Snooker returns to ITV Sport
ITV to broadcast first snooker ranking event in 20 years.
Snooker has received a broadcasting boost with ITV on-board to show the World Open, which takes place in China at the end of February.
This means ITV will be showing a ranking tournament for the first time in 20 years, since the British Open of 1993. ITV4 will broadcast the tournament, and it starts on February 25. Matt Smith will present, with commentary from Neil Foulds, Clive Everton and regular ITV Sports football and darts commentator Peter Drury.
The BBC have been the ‘home’ of Snooker for the major tournaments. Eurosport also hold secondary rights. There had been fears the BBC may reduce or quit the sport but they are continuing with three events (including the world championship with an option for a fourth through to 2016/17.
ITV’s sport portfolio, particularly on ITV4 has been steadily increasing with some decent rights including Europa League, Darts, Tour De France, French Open Tennis to name a few rights.
