The World Snooker Championship has extended its title sponsorship with UK bookmaker Betfred, with the new deal set to last until at least 2022.
Both the World Snooker Tour and Betfred announced the new agreement on the final day of the 2020 tournament. The deal continues the ever-growing relationship between the two entities, which started in 2009 when the bookmaker first sponsored the World Snooker Championship.
World Snooker Tour Chairman Barry Hearn commented: “We have worked with Betfred on the World Championship for many years and we are delighted to extend the agreement. Over that time it has developed into a truly global event with a vast audience, and its reach continues to grow. More and more fans in an increasing number of countries tune in each year to watch history in the making.
“This year’s Championship has been one of the best. We look forward to working with the fantastic Betfred team for many years to come.”
The competition’s final received heavy media attention due to the fact that a crowd of around 300 fans where allowed into the Crucible Theatre as part of the government’s trial phase to bring small attendances back to sporting events.
Spectators had already been present on the first day of the competition in late July. However, following changes to government guidelines, the rest of the tournament was played behind closed doors until the final.
Regarding the sponsorship renewal, Fred Done, the co-owner of Betfred, expressed his appreciation to the competition’s other partners for making sure the event ran as smoothly as possible.
He added: “I’m delighted to extend my association with the World Snooker Championship and I would like to take this opportunity to thank WST, the Crucible, BBC, Eurosport and especially the players for putting this event on in such challenging times.”
