Betway pots UK Championship snooker title sponsorship

Betway has signed an agreement with World Snooker to become title sponsor of the newly-named 2015 Betway UK Championship. Taking place at the historic Barbican in York from November 24 to December 6, the 2015 Betway UK Championship represents the online bookmaker’s latest foray into snooker sponsorship.

The firm recently lent its name to World Snooker’s Shoot-Out tournament and the World Seniors Championship at the Blackpool Tower Circus Arena in early March.

Since the inception of the event in 1977, the UK Championship has become one of the most highly anticipated events on the snooker calendar, making up the final leg of the sport’s Triple Crown, and counts five-time winner Ronnie O’Sullivan as its reigning champion.

Betway’s CEO Richard Akitt said: “Betway is delighted to confirm our commitment to snooker fans everywhere by extending our presence in the sport in sponsoring such a prestigious tournament.

“Snooker is a sport which is going places with worldwide viewing figures increasing year-on-year and it’s fantastic for us to be associated with the game as it breaks new ground.”

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “We are thrilled to welcome Betway on board for what is truly one of the crown jewels of the snooker calendar. Betway recently sponsored the Shoot-Out and World Seniors Championship so they are aware of the incredible exposure they can expect through our sport.

“The Betway UK Championship will be watched by many millions of people across the planet as the very best players compete for one of the most prestigious titles. Last year’s final between O’Sullivan and Trump was an all-time classic.

“We have hosted this event at the York Barbican each year since 2011 and the venue has been a great success, with ticket sales up 20 per cent last year, and we look forward to seeing record crowds again this time.”