FORMER PGA TOUR EXEC RIC CLARSON TAKES WTA'S CENTER COURT

          The WTA Tour officially named Ric Clarson as its new
     CEO.  Clarson, who was the PGA Tour's VP/Tournament Business
     Affairs, will begin his four-year term this month (WTA
     Tour).  In a teleconference with the media, Clarson noted
     some "boiler plate issues" facing the Tour: "Certainly, the
     umbrella sponsorship resell is first and foremost.  We need
     to take a look at the joint event concept that the ATP Tour
     has been pushing forth with.  Internal operations needs a
     review.  And, by the end of the year, hopefully, we are
     going to have a strategic plan for stability and growth for
     the years going forward."  Clarson added that he was
     interested in the Exec Dir position last spring, and talked
     to the Tour board about the opening: "I think they decided
     they were looking for more of an insider.  [But] when they
     were not able to agree on anyone, I was recontacted and
     looked at it again" (WTA Tour).  Clarson's new position will
     pay him $250,000 annually (Robin Finn, N.Y. TIMES, 12/20).