British bank Barclays will extend its sponsorship of golf's Singapore Open, in an agreement will run until 2012 and will see the competition retain its current prize pot of US$5 million.

Dually authorised by the European and Asian Tours, the Singapore Open will next year play host to 204 players, up from this year's 156, who will play on two Singaporean courses - the Serapong and Tanjong courses at the Sentosa Golf Club.

“This is a fantastic event for Barclays and we are excited about growing the tournament with an increased field of players from around the world as a cornerstone of our brand strategy,” Robert Morrice, chairman and chief executive Asia Pacific, Barclays said.

Seamus O’Brien, chairman and chief executive of World Sport Group, promoters of the event, said: “The larger field will give more Asian golfers the opportunity to compete at the highest level at a world class event, which can only be good for the further development of golf in this region.

“This could not have happened without the commitment from Barclays and Sentosa Development Corporation.”

Mike Barclay, chief executive of Sentosa Development Corporation, added: “We are proud to remain the home of the Barclays Singapore Open and delighted to have the opportunity to showcase both our championship courses to the world.

“Some of the best players in the world have complimented the look and feel of the Tournament, comparing it to a Major set up. This event has shown that Sentosa Golf Club can deliver one of the best championship courses in Asia, if not the world.”