BetVictor Takes over Title Sponsorship of World Matchplay Event from Betfair?

The title sponsorship of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Matchplay event has been awarded to BetVictor which will apparently replace Betfair on the position, thanks to a three-year sponsorship deal brokered by independent sponsorship agency, CMSeven. This will be the 20th edition of the nine-day event, which will be held at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool from July 20 to 28, 2013. Commenting on the new deal, BetVictor Marketing Director Karl Riley said: "These are very exciting times in the world of darts and, after a magnificent World Championship and Premier League, we are delighted to lend our name to the BetVictor World Matchplay from the iconic Winter Gardens Blackpool." It was added by PDC Chairman Barry Hearn: "It is a pleasure to welcome BetVictor as the new title sponsors of the BetVictor World Matchplay. "This tournament is a favourite for players, fans and television viewers around the world and enjoys a deserved status as one of the most prestigious titles in the sport. "This year's BetVictor World Matchplay is already shaping up to be a great tournament, and with the ever-increasing standard of darts I think that last year's two nine-dart finishes in Blackpool could even be surpassed this summer!"