2K SPORTS NAMES TENNIS SUPERSTARS ROGER
FEDERER AND MARIA SHARAPOVA COVER ATHLETES FOR TOP SPIN ON PLAYSTATION(r)2
The reigning Wimbledon men’s champion and
#2 ranked women’s player will grace the cover of the latest in the top rated
tennis video game franchise
New York, NY – July 12, 2005 – 2K Sports, a
publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTWO), is
pleased to announce that international tennis champions Roger Federer, the
reigning Wimbledon champion and #1 ranked men’s player and Maria Sharapova, the
#2 ranked women’s tennis player in the world will be the official spokespersons
and cover athletes for Top Spin on the PlayStation(r)2 computer entertainment
system.
"We’re thrilled to have two of the most
exciting tennis players representing our game," stated Erik Whiteford, vice
president of marketing for 2K Sports. "Roger Federer is by far the most talented
and dominant men’s tennis player in the game today. Maria Sharapova’s power,
competitive drive and tenacity have established her as one of the most important
and visible players on the women’s tour. Both players exhibit the winning
attitude of great tennis champions, making them a natural choice to represent
the best tennis video game."
Roger Federer is widely regarded as one of
the most dominant men’s players in the history of professional tennis having
just won his third straight Wimbledon Championship. As the current number one
player on the men’s tour, Federer succeeded in winning three out of the four
Grand Slams in 2004 – The Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open. At age
23, most experts believe Federer has only begun his tennis dominance.
"I am honored to be chosen as the cover
athlete for Top Spin," said Roger Federer. "The game does an excellent job of
capturing the intensity of tennis and combines that with incredible visuals.
Simply put, fans are in for a treat as 2K Sports has done an excellent job
delivering the best and most realistic tennis game."
Maria Sharapova has dramatically risen
through the rankings of the ladies tennis tour. Her breakout year in 2004 led
Sharapova to her first Grand Slam tournament at Wimbledon. She capped the year
by winning the prestigious season-ending Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Championships
presented by Porsche. Sharapova has recorded 10 Sony Ericsson WTA singles titles
and 3 Sony Ericsson WTA doubles titles in her blossoming career. At only 18, she
is the #2 ranked women’s tennis player in the world and has a very bright future
in professional tennis.
"Being on the cover of the top tennis game in
the world is something I’m very proud of," said Maria Sharapova. "It’s an honor
that my hard work and achievements are being recognized in this manner. Now,
everyone gets a shot to play against me – but look out, I’m bringing my ‘A’ game
in Top Spin!"
Top Spin for the PlayStation(r)2 comes ready
to serve up the best tennis experience anywhere. Gamers will be able to select
16 of the top male and female players including Roger Federer, Lleyton Hewitt,
Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams, and many more. Top-notch visuals, intuitive
controls, and new features including online play finally bring the best tennis
experience to PlayStation(r)2 gamers. Top Spin for PlayStation(r)2 will be
released in late summer 2005.
Top Spin for PlayStation(r)2 is developed by
PAM Development and produced by Indie Built, a Take-Two development studio.
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