For Immediate Release

Hong Kong Tennis Classic Takes a Breather

(Hong Kong, October 25th, 2011) Organisers announced today that the 35 year old Hong Kong Tennis Classic 2012 will not take place in its usual timeslot in early January.

Ian Wade, President of the Hong Kong Tennis Patrons’ Association (TPA) explained.  “We have been forced to postpone the event in January owing to a lack of sponsorship, principally that of a Title Sponsor.  Over the last eight months the TPA has undertaken a strenuous title sponsorship search, but to date we’ve been unable to secure one.  As we are already in October we know that players will now have committed to other tournaments, and sadly there is no alternative but to postpone the event.  In today’s financial environment, finding a sponsor has been difficult, and this has proved to be the case.”

The Hong Kong Tennis Classic has enjoyed a 35 year tradition and it is one of the territory’s most enduring and popular sports events - which has built up a huge following of fans here and overseas.  Terry Catton, Co-Tournament Director said “We have brought to Hong Kong all the biggest stars in the sport - Sharapova, the Williams’ sisters, Wozniacki, Federer, McEnroe, Edberg - and thousands of fans have enjoyed the best entertainment tennis can offer.  They recognize that this is the premier boutique event in Asia, which offers a mix of top names and former stars.  It’s a mix that works and satisfies the brand name hunger of Asian fans.  I hope this is a temporary glitch and that a sponsor will step forward to assume the reins.  There is strong brand value in the event, and a new sponsor would not have to build loyalty or recognition within the community, or indeed with the players. After 35 years, the fans, the players and the Media love the Hong Kong Tennis Classic.  I hope we can stage it later in the year.”

The Hong Kong Tennis Patrons’ Association is a non-profit community based organization, which was set up 35 years ago to organize professional events and to donate surplus funds to junior tennis.  It has succeeded magnificently, and in that time has donated approximately HK$15 million to tennis development.  TPA Vice Presidents, James Tien and Dick Lee echoed similar sentiments.  “We know of no other organization that has contributed so much to a sport from a single event - apart perhaps from the Rugby Sevens.  A Title Sponsor will be aligning themselves not just to a high profile event, but to an event which makes a tangible difference to the sport.  We hope a sponsor would find the Hong Kong Tennis Classic a worthwhile event to support.”

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For further information, please contact:
KCE Sport and Entertainment
Mr. Terry Catton
TPA Co-Tournament Director
Tel: (852) 2723 8721
Fax: (852) 2311 0040
Email: terry@kcesport.com.hk