SportBusiness.com

DON’T BANK ON HSBC FOR WORLD MATCH PLAY

Golf’s World Match Play Championship has lost its title sponsor after banking giant the HSBC announced it was pulling the plug early on its deal.

Just five years ago the firm unveiled a multi-million dollar ten-year sponsorship of the event, traditionally held at Wentworth in the UK, and with it a £1m top prize.

However, it confirmed this week this October’s event will be its last.

It will now focus its attention on the Champions tournament in China, for which it is also title sponsor.

Giles Morgan, head of global sports marketing and sponsorship for HSBC, said: "It's been a very difficult decision. We've had five great years, but have decided as a business it's time to move on.

"We are going to leave on a high this year. We want to make it the best ever and go out with a bang. It's a brilliant event and I think we have helped to rebuild it."

sportbusiness.com