International Rules Committee (IRC) Interpretations.

Introduction:

ISAF Regulation 26.11 provides that an International Class may issue written rule interpretations following a procedure specified in the class rules and/or constitution to clarify class rules, but such interpretive changes shall not be used to change an existing rule. The 505 Class constitution contains the following Rule 9.3.2: The IRC shall from time to time consider the Class Measurement Rules, advise upon their revision and decide disputes referred to it. It may give directions up on the interpretation of the Measurement Rules, to prevent abuses, and such directions shall form part of the Measurement Rules until the International Association decides otherwise, or the Rules are amended. At the AGM in 2002 it was agreed that all current and future IRC interpretations would be posted on the class web site.
Rules 5.6.2 and 5.6.3 - Thwart Measurement
1 The maximum width under 5.6.2 must be measured at the widest point of the thwart in a fore and aft direction. However, it excludes any flange used purely for bonding the thwart to either the floor of the boat or the side tank, providing the such flanges are do not exceed 50mm in width and are not otherwise of exaggerated thickness or design. See diagram. The additional thwarts allowed under 5.6.3 must be separate structures, i.e. they cannot form part of, or be connected directly to, the thwart required by 5.6.2.
Diagram: - Fore and Aft Cross Section through a thwart bonded to floor of boat

Flange

153 mm max
Effective Date December 31 2002
Rule 5.2.3 - Bumpkin designed to support backstay
A boat carrying the projections shown below was presented for measurement at the 2002 World Championship
The IRC ruled that this was not permitted. Whilst there is nothing to prevent a back stay under the class rules, any supporting structure for it must be included in the overall length of the boat. Rule 5.2.3 defines Station 11 as.the plane at right angles to the base line shown in the measurement diagram and passing through the aftermost point of the hull, excluding rudder fittings. The after measurement point of the hull is the point on the centreline of the boat where the outer surface of the keel band would, if projected, intersect Station 11, neglecting any actual rounding of the keel band. Other measurement stations are planes parallel to Station 11 at the specified distance from it. The tubes in this supporting structure are not rudder fittings, are thus are not excluded by the above rule. Station 11 is therefore at the aft end of the tubes and the after measurement point a projection of the keel band to that point. All measurements taken from the after measurement point on the hull would therefore be incorrect, including the overall maximum length of the hull. It was also felt undesirable to permit this innovation on safety grounds as, although flexible, the tubes, and/or the attached backstay, would also be more likely to cause damage in the result of a collision, or themselves be damaged. Effective Date: 2 December 2002.
Rule B 5.8.3 Corrector weights
It is permissible for the corrector weights (metal ballast) to be bonded to the boat, providing that they still comply with the rules on position and that the identification mark and the weight are permanently stamped or carved on a visible surface. Effective Date: 30 June 2002

Rule 11.1 - Miniature GPS Devices
There are now available devices such as the Suunto M9 wrist-top computer, which combine a watch with an electronic compass and a GPS device. Class Measurement Rule 11.1 provides that devices which indicate remotely or transmit or correlate data about wind direction, wind speed, boat speed or location shall be prohibited. The IRC considers that these devices are therefore disallowed, whether attached to the boat, or worn or carried by the crew. However. an electronic compass that only indicates boat direction, or changes in boat direction, is not prohibited. Effective Date: 30 June 2003
Rule 5 and Instruction to Measurers 8.2 Transom Template
It was discovered that there had been different interpretations between Class Measurers of how the transom template should be applied. Both interpretations were put to ISAF, who confirmed that the template is to be applied in the manner used by the Chief Measurer. When the transom template is applied to the boat's transom with the hull is upside down, the template should be wholly below the profile of the boats transom, with the top of the 3.75mm tabs aligned with the surface of the hull. Effective Date: 22 July 2003
Rule 6.2 - Centreboard and Centreboard Case
This Rule is to be applied with all equipment, including spars, in its normal sailing position. The centreboard must be capable of being fully retracted into the centreboard case at all times whilst sailing. Effective Date: 1 March 2004

