Sponsorship boost for snooker worlds

The World Snooker Championship has received a financial boost after a new title sponsor for the tournament was revealed in London today.

Bookmakers Betfred.com have signed up to sponsor the Crucible showpiece, which gets under way on Saturday, April 18, and have agreed a four-year contract.

The previous sponsors, 888.com, withdrew their backing last summer after three years.

World Snooker chairman Rodney Walker believes the new agreement, which will run through to the 2012 tournament, shows the sport retains its high public profile.

He said: “We are extremely pleased to have entered into a long-term partnership with Betfred.com.

“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.”