Hong Kong to Host 2015 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship

The Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club in Hong Kong has been confirmed as the host venue for the 2015 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC), drug organisers announced during the sixth staging of the prestigious championship in Melbourne. 

The AAC, capsule which is being played at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club this week, arthritis is scheduled for 1-4 October next year. As the event moves throughout the region, it has now been held in China (2009, 2013), Japan (2010), Singapore (2011), Thailand (2012) and Australia (2013).

Organised by the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), the Masters Tournament and The R&A, the AAC offers the winner an invitation to the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. The champion and runner(s)-up earn spots in The Open Qualifying Series for The Open Championship.

The 2015 event will mark the first time the championship has been held in Hong Kong. Clearwater Bay is located in the New Territories and situated on a peninsula with stunning views of the South China Sea and Hong Kong. The golf course is divided into two parts: the Highland Nine and the Ocean Nine.

“All of us in Hong Kong who share a love of golf should be very proud to have been selected as the host,” said Ning Li, President of the Hong Kong Golf Association (HKGA). “It will be an honour and a privilege to show the region our wonderful city and showcase one of the area’s most beautiful and challenging courses.”

Wyman Li, Chairman of Clearwater Bay, said: “The Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship is, without question, the elite amateur competition in our region, with unmatched rewards that continue to inspire players to reach their dreams. We are delighted to serve as hosts and are committed to growing the profile of the event in every way possible.”

“This announcement represents a significant moment for the further development of golf in Hong Kong and the entire region,” added David Hui, Captain of Clearwater Bay and Honorary Chairman of the HKGA. “The Asia-Pacific Amateur will bring with it tremendous prestige to our area, with the world of golf watching as we assist in the conduct of this far-reaching championship. We can, and will, provide the support necessary to ensure the event’s ultimate success.”

This week’s AAC features 116 players from the APGC’s 35 member associations.Television coverage includes three hours of live broadcast on each of the four days and a 30-minute highlights show, and will be aired in more than 150 countries, confirming it as the world’s most televised amateur golf tournament.

Qatar Women’s Basketball Team Quit Asian Games after Headscarf Ban

Qatar’s women’s basketball team have pulled out of the Asian Games at the last minute over a rule banning Muslim headscarves.

About half of Qatar’s team wear hijab headscarves and they were due to open their campaign against Mongolia in the qualifying round at Incheon on Tuesday.

“FIBA didn’t let our players play with the headscarves and so we had to withdraw from the tournament,” said Ahlam Al Mana, head of Qatar’s women’s sports committee.

“What happened today is against International Olympic Committee goals which are meant to include countries from different cultures, and also it’s against the slogan of the Asian Games in Incheon which is ‘Diversity Shines here.'”

Al Mana said Qatar knew about the ban in advance, but hoped to persuade FIBA to change its mind. The headwear ban has already been relaxed at national level.

She added that teams from other countries affected by the ban had not travelled to the Games in South Korea.

“I’m pretty sure that what happened today can change FIBA rules quickly,” Al Mana said.

“Of course the OCA (Olympic Council of Asia) encouraged us to participate but this is a technical decision from FIBA. I hope in the near future they will allow us.”

Exclusive: Aegon’s Head of Sponsorship Pleased With British Tennis Partnership Despite Challenges

By Tariq Saleh

The Head of Sponsorship and Events at Aegon, allergy Ian Murray, medic is happy with the success of the partnership with British tennis, despite initial challenges due to the lack of success in the sport in Britain.

At the initial stage of the sponsorship, British tennis was at a low with no British Grand Slam winner and several players far down the rankings in both the men’s and women’s game.

But after the success of Andy Murray and the emergence of Laura Robson and Heather Watson, the sport has enjoyed positive coverage in recent years, with Aegon at the forefront of it.

Speaking exclusively to iSportconnect, Murray said: “When we started in tennis a lot of people raised eyebrows because at the time British tennis wasn’t doing great and the media were putting the boot into the LTA on a regular basis about the lack of success so it’s been encouraging to see that turn around.

“With the success of Andy Murray, Heather Watson and Laura Robson as well as the Aegon GB Davis Cup Team back in the World Group, there’s a lot of positivity happening in British Tennis, it’s great to be backing the sport that is definitely on the up.”