In spite of the uncertain market situation, the Amer Group still has its sights set on matching last years record result. TEXT: PEKKA RINNE, PHOTO: LEENA FILPUS
perating profit for the first three quarters was EUR 81.6 million, 6 per cent up on the same period last year. Net sales and operating profit were in line with expectations. Operating profit included a gain of USD 8 million due to the settlement of certain patent infringement lawsuits in the US. The result before extraordinary items and taxes rose 15 per cent to EUR 73.8 million. Senior Vice President & CFO Pekka Paalanne thinks that Amer still has a good chance of matching last years record result in spite of the uncertain market situation. The degree of uncertainty has increased somewhat, but this is counterbalanced by Amers global presence and its diverse portfolio of sporting goods. Right now it is difficult to predict consumer behaviour. The situation in different market areas and in different sports is rather variable. Amers net debt fell in the third quarter by EUR 40.9 million and the equity ratio rose to 49.9 per cent. Of the business areas, Suunto achieved the biggest improvement in operating profit, which rose 27 per cent. The Groups cash flow from business operations was good and the balance sheet strengthened. Full control of the supply chain is essential in Amers business, and its importance is only underlined in times of growing economic uncertainty, stresses Pekka Paalanne.
Operating profit of the Racquet Sports Division down slightly
The operating profit of the Racquet Sports Di-

Amer 2001

EUR million Unaudited CONSOLIDATED RESULTS NET SALES Depreciation OPERATING PROFIT Net financing expenses PROFIT BEFORE TAXES Taxes PROFIT Earnings per share, EUR Adjusted average number of shares in issue, EUR million Equity per share, EUR ROCE, % *) ROE, % Average number of personnel 19/2001 19/2000 Change
Greatest challenges in the golf ball market
Of all the products in Amers portfolio, only in golf balls are there problems. These stem from the weakened market situation and increased competition, especially in the United States. Wilson lost market share in golf balls but preserved its position in the golf club market. The golf market declined in the first half of the year in the United States, Great Britain and Japan, but the situation began to normalise during the summer. The number of rounds played in the United States this year up to the end of

855.3 25.6 81.6 -7.8 73.8 -16.9 56.9 2.40 23.7 18.49 16.8 17.3 4039
818.0 27.4 76.7 -12.8 63.9 -9.6 54.3 2.23 24.3 17.25 16.6 17.9 4411
*) 12-months moving average The relative proportion of the estimated tax charge for the full financial year has been charged against the result for the period. In the financial ratios shareholders equity and the number of shares exclude own shares.

4 Amer Sports

vision fell slightly due to lower sales of high price point racquets. Furthermore, it has taken longer than expected to get tennis ball production in the Far East up to full speed. Tennis ball capacity will be raised by the end of the year and we believe that the planned volume will be achieved in 2002, states Paalanne. Wilson maintained its position as the No. 1 tennis brand. The new Triad tennis racquets were launched in June and started to ship in July. Triad sales to the trade and on to consumers have been strong. Wilson's racquets are now divided into three classes: racquets such as the Triad that are designed to be comfortable to use, light and headweighted Hammer racquets, and Pro Staff tournament racquets. Wilson is aiming to rejuvenate its tennis image. The new Double Core tennis balls have been shipping in the US since August and have been
selling as expected. Shipments started in Europe in November and will start in Japan in January 2002. Double Core is the Official Ball of the Davis Cup. The full-year operating profit of the Racquet Sports Division will be somewhat lower than last year.
Team Sports Division still improving
The US basketball and American football markets were flat compared to last year, while demand for baseballs and apparel declined. Despite this, Wilsons Team Sports Division improved its operating profit and market shares rose in all product groups. Full-year operating profit is also expected to rise.
Record-breaking September for Atomic
Atomic brought forward its deliveries, pushing
Pekka Paalanne: Full control of the supply chain is essential in Amers business, and its importance is only underlined in times of growing economic uncertainty.
up September shipments to a record-breaking EUR 57 million. For tactical reasons Atomic wanted to get its products to the trade before its competitors a case of the early bird catching the worm. Net sales were 21 per cent up on the same period last year and operating profit rose 16 per cent. The Altenmarkt logistics centre was crucial to the success of the September shipments. Without the new logistics centre at Altenmarkt we could never have coped with Septembers record-breaking shipments. Thanks to the new centre, delivery reliability has improved significantly and cost effectiveness has risen, says Pekka Paalanne. Alpine ski sales rose by 6% in volume and 14% in value, reflecting the continuing trend towards high performance products. Atomics full-year sales will rise 10 per cent and operating profit is expected to reach last years level despite increased investments in product development and marketing. The market share of the Atomic alpine ski brand has risen and Atomic is already close to market leadership. Atomic is the most profitable company in its industry. Ski boot sales almost doubled and binding sales increased by 24%.

