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FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
13 January 2010
First Floating Tennis Court in Australia is a Hit
Two of the True Characters of Australian tennis, Pat Rafter and Wally Masur
battled it out today on the Yarra River in the inaugural
Jacob’s Creek Character
Match
to officially launch Jacob’s Creek’s partnership with the 2010 Australian
Open.
A free event open to the public, Rafter and Masur entertained the crowds in a
best of five game “marathon” that featured a punt ride to the court, expert
umpiring by Channel Seven’s Mark Beretta and paddling surf life savers retrieving
balls from the middle of the river, and the odd good shot from the two tennis
legends.
After their singles match Rafter and Masur joined two of Australian tennis’ grass
root true characters Lisa Reade from Torquay and James Lynch from
Yarrawonga who have each put many years and hours into volunteering and
supporting Australian tennis.
This year Jacob’s Creek is celebrating True Character at the 2010 Australian
Open and is proud to partner with these tennis legends, fans and volunteers who
together have made this tournament one of the most successful and loved
sporting events in the world.
Rafter and Masur were chosen by Jacob’s Creek to play their first True Character
match as much due to their character off court as their success on it.
While Rafter is a dual Grand Slam winner and World Number One and Masur a
US Open and Australian Open semi-finalist, they both exhibit traits that Australians
instinctively love in their sporting heroes.
Both have won numerous accolades for their sportsmanship, their sense of fair
play, their larrikin sense of humour, their integrity and their modesty when
discussing their achievements.
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Rafter said of the Jacob’s Creek Character Match, “To play on the Yarra River
with Melbourne city as the backdrop and against my old mate Wally was pretty
special.”
“The Australian Open has always been an exciting tournament and it’s great to
see Jacob’s Creek bringing some of that fun to the crowds.”
Masur said, “It was fantastic to have a chance to play with Pat- he was coming
up through the ranks when I was retiring.”
“And I beat him – that’s one for the pool room . . .
“The Australian Open is all about the fans so it’s great that Jacob’s Creek has
brought tennis to the city of Melbourne with an event that everyone could be a
part of.”
Jacob’s Creek kept the crowds entertained over the afternoon with a free BBQ
lunch, souvenir photos and a fun triple /doubles match between Pat and Wally
and Nova FM national drive team Ryan, Monty and Wippa.
Bev Bristow from Melbourne was also plucked from the crowd for the “Return
Pat’s Serve” competition and took home two Australian Open Men’s Final tickets.
50 lucky people also scored Australian Open ground passes on Australia Day
where Jacob’s Creek will be helping fans celebrate their national day with a
special BBQ by celebrity chef Pete Evans at the Jacob’s Creek Open House and
Pat Rafter will also play a special Australian Open Legends doubles match with
Goran Ivanisevic.
The final results of the Jacob’s Creek Character Matches were:
MATCH ONE
Wally Masur
3
Pat Rafter
1
MATCH TWO
Pat Rafter + Lisa Reade
3
Wally Masur + James Lynch
2
MATCH THREE
Nova’s Ryan, Monty and Wippa
1
Pat Rafter + Wally Masur
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-ENDS -
For further information contact:
Jacqueline Scott – 0406 040 339/02 9667 4211 jacquelinescott@liquidideas.com.au
Jeanine Bribosia – 0407 061 658 / 02 9667 4211 jeaninebribosia@liquidideas.com.au
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For patrons over the age of 18 only. Enjoy Jacob’s Creek responsibly.
Jacob's Creek is a trade mark of Pernod Ricard Pacific Pty Ltd
About Pernod Ricard Australia
Pernod Ricard Australia is the Australian subsidiary of the world's number 2 spirits and wine company, Pernod
Ricard. A major player in the Australian wine and spirits market, Pernod Ricard Australia represents a
distinguished portfolio of premium wine, spirits, ready-to-drink and non-alcoholic products including premium
international spirits Chivas Regal, Ballantine's, Jameson, Wild Turkey, Absolut, Kahlua and Malibu, as well as
leading Australian wines Jacob's Creek, Wyndham Estate, leading New Zealand wines Montana and
Stoneleigh and world class champagnes G.H.Mumm and Perrier-Jouët.
With the mission to build strong brands and deliver sustainable growth, Pernod Ricard Australia is committed to
corporate social responsibility and the promotion of responsible drinking.
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