Tennis reporters in China can soon describe themselves as "ace reporters" as the inaugural China Media Tennis Series was launched on Tuesday at Beijing's Yi Fang Yuan Sports and Entertainment Park.

The event will see journalists from more than 30 media organizations serve against each other during four legs in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing and Wuhan during public holidays from April to September next year.

The national final will be staged during the China Open, Asia's top tennis tournament.

Jointly run by the Chinese Tennis Association and the China Open organizing committee, the event aims to provide a platform for the media to share their passion and joy for the game.

"The launch of the CMS is proof of the game's growing popularity in China," said Alfred Zhang, tournament director of China Open. "The China Open will utilize all its resources and facilities to support the event."

The winners of the 2013 China Open News Award were also announced on Tuesday at the press conference to launch the event. Five media organizations, including China Daily, won first prize.

The CMS will be sponsored by French vehicle manufacturer Peugeot S.A., which has been supporting the French Open since 1984.