Improved operating profit for Suunto
Suunto improved its operating profit by 27 per cent despite the fact that the company continued to invest heavily in research and product development. The biggest growth was seen in sales of wristop computers (37%) and diving instruments (29%). Paalanne says that sales of the Observer wristop computer, which came onto the market in the second quarter, are very promising. Global instability and the general economic situation are likely to dampen sales of diving instruments, but the outlook for Suuntos other products is stable. Full-year operating profit is expected to be higher than last year.

Operating profit

EUR million
Wilson Winter Sports Outdoor and sports instruments Amer Tobacco Headquarters Group goodwill Sold operations Total

19/ 2001 19/

51.6 20.2 6.2 6.9 -2.9 -7.1 1.8 76.7

Change

-10% 16% 27% 9%
46.4 23.4 7.9 7.5 2.7 -7.0 0.7 81.6

Amer Tobacco improves

Amer Tobacco increased it operating profit by 9 per cent and further strengthened its market position. Full-year net sales are expected to be higher than last year, but the growth rate will level off towards the end of the year. Full-year operating profit is also expected to improve.

Amer Sports 5

TEXT: KIRSI CROWLEY PHOTOS: CARLO BORLENGHI

The worst is yet to come

Amer Sportss boats will encounter icebergs and twenty-meter waves as they head south on the 6550 mile leg from Cape Town to Sydney. The Southern Ocean is undoubtedly the most demanding leg of the Volvo Ocean Race. Amer Sports One arrived in Cape Town second and Amer Sports Too eighth. But that could all change on the voyage.
e sail the great circle course from here to Australia. The great circle is a straight line on the globe. It goes down to a latitude of 49.5 degrees past Kergeulen Island, which lies about half way between Cape Town and the south-eastern tip of Australia. Whether we go north or south of that island depends on the weather. But the leg is tricky because of high pressure close to Australia. You can be miles behind and still catch up if the boats ahead hit a high, says Grant Dalton, the experienced skipper of Amer Sports One. Weather-wise it is probably the worst leg of the race. There is a patch between Kergeulen Island and the bottom of Australia where the average wind speed is 37 knots. Sometimes it is lighter, but normally it blows like hell, says Dalton.

6 Amer Sports

Skipper of Amer Sports Too Lisa McDonald: In sailing you get immediate feedback on your performance. You know when you have done something well and when you havent. Skipper of Amer Sports One GRANT DALTON: We have only broken 50 per cent of the stuff so far, so there are still a lot more faults that we havent spotted yet.
In Cape Town there is no time to rest. Lisa McDonalds crew tries to prepare the boat for the rough weather it will face. She says that you have to be sensible when sailing the Southern Ocean. Our strategy is top secret, laughs McDonald, who believes that previous experience of the Southern Ocean will stand them in good stead. Team spirit is an important element of their strategy. In sailing you get immediate feedback on your performance. You know when you have done something well and when you havent. And doing things well, perfecting manoeuvres and sail changes, and generally getting the best out of the boat is what drives everyone in the competition.
Worlds most expensive spoons
Carrying enough but not too much food on board is a delicate balancing act. On the first leg Lisa McDonalds crew managed the longer-than-expected journey time with the meals they did not eat in the Bay of Biscay. Grant Daltons crew has not had much of an appetite since leaving Cape Town. On the first leg it was difficult to eat, because four spoons
were accidentally thrown overboard with the dish water. We only have spoons because the food is liquid. We had to eat with something after loosing the spoons. The only thing we could think of that wouldnt affect the performance of the boat was to remove the lenses from spare sunglasses and make spoons out of them. So that is what we did. They were the worlds most expensive spoons, chuckles Dalton. While still in Cape Town, Dalton admitted that the crew had not yet recovered from the first leg of the race. The crews have only one leg of nine behind them, but theyve already sailed a quarter of the total distance. Battling their way to Sydney, the crews will have to make do with eating pasta, freeze-dried meat and potatoes and popping magnesium and mineral pills. In this race you never quite recover the fitness level you had at the start. Studies show that the deterioration over a race of this length is comparable to that of a critically ill hospital patient. We have recovered as best we can.

