Tennis

Hawk eye to be used for first time at China open

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-09-09 13:35

Tennis fans in Beijing will get to experience the instant replay and on-court player challenges, which could make line disputes a thing of the past, during the September 11-24 China Open.

The electronic review system with Hawk-eye technology, available to television viewers for several years, has been developed into an officiating tool to rule on close line calls, while increasing the interest and excitement for in-stadium fans and television viewers.

The system has proved to be a success after being introduced at several American hard court events this year and made its grand slam debut at the 2006 U.S. Open.

The on-court player challenge system for review of line calls is as follows:

1. Each player will receive two challenges per set to review line calls.

2. If the player is correct with a challenge, then the player retains the same number of challenges.

3. If the player is incorrect with a challenge, then one of the challenges is lost.

4. During a tie-break game in any set, each player will receive one additional challenge.

5. Challenges may not be carried over from one set to another.

Once a player challenges, the official review will be provided simultaneously to the television broadcast and in-stadium video boards, allowing the players, chair umpire, on-site fans and television viewers the opportunity to see the live results of a player challenge.

In the on-going U.S. Open men's singles, a total of 124 challenges have been made so far, 36 of which were proved to be correct.