JEDDAH, 18 April 2004 — Arab News has joined hands with LG to promote sports in the Kingdom. Their coming together was marked by an announcement here last night. The occasion was the launch of the third LG Table Tennis Tournament, sponsored by Arab News and Al-Eqtisadiah at Alhamra Sofitel Hotel. LG Electronics’ new General Manager C.K. Cho, Arab News Editor in Chief Khaled A. Al-Maeena, representatives of United Yousef M. Naghi Co. and H.G. Ibrahim Shaker Co. and 140 players from participating teams attended the ceremony. An exhibition match between Cho and Jeddah Table Tennis League President Asadullah Ghalib marked the formal inauguration of the tournament. LG has been successfully organizing the tournament in Jeddah for the last three years and it intends to extend it to Dammam with the first tournament soon in the Eastern Province, Cho said in his welcome address. “Sports activities are important for LG as they represent brotherhood and friendship,” he said. Al-Maeena said he was encouraged by LG’s participation in sports and social events. “Our role is not only to present news, but we also have a social role to perform to bring all people together.” Ghalib said participants would compete for singles and doubles championships and runners-up trophies. Special trophies for special categories would also be given. The tournament this time has attracted 140 entries, 15 more than last year. Draws are being made and matches will be played every Friday at 3 p.m. The tournament will last six weeks. “The LG Table Tennis Tournament is now part of the city’s sporting events and tradition. It has grown from a small event to a big one and we’re now looking to organize a national table tennis tournament,” Ghalib said. LG’s Deputy General Manager S.M. Arshad, who conducted the ceremony, reiterated the Korean electronics giant’s commitment to remain active in social marketing. He said LG would present its products to winners along with trophies on the prize distribution day of the tournament.