour members. Brisbane’s ATP World Tour 250 tournament, which attracted more than 90,000 fans for a second straight year, also won the award in 2012, while the ATP 500-series China Open welcomed 116,000 spectators to its venue, which employs space-age air-cooling technology to benefit players and spectators, and features four showcourts.

British #1 Laura Robson has confirmed that she intends to work with Miles Maclagan until at least the end of the season.

Next month’s Davis Cup by BNP Paribas tie in Antwerp between Israel and Belgium will be played on Thursday, Friday and Sunday (12-15) in order to allow the Israeli team to observe Yom Kippur on the Saturday. Both semifinals will see European teams take on visitors during the same weekend. Serbia will host Canada in Belgrade while the Czech Republic will face Argentina in Prague.

PTR Tennis launches PTRtennis.tv - PTR has launched an online educational resource for their members. Many coaches and teachers cannot get away from work for continuing education, PTR Symposium and PTR Conferences. There are now 20 presentations available running around one hour each. The PTR will add new videos regularly to the site.

Two New York clubs are the first to offer “SmartCourt” computerized tennis analysis system. Using five cameras, SmartCourt offers real time video, court stats, bio-mechanical analysis and 3D tachtical game management. Visit Playsight.com.

US TIA Cardio Tennis made a European Tour this summer. Stops included Brussels, Belgium, Dublin, Ireland and London, England. 1.4 million people take part in Cardio Tennis in the USA and is offered in 30 countries around the world. Visit CardioTennis.com.

The US Open prize money has grown from $100,000 in 1968, to an estimated $50 million in 2017. The increase from 2012 to 2017 is 96%.

Novak Djokovic introduced his own line of clothing this summer at Wimbledon, through his Japanese sponsor Uniqlo.

In Interbrands Annual Rankings, Adidas came in first in clothing and 15th overall, with Nike in 2nd and 31st overall.

21

Apollo Leisure ran the 2013 stringing service for the Championships at Wimbledon for a 5th successive year. This year we were pleased to announce a partnership with Babolat UK and would be using the Sensor. The service commenced on Saturday 15th June for the Qualifying event at Roehampton and ran up to the finals day at the All England Club on Sunday 9th July. In total there were 16 stringers, 7 administration staff and 5 runners employed for the 3 weeks by Apollo Leisure. The machines were previously used at the 2013 French Open, so once serviced and boxed they were transported over the channel to the Apollo Leisure warehouse in Dorset. Everything ran smoothly and fortunately with no rain delays for the mens final at Roland Garros we were all ready for setting up on the Friday before Qualifying. Our first week of operation is quite challenging as we are working at 2 sites, restringing commences on Saturday 15th June for the Qualifying and Sunday 16th June for those already at the All England Club. Two of our stringers were able to use the same Sensor that they had been working on at Roland Garros and the players seemed to like the familiarity of the blue Sensor. Players will often query how tight a machine pulls and when you explained that they were last used at Roland Garros it seemed to make their choice easier.

Our checking in system was using Stringer software again and the process would involve scanning the players’ accreditation which would bring up their details. We have been working closely with the IT department all year at the All England Club and were pleased to be allowed to charge the main draw players directly from prize money. The Qualifying had to be on a cash/credit card basis which can be quite time consuming especially on the busier days. The busiest day at the Qualifying was the Sunday at 160, followed by Monday at 157. Tuesday (127) was a tough day for all involved with a large number of ‘on courts’ and last minute check-ins.

REPORT ON WIMBLEDON 2013

22

The Qualifying is completed on the Thursday (weather permitting) and by close of play we had passed the 600 mark. Our team so far had included Vaclav Smat, Jamie Pethick, Karen Goodman, Jose De-Meneses, Rob Maessen, Jim Warner and Geoff George.

On Friday 21st June we moved the 6 machines from Roehampton over to Wimbledon to make it 12 in total. With space a premium there is only room for this number of machines, ideally we would have room for a few more particularly for the Sunday to Tuesday period. The practice courts had been busy the whole week leading up to the main event and we booked in 130 on the Friday and 141 on the Saturday. As well as most of those mentioned before it was time to welcome more of our team: Richard Parnell, Gorka Alday, Petr Krejci, Misel Milovanovic, Paul Skipp, Petros Biris, Mark Maslowski, Dip Patel and our head stringer Roger Dalton. For the second year Roger Dalton spent the 1st week allocating rackets which worked well. A lot of the top players were allocated stringers but for those early days it’s dealing with a huge wave of rackets and making sure every racket gets strung correctly, consistently and on time.

