Japan has selected Kyohei Yamanaka to Longines Future Tennis Aces project, Roland-Garros 2010 (Tokyo, Japan)
May 23, 2010
As official partner of the French Open at Roland-Garros, Longines has decided to seek out future tennis aces this year. Sixteen children from all around the world will be playing in a tournament leading up to an exciting mixed doubles final involving Gustavo Kuerten and Mary Pierce, who both won the French Open ten years ago.
Taking part from Japan will be Kyohei Yamanaka, winner of the Under 12 of All-Japan selected junior tennis championships, one of Japan’s most prestigious tennis tournaments. On May 23 (Sunday), the final of the tournament was held at the Tennis Training Center in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture. Kyohei was selected to represent Japan at the hallowed Roland Garros courts in 2010 for his ability to develop his game in a calm manner even when he is behind, his striking ability from a high run, and dogged persistence in following the ball.
After this event, Longines will be continuing its support for disadvantaged children through its sponsorship of the charity foundations set up by Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf, two of the brand’s Ambassadors of Elegance. Finally, at a charity dinner a representative of the famous Swiss watch company will have the singular honour of presenting the Longines Prize for Elegance to a sportsperson whose commitment to helping those in need deserves recognition.
Longines has chosen to look to the future at Roland-Garros this year by focusing on young tennis talent and organising a tournament under the title of Longines Future Tennis Aces. In order to promote sport, respect for others, fair play and tolerance, the Swiss watchmaker will be hoping to find the tennis champions of tomorrow. In line with its slogan “Elegance is an attitude”, Longines sponsors the "Andre Agassi Foundation For Education" and "Children for Tomorrow" as well as supporting the "Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy", a school that offers the most disadvantaged children a chance in life. Gustavo Kuerten and Mary Pierce, who were both former champions at Roland-Garros ten years ago, have kindly agreed to participate in the event. Moreover, Gustavo Kuerten (who has set up the Instituto Guga Kuerten) is also keen to give disadvantaged children a chance in life. He has decided to sponsor five children who attend Andre Agassi’s school for the duration of their schooling.
