Betfair secures Crucible sponsorship

27Mar 2013

Betfair

Sportsbetting exchange and online casino operator Betfair has signed a deal to serve as the title sponsor for the 76th edition of the World Snooker Championship from the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

The World Snooker Championship is due to be held from April 20 to May 6 and the agreement with World Snooker will see the event rechristened the Betfair World Championship with four-time winner Ronnie O'Sullivan out to defend his title.

“The World Snooker Championship is one of the great sporting occasions,” said Barry Heard, Chairman of World Snooker.

“It's a tournament that draws the attention of everyone who loves sport, who loves to see the most talented competitors do battle under the most intense and pressurised conditions.

“We are thrilled to welcome Betfair as title sponsor for the first time. It has shown tremendous support for our events this season and the exposure it has already gained for its brand on a worldwide scale has been phenomenal. The World Snooker Championship is guaranteed at least 120 hours of coverage from the BBC and a global audience of 360 million.”

Betfair recently served as the title sponsor for The Masters invitational event from London’s Alexandra Palace and also had its name attached to Blackpool’s Snooker Shoot-Out tournament in late-January.

“We are delighted to be extending our partnership with World Snooker and the opportunity to further increase our commitment to the sport through title sponsorship of this marquee event is an exciting prospect,” said Barry Orr from Betfair.