British Go Association in sponsorship deal to send UK team to Beijing
 

Winton Capital Management, one of the UK's most successful investment management companies, has agreed to sponsor the British Go Association (BGA) to send a twenty-strong UK team to the World Mind Sports Games (WMSG) in Beijing in October. With all eyes currently on the Olympic Games, it is not generally appreciated that the Olympic venue will later be used to host a similar event for the world's "Mind Sports" players.

Go (known as Wei-qi in China, Igo in Japan, and Baduk in Korea) is one of the world's premier mind sports. It was invented in China around 3,000 years ago and is today hugely popular in the Far East where a network of professional players is supported. In addition to Go, the Beijing event will also include chess, bridge, draughts and Chinese chess. Strongest In the UK, the BGA (www.britgo.org) supports Go clubs throughout the country and organises a series of around thirty Go tournaments throughout the year. A delighted Toby Manning, the BGA's Team Leader for Beijing, said: "This sponsorship from Winton will enable us to field a full complement of the UK's strongest Go players for both the Men's and Women's individual and team events". Successful Winton Capital Management is a UK based global investment management company, founded by David Harding in 1997. Winton relies solely on scientific research in mathematics, statistics and computer science, to develop successful investment management strategies. The company now employs over 200 people and manages over $16 billion for international financial institutions. Gemma Cochrane, Head of Charity and Sponsorship,   said: "Winton is proud to be associated with the 2008 British Go Tour in Beijing and wishes the team the best of luck at the WMSG". Teaching The Winton sponsorship deal was agreed by BGA President, Dr Ron Bell, who explained: "Of course, the Beijing trip is the most high-profile event being supported but Winton are also helping with funds for the services of a professional Go player at the UK's major international tournament, the London Open Go Congress, in December and for a series of regional teaching events that we are planning for the forthcoming year. "We are extremely grateful to Winton for this very generous sponsorship".