UK land and online gambling group Betfred has taken advantage of a sponsorship opportunity in the World Snooker Championships following the conclusion of 888's deal at the end of last year's tournament.

In a GBP 2 million agreement, Betfred will deliver a 4 year sponsorship for the popular event, easing the sponsorship tension currently in evidence in the sport due to the tough economic climate.

A spokesman for the championship said that the agreement was good news for snooker: "We have been working really hard on trying to get new sponsors since 888.com ended their sponsorship after last season's tournament," he said.

"But the Crucible event is so popular we were always confident we would find a new sponsor."