Kingfisher Is My
Sponsor Of The Month
The Brit Insurance Super Series Finals were better than ever this year. Now
a familiar gathering place on the world squash circuit the event has almost
replaced the British Open as a place of unexpected encounters and, with the
new World Squash Awards slipped into London just before this year and the
competition at its most keen, this tenth in the series exceeded all
expectation.
A good deal has been written and broadcast about the tenacity of the
promoter, Satinder Bajwa, the effectiveness of the organizers, WSM Sport,
the loyalty of the title sponsor, Brit Insurance, and suitability of the
venue, Broadgate Arena in London, but I would just like to throw in a
commendation for the secondary sponsors, Kingfisher.
Kingfisher, the World and UK’s number one selling Premium Indian Lager, has
this week declared its support for squash as an Olympic sport. A subsidiary
voice in the great Olympic debate, of course, but for one who enjoyed their
generosity and hospitality throughout the week at Broadgate another
thoughtful contribution.
Kingfisher was the official supplier of Lager and Natural Spring Water at
the event, won by Jonathon Power of Canada with a stunningly skilled and
athletic dismissal of the World, Champion, Thierry Lincou of France.
“I’m just delighted to have been crowned the Super Series Finals champion
again,” Power told reporters. “It was a really tough week but I thoroughly
enjoyed it. It was great to have the support of Kingfisher again this year.
The constant supply of Kingfisher water between games was a crucial factor
to the performance of all eight players and I was glad to get among the
Kingfisher Players Of the Day”
A 4.8 percent ABV premium lager, Kingfisher is available in 330ml and 660ml
bottles, and on draught in 30 litre and 50 litre Kegs. In the UK Kingfisher
is brewed under license by Shepherd Neame of Faversham, Britain’s oldest
brewer. It is sold in more than 95 percent of the UK’s 7,000 licensed Indian
restaurants, and in most major multiples.
On the fourth day of the Tournament, the serious business of squash was set
aside, as celebrity doubles took to the court to raise money for the Lord’s
Taverners charity. This year’s celebrities included former England
cricketers Alec Stewart and Graham Thorpe, former Great Britain Rugby League
player Ellery Hanley, footballer Luther Blissett and British Olympic table
tennis player Matthew Syed.
Brian Dozey, Marketing Director at Kingfisher told me: “Kingfisher is proud
to have been associated with this prestigious event for a second year. It
provides a great platform for us to promote our Kingfisher Natural Spring
Water, which quenched the thirst of players and spectators. Squash is a
fantastic sport and we would like to support its bid for inclusion at the
2012 Olympic Games.”
Kingfisher also provided pre-match lager for sampling throughout Finals
week. During the week, squash fans were given the opportunity to take part
in competitions and prize draws to win Kingfisher Lager, T-shirts and a
racket cover exclusively signed by the eight players.
The press voted each evening for the ‘Kingfisher Player of the Day’, who was
presented, with the prize of a case of Kingfisher Premium Indian Lager going
successively to James Willstrop, Thierry Lincou, David Palmer, Lincou again
and Jonathon Power.
“Now one of the most established events on the PSA Tour, the Super Series
Finals continues to grow year on year and the 2005 tournament was one of the
best yet,” Tom Maidment, SSF Tournament Press Officer told me. “The
Kingfisher Player of the Day Award was a particularly successful initiative
and was welcomed by the players, media and fans alike. We are hoping to make
it a permanent part of the event.”
Sounds good to me Tom. Cheers!
|
Thierry Lincou saves seven
matchballs to win the Kingfisher Player of the Day Award on
semi-finals day.
David Palmer Kingfisher Player of
the Day on Wednesday.
Willstrop beats Palmer to win the Kingfisher award on the opening day. |
