China

Golf’s European Tour has expanded its presence in Asia by adding the lucrative Shanghai Masters tournament to its calendar, with the agreement including a deal for BMW to take up the title sponsorship of the event.

The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) has announced plans designed to allow the sport to make serious inroads into the Chinese market after appointing Nathan Jones as its country administrator for China.

China has been announced as the host of an innovative new professional golf tournament, the World Ladies Championships (WLC).

World Snooker has furthered its presence in the Chinese market by announcing a third event in the shape of the Haikou World Open.

The City of Qingdao has agreed a major sponsorship deal with Clipper Ventures which will see it continue its participation in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race through to 2016.

Chinese Vice-Sports Minister Yang Shu'an on Sunday launched a staunch defence of the legacy of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

FC Barcelona has made further inroads into developing its brand in Asia by signing a strategic partnership with Chinese company Intersports.

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has signed an extension to its partnership with Chinese sportswear manufacturer Peak that will prolong the relationship through to 2016.

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) has insisted China remains an “important market” for the organisation despite the decision to cancel an upcoming tournament in the country.

Australian cycling has received a boost with the news the WorldTour licence for the Tour Down Under has been extended until 2015, while Beijing is set to become the first Asian stop on the calendar.

GLG Life Tech Corporation, which specialises in natural food and beverage products, has announced that its AN0C venture has signed up as a sponsor of China’s Olympic swimming team.

Real estate firm Dalian Wanda is to inject US$77 million into football in China after a new three-year agreement was unveiled by the Chinese Football Association (CFA) on Monday.

CCTV-IMG Sports Management Company, a China-based joint venture between the country’s national broadcaster and IMG Worldwide, has announced a strategic partnership with Shanghai Racing Sports Corporation.

Barclays Spaces for Sports and Right To Play have linked up to launch a three-year program to use sport to enhance the lives of disadvantaged migrant children in China.

The Chinese Football Association (CFA) and the China Football Industry Development Corporation (CFIDC) have struck a multi-year deal with World Sport Group to develop the brand of the country’s national football team.

China Unicom has signed up as a major sponsor of the 2011 World Table Tennis Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.