Snooker champion Ronnie O'Sullivan was on cue to launch electrical giant Powerhouse's new sponsorship of the sport's UK championship.
Ronnie O'Sulllivan
The Bicester-based company, which has more than 230 stores across the UK, has signed a one-year deal as the main sponsor of the competition, which carries a prize fund of £615,000.
Powerhouse chairman, Derrick Broomfield, said: "Since we took on national status last year, we have been able to set our sights on this scale of national sports sponsorship."
Powerhouse stepped in to back the championship, after the sport suffered a cash crisis following the withdrawal of £2m of tobacco sponsorship. The exact amount of Powerhouse's contribution has not been revealed.
Mr O'Sullivan, who is ranked number one in the world, will be defending his UK title at the Barbican Centre in York from December 1 to 15.
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