British bookmaker Ladbrokes has retained title sponsorship rights to the World Grand Prix and Players Championship snooker events for a further two years.
In February, Ladbrokes sealed a contract for the 2016 editions of the two events. It will now sponsor the 2017 and 2018 tournaments after signing a new two-year deal with World Snooker, the sport’s global governing body.
“Ladbrokes has been a fantastic supporter of snooker over many years,” World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn said. “The exposure they will gain through extensive coverage on free-to-air television will be outstanding.”
The 2017 World Grand Prix will take place at the Guild Hall in Preston, England from February 6-12, with the Players Championship to be held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, Wales from March 6-12.
The World Grand Prix champion will bank £100,000 (€119,000/$133,000), with £125,000 awarded to the winner of the Players Championship. Shaun Murphy (pictured) and Mark Allen are the current holders of the World Grand Prix and Players Championship titles respectively.