Mumbai: The Mercedes Trophy returned with a bigger swing this year – with the introduction of first ever ten leg club level qualifier named as: Mercedes-Benz Invitational Golf Tournament. It is being  held in ten cities – Kolkatta, Ahmedabad,Chandigarh,Hyderabad, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai & Cochin. This tournament got off to a flying start today at Delhi’s DLF Golf & Country Club. Also present at the event were Puneet Chaddha, Managing Director and Head Commercial Banking, HSBC India and Ramnath Krishnan, Managing Director and Head Private Banking, HSBC India who are the presenting partners  of the event.

The introduction of the Mercedes-Benz Invitational Golf Tournament  is a testimony to the huge success & growing popularity of the Mercedes Trophy. The tournament will for the first time present a opportunity to all golf enthusiasts apart from the Mercedes-Benz owners, to compete in a premium golf event on a global platform. It is being  held in ten cities – Kolkatta, Ahmedabad,Chandigarh,Hyderabad, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai & Cochin.
Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, CEO and Managing Director, Mercedes Benz India Private Limited: “The MercedesTrophy reflects the brilliant connect of sports and lifestyle and espouses the premier status of the Three Pointed Star. The association of sporting prowess and lifestyle finesse has been a hallmark of the Mercedes Trophy and it is regarded as one of the most prestigious events in the Golfing calendar.”

The overwhelming response to previous editions has encouraged Mercedes-Benz India to introduce the pre qualifier tournament for all golf enthusiasts and increased the number of qualifying rounds, nationwide to encourage the vast sporting talent in the country. Mercedes-Benz celebrates a decade of resonance with élan and brilliant golfing action and great sportsmanship. It also celebrates  the remarkable win posted by the Indian team at the 2009 World Finals.

Mr. Gaganjeet Bhullar: “ Its an honour for me to be associated with the iconic brand like Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz recognizes golf worldwide and the same commitment in India. I am amazed at the level of zeal and enthusiasm shown by the participants here today, keen to master the art of golf. I think that this Trophy is a great initiative to is a great opportunity for amateur golfers to showcase their talents & hone their skills.

Puneet Chaddha, Managing Director and Head Commercial Banking, HSBC India :"HSBC, as sponsor of some of the world's most prestigious golfing events, has a long-standing association with Golf that spans years and continents. We are now pleased to extend this association to India through the Mercedes-Benz Golf tournament. This event will encourage and recognise golfing talent from all parts of the country."

Ramnath Krishnan, Managing Director and Head Private Banking, HSBC India: "This multi-city, multi-level 10th edition MercedesTrophy tournament is an ideal platform for golfers to showcase their talent. It is only apt that this tournament is backed by two global brands - HSBC and Mercedes-Benz - that are known for their passion for quality and excellence. These are also qualities that this great game rewards."

Three winners from each invitational tournament will be eligible to participate in the  MercedesTrophy regional tournament to be held in 2010 in 4 cities.