Sixes Organisers Announce Media Partnership with The Standard

Sixes organisers today announced a tie up with The Standard, Hong Kong's biggest English language newspaper, to be the Official English Language Newspaper of the 2009 Sixes.

"We're delighted to be working with The Standard in an excellent arrangement which over the next eight weeks will see a print and online advertising and promotions campaign supported by substantial editorial content and a special supplement on Sixes weekend for fans," said Tournament Director Mark Burns.

"The Standard provides excellent platforms to promote the Sixes, our event sponsors and supporting organisations to the Hong Kong public," he continued.

"The Sixes now has media partnerships with the largest, by circulation, English language newspaper in Hong Kong and has one of the biggest international TV distributions of any sports event staged in Hong Kong, reaching 80 million households worldwide through our live TV deal with Tensports, all good news for Sixes fans," said Mr Burns.

"The Sixes is one of the biggest sports events in Hong Kong and as the largest by circulation English newspaper, we're delighted that the full colour Standard will be showcasing the colour and excitement of the tournament," said The Standard's Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Ivan Tong.

The Hong Kong Sixes 2009 will take place at Kowloon Cricket Club on October 31st and November 1st.

About the Sixes
Six-a-side cricket is the quickest, most fun-filled version of the glorious old game - a feast of world class players, thrilling matches, huge hits and spectacular catches. It's THE best cricket party in the world!

The Hong Kong Cricket Sixes, organised by Hong Kong Cricket Association, is the longest-running, highest-profile sixes tournament in the world and one of the most televised sports events staged in Hong Kong. Any profits from the tournament are ploughed directly back into cricket development in Hong Kong through the Hong Kong Cricket Association.

It offers two days of fast and furious action in a festival atmosphere - international teams, passionate fans, 40-minute clashes, global TV coverage to 80 million and thousands of dollars in prize money up for grabs.

The 2009 Sixes is the 15th edition of Hong Kong's unique international cricket tournament first staged in 1992.

Ticket information and further event details will be announced later this month.

About The Standard
The Standard has evolved into a powerful, influential medium in Hong Kong with a diverse audience and a broad reach since becoming a free newspaper in September 2007. The popular daily publication reaches 479,000 readers and has an audited circulation of 224,148 copies a day. The paper is distributed Monday through Friday throughout Hong Kong.

The Standard is not just a preferred channel for readers, but also a substantial platform for advertisers. Editorial quality, integrity and fairness remain guiding principles, with a diverse range of news and features presented in a bold tabloid format.

The Standard's website (www.thestandard.com.hk) has been revamped to now include breaking Local, World and Sports news. Access to all sections of the website - including updating news - is free.

About the Hong Kong Cricket Association The Hong Kong Cricket Association (HKCA) is responsible for professionally administering cricket at all levels in Hong Kong. It aims to promote, expand and develop the sport, improve standards in all areas of the game and increase the number of participants from all sectors of the local community. It organises competitions throughout the year for all age groups, from primary school children to senior players. The HKCA's wholly owned subsidiary, China Cricket International Limited, is responsible for the organisation and management of the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes.

For further information about the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes see the event website at www.hksixes.com or contact:

Chingwai Li
Event Executive (Media & Promotions)
Tel. (852) 2543 8500
Fax. (852) 2543 8322
Email. cwli@hkcricketsixes.com

Mark Burns
Tournament Director
Tel. (852) 2543 8500
Fax. (852) 2543 8322
Email. mburns@hkcricketsixes.com

Stock photos are available upon request with mandatory credit to HKCA.