14th November 2011, Shanghai, China: Winmau and the Chinese Darts Association (CDA) are delighted to announce their exclusive sponsorship of the China National Darts Open 2011 (staged by the Chinese Darts Association), which will see the world’s leading darts brand teamed with one of the most progressive and rapidly expanding darts organisations.
Winmau dartboards will be used in all competitions staged by the CDA, including the prestigious China National Darts Open, which takes place on 14th and 15th November 2011 in Shanghai.
As part of the agreement, Winmau will also support the Shanghai Super Darts league, whose membership is growing at a phenomenal rate every year.
In 1999 darts was officially approved by the Chinese government as a sport. In 2004 the CDA was founded and it is the official national darts organisation in China. The CDA is governed by the China General Sports Bureau and it covers 10 city darts associations, including the Shanghai Darts Association – one of the largest city associations and the hub of Chinese darts development.
The number of Chinese darts players is growing rapidly (especially in Shanghai) as darts is promoted into businesses and schools. The IDF’s close relationship with the Chinese Darts Association and Shanghai Xuhui District has allowed some amazing developments, such as, the three year contract with the Shanghai Xuhui District government to hold the IDF Darts World Cup. Each year, the Shanghai Xuhui District will inject 3,000,000 CNY (approximately £300,000) to support the tournament. 2011 is the second year, and the tournament will be held immediately following the China National Darts Open from November 16th to 19th.
To coincide with Winmau’s sponsorship of the CDA, the company has also entered into a new distribution partnership with one of their closest supporters – Shanghai Haywood. Shanghai Haywood will be distributing the Winmau range across China and they can be contacted via telephone +86 13818166444.
With Winmau’s support, the CDA are building a close relationship with the British Darts Organisation (BDO), where they will have access to the wealth of experience the BDO has amassed over nearly 40 years in running events and promoting the grass roots game.
The growth of the sport in China looks set to continue apace. Media exposure surrounding the two largest events in China has already created a huge buzz, and both tournaments will give the players and spectators first hand access to Winmau’s 2012 product range via promotional and trial booths.
Ian Flack, Sales and Marketing Director for Winmau, said “I can’t over emphasise how happy we are at this latest development in China. We have been patiently looking for the right partners to work with to achieve long-term and rewarding growth in one of the world’s fastest growing markets. The dart scene in China is still very much in its infancy, but the recent participation rates have been breathtaking. We can’t thank Joe Mei of the IDF enough for his support and hard work in helping us achieve this dream partnership”.
Joe Mei, Deputy Secretary General for the IDF, added “The CDA and Shanghai Haywood are incredibly excited to have a partner of the stature of Winmau on board. They are the biggest brand in the world with a reputation for providing the best darts equipment on the market. It is fantastic that the Chinese players will have greater access to the Winmau range, which can only improve their game. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with Winmau into the future”.
