Coral To Sponsor Snooker Shoot-Out

World Snooker is delighted to announce Coral as the new title sponsor of the Shoot-Out.

The celebrated three-day tournament features fast and furious snooker, with 64 players in a knockout format. Matches last a maximum of ten minutes, with a shot clock ensuring rapid and dramatic action.

The Coral Shoot-Out will run on the weekend of February 12 to 14 and will be staged at the iconic Hexagon in Reading for the first time.

Judd Trump

Televised by ITV4, it will feature top stars including Shaun Murphy, Stuart Bingham, Judd Trump, John Higgins and defending champion Michael White battling for the trophy and £32,000 top prize.

World Snooker Commercial Director Miles Pearce said: “We are thrilled to welcome Coral as title sponsor of the Shoot-Out for the first time. They have previously sponsored the UK Championship so they are aware of the tremendous exposure our sport can achieve for their brand.

“The Shoot-Out has become one of the most exciting and popular events on the calendar since it was first staged in 2011. It has a fabulous atmosphere for the fans in the arena and we’re looking forward to going back to The Hexagon, a venue stepped in snooker history. ITV will broadcast this tournament for the first time which will be a treat for fans on free-to-air television.”

Nicola McGeady, Coral PR Manager, added: “Snooker has evolved and modernised over the last few years and the Shoot-Out has become one of the most exciting events on the calendar since it started in 2011. In the same way Coral has also modernised and innovated to offer the very best betting service, whilst staying true to its proud heritage as one of Britain’s biggest and best known betting brands. Together, the Shoot-Out and Coral make a very good fit indeed. Last year we were proud sponsors of the UK Championship, and by supporting the Shoot-Out, we are continuing to show our commitment to the sport.”

Tickets for the Coral Shoot-Out are on sale now and you can buy a pass for all five sessions for just £75. Fans are strongly urged to book fast as tickets are selling out. For details visit http://www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

Reading To Host Snooker Shoot-Out

The Hexagon in Reading will host snooker’s celebrated Shoot-Out event for the first time in 2016.

The Shoot-Out, first staged in 2011, was previously held in Blackpool and has become a firm favourite among fans for its non-stop thrilling action.

This season’s event runs from February 12 to 14 and will be staged at The Hexagon, a venue which previously held the Grand Prix tournament from 1984 to 1993.

The Shoot-Out, to be televised by ITV4 for the next three years, features 64 of the world’s top players in a knock-out format. Each match is a single frame lasting a maximum of ten minutes, with a shot clock of 15 seconds for the first five and ten seconds for the last five.

Michael White took the £32,000 top prize last season after beating Xiao Guodong by potting four balls in the last 40 seconds of an incredible final.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “We are delighted to bring the Shoot-Out to The Hexagon for the first time. It’s a fabulous venue and one which was renowned on the snooker circuit for many years when it hosted the Grand Prix.

“There are few events which can match the Shoot-Out for sheer exhilaration – I love the way the crowd get involved to support their favourites. For the players, it’s all about who can handle the pressure when the clock is ticking.

“This is great news for the people of Reading and the surrounding area as they will get the chance to see three days of drama on the green baize. Fans are strongly urged to book tickets fast once they are on sale as they won’t last long!”

Paul Gittings, Lead Councillor for Reading Culture, Sport and Consumer Services, added: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome back world class snooker to The Hexagon; an iconic venue already steeped in snooker history. This televised tournament gives the opportunity for Reading to enjoy a thrilling fast paced tournament in a venue close to home. I have very fond memories of seeing the snooker greats at The Hexagon, and am glad a whole new generation can now experience this too.”