Super prizes on offer in Sixes website launch

Fans are being offered the chance to meet some of the biggest names in cricket in a competition to mark the launch of the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes official website.

The website - www.hkcricketsixes.com - contains everything followers of the game need to know about the best six-a-side cricket tournament in the world.

As well as the latest news, team details, event history and corporate hospitality and ticket information, the new site is also offering an exciting online competition.

For fans under 18, the first prize is taking part in the All Stars Junior Coaching session - conducted by some of the world's most famous players - and the opportunity of being a ball boy/girl at the Sixes.

Adults aged 18 and over can win an invitation to the exclusive Sixes Welcome Party which will be attended by players from the 10 competing teams.

To enter the competition, fans just need to log on to www.hkcricketsixes.com and follow the simple instructions.

"The Sixes already has a well deserved reputation for allowing fans to get close to the action," explained tournament director Mark Burns.

"Now, with this competition, they will have the chance to actually be involved in tournament-week events and meet the players face to face."

The website was officially launched today (Wednesday, May 28) and is the latest step in preparations for the 2008 Hong Kong Cricket Sixes, which will be held at Kowloon Cricket Club on November 8-9.

Australian master batsman Damien Martyn and inspirational former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming have already been confirmed for the annual showpiece.

Martyn, a key member of Australia's all-conquering team for more than a decade, and Fleming, the most successful captain in New Zealand's history, will appear for the All Stars in the tournament.

The All Stars will join nine representative international teams - Australia, New Zealand, England, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Bangladesh and hosts Hong Kong.

"Preparations for the 2008 Sixes are going very smoothly," added Burns. "With two world class players already confirmed, the official website up and running and strong corporate hospitality sales, we are in very good shape.

"The demand for corporate hospitality is particularly encouraging. We started sales just over a week ago and more than half the executive boxes have gone already. We expect the remainder to be snapped up very quickly."

The Hong Kong Cricket Sixes, which is fully sanctioned by the International Cricket Council, is the sport's longest-running, best-established and most high-profile sixes tournament.

Players who have taken part in the event since it was first held in 1992 include Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Steve and Mark Waugh, Viv Richards, Andrew Flintoff, Adam Gilchrist, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Wasim Akram.

Profits from the tournament are ploughed directly back into cricket development in Hong Kong through the Hong Kong Cricket Association.

ENDS

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.

Released on behalf of the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes by Two Up Front.

For further information, please contact:

Niall Donnelly Two Up Front Tel: +852 2854 2136 Mob: +852 6502 3330 Fax: +852 3579 5955 Email: niall@tuf.com.hk

Thorn Huang Two Up Front Tel: +852 28542135 Fax: +852 3579 5955 Email: thorn@tuf.com.hk