Although nail biting at times, the system worked well and the stringers, admin staff and runners deserve a lot of credit. Since taking over the service in 2009 we have seen a steady rise in restring numbers, in 2009 we finished on 2316 rackets and last years total was 2928. The way this year was shaping up, we were all set to break records again until the Tuesday.

An early exit for Rafa, a no show for Venus Williams and a 4th round defeat for Serena definitely dented our total. By Sunday night we were pleased to announce the team had strung 2886 rackets, this was 1.43% down on 2012 but as a service we felt it went the best yet. We aim to make the service even better for 2014.

Andy PhillipsStringing Service Manager.

Restrung rackets for the:

Ladies Singles winnerMens Doubles winnersLadies Doubles winnersMixed Doubles winnersBoys Singles winnerGirls Singles winnerBoys Doubles winnersGirls Doubles winners

Top 10 Restrings from the 2013 Championships:

Serena WilliamsMike BryanBob BryanKei NishikoriLukasz KubotIvan DodigNa LiJurgen MelzerMarion BartoliSabine Lisicki

Wilson Blade TeamPrince RebelPrince RebelWilson SteamHead SpeedHead Radical ProBabolat Pure DriveDunlop Bio F3.0 TourPrince WarriorYonex V.Core Tour 97

Wilson Natural/Luxilon 4GPrince Natural/Prince BeastPrince Natural/Prince BeastWilson Natural/Luxilon 4GLuxilon Alu PowerLuxilon 4GBabolat Pro Hurricane/Babolat XcelIsospeedBabolat RPM Blast/Babolat VS TeamYonex Poly Tour Spin/Prince Natural

65/64lbs45/42lbs45/41lbs55/55lbs22/22kg28/28kg67/65lbs25/25kg25/24.5kg23/22kg

41353532323026242424

Most used string:

1. Luxilon Alu Power2. Babolat RPM Blast3. Wilson Natural4. Luxilon Original5. Babolat VS Touch6. Luxilon Alu Power Rough7. Babolat VS Team8. Luxilon 4G9. Babolat Pro Hurricane Tour10. Babolat Pro Hurricane

Most strung rackets:

1. Babolat Pure Drive2. Babolat Aeropro Drive3. Wilson Six One 954. Wilson Blade5. Head Prestige6. Wilson Steam7. Wilson Juice8. Prince Tour9. Head Speed

PLAYER RACKET STRING TENSION M’s/X’s

TOTALSTRUNG

16 stringers used from qualifying to finals day

7 admin staff

5 runners

2886 rackets strung – 1.43% (42) down on 2012

Busiest day at Qualifying was Sunday 16th June – 167 rackets

Busiest day at Wimbledon was the first Monday – 369 rackets

Most rackets strung were for Serena Williams – 41

Highest tension – Patricia Mayr-Achleitner 31/31kg in Isospeed Black Fire

Lowest tension – Jack Sock 16.5/16.5kg in Luxilon Alu Power Rough

23

24

SAVE YOUR BACK

One of the most important things when stringing at a tournament or all day in your shop is to have the machine height correct so you do not have to bend your back for long periods. Last week I had to string from 7am in the morning until 11pm at night basically without stopping.

The machine was a little low but the stand was blocked so we could not raise it. After 16 hours a stringing my back muscles cramped up. The next day the machine importeur was there and got it adjusted slightly. After that I did not have any more problems. If you still have problems, maybe a machine with a tilt could help, like the Wilson or Yonex machines.

