Betfred will continue as title sponsor of the World Snooker Championship until at least 2021.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn and Betfred boss Fred Done signed the extension today at the tournament’s home, the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

The Betfred World Championship is one of the biggest and most prestigious events in sport, watched by 500 million people in over 120 countries around the globe.

The 17-day event features 32 of snooker’s top players battling for the famous trophy and a first prize of £500,000.

Betfred first sponsored the tournament in 2009.

Barry Hearn said: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Betfred for at least another two years. This is our biggest event and it is fitting that we are working alongside a fantastic sponsor. Half a billion people across the planet will be fixed to the action over the coming days as the 2019 Championship reaches its conclusion.”

Fred Done added: “At Betfred we absolutely love sponsoring the World Snooker Championship. It’s a fabulous event which receives massive exposure around the world. And the Crucible is a very special place. We look forward to working with World Snooker for years to come.”