Sponsorship deals appear to be hot news this week, firstly there was the deal struck by Liverpool FC with Betfair to be their official betting partner, and now World Snooker have announced that Coral are to sponsor the UK Championship Snooker for 2014.
The 2014 Coral UK Championship gets under way from 25th November through to 7th December and takes place at the York Barbican.
This year there are a total of 128 eager players battling it out to follow in the footsteps of snooker greats like Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry, for the coveted trophy and a top prize of £150,000.
Ronnie O’Sullivan is the sponsor’s 5/2 favourite to win the Coral UK Championship, leaving him in a second place tie with Hendry at 5 UK Championship wins and just one behind Davis, Judd Trump is next best at 7/1.
The event will be televised by the BBC and international broadcasters in over 77 countries, with an estimated 100 million viewers around the world tuning to catch the action from York.
This year is actually the second time the tournament has been sponsored by Coral in its 37 year history, as Coral previously sponsored the marquee event between 1978 and 1985.
World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “It’s fantastic to have Coral on board for one of our Triple Crown events. The UK Championship is a true highlight of the sporting calendar, keenly anticipated by many millions of fans across the globe. We look forward to working closely with the Coral team and building a successful relationship.
Simon Clare, Coral PR Director, commented: “Snooker has evolved and modernised over the last few years whilst retaining all of its fine tradition and history. In the same way Coral has also modernised and innovated to offer the very best betting service, whilst staying true to its proud heritage as one of Britain’s biggest and best known betting brands. Together, the UK Snooker Championship and Coral make a very good fit indeed.
Coral UK Championship Snooker Betting
If you’re looking to have a bet on the UK Championship, then the sponsors would be a great place to start, as Coral have vowed to be top price on all players on the outright market. Plus you can now track your Coral shop bet online.
To Win the Coral UK Championship
5-2 Ronnie O’Sullivan, 7/1 Judd Trump, 15-2 Neil Robertson, Mark Selby, 8/1 Ding Junhui, 16/1 Mark Allen, 20/1 Shaun Murphy, 22/1 Barry Hawkins, 33/1 Stephen Maguire, Ricky Walden, 40/1 Stuart Bingham, 50/1 John Higgins, Marco Fu, Allister Carter,
Will there be a 147 Break
4/6 Yes, 6/5 No
Will there be a First Time Winner
3/1 Yes, 1/4 No