Canon to Serve as Host Sponsor for the Annual Indian Wells Tennis Tournament and Support Spokesperson Maria Sharapova in Her Title Defense

Canon to Serve as Host Sponsor for the Annual Indian Wells Tennis Tournament and Support Spokesperson Maria Sharapova in Her Title DefenseExtending its relationship with the sport of tennis and Maria Sharapova, Canon U.S.A., Inc. today announced that they will bring the style and substance of the Canon PowerShot brand to the West Coast as Host Sponsor and official camera and photo printer of the Pacific Life Open, March 5th - 18th, in Indian Wells, Calif."The sponsorship of the Pacific Life Open gives us an ideal West Coast showcase for our exciting new line of PowerShot digital cameras and another chance to put the spotlight on our sponsorship of Maria Sharapova," said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president, general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "Canon's relationship with Maria has been a perfect match. Maria's style and substance is unmatched and has helped Canon link its products, specifically the PowerShot brand, with an elite icon who continues to raise her profile on and off the court."During the tournament, which is the second most attended tournament in the United States, Canon will host a product showcase featuring Maria Sharapova, who is the tournament's defending champion and World's number one ranked female player, Tennis Channel personality Murphy Jensen, and the Maria Sharapova look-alikes as they unveil Canon's new line of PowerShot digital cameras on the Tennis Garden Village stage."I'm looking forward to helping Canon introduce the next generation of PowerShot digital cameras," said Maria Sharapova. "Canon has been a great partner not only for the sport of tennis, but in supporting me as we both strive to be the best."Canon will also have a booth in the Tennis Garden Village with a tennis timeline highlighting the history of Canon photography and Maria Sharapova, life-size Maria Sharapova cutouts where fans can take and print photographs, and a display of Canon's PowerShot digital camera line including the latest ones to be unveiled at the tournament. New cameras on display will include:In addition, Canon will offer a full line-up of innovative and diverse programs and activities during the tournament, including well marked photo stations entitled "Beauty Shots" where fans can snap photographs in front of the beautiful natural backdrop throughout the tournament venue, and a "Shoot Like a Pro" sweepstakes that will allow one fan to experience the photography pits like a professional photographer. Canon will also have the popular Maria Sharapova look-alikes on-site canvassing the grounds, taking photos with fans and participating in daily giveaways at the booth.As a Host Sponsor, Canon will also receive significant on-court signage, a full-page advertisement in the tournament program and sponsor an in-stadium "Canon Shot of the Day" promotion, which will run on the stadium video screens throughout the tournament.