The Hong Kong Rugby Football Union have announced that Cathay Pacific and HSBC will be the new co-title sponsors of the world-famous Hong Kong Sevens from 2012 – 2015.

The sponsorship agreement with previous co-sponsor Credit Suisse concluded at the end of the successful 2011 tournament.

The four-year sponsorship agreement announced today resumes a successful partnership between these two iconic Hong Kong institutions and the world’s pre-eminent international sevens. Cathay Pacific and HSBC’s previous joint sponsorship of the Hong Kong Sevens ran from 1980 through to the first of two Rugby World Cup Sevens held in Hong Kong in 1997.

Under the new sponsorship agreement the event title will be the Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens.

Cathay Flight Attendant Margaret Lai, Trevor Gregory (HKRFU), John Slosar Chief Executive, Cathay Pacific, Stuart Gulliver, Global Chief Executive, HSBC, Brian Stevenson (HKRFU), Ida Chan, Cathay Pacific Flight attendant. Front row: Twins and Hong Kong mini rugby players Janice Chan Shang-yan and Jeffery Chan Shang-Ming

HSBC’s sponsorship of the Hong Kong Sevens continues its growing support of Sevens internationally through the HSBC Sevens World Series and marks its only title sponsorship of an HSBC Sevens World Series event to date.

The continued involvement of Cathay Pacific as an event sponsor strengthens a 30-year association with the Hong Kong Sevens – a unique longevity in international sports sponsorship.

The Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2012 will be held on 23-25 March.

(Source: BlitzBokke.com)

I attended a very special rugby event at Ho Man Tin’s King’s Park earlier today.

Joint sponsors UBS brought together members of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) National Teams and about 40 athletes from the Hong Kong Special Olympics (HKSO) National Teams for a unique rugby clinic.

The clinic also celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Sports Federation & Olympic Committee.

Athletes from both Unions presented a special edition Hong Kong National Rugby Jersey to Karl Kwok, Vice President of the Hong Kong Sports Federation & Olympic Committee (HKSF&OC).

Also in attendance were David Boyd-Thomas, Regional Head of Community Affairs in Asia Pacific at UBS; David Ip, President of Hong Kong Special Olympics; and Trevor Gregory, Chairman of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union.

“UBS is pleased to again bring together two of our long-standing partners in the Hong Kong Special Olympics and the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union. That we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Hong Kong Sports Federation & Olympic Committee only adds to the occasion.”

“I am particularly struck by the warmth and camaraderie displayed today. Not only were the basics of rugby introduced to the athletes from the Hong Kong Special Olympics but something of the spirit of the game was communicated as well,” added Mr Boyd-Thomas.

This year, UBS has deepened its commitment to Hong Kong Rugby’s National Teams with a sponsorship campaign designed to rally community support for the teams over a series of competitions including the Hong Kong Sevens and Hong Kong Women’s Rugby Sevens later this month.

The ‘Spirit of the Dragon’ campaign evokes the symbolism of the dragon crest which has had pride of place on the HKRFU national team jersey since 1952.

Today’s programme was one of several activities scheduled for the coming weeks including the UBS Spirit of the Dragon Roadshow which will take place in Kowloon at the Cultural Centre (March 14 – 16) and in Chater Garden (March 17 – 18 & 21 – 25). Other events will focus on local and international schools in Hong Kong, as well as UBS Community Partners like the Hong Kong Council of Early Childhood and Education Services.

Trevor Gregory commented: “Our involvement with the Hong Kong Special Olympics is as rewarding for our players and coaches as it is for these inspirational athletes from the Hong Kong Special Olympics.

“I am convinced that the strong performance of all of our national teams has been greatly enhanced by the support of our national team sponsor, UBS”.

During the clinic, the athletes from the Special Olympics Team had a lot of fun throwing the ball around with the rugby players.  After all the on-pitch activities, they then retired to the Kings Park Club-House where they collected autographs from the National Rugby Team players.  Finally, thoroughly drained, they then sat down for lunch where the in-house caterers laid on a great spread.

The HKRFU has also extended a special invitation to the 40 athletes from the Hong Kong Special Olympics to experience the excitement of rugby on the Friday evening of the Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens (March 25 – 27) at the Hong Kong Stadium. In an effort to share the spirit of the event with local audiences, over 6,000 representatives from local schools and community groups are entertained on the Friday evening of the Hong Kong Sevens.

Here are some images I captured today:

Last week we alerted readers in Hong Kong, and the rest of the world for that matter, about the online sale of the remainder of the tickets for this year’s Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens.

After an initial pre-sale period to local Rugby Clubs, HKRFU Stakeholders and official Overseas Ticketing Agents, tickets for the HK Sevens went on sale online earlier today.

The Hong Kong Rugby Football Union subsequently announced that approximately 5,000 tickets, available for sale online, were snapped up by eager punter within about 1 hour.

Trevor Gregory, Chairman of the HKRFU, announced earlier last week:

“The HKRFU expects very strong demand for Sevens tickets in 2011 and like rugby fans around the world we look forward to another outstanding Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens in March.”

