ITV4 Lands Snooker Shoot-Out Event

LONDON: ITV has picked up the rights from World Snooker to air the snooker Shoot-Out event on ITV4 for the next three years.

The one-frame knockout tournament, first staged in 2011, will broadcast on free-to-air TV for the first time. The 2016 event will run from February 12 to 14, with 64 players battling for a top prize of £32,000 ($49,980).

World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn said: “We are delighted to bring the Shoot-Out to a free-to-air audience for the first time. It’s a fabulous event, which has proved extremely popular for the fans in the arena and those at home.”

He added: “ITV4 have shown tremendous support for snooker in recent seasons, with live coverage of the Champion of Champions and World Grand Prix. They are clearly very happy with the viewing figures achieved as they continue to build their portfolio of snooker events with the Shoot-Out.

“It’s great news for fans that coverage on ITV4 is ensured for the next three years and we look forward to another weekend of sensational snooker in February.”