At least a month before you run a stringing service, you should have made a checklist with all the necessary items you could possibly need. This will leave you time to order any items you are out of. I have strung at many tournaments where someone else was in charge and a couple of days before the tournament starts, they realize they have no racket bags or no stencil ink in one or more colors. Nothing looks worse at a tournament with the top players in the world and you have to explain why you cannot stencil their rackets or cannot give them a bag. Here are some things not to forget; Racket bags, elastic bands, stencils, stencil ink, tape, some popular grips and strings, stringing tools, stapler, wax, tubing, grommets, leather pads, lead tape, scale or tuning center, ERT 300, Calibrator, label machine, Stringer Software, stringing machines and a back-up machine and the correct tools to repair the machines.

If you string a lot make sure you have a stand you can adjust to the correct height. See Photos 1 & 2

1

2

MAKE A CHECKLIST FOR TOURNAMENTS

26

Janowicz

Paire

Kudla

Harrison

Tomic

Berankis

Ito

Mayer

Dolgopolov

Del Potro

Chardy

Smyczek

Kamke

Nishikori

Dodig

Almagro

Fognini

Zemlja

Anderson

Murray

Granollers

Stakhovsky

Lacko

Odesnik

Djokovic

Jerzy

Benoit

Denis

Ryan

Bernard

Ricardas

Tatsuma

Leonardo

Alexandr

Juan Martin

Jeremy

Tim

Tobias

Kei

Ivan

Nicolas

Fabio

Grega

Kevin

Andy

Marcel

Sergiy

Lukas

Wayne

Novak

Babolat

Babolat

Tecnifibre

Babolat

Yonex

Yonex

Wilson

Wilson

Wilson

Wilson

Head

Dunlop

Head

Wilson

Head

Dunlop

Babolat

Babolat

Head

Head

Prince

Head

Wilson

Babolat

Head

Aero Storm

Aeropro Drive

T.Fight

Pure Storm Tour

VCore Tour 97

Ezone xi

Juice

Steam

Six.One 95

Six.One 95

Radical

Biomimetic

Prestige

Steam

Radical Pro

Biomimetic

Pure Drive

Pure Drive

Prestige

Radical Pro

Tour

Prestige

Blade

Aeropro Drive

Speed Pro

Babolat

Luxilon

Tecnifibre

Babolat

Babolat/Signum Pro

Yonex

Luxilon/Wilson

Luxilon

Luxilon/Wilson

Luxilon

Luxilon

Luxilon

Luxilon

Wilson/Luxilon

Luxilon

Luxilon

Babolat

Babolat

Luxilon

Luxilon/Babolat

Luxilon

Signum Pro

Luxilon/Wilson

Babolat/Luxilon

Babolat/Luxilon

Pro Hurricane

Alu Power

Razor Code

ProHurricaneTour/VS

VS Team/Tornado

Poly Tour Spin

Alu Power/Natural

TiMo

4G/Natural

Alu Power

Alu Power

Alu Power

Alu Power

Natural/4G

4G

4G

RPM Blast

Pro Hurricane/VS

Alu Power Rough

Alu Power/VS

Original

Natural/Firestorm

Original/Natural

VS /AluRough

VS /Alu Power

21/20 Kg

23 Kg

47 Lbs

56/60 Lbs

53/52 Lbs

23 Kg

60/57 Lbs

56 Lbs

28 Kg

58 Lbs

24 Kg

41 Lbs

26/25 Kg

54 Lbs

27.5 Kg

26/25 Kg

27/25 Kg

24/25 Kg

49 Lbs

57 Lbs

24/23 Kg

26/25 Kg

26.5/25.5 Kg

24/23 Kg

27/26 Kg

16

14

13

10

23

5

7

7

17

16

6

7

9

32

32

8

4

8

8

1

6

10

7

20

3

Last Name First Name Racket Model String Model Tension Total

27

Wimbledon Stringing Logs 2013

26

Robson

Bouchard

Barty

Gibbs

Stephans

Jovanovski

Vandeweghe

Giorgi

Halep

Riske

Pavlyuchenkova

Barthel

Morita

Cirstea

Radwanska

Cornet

Goerges

Azarenka

Lisicki

King

Ivanovic

Errani

Peer

Peng

Bartoli

Laura

Eugenie

Ashleigh

Nicole

Sloane

Bojana

Coco

Camilla

Simone

Allison

Anastasia

Mona

Ayumi

Sorana

Agnieszka

Alize

Julia

Victoria

Sabine

Vania

Ana

Sara

Shahar

Shuai

Marion

Wilson

Babolat

