The collaboration between IPTL and the DBS Singapore Slammers introduces tennis in a refreshing new team format that combines world-class tennis, fun and entertainment. Unlike traditional tournaments, there will be a DJ on hand spinning music live, and spectators are allowed to depart from traditional tennis etiquette and encouraged to cheer their favourite teams on while the point is still being played.
Mr Piyush Gupta, Group CEO at DBS Bank said, “We look forward to being part of an event that brings top-level sporting talent to Singapore, in a high-octane tennis and entertainment format that Singapore has never experienced before. Our association with these world class players and legends in a competition that challenges conventional norms and offers tennis and more, reflects the values of high performance and innovation that drive DBS every day.”
IPTL matches are played between four star-studded franchise teams across The Philippines, India, Singapore and the UAE. In addition to Williams and Agassi, the other six players in the ‘DBS Singapore Slammers’ include Lleyton Hewitt, Patrick Rafter, Daniela Hantuchova, Tomas Berdych, Bruno Soares and Nick Kyrgios. This all-star team features 51 Grand Slam winners, eight world class players and five Olympic medalists. Headliners from the other teams who will be coming include Caroline Wozniacki, Ana Ivanovic, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Eugenie Bouchard and 2014 US Open winner Marin Cilic.
In a message to her fans in Singapore, World Number One Serena Williams said: "I'm looking forward to coming back and playing for the DBS Singapore Slammers. I hope you'll be able to come out and enjoy a new format of tennis."
Tennis legend Andre Agassi added: “I look forward to playing with the DBS Singapore Slammers in this upcoming December for the IPTL. Please come and support us, and have lots of fun. I can’t wait to be there!”
Speaking on behalf the Singapore franchise, Chairman of the DBS Singapore Slammers and internationally acclaimed sportsman Sunil Gavaskar said, “We’re delighted to have DBS support the Singapore Slammers. The success of every team in international sport today is dependent on the calibre of people and organisations that surround it. DBS brings with it a wealth of management expertise together with an innate understanding of the Asian landscape and we look forward to working closely with them to take the game of tennis to new audiences in Singapore and across the region in the coming months.”
This sentiment was echoed by Founder and Managing Director of the IPTL, Mahesh Bhupathi who added, “One of the ultimate objectives of the IPTL is to use the League’s unique format to grow the game of tennis around the world and to attract new fans and players into the game. Having DBS involved as one of the principal partners will certainly take us a step closer to achieving that goal.”
The Singapore tournament will be held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium from 2 – 4 December. Spectators will get to watch 24 world-class tennis players compete over three days, with two 3-hour competition segments each day starting at 4pm and 7.30 pm respectively. DBS/POSB debit and credit customers will enjoy a 25% discount on tickets. The bank is hosting clients and partners from the community at the tournament as well as purchasing tickets for DBS/POSB staff programmes. For more information see http://www.iptlworld.com or http://www.singaporeslammers.com
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About DBSDBS - Living, Breathing AsiaDBS is a leading financial services group in Asia, with over 250 branches across 17 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS has a growing presence in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's capital position, as well as "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings, is among the highest in Asia-Pacific. DBS has been recognised for its leadership in the region, having been named “Asia’s Best Bank” by The Banker, a member of the Financial Times group, and “Best Bank in Asia-Pacific” by Global Finance. The bank has also been named “Safest Bank in Asia” by Global Finance for six consecutive years from 2009 to 2014.
DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking activities across Asia. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. These market insights and regional connectivity have helped to drive the bank’s growth as it sets out to be the Asian bank of choice. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, and positively impacting communities through supporting social enterprises, as it banks the Asian way. It has also established a SGD 50 million foundation to strengthen its corporate social responsibility efforts in Singapore and across Asia.
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. The bank acknowledges the passion, commitment and can-do spirit in all of our 21,000 staff, representing over 30 nationalities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com
