Sports

IPTL, Qatar Airways forge 3-year partnership

Philstar.com

November 17, 2015 | 1:31am

DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, has announced its three-year sponsorship as ‘Presenting Partner’ of the prestigious International Premier Tennis League (IPTL).

Founded in 2013, IPTL brings together current champions, tennis legends and upcoming talent in a format that has never been seen before. Created to fulfil the increasing demand for top-level tennis in Asia, it is the first city-based professional tennis league in the world, played with teams in four Asian cities: Dubai, Manila, New Delhi and Singapore. For this years’ second season, the League sees the addition of the charming city of Kobe as the fifth city.

The star-studded league is scheduled to take place in Kobe, Manila, Delhi, Dubai and Singapore from December 2-20, 2015, and tennis lovers across the world will be able to witness their favourite Grand Slam champions and top-ranked tennis stars from the past and present battle it out in a unique league format.

This upcoming season will see the return of tennis superstars like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova, while also featuring some new stalwarts in Rafael Nadal and Leander Paes.

IPTL has garnered much excitement since its first season and it continues to be popular among fans. The Indian Aces team walked away as the first ever IPTL winners in 2014, but the competition is set to be even more exciting this year with the addition of the Japan Warriors as the fifth team. The team will be led by Japanese sensation, Kei Nishikori, ranked world No. 6 along with other champions such as Leander Paes, Maria Sharapova, Daniela Hantuchova and Marat Safin.

Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Hugh Dunleavy said: “It gives us immense pleasure to announce our three-year partnership with the International Premier Tennis League. The overwhelming response the league received last season showcases the interest of Asian tennis fans in the region and the success of this format and the partnership with IPTL reinforces our commitment to be associated with large-scale sports events and sports legends.”

Mahesh Bhupathi on behalf of IPTL said: “Qatar Airways has an enviable portfolio of global sports events. We are delighted to have them back on board as our presenting sponsor for three years. They are an award-winning international airline with a clear vision and commitment to sports. We look forward to making this association beneficial to their customers and partners.”

The league will kick start in the city of Kobe on December 2 with the grand finale will be witnessed by fans in Singapore on December 20. The five teams – Indian Aces, Japan Warriors, Philippine Mavericks, Singapore Slammers, and UAE Royals – will lock horns with each other in a fiery battle to win the coveted IPTL Champions title along with the prize money of $1.5 million.