Players Will Be Able To Challenge On-Court Calls;
TV Watchers Will Also Be Able To See Live Results
SAN DIEGO, CA, June 8, 2006 – The Acura Classic today announced that it will employ live Hawk-Eye “Instant Replay” Line Calling Video Technology at this year’s tournament, to be held July 29 - August 6 at the La Costa Resort & Spa. Today’s announcement by the Acura Classic corresponds to an announcement by the USTA stating that Hawk-Eye Line Calling Technology will be used in all ten US Open Series tournaments this year, which includes the Acura Classic. The use of Hawk-Eye electronic line calling technology will include the player challenge protocol that was a proven success when it debuted at the Nasdaq-100 Open in Miami in March.
At the Acura Classic, once a player challenges a line call, an official Hawk-Eye replay will be provided simultaneously to on-court officials as well as the television broadcast, giving players, officials, and TV viewers the opportunity to see the live results of a player challenge. In Miami, players challenged 161 calls in the 59 matches played on stadium court. Of the 161 challenges, 53 calls were reversed as a result of a player challenge. The system received positive reviews from players, fans and TV viewers.
The Acura Classic is the only summer hard court tournament in the U.S. other than the US Open to have used Hawk-Eye technology in the past. It was featured during the tournament’s 2004 telecast on ESPN. Noted Promotion Sports’ Raquel Giscafré: “We think this year’s set-up will add a new dimension to the tournament. It will be very exciting for our TV audience and will provide players with the peace of mind that comes with being able to settle questionable calls.”
"We look forward to presenting the accuracy and drama of the player challenge system in our extensive US Open Series coverage this summer," said Len DeLuca, senior vice president, programming and acquisitions, ESPN and ABC Sports. "Making the US Open Series even more popular is about connecting the fan to the game on ESPN2 -- electronic line calling is another step".
The implementation of the Hawk-Eye line calling technology at all US Open Series tournaments is the result of a collaborative effort between the USTA, ATP, Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, the Tournaments and US Open Series broadcasters.
"Following the great fan feedback at the NASDAQ-100 Open in Miami, expanding the use of electronic line calling to Sony Ericsson WTA Tour and ATP events participating in the US Open Series is great news for fans, players and tournaments,” said Larry Scott, CEO of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.
As with all ten US Open Series tournaments, the on-court player challenge system at La Costa will be as follows:
- Each player will receive two challenges per set to review line calls.
- If the player is correct with a challenge, then the player retains the same number of challenges.
- If the player is incorrect with a challenge, then one of his/her challenges is lost.
- During a tie-break game in any set, each player will receive one additional challenge.
- Challenges may not be carried over from one set to another.
As previously announced, instant replay technology will make its Grand Slam debut at the 2006 US Open where it will be used in both Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong Stadiums.
For more information and to purchase tickets for the Acura Classic, fans can call the Tournament Box Office at 760-438-5683, or visit www.acuraclassic.com.