World Snooker announced the Bank of Beijing as the title sponsor of the 2009 World Snooker China Open just a day ahead of the tournament start.
The China Open had looked as if it would go ahead without a main sponsor. World Snooker, the sport’s global governing body, also announced car-producer Hyundai as an official partner.
“Support from sponsors like Bank of Beijing and Hyundai will boost the sport’s development in China,” said Zhang Xiaoning, director of China Multi-ball Administrative Centre, the sport’s governing body in China.
“The China Open has had years of experience in marketing and it offers the best platform to encourage our teenage snooker players. As a non-Olympic sport, snooker still boasts huge potential for development.”
Long-term partners of the tournament such as China Charity, Star and Sina.com also echoed their willingness to continue their co-operation with the China Open.
The tournament features 40 of the world’s best snooker players, including local star Ding Junhui, World Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan and defending champion Stephen Maguire.
