Your Wiimbledon questions... answered!
You'll have a whole bunch of questions, and we've got a whole bunch of answers. Like these:What is Wiimbledon?
Wiimbledon is a new breed of tennis tournament, just for Nintendo Wii lovers. The game is virtual, but the fun is real. (And the prize money's imaginary!)
Where is it happening, and when?
It's happening at the National Tennis Centre for Wales, Ocean Way, Cardiff CF24 5HF. The date is Sunday 29th June - and for real Wimbledon fans, that's the middle Sunday when there's no play, so you might as well join us! The action starts at 10am and will finish at (or before) 5pm. That's a lot of virtual tennis!
What's the competition format?
Wimbledon traditionalists will scowl at this, but the early stages will be a Round Robin. We've got 32 players in 8 groups of 4, so players are guaranteed 3 matches. The winner of each group makes it through to the Quarter Finals, and from there on in it's a straight knock-out till we crown the champion.
How long is each match?
In Wii tradition, we're classing a 'set' as the best of 5 games. The Round Robin matches will be the best of 3 sets. From the knock-out stages we revert to the best of 5.
Do I have to play as both doubles partners?
Yes!
What's the prize?
The champion gets a lovely Wiimbledon trophy and will be asked to nominate a charity who will be awarded all proceeds from the event. And before you say 'Charity begins at home', yes it does have to be a registered charity!
How do I qualify?
Places are awarded to the first 32 entrants who satisfy our conditions for entry:
1. You must be aged 12 years or over on the day of the event; and
2. You should be a competent Wii Tennis player - for example, reaching Pro status (1000 ranking points).
Are there separate events for men, women and children?
No. That's the beauty of Wii tennis, it's a level playing field.
Does the venue have disabled access?
Yes it does - and disabled players are welcome to join the field. So if you have any special requirements,
just let us know.
What happens if I arrive late?
In a word, don't. We've got a busy schedule, so get there in plenty of time. If the worst happens, we will do our best to accommodate you, but if push comes to shove you might just forfeit your place in the competition.
What do I have to bring?
Yourself, and ideally your Wii remote with your Mii character loaded. Also bring your racquet attachment if you play with it.
What happens if I forget my Wii remote?
We have got remotes, but if you use ours, you get a standard Mii character with it - and there's no time to change the hair-do or say we've got the wrong nose!
Can I play with the Nintendo racquet attachment?
Yes, if you bring one - they're not provided.
Can I raise money for charity?
Absolutely! If you don't, people might think you're a bit sad playing with toys at your age - so it's a good idea to pretend you're only doing it for a good cause. So go on - download our sponsorship form here, then go pester your friends and neighbours...
Is this the first ever Wiimbledon?
We think it's the first of its size in the UK, but it's not the first in the world. As always, the Yanks are ahead of us - check out www.wiimbledon.net.
Are you anything to do with Nintendo Wii?
Not in the slightest! This is a strictly unofficial event that is not in any way endorsed by the very lovely folk at the Nintendo Corporation.
Are you anything to do with the real Wimbledon?
Obviously not! The All England Lawn Tennis Club has no dealings with our Wiimbledon event. But we are both taking the tennis world by storm at the end of June...