World Snooker has today announced that global electronics manufacturer LG Electronics will sponsor the sport’s premier circuit.
The LG Electronics Tour will comprise seven events – the LG Cup, British Open, Travis Perkins UK Championship, Welsh Open, European Open, Irish Masters and Players Championship. The total prize fund for the seven events will be £3.5 million.
The Players Championship, which replaces the Scottish Open, will provide the climax to the LG Electronics Tour season. The Embassy World Championship and the Masters will be separate from the LG Electronics Tour.
Snooker legend Steve Davis said: ‘I’m very excited about the coming season. It’s great to see that LG Electronics are equally enthusiastic in their support of snooker.’
Jay Lim, Managing Director of LG Electronics UK Ltd, said: ‘We are thrilled to have this opportunity. The LG Electronics Tour will provide us with a more consistent level of exposure across the year and geographically across the UK.
‘We have been delighted with the results achieved through our sponsorship of the LG Cup. Snooker has proved to be a very effective vehicle for the promotion of the LG brand and product range. The size and diversity of the snooker audience perfectly compliments LG’s brand marketing activities.’
A spokesman for World Snooker added: ‘We are delighted at LG Electronics’ sponsorship of the Tour. This is an exciting development and will help us to boost snooker’s reputation as one of the UK’s most popular sports.’
Individual LG Electronics Tour events:
LG Cup, Preston Guild Hall. October 4-12, 2003.
British Open, Brighton Centre. November 8-16, 2003.
Travis Perkins UK Championship, York Barbican Centre. November 18-30, 2003.
Welsh Open, Welsh Institute of Sport, Cardiff. January 19-25, 2004.
European Open, venue to be confirmed. March 1-7, 2004.
Citywest Irish Masters, Citywest Hotel, Dublin. March 21-28, 2004.
Players Championship, venue to be confirmed. April 3-11, 2004.
For more details contact:
World Snooker media office 0117 317 8200
www.worldsnooker.com