Trevor Gregory (right) with former Springbok Marius Hurter in 2010

Here’s to yet another sell-out Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens later this year!

Here are the BlitzBokke doing the march-past in 2009:

With their Hong Kong clash doubling as the final preparation for the traditional end-of-year tour, both New Zealand and Australia are set to make the third-ever Bledisloe Cup match to be played on neutral soil a “ferocious” one.

New Zealand Rugby Union CEO Steve Tew said, “Both the New Zealand and Australian rugby unions are fully supportive of the Hong Kong fixture and are committed to bringing one of world rugby’s legendary matches back to Asia. The upcoming end of year tour is vital for both teams going into 2011 and I know the All Blacks will be looking to put in a strong performance to kick off their tour on the back of a successful Tri Nations campaign.”

After New Zealand’s last gasp 23-22 victory last week in Sydney, both teams have everything to play for as they finalize their preparations for their tours of the northern hemisphere. On October 30, spectators will be treated to some ferocious on-pitch action amid the famous rugby atmosphere of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Stadium.

ARU Managing Director and CEO John O’Neill concurred: “The quality of Rugby in this year’s Bledisloe Cup series has been outstanding. These are the best two teams in world Rugby and the one-point separating them in Sydney last Saturday night underlines the closeness of the contest.

There is also no doubt that the game, as it is currently being played in the Southern Hemisphere, is as exciting as it has been at any other time in memory. At the international level there has been a plethora of tries and consistently scintillating attacking Rugby.

However, the ferocity of the trans-Tasman matches has not been compromised whatsoever. We’re confident the match in Hong Kong will be another entertainment package no sporting fan would want to miss.”

Trevor Gregory, Chairman of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) said, “The HKRFU and thousands of sports fans in Hong Kong and around the region are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the teams and we look forward to welcoming them with Hong Kong’s famous hospitality.

With the world’s two top ranked teams set to contest the latest match in their century-old rivalry, the Bledisloe Cup in Hong Kong promises to be another historic moment in Hong Kong rugby and I encourage people to get their tickets today.”

To date, over 14,000 tickets have been sold for the 40,000-seater Hong Kong Stadium and sales are expected to increase in the coming weeks. The HKRFU has confirmed that a sponsorship announcement will be made soon, reinforcing the strong interest in the region in the Bledisloe Cup Hong Kong match.

Tickets are available through HKTicketing

New champion Grégory Bourdy ended up soaked in champagne, but organisers of last week’s UBS Hong Kong Open also had plenty of reasons to celebrate. 

Grégory Bourdy hugs his caddy after winning the UBS Hong Kong Open as his fellow French players and supporters, led by Raphaël Jacquelin, spray him with champagne. (Pic: Paul Lakatos/UBS Hong Kong Open)

The best field in the tournament’s history, four days of thrilling golf, the first ever French winner and intriguing subplots involving the European Tour’s Race To Dubai and Asian Tour’s Order of Merit – it was a week to savour. 

Fans lucky enough to be at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling saw an impeccable display from the ice-cool Bourdy, who expertly negotiated the tight par-70 layout with rounds of 64, 67, 63 and 67 for a winning total of 19-under-par 261. 

He was especially impressive on the final day when brilliant Northern Irish youngster Rory McIlroy, backed by a huge following, applied some serious pressure on the back nine.  So assured was Bourdy that, when he calmly parred the final hole, his winning two-shot margin marked the first time since 2002 that the champion had won by more than a single stroke. 

“We didn’t get the heart-stopping finish that UBS Hong Kong Open fans have grown used to, but it was still a wonderful finale,” said Martin Capstick, managing director of event promoters Parallel Media Group.  “It is a long time since a player has strung together four absolutely immaculate rounds like that at Fanling. Bourdy hardly made a mistake all week and he was a truly deserving winner.” 

While Bourdy’s fellow French players and supporters ran on to the green to spray him in champagne, Fanling was also acclaiming its people’s champion in McIlroy. 

Rory McIlroy speaks to the media after concluding his 2009 challenge (Pic: Mike Jansen)

The Northern Irish youngster – now runner-up two years in a row – lit up the tournament with some incredible shot-making and was threatening to pull off an amazing comeback until a momentum-stopping bogey at the 17th ended his charge.  “With his displays the past two years, the Hong Kong fans have taken McIlroy to their hearts and he has said many times that he adores coming here – he likes the city and he loves the course,” said Capstick. 

“He is a charismatic player and has a great rapport with the fans. We are obviously hopeful he will return because it is clearly a tournament he enjoys very much.” 

McIlroy at least had the consolation of overtaking Lee Westwood at the top of the Race To Dubai standings, his season earnings of €2,538,449 giving him a lead of €128,173 over his English rival.  The Race To Dubai – in which only the top 60 qualified for this week’s season-ending Dubai World Championship – spiced up the final day at Fanling with players scrambling to book their place. 

Lee Westwood speaks to the media before Round 1 (Pic: Mike Jansen)

Bourdy’s victory moved him up to 47 and secured his spot, but Dutchman Robert-Jan Derksen, who needed to finish first or second, ended up joint third and just missed out. 