No holding back

Grant Dalton is philosophical about how Illbruck, the first boat into Cape Town, weath-
ered the storm of protest against it. I was a little surprised at the outcome of the protest. I expected us to be in first place. But whats done is done. Theres no appeals procedure. Theres no point dwelling on it; we have to move on. Whether I agree or disagree with the decision doesnt make any difference anyway, says Dalton. Leaving Cape Town, Dalton and his crew will head south into the cold and inhospitable waters of the Southern Ocean. What will be their approach? We will take it like every other leg, we will race it. You are prudent only if the boat is in danger, but you have to race it hard all the time. If you dont, because you try to be seaman-like or safety conscious or whatever, you get beaten. You have to go as hard as you can. There is nothing pleasant about what we will be doing for the next 3 weeks. It is scary, wet and very cold. You get no sleep and the food is horrible. Its all about passion, the passion of winning. As long as that passion remains, Ill keep doing it until Im no longer doing it well; then, the question of continuing will already have been decided.

Amer Sports 7

IN SOUTH AFRICA
Golf for All bringing new players to the game
ket share in golf club sales is 1518 per cent and in golf ball sales about 8 per cent. Growth in recent years has been robust: Wilsons sales have more than doubled in three years. The challenge is tennis. Gordon Hope sells equipment to two large retail outlets, which together account for 70 per cent of the countrys tennis racquet sales. The rest of his sales are made through local wholesalers. The declining popularity of tennis has been noted in the stores. The popularity of tennis in South Africa has fallen by a half over the past five years. Tennis is not as fashionable as it once was, and it has become more and more expensive with the decline of the rand. Golf accounts for almost 70 per cent of Wilsons South African market. Wilson promotes its sales and sports by sponsoring teachers and juniors. Its market share in tennis racquet sales is 3540 per cent. Hope does not sell Suuntos products, but he does support the marketing and sales of its wristop computers. It is still early days for Suunto in the South African market, but the trend is certainly upward.

8 Amer Sports

TEXT: MARKKU RIMPILINEN PHOTO: JUSSI HYTTINEN
hen Max Alfthan (40) became the managing director of Lowe Lintas & Partners advertising agency in 1998, there were just eight people working for the firm. Three years later their number had tripled and the number of clients had grown at the same rate. Alfthan would certainly still be running Lowe Lintas & Partners today, had he not been offered an even more interesting opportunity. As Vice President, Communications of the Amer Group, he will be at the very heart of an international sporting goods business. This is certainly a very interesting and challenging assignment. Strong, well-known brands, a global playing field, and the icing on the cake is that I actually participate in the sports too. When this opportunity came along, I got the feeling that my previous jobs had been nothing more than preparation for the task that I have now taken on. The companys goals are clear. My job is to contribute towards the achievement of those goals, says Alfthan.

Basic policies unchanged

Alfthan does not believe that Amer Sports basic communications policies will be changed. The company will continue to interface with consumers through Atomic, Wilson and Suunto, but the sporting goods trade and stakeholder groups will be made aware that Amer Sports is in the background. Our task is to raise the profile of Amer Sports, and the tools for that job are the companys strong and internationally known brands. Alfthan must first get fully acquainted with all the businesses of Amer Sports, and that, amongst other things, means a lot of travelling. Theres an awful lot of substance to our companies, and I shall have to learn about it all so that I can make use of it. Its our job to tell the story of Amer Sports and its companies to those who need to hear it. The individual brand identities will remain unchanged. There are no plans at all to somehow unify the brands. Areas in which the brands are linked will remain in the background: product development and distribution, for example. Alfthan is not inexperienced as far as work-
Brands are the tools for the job
ing with brands in concerned; in fact, quite the reverse is true. Looking back at my time in advertising, it was perhaps all for the best that I spent the mornings thinking about cars and the afternoons pondering the mobile phone business.
Max Alfthan, Vice President, Communications, is raising the international profile of Amer Sports. The Wilson, Atomic and Suunto brands are a great help in this work.

