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MUMBAI:
It is game, set and match as pan-Asian sports broadcaster
ESPN Star Sports (ESS) announced a new seven-year contract
for the Australian Open till 2014.
The
deal covers cable and satellite, IPTV, DTH and terrestrial
rights. ESS and Tennis Australia have also agreed to a collaboration
for new media platforms such as mobile telephony and internet.
The
new contract gives ESS rights for the entire territory including
China for 2008. From 2009, the rights will cover 23 countries
across South Asia, South East Asia and North Asia with the
exception of China. ESS has been airing the Australian Open
to tennis fans across Asia since 2002.
ESS says that it will continue to support the Australian Open
match coverage with presentation packages including daily
highlights, news and analyses as well as behind-the-scene
looks at the tournament.
ESS
Asia MD Manu Sawhney says, "The Australian Open has always
occupied a special place in Asian sports fans' hearts with
its legacy as one of the most prestigious tournaments in the
world of tennis. We have built a very successful partnership
with Tennis Australia over the last six years and we are extremely
pleased to now extend our relationship for another seven years.
"With
the strong equity that our brands enjoy across Asia and the
strength of our new media platforms including mobile and online,
we are committed to further strengthening the appeal and distribution
of Australian Open across Asia and to continue its growth
as the Grand Slam of Asia/Pacific."
Tennis Australia CEO Steve Wood said that the new deal marked
a new chapter in a very strong relationship with ESS. "ESPN
Star Sports has been a highly valued partner to Tennis Australia
and the Australian Open. As the leader in Asian sports television,
ESPN Star Sports is the perfect fit for the Grand Slam of
Asia Pacific.
"We
appreciate, in particular, how well ESS has continued to promote
the event and contributed to raising the popularity of the
Australian Open across Asia. We look forward to continuing
that growth with ESS support."
Last
month, ESS concluded the broadcast of The Australian Open
2008, with its coverage on various networks across Asia featuring
the legendary tennis player Vijay Amritraj as expert commentator
and the popular anchor Alan Wilkins presenting the highly-watched
programming lineup.
ESS
also has the rights for Wimbledon throughout Asia, the French
Open in South Asia, the ATP Masters Series, which comprises
10 tennis tournaments and the Hyundai Hopman Cup, which is
the only ITF official international mixed teams competition.
ESS
adds that its coverage goes beyond its stable of tennis tournament
telecast and includes its original in-house production Ace
which features the latest results and updates in the world
of tennis, as well as exclusive interviews with top tennis
players.
It will also begin to air shows such as Destination Tennis
which features best places for tennis vacations on and off
the court. No Strings offers a behind-the-scenes, close-up
and personal look at some of the world's biggest tennis stars.
Tactical Tennis is an instructional series for tennis
fans to take their game to the next level.
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