The Kia sponsored ASB Classic 2011 provided some thrilling matches and upsets as the biggest name to grace the Tournament, Maria Sharapova, was conquered by little known Greta Arn from Hungary, who went on to become the 2011 Kia Singles Champion, defeating returning 2010 Kia Singles title holder, Yanina Wickmayer in a hard fought final.
The ASB Classic 2011 Kia Doubles Championship, in contrast, was won by the top seeded pair of Sveta Peschke of the Czech Republic and Slovenian Katarina Srebotnik, who defeated local heroine Marina Erakovic and her Swedish partner Sofia Arvidsson in the final.
Kia provides 8-seater Kia Carnivals to transport players for the ASB Classic and the Heineken Open in luxurious comfort, while officials for the events enjoyed the new Sportage and Cerato Hatch as their transport vehicles.
"This major partnership is about supporting a sport and lifestyle that is embraced by New Zealanders", says Todd McDonald, General Manager of Kia Motors new Zealand".
"As a company we have strong ties with active lifestyles and we see this as a fantastic opportunity to offer our support to the endeavours of New Zealanders participating locally and at a world-class international level".
"These two events link well with our involvement with the Australian Open, as well as our support of Davis Cup Tennis and our tennis ambasador, Rafael Nadal. With the increased stature of the ASB Classic, excellent profile of the Heineken Open and New Zealand's Marina Erakovic achieving a finals place in front of her crowd, we look forward to our continuing association with the New Zealand's only WTA Tour and ATP events".
For more information on the ASB Classic, check out the website www.asbclassic.co.nz