[CHICAGO] - Wilson Racquet Sports announced that they have signed a multi-year contract with Sho Sasaki.

The Japanese badminton player is currently ranked top 30 in the world and has won 13 titles throughout his career. In 2007, he won the Japanese National Championships in men's singles, and 7 other international tournaments: Bahrain Satellite Badminton Tournament, Banuinvest International Championships, Osaka International Challenge, Israel International, Mauritius International, Victorian International and the Italian International. He is now a member of the Japan National Team as a singles player.

"I am excited to join the Wilson team," said Sasaki. "I really like their equipment including the power and control of my new racquet, the K Brave. It's great to see Wilson's commitment to badminton and I am sure they will bring a lot of new energy to the sport. I look forward to partnering with them to raise my game and also for various promotion initiatives." Sasaki has started 2009 with his Wilson [K] Brave racket.

"With Sho's dedication and passion for the sport, we know he's an excellent fit for the Wilson team." Alexander Selch, Global Business Director of Indoor Racquet Sports said. "We are really looking forward to supporting Sho as he continues to succeed. Signing Sho is just one part of our strategy to build our badminton business and brand in the important Asia region."

Wilson Racquet Sports is a division of Chicago-based Wilson Sporting Goods, one of the world's leading manufacturers of sports equipment and owned by Amer Sports. Wilson designs, manufactures and distributes sporting goods throughout the world and focuses on making technologically advanced products which help players of all levels perform better. Wilson's core sport categories include: Football, Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball, Soccer, Youth Sports, Uniforms/Apparel, Golf, Footwear and Racquet Sports (Tennis, Racquetball, Squash, Badminton and Platform Tennis). For more information, visit www.wilson.com.