Auto Italia Ltd (AIL), representing Maserati in Hong Kong and Macau, was one of the principal sponsors of the JB Group Classic 2008 organised by The Hong Kong Tennis Patrons’ Association.

Auto Italia Ltd (AIL), representing Maserati in Hong Kong and Macau, was delighted to be one of the principal sponsors of the JB Group Classic 2008.

Organised by The Hong Kong Tennis Patrons’ Association, and staged in Victoria Park from 2 to 5 January 2008, this tournament has a 35 year history in Hong Kong: it’s one of the most important after the major Grand Slam competitions of Wimbledon, Australia, Paris and New York.

AIL provided nine Maseratis (eight Quattroportes and one GranTurismo) as official transport for the players and VIPs over the period of the tournament. AIL also displayed a Quattroporte Sport GT and a GranTurismo in the most significant location at the entrance to the Tented Village adjacent to Victoria Park’s Centre Court.

This display and hospitality area was fully occupied by booths and marquees of sponsors and business partners. Free-of-charge access was provided to the public which generated excellent exposure for all sponsors. The tournament was attended by a total of 14,400 spectators over the four days plus many more members of the general public who visited the Tented Village.

AIL invited more than 300 Maserati customers and their guests over the four days to watch the tournament in VIP boxes. All clients were entertained during breaks between matches with an excellent hospitality service in an exclusive Maserati dining area with food and beverage provided by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

This year, the tournament featured five of the World’s top ten female tennis stars who competed in a full tournament draw of eight players. Eventually, Venus Williams beat Maria Sharapova (6-4, 6-3) to become the JB Gold Group Champion. Chairman of AIL, Mr Richard Lee, presented Venus with a Magnum of Champagne as part of the prize-giving ceremony. China’s Peng Shuai won the JB Silver Group Champion match and Venus Williams, with partner Caroline Wozniacki, won the Doubles Final.