Max Alfthan, the new Vice President, Communications of the Amer Group, is no stranger to the world of brands and international marketing.
must be able to serve both channels in the best possible way. Naturally, this demands knowledge of the customers business and great expertise in the sports concerned. Stores will not accept products unless they satisfy the needs of customers and consumers. The importance of product development is growing and taking on new dimensions. Products used to be developed through the application of new materials, but that is no longer enough. Alfthan believes that the strong presence of Amer Sports products in professional sport will continue. The worlds best skier cannot afford to use the worlds third best skis. Maintaining a high profile in top-class professional sport is essential when marketing sporting goods. Its benefits are realised quickly in both product development results and consumer demand.

More international

Alfthan sees Amer Sports communications becoming more international. National differences are being eroded. The same campaigns, messages and ultimately product sales will cover the whole world." Alfthan says that the distribution channel is splitting in two. Manufacturing is being concentrated, and so too is distribution. The distribution chains are growing longer, but expert distribution is growing stronger side by side with large units. We

Amer Sports 9

TEXT: JUSSI-PEKKA AUKIA, PHOTOS: RIKU ISOHELLA AND SUUNTO

Replacing Luck

everybody wants to improve
Suuntos new Replacing Luck concept was publicly unveiled in Southampton, England in connection with the start of the Volvo Ocean Race in September.
but also remove the element of luck and chance. The Replacing Luck philosophy was conceived by looking at the world of diving. Divers hold Suunto in high regard as a mature manufacturer with an in-depth knowledge of the sport. Together we looked at what we had done right and how this could be transferred to other sports. In the future this philosophy will also influence product development work.

Indispensable products

Suuntos business has always been about measurement. Mechanical compasses were followed in the 1970s by mechanical pressure gauges and in the 1980s by electronic instruments. A simulation model of human tissue was developed in the mid-1980s and with it came the first dive computer, says Bjrkstn. The software and user interface will become increasingly important in the future. The advanced measuring methods, processing capabilities and algorithms of Suuntos wristop computers give users a perspective

One message

In Suuntos strategic communications the same "Replacing Luck" message will cover every sport in which Suunto offers products.

10 Amer Sports

on their performance that they cannot get from anywhere else. Bjrkstn want Suuntos products to be indispensable. When, for example, we want to know the time, then we look around for a clock. The question of who manufactured the clock is irrelevant as far as that particular need is concerned. The same is true of wristop computers; they must offer much more than basic functionality they must be indispensable! Our products can compete with mass produced alternatives from the Far East only on the basis of quality, usability, and the added value that they provide in terms of enhanced sporting performance.
The product will sell itself
Suuntos Replacing Luck philosophy has not been introduced with the fanfare of a major campaign. Instead it has merely been incorporated into the companys internal communications and point-of-purchase information. Ultimately the customer will understand Suuntos philosophy through its products. The various functions and capabilities of complex devices are seldom fully realised at the time they are purchased; it is not until later that their full potential is understood and appreciated. The Volvo Ocean Race provides Suunto with a good vehicle to take its new philosophy to the shores of different continents. The Suunto brand is already known in certain circles everywhere, but the VOR represents an unique showcase for us. The wide appeal of the VOR is also encouraging local partners to invest in raising the profile of the Suunto brand.

NEW FOAM SKIN LINER

s A foam skin liner is now available for Atomics top-of-the-line ski boot, the Beta Race 11.50. The polyurethane foam liner gives a precise fit for optimal performance without compromises. Other models have gel pads and a thermo-formable liner.

RECCO RESCUE SYSTEM

s Atomics Beta Ride 10.50 ski boot features the new Recco Rescue System. If a skier is buried by an avalanche, the system reflects back a signal transmitted by the rescue team, allowing the hidden skier to be located very precisely There are over 600 ski centres in the world and their rescue teams have the capability to utilise the electronic recovery system.

NEW BINDING

s Atomics new alpine ski binding is called the Device. It is the lightest fullflex binding system on the market, offering easy adjustability and effortless attachment to the ski without the need to drill holes.

