SIA a sponsor for 2014 WTA Finals

SINGAPORE Airlines (SIA) has inked an agreement with the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) to come onboard as an official sponsor for the 2014 WTA Finals (Oct 17-26), which takes place in Singapore this month.

In addition to SIA's Singapore Girl making an appearance at the sporting event, six Singapore Girls will also be present at the prize presentation ceremony.

The 2014 BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore, presented by SC Global, is being held in the Asia-Pacific for the first time in WTA's 44- year history at Singapore's new Sports Hub.

SIA, which will be flying in tennis players and officials for the WTA Finals, also signed a two-year contract earlier this year to become title sponsor of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.

"We are pleased to be an official sponsor for the WTA Finals in another example of our commitment to both sports and tourism," said SIA's divisional vice-president (sales and marketing), Foo Chai Woo.

Meanwhile, Asia's highest-ranked tennis star Li Na will be attending the WTA Finals in Singapore after all, but as an official ambassador. She announced her retirement from tennis on Sept 19.

The two-time Grand Slam champion, who will serve as an ambassador both this year and next, will be joined by an all-star line-up at the event this month, including Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova and Marion Bartoli.

Li Na will be present at the opening Fan Festival Weekend of the WTA Finals, on the afternoon of Oct 19 for a meet-and-greet session with fans. Fan Festival Weekend is open to the public, with free admission.

In addition, the Chinese star will be participating in the WTA Opening Ceremony on Oct 20 at 7pm.

WTA chairman and chief executive Stacey Allaster said: "This will be a great opportunity for the fans from around the world over to get close to a tennis legend who has inspired a nation and done so much for the game in Asia-Pacific."

The 2014 WTA Finals will feature the world's top eight singles players going head to head in a round-robin event, as well as the top eight doubles teams in a single elimination tournament.

nishar@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on Oct 1, 2014.
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