Aegon are the title sponsor of the tennis championships at the Queen’s Club in June, but Murray says despite this being their flagship event they do many other things in regards to tennis.

“Whilst we enjoyed huge amounts of coverage every June for two weeks, we were also in schools, parks and tennis clubs and we backed over 180 professional amateur tennis tournaments all around the country.

“We know from research that over the first five years of this partnership, it has made Aegon a very credible and genuine sponsor of British tennis. It’s a really broad thing; it’s not just that one week in early June at the Queen’s Club.”

Aegon also sponsor Dutch football club Ajax and Murray gained inspiration from the Ajax football academy and looked to use that with tennis.

He said: “I’ve been lucky enough to go over there a few times and see how well they use that asset and I took that back to what we were doing in the UK and that inspired me to create some high-end tennis experiences for both adults and kids.”

Read the full interview here

STATS Acquires Data Analysis Company Bloomberg Sports

Leading sports technology, sale cialis data and content company STATS have acquired sports data analysis company Bloomberg Sports (BSports).

By combining BSports with its Sports Solutions Group, STATS becomes the industry’s premier resource for sports analytics, offering a complete suite of sports data products and services to multi-media, team, league, gaming and technology customers. 

BSports complements STATS’ Sports Solutions Group. With almost all Major League Baseball teams using the BSports Pro2 integrated data system, the acquisition significantly strengthens STATS’ position in baseball. BSports uses advanced analytics and science-based predictive models that provide industry-leading projections across most major sports. 

“On behalf of everyone here, I would like to welcome the team at Bloomberg Sports to the STATS family,” said STATS CEO Gary Walrath. “Our mission is to revolutionize the way sports are viewed, understood, played, and enjoyed. The addition of BSports’ very talented team and compelling portfolio of products significantly bolsters our global strategy.” 

BSports President Bill Squadron will remain with the company and report to Walrath. The BSports division will continue to use the underlying Bloomberg Sports technology. 

“When we started Bloomberg Sports, our goal was for it to become the industry-leading provider of creative, premium data analytics services to sports professionals and fans, which is exactly what’s happened,” Squadron said.  “We are proud of what we have built and are delighted to see it take the next logical step, which is combining forces with the industry’s leading data company.” 

The transaction is STATS’ first since becoming a flagship member of Vista Equity Partners’ portfolio of companies this past June. 

“We believe the combination of data and software analytics will enable STATS to continue to provide its existing and new customers with tremendous value. We are thrilled to welcome the Bloomberg Sports team to the STATS family and plan to continue to build upon the foundation of success they have achieved to date,” said Christian Sowul, Principal at Vista Equity Partners.

IndyCar Series Heading to NOLA Motorsports Park in 2015

NOLA Motorsports Park and the Indy Grand Prix of Louisiana will join the Verizon IndyCar Series schedule in 2015, IndyCar have announced.

The event will be held April 10-12 and organized by Andretti Sports Marketing on a newly-configured 13-turn, 2.67-mile permanent road course layout. 

The Indy Grand Prix of Louisiana will feature a three-day festival combining Louisiana’s culture – including live musical acts, entertainment and local cuisine – with the excitement of a Verizon IndyCar Series event. 

“We’re delighted about the opportunity to showcase the Verizon IndyCar Series at NOLA Motorsports Park and to IndyCar fans in the greater New Orleans area,” said Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co., the parent of IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “The commitment from track owner Laney Chouest and his associates, combined with the support we received from the state of Louisiana, was the catalyst in making this come to fruition. New Orleans has a history of hosting successful major sporting events and we’re thrilled to be able to add the Indy Grand Prix of Louisiana to the 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series schedule.” 

Earlier this year, the state of Louisiana committed $4.5 million to make enhancements to the racetrack in support of the event. This investment, combined with private funding from NOLA Motorsports Park, helped facilitate required track and facility improvements necessary to host a Verizon IndyCar Series event. 

“The State of Louisiana understands the economic and cultural potential of this annual event,” said NOLA Motorsports Park owner Laney Chouest. “Track operations are currently underway to transform NOLA Motorsports Park into a Verizon IndyCar Series circuit, complete with state-of-the-art equipment, grandstands and viewing platforms racing fans need for a truly enjoyable experience.” 

