May 7: Chinese smartphone manufacturer OPPO has announced its partnership with the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) to become the first official smartphone partner of the Wimbledon Championships.

 OPPO is also the official mobile phone partner to FC Barcelona and the International Cricket Council (ICC), and this exciting new partnership represents the brand’s first move into tennis.

Issuing a statement, the company said that the five-year agreement beginning from this season demonstrates the mutual opportunity for the two brands to come together to grow their presence in key developing markets.

OPPO said it will use the strength of the Wimbledon brand to grow its presence across the UK and Europe, and demonstrates the determination of a long-term investment in the market. AELTC will benefit from OPPO’s considerable brand strength to grow the reach of Wimbledon in markets that OPPO covers, particularly China.

 OPPO’s flagship smartphones, the Find X, and newer model, the Reno, will be used to bring to life the beauty of Wimbledon. Some of the best photos taken from OPPO smartphones will be selected for inclusion in an OPPO Wimbledon photo gallery, the statement added. An OPPO Breakthrough Award will also be presented by OPPO to honour young players who make major breakthroughs competing at Wimbledon.

 The launch of the partnership was marked by a ceremonial signing between Brian Shen, vice president of OPPO, Tim Henman, AELTC committee member, and Mick Desmond, commercial and media director,  of the All England Club.