Taiwan Mobile Co (TMC) formally announced yesterday that it had signed top-ranked female golfer Yani Tseng (曾雅妮) to an endorsement deal that it expects will enhance the nation’s international profile and visibility.
“Tseng is Taiwan’s pride and we feel honored to be able to cooperate with her and support her in her pursuit of success on the global golf stage,” TMC chairman Richard Tsai (蔡明興) said at a news conference, which the US-based Tseng joined via telephone.
Under the sponsorship agreement, which will reportedly pay Tseng about US$1.5 million over two years, the 23-year-old superstar is required to wear a cap with TMC’s logo during tournaments.
“The ‘Taiwan Mobile’ hat will travel around the world. When people see Tseng play outstandingly, they will also see ‘Taiwan,’” Tsai said.
Adding that TMC’s main market is Taiwan, Tsai said the company hopes that Tseng’s presence in major golf tournaments around the globe will increase the country’s exposure.
Tseng, who has been preparing for next week’s ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club, said it was a great honor for her to partner with TMC, one of Taiwan’s leading telecom service providers.
“In the future, wherever I go, Taiwan will be there with me,” Tseng said.
The TMC endorsement deal was the third Tseng has signed with a local company.
She struck a two-year endorsement agreement with Taishin Financial Holding Co, reportedly valued at US$1 million, in May last year and signed a US$2 million deal with PC vendor Acer Inc earlier this year.
Tseng repeatedly expressed her heartfelt gratitude over the telephone for the support she has received from local business groups and golf fans.
Tseng, who recorded a number of memorable milestones during last year’s season, said she is in good health and expects to perform well in the Australian Open, which starts on Thursday and runs until Feb. 12.
Her performance last year was spectacular by any standard.
It included seven wins on the LPGA Tour, 12 wins worldwide and nearly US$3 million in prize money in LPGA Tour events.
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