Doha (QATAR): Underlining the strengthening worldwide reputation of the 2007 Commercialbank Qatar Masters, CNN International – the world’s news leader – has signed up as Global Media Sponsor for the PGA European Tour and Asian Tour event.
The tournament, which will be held at Doha Golf Club from January 25-28, will see CNN International play a major role as a supporting partner to the event’s title sponsor, the Commercialbank of Qatar.
CNN International is no stranger to the greens and fairways of the Middle East’s, as an existing sponsor of the Dubai Desert Classic – as well as golf events further afield like the BMW Asian Open in Shanghai and the BMW International Open in Munich. However, the announcement that the news corporation has agreed to throw its weight behind the Doha event is further proof of the increased standing of Qatari sporting events in the global public eye.
"We are delighted that a major global player such as CNN International has decided to give its support to the Commercialbank Qatar Masters for the next three years," said Commercialbank of Qatar CEO Andrew Stevens. "The ultimate aim of our increased sponsorship agreement is to take the event to a whole new level. Having CNN International align itself with the tournament means our international exposure will increase accordingly and we will be able to broadcast Qatar’s message to an even greater audience than ever before."
As part of the agreement, CNN International has produced a high-end 30-second commercial promoting the tournament that will be broadcast to 127 million households across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and South Asia.
CNN International Vice President for ad sales for Southern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Rani R Raad is delighted to have extended CNN’s golfing sponsorship schemes to include the Commercialbank Qatar Masters.
"It’s particularly pleasing to come on board at a milestone like the tenth anniversary of the Commercialbank Qatar Masters," said Raad. "The Masters is an ideal fit with CNN’s viewer profile in the region and the event attracts the same type of audience and participants that we target. I’m looking forward to the opportunities that will arise from being involved with this prestigious sporting occasion."
With the increased involvement of the Commercialbank of Qatar, the tenth staging of the Doha tournament will have the strongest field in its short history. South Africa’s Retief Goosen and Spanish superstar Sergio Garcia have both agreed to make their Qatari playing debuts at the Doha Golf Club next month, while more star players will be announced over the coming weeks.
ends
Caption: Caption: Making news – CNN International will continue its support of golf at the Commercialbank Qatar Masters 2007
Contact:
Alan Ewens
Commercialbank Qatar Masters Media Manager
PO Box 52465, Dubai
Tel/Fax: +9714 3512887
Mob: +97150 4514188 alan2804@emirates.net.ae
www.qatar-masters.com
