Tennis fans were given the chance to play a live, real time virtual tennis match between fans in Auckland and Christchurch (1000km apart).

Viewing their opponent on a 10m wide LED video screen, the player's shot was tracked by customised motion sensors which converted the data at 15gbs per second. This was interpreted by heavily modified ball machines at the other end with the player’s opponent returning fire in the same way, creating a 1000km rally.

We maximised public exposure around this world-first experience by inviting social influencers, celebrities, sports-people and journalists to experience the 1000km game of tennis for themselves at an invitation only event held in Auckland and Christchurch. Attendees then shared their experience via their social networks.

Through the following media channels we were able to share the amazement of this technology with 100,000’s of New Zealanders –

National TV Coverage highlights (NZ population 4.4m):

3 News 307,800

Crowd Goes Wild (Sports chat show) 43,700

TV One Breakfast 140,700

Extensive, positive national online, print and radio coverage across consumer and sports media including the Christchurch Press, Newstalk ZB, Techday, Yahoo! Sports.

#ASBclassic trending in New Zealand on the morning of the event. Comments all related positively to the 1000km court.

150 targeted VIP attendees.

ASB classic ticket sales increased by $200,000 year over year, 2 weeks out from tournament start.

World record approval pending with the Guinness Book of Records.