Omega, the title sponsor of golf’s World Cup, has put the tournament in doubt after they labelled host China “too immature” a market to restore the event to global standing.

Omega president Stephen Urquhart said he was unhappy with the strength of the field because only a token number of top players opted to represent their countries in the 28-nation team event.

He also said for the World Cup to become a respected tournament, it must be staged around the world like football, rugby, cricket and other sports declaring World Cup events.

“China is too immature a market to put the World Cup where it should be. It’s too early for China to support by itself a tournament on this scale,” Urquhart told reporters.

The stinging criticism is a blow for the tournament organisers, Hong Kong brothers Kenneth and Tenniel Chu and their Chinese government backers.

The Chus have poured in millions of dollars to build the five-star Mission Hills resort on Hainan Island in the belief it will become the “World Cup Headquarters’ and stage the event until 2025 when their contract ends.

The World Cup was launched in 1953 but due to golf’s crowded schedule and the event’s permanent move to China in 2007, it is no longer viewed as a “must attend” and attracts a mixed field of top stars as well as players and countries new to the sport.

Urquhart denied Omega was planning to pull out of the event it has sponsored since 2007, which now takes place every two years to fit around the Olympics following the sport’s inclusion as a Games discipline from Rio 2016.

But he said: “This is the last World Cup in this format which we are committed to… I can’t say now that… in November 2013, we will be in this place or that place.”

The Federation of Tours and European and PGA tours have been in discussion with the Chu brothers and Omega during the tournament about changing the format to make it more appealing to players, a global audience and sponsors.

“The field is better this year, but we are not happy,” Urquhart said.

Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland on Sunday claimed the United States’ first World Cup since Tiger Woods and David Duval lifted the trophy 11 years ago, beating tournament favourites Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell of Ireland.

Most top players, however, opted to compete in other tournaments that clash with the $7.5 million event, or simply ignored it.

Despite claims by the organisers that up to 120,000 tickets have been sold, only modest crowds have turned out during the Nov 24-27 showcase.

“If a World Cup of golf is done properly, sold properly and packaged properly, no one would ever go and play in another tournament,” said Urquhart.

The Chinese Grand Prix will remain on the Formula One circuit after doubts over the race’s future were allayed by the signing of a seven-year extension for the Shanghai International Circuit to remain on the schedule.

The event had been cast under a cloud by a combination of poor attendances and remedial work needed to address problems with sections of the circuit, but officials were still holding out for an improved financial deal before agreeing to renew their contract.

According to the Shanghai Daily newspaper, Bernie Ecclestone’s Formula One Management, which oversees the sport’s commercial aspect, has now agreed terms with event organiser Juss Events which will ensure that the race remains a part of the calendar until 2017.

Shanghai Sports Bureau deputy director Chen Yiping admitted: “We’ve learned that high ticket prices have led to fans staying away and will try to improve the situation in the following years.”

The deal, which Shanghai vice-mayor Zhao Wen claimed was an improvement on the previous agreement, has come sooner than initially predicted, with sources suggesting that SIC’s place on the schedule may not be secured until weeks before this year’s race, owing to its homologation licence having expired.

The Shanghai circuit is due to stage its eighth Chinese Grand Prix on the weekend of 15-17 April.

Yang Yibin, manager of event organiser Juss Event, said earlier this year: “Subsidence is normal because of the soft soil in Shanghai, which the circuit was built above, plus the circuit has hosted seven F1 grands prix and other racing events of high intensity. There should be no problem, – we’ve communicated well with the FIA, our plan has been approved and the grand prix will be on time.”

BBC Sports have awarded the rights to broadcast coverage of next year’s MotoGP to Century TV.

The company, based in Northern Ireland, have announced a three-year deal to provide coverage of the MotoGP season which begins in Qatar next march and comes to a close in Valencia, Spain in November.

Rohan Browning, Managing Director, Century TV, said: “We are delighted to have secured the BBC MotoGP contract. These are very exciting times for Century TV and as our production base continues to grow with our recent expansion into Northern Ireland, it is high profile projects such as the BBC MotoGP that will help to underpin and support this process.”

Rajasthan Royals, sacked IPL franchise confirmed that they have filed a legal petition against India’s national cricket governing body, BCCI’s decision to terminate their franchise agreement.

“We have tried to meet with the BCCI to understand the basis for the termination, which was recieved without notice. We do not understand what we have done wrong, and it is therefore our duty to the fans of the IPL, our employees, our players and our partners to pursue the matter. The matter is expected to be listed this Wednesday. We would not like to state anything further since the matter is sub judice,” the spokesperson said.

Rajasthan Royals, winners of the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), were expelled from the Twenty20 tournament last Sunday for alleged violations of rules, with seven years of their 10-year contract still to run.

The BCCI had said that Rajasthan violated the franchise agreement and there were irregularities in their ownership pattern.

But the club promoters deny this allegation. The BCCI had also terminated the contract of Kings XI Punjab for a similar reason.

Euroleague, Europe’s premier basketball league, is to be named Turkish Airlines Euroleague Basketball starting from next season.

The agreement is the first-ever title sponsorship deal for the Euroleague and will run for the next five seasons, with an option to extend it for a further five.

Euroleague CEO Jordi Bertomeu said: “We have been working for a long time to find the right title partner that could satisfy not only the economic value  of becoming a title sponsor but becoming a partner, with a commitment to the growth of basketball across the globe.”

Turkish Airlines chairman Hamdi  Topcu added: “After [striking] great partnerships with Barcelona FC and Manchester United, two of the most important football brands, it is a privilege  for us to partner with the Euroleague, one of world’s most prestigious basketball organisations  and Europe’s biggest basketball league.”

