888.com World Cup of Pool
Sep 16, 2013
Matchroom Sports Announces 888.com as title sponsor for forthcoming World Cup of Pool
GIBRALTAR (September 16, 2013) – 888 Holdings PLC (888.L) and Matchroom Sport can announce that 888.com has become the title sponsor of the forthcoming World Cup of Pool, the six day team competition to determine the world pairs champions.
The 888.com World Cup of Pool takes place from Tuesday 17th to Sunday 22nd September at one of sport’s most iconic venues – the York Hall in Bethnal Green, East London.
The six day event is broadcast live throughout by Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, as well as on CCTV in China and Sport 1 in Germany. In addition, Matchroom Sport will produce 31 x 1 hour programmes for the international market.
As well as world-wide TV coverage, Matchroom Sport’s internet partners, Perform Group, will be carrying the event live in its entirety across their platforms.
The 888.com World Cup of Pool is now entering its eighth year and features 32 two-player teams competing in a straight knock-out scotch doubles tournament. The prize-fund of $250,000 is one of the biggest in the sport with the winning pair splitting $60,000.
The biggest names in the game will be competing in London including World No.1 Darren Appleton (England), reigning US Open champion, America’s Shane Van Boening, Jasmine Ouschan of Austria, one of the world’s leading ladies, as well as defending champions Mika Immonen and Petri Makkonen (Finland).
Barry Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Sport, said: "This is the first time that the World Cup has been staged in England in its eight year history, so we are thrilled to have 888.com involved as title sponsor. The World Cup is one of pool’s premium brands and the event reaches out to millions of fans around the world via a variety of media.
“Pool is now one of the most popular participation sports in all four corners of the globe and the 888.com World Cup of Pool gives the very best players from around the world the opportunity to shine on one of the game’s biggest stages. We’re looking forward now to an exciting event and we’re delighted that 888.com will be involved in it!”
Itai Pazner, Senior Vice President of 888.com, commented; “Sponsoring the 8th season of the World Cup of Pool was a perfect fit. Beyond it being the eighth year of this prestigious event, pool is one of the top recreational sports available to the bigger audiences and that is in direct parallel with our game offerings at 888. It's a perfect match."
For more information about this release or 888.com and its house of brands, please contact 888.com Director of Marketing and Public Relations:
Jennifer Von Strohe at jennifer.von-strohe@888holdings.com
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About 888.com
• 888 is one of the world’s most popular online gaming entertainment and solutions providers
• Founded in 1997, 888.com has been at the forefront of the online gaming industry for over a decade
• 888 offers a comprehensive gaming experience – including casino, poker, bingo and sports betting – through a number of leading brands in regulated markets around the world
• 888 can be used in 22 different languages in 176 countries worldwide
• 888 is committed to an industry leading corporate and social responsibility programme, and provides a safe, fun, fair, regulated and secure gaming environment
• 888 is licensed and regulated by the Government of Gibraltar, and is listed on the London Stock Exchange
About Matchroom Sport
Founded in 1982, Matchroom Sport is one of the world’s leading independent producers of sports television programming. Headed by its chairman Barry Hearn, the company originates upwards of 700 hours of programming on an annual basis. In addition to snooker, Matchroom Sport also produce numerous broadcast hours of golf, darts, boxing, pool, ping pong, fishing, tenpin bowling and poker.