Amer Sports 13

TENNIS
Belgian tennis star Justine Henin has had an unbelievable year. In January she was 45th in the WTA rankings; now at the end of the season she is seventh. TEXT: ARJA VARTIA

Henins

tavaux Vincent, who became Justine Henins manager 18 months ago, is not surprised by her astonishing improvement this season. I have been following Justins progress since she was 14 years old and I know that she has the ability to go all the way. Over the next couple of seasons she has every chance of topping the world rankings. She has a gift for tennis and she has good partners. Justine Henin found the key to success 18 months ago when, following a string of injuries, she hired Vincent as her personal manager. The team also includes coach Rodriques, a physiotherapist and a psychologist. The most important person on tour is Justines fianc, who is studying to become a tennis coach but does not coach Justine. The couple plan to marry next summer and their future plans include setting up a tennis academy when Justines playing career is over. Henin herself sees the strengths of her game as her speed, strong backhand and the ability to vary her game depending on the opponent and the circumstances. Most important of all, however, is the will to win. And that, she says, is what really makes the difference. Henins serve has also been in good shape since the World Championships in Munich. In her match with Anke Huber, she served many times at over 170 kilometres an hour. According to her manager, Justines ability to quickly and correctly evaluate her performances is also a key factor in her success. Justine analyses her defeats carefully and learns the lessons that they teach. For example, when she lost in the semi-finals of the French Open to Kim Clijsters, she told her manager on the next day that she knew why she had been defeated. When a few weeks later the two players met in the Hertogenbosch final just before Wimbledon, Henin took her revenge.

RISE TO THE TOP

non was observed in France after that country won the Davis Cup. The boom probably only grew stronger when Belgium won this years Fed Cup with Henin and Clijsters leading the way. Henin has been playing with Wilson racquets for eight years. She says that she is very satisfied with both the products and the support than Wilson provides. The image that comes with being on Wilsons Advisory Staff is also important to her. Being part of the Wilson team says a lot about you as a player. Its rather like a hallmark of quality, she says.

A star in Belgium

Henin was surprised that success changed her life so much. A quiet stroll in town is now a thing of the past; she is instantly recognised by everyone in Belgium. People respect me and always behave correctly. Still, its difficult to understand why they see me as someone other than I am. I suppose you just have to accept the role at least its a positive one! I think that this will be a part of the job for as long as I am playing professional tennis. Of course, I do have my own friends outside tennis, and I always get in touch with them when I can. I have many friends on the tour as well. Im not spoilt or difficult to get on with. I actively follow what is happening outside the world of tennis, especially right now. Life on tour, living in a succession of fine hotels, can easily become a universe of its own, but contacts with the outside world help me to keep my feet on the ground. Justine Henin gives the impression of being much more mature than one might expect of a 19-year-old, but her tennis career did cut short her formal education. In Belgium, it is not possible to reconcile the demands of professional tennis and schooling. Justine did, however, promise her mother before she died that she would complete her education. And this she will surely do, pledges her manager, who goes on to say that Henin is an excellent student and a quick learner. The success of both Henin and Clijsters have led to a real tennis boom in Belgium. Tennis schools are bursting at the seams with youngsters, who play tennis in the streets, in gardens, against garage doors and everywhere else imaginable just like in Sweden in that nations tennis heyday. The same phenome-
Justine Henin climbed quickly into the top ten of the WTA rankings.

14 Amer Sports

Lindsay Davenport had to withdraw from the final with Serena Williams, but still rose to the top of the WTA rankings.

Double Core

A HIT AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Serena Williams was crowned WTA World Champion. Lindsay Davenports silver completed Wilsons success.

