Coral to Title Sponsor PDC’s UK Open

January 24, 2014

The Professional Darts Corporation have confirmed Coral as the title sponsor of the UK Open.

Leading bookmaker Coral has extended its association of Professional Darts Corporation events with their sponsorship of the UK Open, which will see the Televised Finals broadcast live on ITV4 from March 7-9.

The tournament, previously staged in Bolton since its inception in 2003, will see play split across eight stages in the Televised Finals at Butlins Minehead, as top stars compete alongside emerging professionals and amateur hopefuls over three days.

“The UK Open has become a massive favourite for both players and fans of darts in the past decade, and I’m delighted that Coral has continued its support of the world’s best tournaments with its sponsorship of the 2014 Coral UK Open,” said PDC Chairman Barry Hearn.

“Many stars have enjoyed their first taste of the big time in the UK Open previously, and the open draw format is ideal for providing shock results, massive match-ups in the early rounds and a fantastic few days of action for both fans at the event and watching live on TV.

“With both a new venue at the Butlins Minehead Resort and a new broadcaster in ITV4 showing this year’s Coral UK Open, the tournament promises to be better than ever.”

Simon Clare, PR Director for Coral, said: “We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with the PDC through another major darts sponsorship and one which, thanks to its format, promises to thrill sports fans and appeal hugely to Coral betting shop and online customers.

“Darts is one of the most popular sports to bet on and by associating the Coral brand with one of the PDC’s premier events we aim to to attract even more sports betting customers to open accounts and bet with Coral.”

The 2014 Coral UK Open kicks off in February, when professional players on the PDC ProTour compete in six Qualifiers, each worth £50,000 in prize money.

The professional Qualifiers will be held from February 7-9 and 21-23 at the Robin Park Tennis Centre, and are open to PDC Tour Card Holders and PDPA Associate Members.