Improvements to NOLA Motorsports Park are already underway and include a reconfigured course layout, which was designed in collaboration with IndyCar officials and Verizon IndyCar Series drivers, including James Hinchcliffe and Graham Rahal. 

“I’m really excited about going to NOLA next year,” Hinchcliffe said. “Having seen the track and the changes they are going to make, I think it’ll be great to drive. Great for fans, too, because you can see most of the track from the stands, which is rare on road courses. But maybe even more than that just going to that city is going to be a blast. They sure know how to throw a party and I know that they are going to roll out the red carpet for INDYCAR and really make it an event.”

Phoenix Coyotes Seals Concert Deal with Westgate Entertainment

Westgate Entertainment District have secured a partnership with National Hockey League team Phoenix Coyotes to bring fans pre- and post-game events before every home game and concert at Jobing.com Arena.

As part of the relationship, Westgate will permit the Coyotes to utilize the Westgate Events Plaza to host fan activations that will vary throughout the year and include Coyotes-themed inflatables and interactive fan experiences, live music, radio broadcasts and appearances by Howler and the Coyotes Paw Patrol. 

To celebrate the start of the season and the Coyotes’ new ownership, fans are invited to gather on the Westgate Events Plaza before the home opener versus the New York Rangers on Thursday, Oct. 3 to enjoy live music from 5:30pm to 6:40pm as well as 45 minutes after the game. Following the game, fans are encouraged to stay at Westgate and frequent the many restaurants, bars and retailers that will be offering specials for Coyotes fans all season long. 

“We’re pleased to work with the new owners of the Coyotes on a relationship that is good for both the team and Westgate, but more importantly for their fans, our customers and our tenants,” said Jeff Teetsel, development manager of Westgate Entertainment District. “Westgate provides a unique and vibrant setting right outside the front door of the Jobing.com Arena.  With the combination of our restaurants, bars and retailers steps from the arena, and the Coyotes activation on the Events Plaza, we have a fan environment that rivals anything in the country. We look forward to a great and growing relationship with the new owners of the Coyotes and are pleased that the team is here to stay.” 

Coyotes season ticket holders will be mailed a Westgate VIP Card providing them discounts at Westgate tenants that can be used throughout the season. 

“We are very pleased to announce our partnership with iStar and the Westgate Entertainment District,” said Coyotes President and CEO Anthony LeBlanc. “Westgate is a first class entertainment destination that provides our fans with numerous dining and entertainment options before and after our games. We look forward to working with Westgate to find new ways to improve the game night experience for our fans.”

Premier League Wins Court Case Blocking Major Illegal Streaming Football Website

The Premier League’s fight against illegal streaming gathered pace today after they secured a judgment in the High Court requiring the six main UK-based Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block access to one of the biggest illegal live football-streaming sites in the UK.

The High Court ruled that First Row Sports was acting jointly with third party streaming services to communicate to the public live footage of Premier League matches in breach of the Premier League’s copyright.

Section 97A of the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 has been used previously by the music and film industries to secure protection from illegal streaming sites, such as Pirate Bay, but this is the first time that a sporting body has sought an order blocking a site that infringes its copyright.

It is also the first time that an order has been granted against a website that facilitates access to other illegal streaming sites.

A Premier League spokesman said: “We are extremely pleased that the order blocking this website has been granted and we will be enforcing it, in conjunction with the ISPs, ahead of the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League season.

“It is absolutely imperative that content industries are afforded protection under the law if they are to continue investing in the sort of quality talent and facilities that has made them successful and of interest in the first place.

“The judgment recognises the parasitic nature of the enterprise; this was an out and out commercial operation with estimated revenues of up to £10 million a year, whilst giving nothing back to the sport.

“The content industries are playing an increasingly significant role in the UK economy, so it is pleasing to see that the courts recognise this and prevent continued abuses of copyright.”

Mr Justice Arnold also made clear that any publicans using First Row Sports to screen Premier League matches in their premises are communicating copyright works to the public, which would put them in breach of Section 20 of the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988.

A Premier League spokesman added: “Publicans should know that the only broadcasters entitled to show live Premier League matches in the UK as of the coming season are BSkyB and BT Vision.

