BETVICTOR will be the new title sponsor for the upcoming Welsh Open, it has been announced.

The BetVictor Welsh Open will run from Monday, February 11 to Sunday, February 18 and it will be the first time the betting firm have sponsored a snooker event.

Starring some of the world’s top players, the ranking tournament is regarded as one of the big tournaments in the snooker calendar since its launch in 1992.

This year will see Ding Junhui aiming to defend the Welsh Open title after his victory over Mark Selby last year. The tournament will also adopt the same format as to the recent German Masters which sees some of the top players having to play a qualifying match against one of the lower ranked players.

Charlie McCann, Director of Online Public Relations for Victor Chandler Worldwide, said the firm were delighted to be part of one of sports great events.

“Snooker is a dynamic global brand and we are delighted to sponsor the Welsh Open and hope for a long and happy marriage,” he said.

“Snooker has never been more competitive and we are thrilled to be associated with an event which will be televised in 77 different countries such is the sport’s growing appeal.

“You only have to go down the list of previous winners, which reads like a who’s who of the game, to get a feel for the history of the event with inaugural winner Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis, John Higgins and Ronnie O’Sullivan all on the role of honour.”

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn added: “We are extremely pleased to welcome BetVictor as it’s the first time they have sponsored a snooker event. As a world-leading sports betting and gaming firm they are keen to get involved with a sport which can now provide a vast amount of exposure on a global scale, with the tournament to be televised in 77 different countries.

“South Wales is a hotbed of support for snooker and every year we see the passion of the fans in Newport. We look forward to another successful tournament and to working with the BetVictor team.”

The qualification stages for the event begin on Wednesday evening.