Betway to sponsor Snooker’s UK Championship, appoints Sarah Stirk as a golf ambassador

Betway to sponsor Snooker’s UK Championship, appoints Sarah Stirk as a golf ambassador

Betway to sponsor Snooker’s UK Championship, appoints Sarah Stirk as a golf ambassadorOnline gambling operator Betway has signed an agreement to become the title sponsor of World Snooker for the UK Championship, which will be held from November 24 to December 6 at the York Barbican.

The 2015 Betway UK Championship represents the online bookmaker’s latest foray into snooker sponsorship following World Snooker’s Shoot-Out tournament and the World Seniors Championship at the Blackpool Tower Circus Arena in early March.

“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,” said World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn. “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. The 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,” Hearn added.

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

Meanwhile, Betway has also appointed broadcaster Sarah Stirk as its golf ambassador for the rest of 2015.

Under the deal, Stirk will provide Betway with exclusive written and video content around the sport’s four majors, complemented by full social media support from Stirk and use of her name and image rights by Betway.

Having years of experience covering golf for major organizations like Setanta, the BBC and currently Sky Sports and access to the game’s top players, Stirk will be able to give Betway unique behind-the-scenes entry to the world of elite golf and provide her own expert analysis on the sport.

“Betway is a brand going places and it’s great to sign a partnership with them which will allow me to give fans an inside look at the jewels in the crown of the golfing calendar,” said Stirk.

“Golf is entering an extremely exciting era with a host of up-and-coming players rising to the fore helping to make it one of the most competitive and enthralling sports on the planet,” Betway’s Sporting Events & Media Relations Manager Alan Alger. “We’re delighted to have Sarah on board with us for the year to share her knowledge and passion. And with the Masters just days away, we can’t wait to get started.”