“The Premier League will be significantly upping its enforcement activity in this area in the coming months, so any publican who is being offered a service that is not either BSkyB or BT Vision should be aware that these are illegal and they open themselves up to the possibility of prosecution.”

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CCTV Agrees New Deal with NBA China

China Central Television (CCTV), China’s national television station, CCTV Future Advertising and NBA China have agreed a multi-year television partnership that includes increased NBA coverage and creating a joint media team to market and promote NBA broadcasts.

The deal marks 26th anniversary of the companies’ partnership to provide access to the NBA and develop basketball in China.

The announcement was made at a press conference attended by Li Ting, Deputy Chief Editor of CCTV, Jiang Heping, Director of CCTV-5, Zhang Yong, General Manager of CCTV Future Advertising, Yin Tiegang, deputy general manager of CCTV Future Advertising, David Shoemaker, CEO of NBA China, and Collins Qian, COO of NBA China.

The partnership includes live NBA games, tape-delayed games aired during prime time and NBA original programming.

The companies will create a customised NBA-themed weekly show exclusively for fans in China.

CCTV Future Advertising, an advertising arm of CCTV, also entered into a partnership with NBA China to become official media partner on CCTV-5, forging a deeper and broader cooperation.

“We look forward to a new era of basketball coverage with the NBA, as basketball game broadcasts are among the most popular programs on CCTV-5,” said Jiang. “The NBA represents the best professional basketball league in the world and we are thrilled to bring our fans more authentic NBA excitement through our comprehensive coverage.”

“We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with CCTV and to introduce the most comprehensive NBA programming ever for our fans in China,” Shoemaker said. “Our new collaboration with CCTV will provide the highest quality original productions and customized shows for fans as well as first time, unique branded opportunities for advertisers.”

CCTV-5 will air live NBA games each week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Fans can also watch tape-delayed marquee NBA games and NBA highlights.

CCTV-5 will broadcast live the Eastern and Western Conference Finals, the NBA Finals and NBA All-Star events including the All-Star Game, State Farm NBA All-Star Saturday Night and the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge. CCTV will also screen special NBA programming as part of the league’s Chinese New Year celebration, following last season’s successful inaugural edition.{jcomments on}

Glasgow 2014 Appoints Venue Retail as Master Licensee

Glasgow 2014 organisers have announced Venue Retail 2014 Ltd will be in charge of delivering the merchandise for the Commonwealth Games.

The organisation will also be responsible for online sales.

The team behind VRL was responsible for London 2012’s in-venue merchandise programme which was the biggest in Olympic history.

The full range of Glasgow 2014 merchandise will feature over 1,500 items.

An initial range will be available for public sale before Christmas 2012, with the full range launched in 2013.

Ty Speer, Deputy Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014, said: “Being involved in the success of the London 2012 Olympic merchandise operation makes VRL a perfect match for Glasgow 2014.

“They have an abundance of expertise within their organisation from brand licensing to product development and sports venue retailing. We are looking forward to having VRL deliver the most successful Licensing and Merchandising programme in Commonwealth Games history.”

Robert Porter-Smith, Managing Director of Venue Retail Ltd, said: “We are delighted to have been granted the Master Licensing and retail rights for Glasgow 2014 and relish the opportunity of working with the team in Glasgow to ensure we deliver the biggest and best merchandising and retail programme for a Commonwealth Games.

“We look forward to expanding and developing our product ranges and retail offerings – and our licensees – as we develop and grow through 2013 and into 2014 and Games time.”

Japan to Compete in 2013 World Baseball Classic

Japanese players have agreed to take part in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, having previously threatened to boycott the event because of a dispute about how tournament money is shared.

The players’ union had demanded that Japan control all the sponsorship and licensing revenue generated by its participation in the tournament.

Currently, all such money is pooled and distributed by MLB, the tournament organizer.

Following a meeting with organizers in New York in August, officials from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league said some sponsorship and licensing revenue would remain in Japan”

NPB has reportedly set up a new business structure that will bring in ¥4B (US$51.1M) in four years.

Japan’s players’ union said in a statement: “We’ve decided to lift our previous decision not to participate in the WBC because it appears what we’ve been demanding has been fulfilled.” {jcomments on}