Snooker in turmoil after sponsors quit

SNOOKER faces a huge problem, a top commentator has revealed due to the crippling news that two of the sport's sponsors have withdrawn from sponsoring two of the major tournaments in the game.

Clive Everton, also editor of magazine Snooker Scene, said on BBC Radio Five Live: "The loss of Masters and World championship sponsorship means snooker's governing body (WPBSA) has to find just over £1.5m."

The two sponsors, 888.com and Saga Insurance are quitting their five year contracts due to the financial crisis, it has been revealed .

The World Championships are based at Sheffield's famous in the round theatre, The Crucible, held in April, and Saga sponsor the Masters at London's Wembley arena, held in January.

The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association claimed they were optimistic that sponsors could be found to replace them.

But loyal fans of the sport, writing on the social networking site FACEBOOK, where a group has been formed SAVE OUR SNOOK, are questioning the sport's governing director's optimisms.

One said: "Its been one big struggle for years now, but I dont know what the solution is.

I've given Sir Rodney the benefit of the doubt for a few years now and getting rid of him now wouldnt do any good I dont think. But the rest of the board could do with changing I think."

Another also commented that another two sponsors Maplin Electronics and Royal London also sponsor major tournaments, were coming to the end of their contracts.

They said: "It's also worth pointing out that Royal London and Maplin are in the last season of their agreed sponsorships, and it's not just this season that there is a struggle to get sponsors, it's every season."

But Former world champion Terry Griffiths believes the supporters of the sport did not need to worry about its future.

"The infrastructure is better than it has ever been before," added the Welshman on the BBC NEWS website.

"We have a great product and I don't believe we'll go into the world and Masters without new sponsors."

Originally, the game had solid sponsorship through tabacco advertising, including the likes of Benson and Hedges and Regal.

But that came to an end when the government banned tabacco advertising from sports, including Formula One and Snooker, and Golf.

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