The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has brokered a deal with Seamaster for the title sponsorship of two ITTF Challenge Series events, the Brazil and Chile Open.

The ITTF Challenge Series is a new series started in 2017 and provides valuable competition opportunities to lower ranked players as well as offering a wider range of countries the chance to host an ITTF event to promote table tennis within their countries and regions.

Seamaster, who was recently announced as the overall title sponsor for the ITTF World Tour, have been discussing with the ITTF about additional sponsorship opportunities around specific ports where they conduct a lot of business in, so the two events in Latin America fitted perfectly as it has been historically a successful hub for the shipping company.

ITTF President Thomas WEIKERT stated: "The ITTF Is happy that we could extend our ITTF World Tour partnership with Seamaster to these two ITTF Challenge Series events in Latin America. Latin America is a big growth area for the ITTF, so this additional sponsorship money will assist the events to promote the sport more in the respective countries and regions."

Seamaster Chairman Frank JI added: "Over the years, Seamaster has had great Iron Ore business with the world's biggest mining company in Latin America, especially in Brazil and Chile. This made the decision to sponsor the Brazil & Chile Open very easy for Seamaster, as it is a perfect way for Seamaster to promote its brand further in these two countries and Latin America."

Commenting on the deal for the Brazil Open which will take place from 3-7 May 2017 in Sao Paulo, Brazilian Table Tennis Association President Alaor AZEVEDO stated: "I am very happy to have Seamaster as the sponsor for the 2017 Brazil Open."

"After some years, we are organizing this event again and to have this important partner as sponsor, it motivates us to organize it at a high level.And of course, all Brazilian fans, after the great success of Rio 2016 Olympic Games, will assist the tournament in Sao Paulo.Another factor of success is that most the best players in Brazil live in this city, that will contribute to have a good public present.Also, our best player Hugo CALDERANO, who improved a lot after Rio, and certainly will attract good media and public also."

Chile Table Tennis Association President Henry REIMBERG, who will be the key man leading the organization of the Chile Open to be held on 26-30 April in Santiago, Chile is equally excited:

"After a very successful Olympic Games in Latin America, the profile of table tennis has risen in Chile. We will be using the Chile Open to maximize this interest, and the extra injection of money from Seamaster will be able to do this promotion more extensively. We are looking forward to working with Seamaster to use the Chile Open as a catalyst for table tennis growth in Chile and the rest of Latin America."

Very positive news for table tennis in Latin America!

More information on the ITTF Challenge Series:http://www.ittf.com/2017-ittf-challenge/.