SINGAPORE: After six years building on its stature as "Asia'sMajor", Singapore's top golf championship will head into itsseventh edition from Nov 8-11 for the final time as the BarclaysSingapore Open. Confirming talk that the British financial institution will notrenew their sponsorship, Singapore Golf Association (SGA) presidentBob Tan said on Monday he respected Barclays Capital's decision andwas hopeful of finding a new backer. He said the British bank's support since 2006 was pivotal inturning the Singapore Open into a global event that attracted someof the sport's biggest names here. In response to queries from TODAY, Barclays head of South-east Asiacorporate communications Darrel Wright said: "I can only confirmthat we will not be renewing our contract for next year." The task to find a sponsor with equally deep pockets that can helpthe Singapore Open retain its reputation as Asia's richest nationalopen golf championship falls on event promoter World Sport Group. When Barclays ended their decade-old 3 million-pound-a-year (S$6million) partnership with the Scottish Open last year, organisersthere managed to secure Aberdeen Asset Management as a replacementfor this year's event in July but at 500,000 pounds less. Said Mr Tan: "It is going to be tough getting the same amount ofsponsorship for next year, but I am confident we can find a companywho wants to ride on the success of the Singapore Open." News of Barclays' impending departure came as a surprise to Mr KyiHla Han, executive chairman of Asian Tour, which co-sanctions theevent with the European Tour, but he insists the show will go on. "I didn't expect this to happen, but the event has built a name foritself and it's got a global following now. It is one of ourbiggest events on the Asian Tour," he said. Local pro Lam Chih Bing said the Singapore Open is a favourite stopfor players on the Asian Tour circuit and was confident they willcontinue to back the event next year. Said Mr Lam: "I've not heard any negative comments from the proswho have played in it. I am confident, they will play for even lessmoney because they like coming here. - TODAY. The e-commerce company in China offers quality products such as Street LED Lights , Solar LED Street Lights Manufacturer, and more. For more , please visit Recessed LED Lights today!
Related Articles -
Street LED Lights, Solar LED Street Lights Manufacturer,
|