IMG Deal With World Snooker to Continue

London: 3 March 2011 – IMG Media announced today it has extended its representation deal with World Snooker Limited (WSL), to distribute the worldwide media rights of all live coverage and highlights (excluding domestic deals) from WSL events for the foreseeable future. The partnership will also include event development and promotion, and sponsorship rights.

The professional snooker circuit includes prestigious tournaments such as the UK Championship, China Open, the Masters and the Betfred.com World Championship. Players from around the world take part in the tour, including Ding Junhui from China, Marco Fu from Hong Kong and Neil Robertson from Australia, as well as some of snooker's legends such as John Higgins, Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Hendry.

Adam Kelly, Senior Vice President Marketing and Commercial Director, IMG Media said: “IMG Media is delighted to announce that our deal with World Snooker Ltd has developed into a long term partnership. We have long believed in the potential to grow the sport and have formed an even closer relationship with World Snooker that will help deliver a bright future. There is lots more to come from Snooker.”

Barry Hearn, Chairman, World Snooker Ltd, said: “The growth of snooker internationally in recent years has been exceptional, not only in Asia, but in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Snooker is being enjoyed by a growing number of fans around the world through our international broadcast partnerships.  With IMG we are looking to develop snooker into a truly global sport with exposure to millions more fans.”