The Chinese state-owned communications company, the third largest in the country, join Liebherr and Enlio, who also agreed long-term deals with the ITTF recently.

"The ITTF is delighted to have China Unicom as a long term sponsor of ITTF events," said ITTF President Adham Sharara

"China Unicom supported the ITTF since 2006 and are very good friends of our sport.

China Unicom have signed their first long-term sponsorship deal with the ITTF

"We will do our best to provide maximum value to China Unicom through this sponsorship agreement."

Table tennis is one of the most watched sports in China, with up to 100 million fans tuning in to watch big games, which tend to feature players from the nation which dominates the sport.

Anders Thunström, head of ITTF marketing partner TMS International, said: "TMS is pleased to have been able to convince China Unicom and its representatives to extend the current one year agreement into a multi-year agreement for an additional four years being a sponsor of World Title events.

"The long-term commitment gives us a better chance to serve China Unicom with a long-term vision, it also gives both parities some kind of assurance that we have a deal in place for the next four years, which benefits both parties."

This is the first long-term deal between the ITTF and China Unicom, but the company have sponsored several events since 2006, such as the World Team Championships.

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