Betway-the New Title Sponsor of the World Snooker UK Championship

World Snooker was delighted to announce a sponsorship agreement with Betway. The online sportsbook, casino and poker operator, Betway will become the title sponsor of the newly-named 2015 Betway UK Championship, which will take place at the historic Barbican in York from November 24 to December 6. The online bookmaker's latest sponsorship came immediately after Betway became the principal football club sponsor of West Ham United. The firm also lent its name to World Snooker's Shoot-Out tournament and the World Seniors Championship at the Blackpool Tower Circus Arena in early March. The UK Championship is one of snooker's Triple Crown events and has a history stretching back to 1977. Last year will be remembered for Ronnie O'Sullivan, who won the title for the fifth time, beating Judd Trump 10-9 in an epic final. World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: "We are thrilled to welcome Betway on board for what is truly one of the crown jewels of the snooker calendar. "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." Betway's CEO Richard Akitt said: "Betway is delighted to confirm our commitment to snooker fans everywhere by extending our presence in the sport in sponsoring such a prestigious tournament. "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."