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Sydney, 10 January 2008 - MasterCard Worldwide today announced a new two year global sponsorship deal as the Official Payment Card of the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament, the biggest sporting event in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Australian Open is one of the world’s most popular and successful sporting events, showcasing the top tennis players in the world including Men’s number one Roger Federer and Women's 2007 finalists Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova.

The tournament’s reputation for colour and excitement brings the players, fans and media back with ever increasing numbers and is guaranteed to create some of Australia’s most priceless sporting moments, making this sponsorship a natural fit for MasterCard.

Leigh Clapham, executive vice president, Australasia, MasterCard Worldwide said “MasterCard is a proud supporter of Australian sport and this exciting new collaboration with Tennis Australia complements our existing portfolio of priceless sporting events.

“This event is an incredible spectacle, attracting tennis and sporting fans from all over the world. To embrace the sheer passion and excitement around the event, we will be providing MasterCard cardholders with an exclusive opportunity to win tickets to sit in some of the best seats in the house, the AO Radio commentary box, for the Men’s Semi and Women’s Final,” continued Clapham.

At the event, MasterCard cardholders can also take away a priceless souvenir photo of themselves and take advantage of the free Australian Open radio offer* specifically made for the tournament.

Tennis Australia CEO Steve Wood said, “We are thrilled to have a world class brand like MasterCard Worldwide involved in the Australian Open. It is a collaboration that will be of fantastic benefit to the Australian Open and tennis,” concluded Wood.

The Australian Open runs from the 14 - 27 January in Melbourne at Melbourne Park.

*A limited number of radios are available

MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes over 16 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial institution customers and merchants. Through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard Worldwide serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information go to www.mastercard.com.

Myriam Thibault, 02 9818 0942, mthibault@ppr.com.au