The Hindu Business Line : Investment quiz

Today Roger Federer will attempt to win the title of the `All England Lawn Tennis Club Single Handed Champion of the World', at Wimbledon, for the third year in a row.

Wimbledon is the richest tennis tournament. It also has a history that few sporting events can match. It is big business too.

Here is a quiz that focuses on the business of Wimbledon.

1) What is the role of the `Ground Company'?

2) There are only a few products that are advertised inside the Wimbledon courts. Name the product that is featured only on the Centre Count and Court No.1?

3) At Wimbledon, what is a Debenture and a Non-Debenture?

4) The debentures issued by Wimbledon are traded on the London Stock Exchange. Which investment banking firm is the market maker for the debentures?

5) What is `The White Market'?

6) What is common to SPARKS (Sport Aiding Medical Research for Kids), The Dan Maskell Tennis Trust and The Queen Elizabeth Foundation?

7) Elkington & Co — the firm that George Richards Elkington started with his cousin Henry Elkington — is credited with the invention of electroplating.

Later it developed a date lettering system to ensure that products were accurately dated.

This firm is now part of British Silverware Ltd. What is its connection with Wimbledon?

8) What is the only right that the club confers on its official suppliers?

9) At the end of each Wimbledon, the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club prepares an official film. Name the media company that owns the right to publish this film? This company produces the daily highlights capsule for television and also edits Wimbledon content for in-flight and cruise ship screening during the championship.

10) What is Wimbledon Plus?

11) Lloyd Loom has been a renowned name in the furniture industry for about 80 years now. What is its Wimbledon connection?

12) There is a big market for Wimbledon merchandise marketed through its website (www.wimbledon.org) , the Wimbledon Shop at the Harrods, duty-free shops at Heathrow and Gatwick and premium retail outlets in London. Name the most popular item?

13) In 2005, this product is celebrating its 70th year as the official soft drink.

The presence of this product on the umpire's chair is part of Wimbledon tradition. Name it.

14) Wimbledon's relationship with which supplier is considered to be the longest association in sports history?

We conclude with a few teasers on the tennis at Wimbledon. Name the:

First black person to win the singles title.

Only wild card who won the championships.

Youngest to win the Gentlemen's Singles.

Player who owns the record for most consecutive matches won

The youngest woman to win any title.

Answers

1) The Ground Company (The All England Lawn Tennis Ground Ltd) was formed in 1920 to buy and develop the site where the courts are today. It also raises funds by issue of debentures.

2) Rolex.

3) Types of tickets; a debenture entitles the holder to a seat on Centre Court or Court No. 1 (depending on which series you have bought) for each day of the Championships; On Court No. 1, the right to a seat is for the first ten days. Non-Debenture is a ticket sold to the public.

4) Barclays Capital.

5) The Official Centre Court Debenture Market in which holders can sell debentures to the Club; these are then sold by the club to existing debenture and marquee holders - persons who support British tennis.

6) Charities that would benefit in 2005 from second sales of tickets.

7) Elkington & Co designed the silver salver - known as the `Rosewater Dish' or `Venus Rosewater Dish' - that is presented to the ladies' singles champion.

8) The right to use the Club's crossed rackets logo.

9) Trans-World International.

10) Wimbledon Plus - a Broadband Service - is the official online video subscription service for tennis viewers across the world. Wimbledon Plus is available for a fee of œ7 for a 12-month subscription.

11) Lloyd Loom supplies the 74 dark green Wicker Chairs used in the Royal Box.

12) The Championship Towel

13) Robinsons

14) Slazenger (supplier of balls); the association is 103 years and counting.

Tennis teasers:

Althea Gibson, Goran Ivanisevic, Boris Becker, Bjorn Borg (41 matches) and Martina Hingis.

S. Vaidya Nathan

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