TEXT: ARJA VARTIA

Official ball of the Davis Cup
s Wilsons new Double Core will be the Official Ball of the Davis Cup from next year. Wilson has made a three-year agreement with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) that allows Wilson to use the Davis Cup trademark in its marketing of tennis balls and racket covers. Wilson Racquet Sports is an official partner of the Davis Cup. Wilsons market launch of the new Davis Cup Double Core tennis ball will take place in the first half of 2002. The Davis Cup is being played for the 102nd time this year and a record 142 nations entered the event. The Davis Cup was established by Harvard student Dwight Filley Davis at the Boston Cricket Club in 1900. Australia will meet France in this years final in Melbourne. Australia beat Spain in last years highly charged final in Barcelona.
ilson was visibly in evidence at the Sanex WTA Championships 2001 in Munich at the end of October. The 16 best players in the world compete for the title, so it really is the world championship of professional tennis. Because of the absence of Venus Williams, Martina Hingis and Monica Seles, 19th ranking Anke Huber got the last berth in the tournament - much to the joy of the German crowd. The tournament was the last in Hubers long and successful playing career. Wilson had brought its new Double Core ball to the courts of Germany a couple of weeks earlier; it had been the official ball of the Sanex WTA tournament in Linz, for instance. Munichs Olympic Hall is an excellent venue for the tournament, and Wilsons products were on show in the exhibition section, in the stands and in the daily newsletter. Giant-sized Double Core balls with plenty of room for player signatures were doled out to tennis fans. After the matches the winners hit signed Double Core match balls into the stands. Triad racquets were featured on the back cover of the tournaments official daily newsletter. Members of Wilsons Advisory Staff also attended a PR event that had been arranged mainly for European dealers. Serena Williams came to lunch to cut a large Double Core cake. Always the centre of attention, gregarious and energetic Serena hung around for a while to chat with the lunch guests. She looked weary from the long and arduous competition season, as did most of the other stars, though she has played only half as many tournaments as many of her fellow professions. Serena thinks that becoming a cartoon character in the Simpsons TV series - Wilson racquet in hand, of course - is one of her most notable recent achievements. Serena Williamss tiredness did not show up on the tennis court. Her power game was as devastating as usual, and she was crowned this years World Champion. She took home a cheque for 750,000 US dollars. Unfortunately, the final was not played as Lindsay Davenport injured her knee and had to withdraw. Davenport has been racking up the points lately, and the 375,000 US dollar second-place cheque from this tournament was enough to put her top of the WTA rankings. The World Championship event has been held since 1972 and before this the venue has always been in the United States. The World Championships for the next two years will be staged in Munichs Olympic Hall.

Prestigious award for Atomics David Taylor
Atomics CFO, David Taylor, has been awarded a prize in the category "Business leader of the year - overseas" during a ceremony of the Chartered Institute for Management Accountants (CIMA), British Institute of Directors (IOD) and the London Chamber of Commerce on 27th September 2001.
New generation M9 sports instrument for mariners
s Suunto is introducing its first new generation sports-specific instrument. Suunto M9 is a sports instrument intended for mariners around the world. M9 is a good example of a technically advanced product that improves the performance of its user. The M9 is the first in a line of M products for mariners. Suunto has invested heavily in research and product development. This new product provides important sailing and navigation data in an easy-to-use, mobile instrument. The M9 adapts itself to each particular situation and provides relevant information while in action so that the user can concentrate on his performance and decision-making. The M9 offers innovative tools for analysing the data that it has registered and stored while in action and the Suunto Sail Manager software also links the M9 to a PC to allow analysis of the data afterwards. The M9 provides access to a sailing community where mariners worldwide s In Atomics can share and acquire information from new crossother M9 users via the companys website country skis both at SuuntoSports.com. the ski and the side cut have The M9 is currently being tested in the been narrowed. toughest and most demanding conditions by Grant Dalton, the skipper of Amer Sports One in the Volvo Ocean Race, in which Amer Sports has two boats. M9 will be available worldwide by Spring 2002.
Michael Air Jordan is back
s Three seasons away from the basketball court was enough for 38-year-old Michael Jordan; in September, the best player of all time stated that he would switch the three-piece suit and tasks of President, Basketball Operations at Washington Wizards for the same teams jersey. I do this for the love of the game, said Jordan about his decision to return one more time to the action. Jordans form has been improving with every game since the beginning of the NBA season. Jordan has been a member of Wilsons Advisory Staff since his rookie year of 1984. To honour his return, Wilson will launch a new Michael Jordan Signature basketball line in November. Jordan is universally rated as the best basketball player of all time and some consider him to be the best athlete of all time as well. He got his nickname Air because he appears to be able to stay airborne longer than anyone else.