The World Championship has received a timely boost with bookmakers Betfred signing up as title sponsors for the next four years.
World Championship attracts long-term sponsor ahead of Crucible showpiece
The World Snooker Championship has received a timely boost with bookmakers Betfred signing up as title sponsors for the next four years.
Snooker has struggled recently with sponsorship and with just over a week until the April 18 start, the Crucible showpiece was looking like going without a sponsor.
However, Betfred have stepped in and have signed a four-year deal to sponsor the Betfred.com World Snooker Championship, as it will now be known.
World Snooker chairman Sir Rodney Walker was delighted to have found a sponsor for the sport's blue riband event, especially in a long-term deal.
"We are extremely pleased to have entered into a long term partnership with Betfred.com," said Walker.
Support
"Betfred.com is a fantastic company for our sport to be associated with and once again they have demonstrated their support to the benefit of all fans.
"The fact that we have been able to secure a four year agreement within the current economic climate is testament to the popularity of snooker, in the UK and internationally."
After sponsoring Premier League Snooker, Betfred have a relationship with a number of the top players, with seven-time world champion Steven Hendry amongst them.
"I'm delighted that we have found a sponsor for the World Championship," said Hendry.
"I've known the people at Betfred.com for several years so I know that snooker will be able to build a great relationship with them."
Selby delight
Top potter and Masters champion Mark Selby was also delighted that snooker's main event had finally attracted a sponsor.
"So many millions of people in the UK and internationally love snooker," said Selby.
"The amount of TV coverage and viewing figures are very strong, and obviously Betfred.com has realised that. Everyone can now look forward to a great tournament."
Betfred boss Fred Done said it was always his ambition to be involved with the green baize.
"It's always been an ambition of mine to sponsor a World Championship and this is a competition with so much history," said Done.
"When it comes to snooker this is the pinnacle of the sport and I look forward to watching the world's greatest 32 players."
