Hong Kong

UBS has elected to extend its title sponsorship of golf’s Hong Kong Open to the 2012 tournament, easing fears over the future of the key European and Asian Tour event.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has furthered its quest to develop the sport in Asia and South America by announcing that Chile and Hong Kong will host the Junior World Rugby Trophy in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

The World Tenpin Bowling Association (WTBA) has awarded the 2014 and 2016 WTBA World Youth Championships to Hong Kong and Lincoln, Nebraska respectively.

The annual Hong Kong Tennis Classic has been postponed due to a lack of sponsorship, organisers of the event confirmed on Tuesday.

Manchester United’s mooted partial stock market flotation in the Far East is targeted towards the club’s huge Asian fanbase, according to a financial expert.

Asian sports broadcaster ESPN Star Sports (ESS) has launched ESPN HD and ESPNews on IPTV platform Now TV in Hong Kong.

Cathay Pacific and HSBC have signed up as the new co-title sponsors of the world-famous Hong Kong Sevens from 2012-15, the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) has announced.

Japan has been confirmed as the sole host country of the 2019 Rugby World Cup after Hong Kong and Singapore withdrew as potential destinations for matches.

UEFA announced on Wednesday that i-Cable had retained its exclusive broadcast rights for the 2012-15 Champions League and Europa League in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong-based Asia Jet has penned a sponsorship deal with the Sauber Formula One team.

The British and Irish Lions yesterday announced they will launch their 2013 tour to Australia with a match in Hong Kong. The game, which will see the Lions line up against the Barbarians, will be the first time they have played in the region.

Next month’s rugby union Test between Australia and New Zealand in Hong Kong will go ahead despite reports the match may be moved because of poor ticket sales.

SPORTEL’s next spring event has been confirmed to the InterContinental Hotel in Hong Kong, from March 16 to 18, 2011.

UK horse-racing event the Derby at Epsom, which took place last Saturday, generated £4.5 million in betting revenues in Hong Kong, after it was shown live on television in the country for the first time in nine years.

Pan-Asia sports broadcaster ESPN Star Sports has renewed its television rights in several Asian markets for Major League Baseball through the 2013 season.

The owner of the television rights for the 2010 football World Cup has agreed to sub-license some matches to local free-to-air operators after weeks of disputes between the parties.