Turgay Demirel has been named the President of FIBA Europe for the four-year period 2014-2018.

The 57 year old, illness who is current President of the Turkish Basketball Federation, drugs  was elected by the General Assembly of the member federations, herbal in Munich, Germany, on Saturday.

He prevailed over the only other candidate, Daniel Dimevski from the F.Y.R. of Macedonia, collecting 40 votes.

“This is a great honour and I want to thank all countries of Europe for putting their trust in me,” said Demirel after the result was confirmed.

Previously, in his pre-election presentation Demirel had set out the goals for his presidential term: “My aim is to help make basketball the fastest growing sport in Europe, through support of all 51 member federations, strong club competitions and the development of a new generation of stars. A strong FIBA Europe should help all federations develop young talent as this is the cornerstone for the advancement of our sport.”

Karl Thaller of Austria was elected uncontested as FIBA Europe Treasurer, as the only other candidate and outgoing Treasurer Jan Berteling of the Netherlands withdrew his candidacy on Friday.

The Rugby Football League (RFL) has announced today a partnership with CRM data agency 4Sight Sport & Leisure.

The Leicestershire based agency will support their continued focus on fan engagement and customer relationship management (CRM) strategies to further capitalise on the success of Rugby League World Cup 2013 (RLWC2013).

4Sight were the CRM & Data Marketing Agency partner for the RLWC2013 delivering data driven fan engagement activities which were an integral part of the overall marketing strategy for the tournament.

Following the success of RLWC2013, drugs 4Sight will now focus on a series of data led initiatives to build on the momentum generated by the tournament to ensure that new fans are aware of the many opportunities to become more actively involved with the sport via their Extraordinary Rugby initiative. This will involve an increased focus on data analysis and insight to better target new fans with information that they are more likely to be interested in and engage with.

RFL Chief Operating Officer, Ralph Rimmer said: “We are in a strong position to capitalise on the fantastic success of the RLWC2013 and have developed plans to build a future legacy.  A major part of those plans involves the increased use of data and CRM which are techniques of increasing importance within sport and we are looking forward to working with 4Sight who will provide their expertise and support in these key areas.”

Garry Adamson, 4Sight Sport Managing Director also commented “The Rugby League World Cup has been fantastic in encouraging many new and previously lapsed fans to engage with this fantastic sport in its full glory.  We are looking forward to supporting the RFL with their plans to build on the buzz that has been generated in building a successful legacy for years to come.”

Port Macquarie-Hastings will host the Ironman Australia event for the next five years, decease New South Wales (NSW) Minister for Sport and Recreation Graham Annesley announced today.

The event was secured thanks to a partnership between Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, USM Events, Australia’s leading event management company (owned by Ironman brand owner World Triathlon Corp (WTC)) and Destination NSW. A significant AU$8 million is reportedly injected into the local economy by the event; and the economy will continue to benefit until 2018.

Mayor Peter Besseling said the agreement represents a significant benefit for the Port Macquarie-Hastings community over the next five years, with flexibility built into the contract for future route options.

“The ongoing support that Ironman has received from the broader community was a major factor in the event remaining in the area and is a credit to the many volunteers who give up their time to make the event a success,” he said.

“Along with the support of the volunteers, local businesses and community groups, Council is determined to capitalise on the economic and social benefits that Ironman brings to our region.”

Port Macquarie-Hastings has hosted the Ironman Australia event since 2006, drawing competitors from across Australia and key international tourism markets including New Zealand, Japan and Europe.

Minister Graham Annesley said securing the event for NSW, and more particularly Port Macquarie, has been a priority and forms a key part of a strategy to attract and increase mass participation sporting events across regional NSW.

Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chitchase said Port Macquarie is a natural home for Ironman in Australia with its great community support of more than 2100 volunteers.

The 2013 Ironman Australia – Port Macquarie takes place this Sunday 5 May.

Thailand teen golf sensations Moriya and Ariya Jutanugarn are now both taking their games to the professional ranks and have signed with IMG, medic the world’s leading sports, view fashion and media company, viagra for worldwide management and marketing representation.

Moriya Jutanugarn turned professional earlier this year, and her younger sister, Ariya, joined her as a pro last month. The Jutanugarn sisters gave golf fans an idea of the impact they can have in women’s professional golf as Moriya finished tied for first place last month at LPGA Tour qualifying school, securing her card for the 2013 season, while Ariya won qualifying school for the Ladies European Tour by an impressive five-shot margin.

“Playing golf professionally on the LPGA Tour has been a lifelong dream for me, and I can’t wait to get started,” said Moriya. “Many of my golf heroes growing up were represented by IMG, and as a company with such a strong presence in golf around the world, my family and I knew that they were the right fit for us.”

“It’s a very exciting time for my sister and me,” said Ariya. “We look at how many strong young players, from all parts of the world, are helping make women’s golf so popular, and we will be thrilled to be a part of it. We know that IMG will play a very important role in helping us become the best professional players we can be.”

Moriya, 18, created history in 2008, at 14 years of age, when she became the first female to win the British Junior Open.  She earned low amateur honors at the 2011 U.S. Women’s Open where she finished tied for 33rd.

Ariya, 17, won her second consecutive AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year honors last year. In 2011 she earned low amateur honors at the Kraft Nabisco Championship when she tied for 25th place.

“Moriya and Ariya have been generating excitement for years at the amateur and junior levels, and golf fans around the world are eagerly looking forward to seeing them compete as professionals,” said Grant Slack, Senior Vice President, IMG Golf. “They will both be global superstars in women’s golf, and we’re sure will inspire many other future stars of the game. IMG is thrilled to represent the Jutanugarn sisters and help them become the most successful professionals they can be.”