This year's Australian Masters "will go head to head with the Dubai World Championship" from Nov. 14-17, according to Mark Hayes of the HERALD SUN. The direct opposition to the European Tour's flagship season finale will create a new focus for player recruitment for Masters owner IMG, "which is likely to look to the US PGA Tour to fulfil its obligation of having three of the world's top 25." Royal Melbourne "will host the Masters on its world-renowned Composite Course for the first time in the tournament's history" (HERALD SUN, 3/13).

Industry provider of global ticketing and marketing solutions tickets.com announced a long term agreement with Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen FC. ProVenueMax will be used as the platform for supporting all ticketing requirements for the club, starting with season ticket renewals from summer '13, while also facilitating all commercial activities at the club including corporate hospitality sales, advertising and bookings for community courses. The new software will be fully integrated with the club's existing technologies, including the stadium's SKIDATA access control system. Aberdeen FC is the latest addition to a portfolio of more than 300 U.K. based sport, arts and entertainment venues (tickets.com).

The 4th Japan Cup Karatedo Championship will be held at Aung San Gymnasium in Yangon, Myanmar "at the end of this month." Jointly organized by Myanmar Karatedo Federation and the Japanese embassy in Myanmar, "the two-day championship is slated for March 28" (XINHUA, 3/13). ... Bethlehem is to host the West Bank's first-ever marathon next month "in a race starting at the Nativity Church and taking in several refugee camps," organizers said Wednesday. "The brainchild of two Danish women runners," the Palestine Marathon will take place on April 21 and offer runners the choice of three distances: a full 42-kilometer (26-mile) marathon, a half marathon or a 10-kilometer (six-mile) race (AFP, 3/13). ... Asia's Kia World Extreme Games is will be held in Shanghai from June 9-12. Upgraded from the former Kia X-Games Asia, the world games "will include two more categories - FMX Step-up and Speed Climbing" (SHANGHAI DAILY, 3/13).