Head

Wilson

Head

Head

Yonex

Babolat

Wilson

Wilson

Babolat

Prince

Yonex

Wilson

Babolat

Babolat

Babolat

Wilson

Yonex

Babolat

Yonex

Babolat

Prince

Head

Prince

Blade

AeroProDrive

Speed

Juice

Radical Pro

Instinct

E-Zone 100

Pure Storm

Steam

Steam

Pure Drive

EXO 3 Red

Ezone Xi

Steam

Pure Drive

Pure Storm

Pure Drive

Juice

VCore Tour 97

AeroProDrive

Ezone xi

Pure Drive

Warrior

Extreme

Warrior

Wilson/Luxilon

Babolat

Luxilon

Tecnifibre

Luxilon

Luxilon

Luxilon

Babolat/Luxilon

Luxilon

Luxilon/Wilson

Babolat

Prince

Babolat/Yonex

Luxilon

Babolat

Babolat

Babolat

Luxilon

Yonex

Babolat

Yonex/Solinco

Luxilon

Prince

GOSEN

Babolat

Natural/Timo

RPM Blast

Alu Power

Red Code

Alu Power

Alu Power

Alu Power

VS/4G

Alu Power

4G/NXT

VS/RPM Team

Poly EXP

VS/PolyTourPro

Alu Rough

RPM Blast/VS

RPM Dual

RPM Blast

Alu Power

PolyTourSpin/Natural

ProHurricaneTour

Natural/TourBite

Alu Power

Beast XP/Natural

Polybreak

RPM Blast / VS

25 k

48 lbs.

43 lbs.

53 lbs.

53 lbs.

21 k

59 lbs.

55 lbs.

24 k

50/54 lbs.

25 k

25 k

53 lbs.

30 k

22 k

23 k

23 k

62/61

22 k

50 lbs.

23 k

19 k

56/58 lbs.

59/57 lbs.

24 k

9

3

6

3

21

3

4

11

5

9

9

4

9

9

15

4

9

9

24

14

3

7

6

6

23

Last Name First Name Racket Model String Model Tension Total

Jamie Pethick, ERSA UK Manager joined Mark Maslowski, ERSA Director and Antonin Hanigan stringing at the Rogers Cup in Montreal. The ATP 1000 Tournament had all the top players there except Roger Federer. Rafael Nadal, trying to fight his way back to the top of the rankings, won the tournament beating Novak Djokavic in the semis and Milos Raonic in the final. This being the first time a Canadian made it to the finals of a ATP 1000 tournament. Also a first, Raonic played another Canadian in the semis, Vasec Pospisil.

We strung 600 rackets for the week, along with stringing for some juniors at the national training center and some spectators. Jamie strung the most rackets with around 230. Babolat provided Star 5 stringing machines and shirts for the stringing team. It was very tight for four days with no breakfast and no lunch! The last time in Montreal 4 years ago we had front desk help and more stringers.

28

Workshops are starting up next month after a break in the summer season. Please contact one of our testers close to you:

Germany, Austria, Switzerland – Mark Maslowski, mmaslo3330@aol.com

UK – Jamie Pethick - jamie@ersa-stringers.com, Roger Dalton - r.dalton@tiscali.co.uk,

Benelux – Timo van Driel - ersaholland@gmail.com, Rob Maessen - rob.ersastringers@gmail.com

Spain & Portugal – Richard Parnell - richardparnell96@gmail.com

Italy – Marco Rossani - marco.rossani@ersa-stringers.it

Greece – George Pahiakos – manager - george@thetennisshop.eu

Petros Biris – Tester - petrosbiris@racketspecialist.gr,

Czech Republic & Slovakia – Vaclav Smat - tenisservis@volny.cz,

Asia/Australia – Sam Chan - samchan8838@yahoo.com.au,

Australia – Anthony Aley - anthony@matchpoint.net.au,

For Ukraine, Russia, France, Central and South America please contact the Head ERSA office at this time.

ERSA Ukraine will be launched this winter and all the materials are being translated into Russian at this time. Please contact the ERSA office if you are interested in participating in the Workshop and Certification Testing to take place in Kiev, Ukraine this winter.