HSBC has been announced as the new title sponsor of the Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open, which takes place at Emeralda Golf Club, Jakarta, next week from March 2-5. The tournament will now be known as the Enjoy Jakarta HSBC Indonesia Open 2006 with Asian Number One Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand defending the title.
"The Enjoy Jakarta HSBC Indonesia Open represents another significant investment in golf by HSBC," said Richard McHowat, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Indonesia.
"As the world's most international bank, it is fitting that we are involved in a sport with truly global appeal.
"Golf is well established in developed markets and suits the tastes and lifestyles of many HSBC customers. And it is a booming and aspirational sport in regions like Asia, where our Group was founded, and which remains crucial to our business.
"The game very much mirrors HSBC's character and how we like to do business. Internationalism, inclusiveness and integrity are as much characteristics of the sport as they are of HSBC and we are proud of our association with the game."
The Governor of Jakarta, Sutiyoso, hailed HSBC's involvement in the Open.
"It's great news that the tournament has joined forces with such a prestigious title sponsor for the next two years," he said.
"We firmly believe that, with the involvement of HSBC, local government and various other sponsors, the tournament will go from strength to strength and firmly establish Indonesia on the world golfing map."
Keld Kristiansen, Managing Director of event promoter Parallel Media Asia (PMA), welcomed HSBC on board.
"Sponsorship is the lifeblood of sport these days and to have a major global company like HSBC so closely involved is a massive boost for the tournament," he said.
"Everyone involved in the negotiations has worked extremely hard to reach this landmark agreement. This is a great day for Indonesian golf."
Asian Number One Thaworn Wiratchant has already confirmed he will be back to defend his title at next month's Enjoy Jakarta HSBC Indonesia Open 2006.
Joining the Thai star in chasing total prize money of US$1 million will be compatriot Thongchai Jaidee and Chinese Number Zhang Lian Wei.
The tournament will continue to be co-sanctioned by The European Tour and the and Asian Tour as well as the Indonesian Golf Association.
It will once again be promoted by PMA, Asia's biggest golf promoter and a prime mover in resurrecting the event in 2005 after it had been dormant for several years.
Thaworn's five-shot triumph at Cengkareng Golf Club almost a year ago - his first win on The European Tour - was the highlight of a record-breaking season.
The Thai star finished 2005 with four Asian Tour tournament victories and topped the Order of Merit with earnings of US$510,122.
The Enjoy Jakarta HSBC Indonesia Open 2006 is the third HSBC-sponsored tournament on The European Tour International Schedule, along with teh HSBC Champions tournament and the HSBC World Match Play Championship.
