This story is sponsored by Betfair
Betfair has been confirmed as the main sponsor of the World Snooker Championship, the richest and most prestigious ranking event in the sport.
The betting exchange assumes the sponsorship mantle from Betfred, which decided not to renew when its four-year deal expired last year.
World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn (pictured) said the sport’s governing body was “thrilled” to welcome Betfair as title sponsor of the World Championship for the first time, adding that its brand had already gained “phenomenal” exposure this season via sponsorship of ranking events such as the Masters.
Hearn pointed out that the 17-day event would receive a minimum of 120 hours of TV coverage from the BBC, placing the Betfair name in front of a potential global audience of 360 million.
Last year’s champ Ronnie O’Sullivan has already confirmed he will return to defend his title at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield from 20 April to 6 May.
Online casino 888 was the title sponsor of the World Snooker Championship prior to Betfred, but pulled out of its five-year deal after only three years following the 2008 event.
The UK’s largest bookmaker WilliamHill.com is the current title sponsor of the UK championship, held each year in December.
Mark Selby and Judd Trump are joint 6/1 favourites for the World Snooker Championship at Betfair. Defending champion O’Sullivan is at 15/2.
Article written by Peter Holmes
