The move follows its set up of an F1 web channel with Star Sports. The China Open sponsorship gives Sohu the rights to host, develop and operate the official China Open website and develop affiliated online fan clubs, which are generally popular among China youths.
The portal will also webcast daily highlights and post-match player interviews, as well as have access to 'behind-the-scene' footage of the tournament.
The tournament is expected to attract more than 300 top ranking international players. Sohu's sponsorship comes as rival as NetEast.com took a beating on the Nasdaq. Analysts say Chinese portals face increased competition and are hurting due to new subscription policies instituted by China's mobile telcos.
China Open signs up Sohu in online sponsorship deal
Sohu.com has signed a five-year sponsorship deal for the first China Open tennis championship in the city.