Snooker’s World Seniors Championship signs new title sponsor

Online gambling operator 888sport has struck a deal to become the title sponsor of this weekend’s World Seniors Championship snooker tournament.

This year's event, which takes place from January 30-31 at the Guild Hall in Preston, England, will be known as the 888sport World Seniors Championship.

888sport replaces rival operator Betway as title sponsor of the tournament.

The 2016 World Seniors Championship will feature 18 players including John Parrott, Jimmy White and last year’s winner, Mark Williams (pictured). The event will offer a top prize of £18,000 (€23,600/$25,700).

888.com, the parent company of 888sport, has already established a presence in professional snooker through its sponsorship of events such as the World Grand Prix and, previously, the World Snooker Championship.

Barry Hearn, chairman of event organiser World Snooker, said: “888sport has sponsored a variety of our events in the past so they are fully aware of how popular snooker is on a global scale.”