Liang Wenchong’s 11th place in the UBS Hong Kong Open moved the Chinese star from 60 to 57 and confirmed his trip to the Middle East but 11th was not quite good enough for Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke, who found himself marooned at 61 on the money list. 

“The Race To Dubai certainly gave the UBS Hong Kong Open an added dimension as even those golfers well down the field still had something to play for,” said Capstick.  “It turned the global spotlight on Hong Kong even more than usual and that can only be good for the tournament.” 

A significant day for the Asian Tour as well saw Thai icon Thongchai Jaidee clinch an unprecedented third Order of Merit crown ahead of Liang.  “It was another hugely successful UBS Hong Kong Open and our sincere thanks go to the sponsors, the Hong Kong Golf Club, the Hong Kong Golf Association and all the officials and volunteers who helped make it happen,” said Capstick. 

“We also offer our sincere gratitude to the fans, who again turned up in fantastic numbers and, as always, behaved impeccably.  “The challenge, as ever, is to improve the event for next year. The work has already started.”

2009 UBS HK Open Champions Gregory Bourdy with the tournament spoils (Pic: Mike Jansen)

See you in Fanling in 2010!

Grégory Bourdy held off a hard charging Rory McIlroy to win the UBS Hong Kong Open by two shots on Sunday (15 November). 

The Frenchman carded a polished three-under-par 67 at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling to finish on 19-under 261 for the tournament.  Northern Irish youngster McIlroy showed flashes of his prodigious talent in compiling a 64, but fell just short in the US$2.5 million showpiece for the second year in a row. 

“It’s great, I had a fantastic week,” said a champagne-soaked Bourdy, 27. “It’s my best golf week, best golf day today. I played very consistent. I missed a few putts at the start of the round but I stayed confident.

“It’s my mother’s birthday today so I dedicate this to her. My girlfriend Anabelle is here also and everything went right.”

“I was relaxed today and all week. I was so confident. I tried to enjoy all my shots, all my rounds and did it. I missed just a few shots this week. I can’t believe it was so nice to play like this.”

 A triumphant Bourdy poses with the UBS HK Open trophy in the fading Fanling light (Pic: Mike Jansen)

Bourdy, the overnight leader by two shots, was unflappable down the stretch, picking up birdies at the 10th and 13th and calmly playing the final five holes to par. 

McIlroy, 20, roared on by the galleries, did his best to put Bourdy under pressure and closed the gap to one shot with consecutive birdies at the 15th and 16th.  But a three-putt bogey at the 17th took the wind out of his sails and Bourdy arrived at Fanling’s notoriously difficult final hole with a two-shot cushion. 

Bourdy collected the winner’s cheque for US$416,660 and enjoyed the bonus of leaping into the top 60 on the European Tour’s Race To Dubai, thereby qualifying for next week’s season-ending Dubai World Championship, “I wanted to stay focused on my game, play shot by shot, and I knew if I was three or four-under it would be OK to win the tournament,” said Bourdy.

“I didn’t look at the leaderboard until the 18th so I didn’t know Rory played well. I was three-under after 14 holes and it was nice to finish with a par on the 18th as it’s a tough hole. 

Unfortunately for the Frenchman, there was little time to soak up the Hong Kong adoration and celebrate his victory as he immediately jetted out of the SAR to Dubai for next week’s Dubai World Championship. 

“Dubai was the target before I played here. I knew if I won I’d go to Dubai but first was to play well today and win the UBS Hong Kong Open. I’ve played well, won and I’m going to Dubai, so I have everything.”

The victory was Bourdy’s third European Tour title after victories in the 2007 Mallorca Classic and the Open de Portugal last year. 

 A disappointed McIlroy speaks to the media after his final round at FanLing (Pic: Mike Jansen)

McIlroy – joint runner-up in the UBS Hong Kong Open a year ago after losing a three-way playoff to Chinese Taipei’s Lin Wen Tang – was forced to settle for second best again. 

But he could take consolation in the fact that he overtook Lee Westwood at the top of the Race To Dubai standings.  World No.17 McIlroy, who earned US$277,770 for his second place, refused to be too downhearted and paid tribute to the winner.

“I played lovely, really, really well,” he said. “I thought I needed a low one and went out with the mindset that if I went lower than 65 then I might have a chance, but Grégory obviously played very well. 

“If I’d birdied one of the last two holes I might have given myself a chance, so that’s the way it goes. I’m a bit disappointed at the moment but I have the consolation of going back to the top of the Race To Dubai. 

“There’s a lot that can go on next week but my goal this week was to win the UBS Hong Kong Open and I’ve come up just short again, for the second year in a row. But I gave it my best shot and that’s all I can do.”

Of the 3 South African contenders who made the cut, Charl Schwartzel finished highest at 10 under.  He was followed by Rory Sabbatini one shot back at 9 under, while Andrew McLardy concluded the 2009 UBS Hong Kong Open at 7 under par.