World Snooker has announced that ManBetX has renewed its title sponsorship of the Welsh Open world ranking event.

The ManBetX Welsh Open will run from 11th to 17th February in 2019, at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff. ManBetX sponsored the event for the first time in 2018, when John Higgins won the title for a record fifth time by beating Barry Hawkins in the final. Also among the field were top stars including Ronnie O'Sullivan, Judd Trump, Mark Selby and home favourite Mark Williams.

The Welsh Open is snooker's longest running ranking event other than the UK Championship and World Championship, as it has been staged every year since 1992. Contested by a field of 128 players, it is the last of the season's Home Nations series.

World Snooker Chairman, Barry Hearn, said: "We are thrilled to extend our partnership with ManBetX on this fantastic tournament. ManBetX have become tremendous supporters of snooker in recent months through sponsorship of some of our biggest events. They are clearly delighted with the coverage they receive for their brand as our sport is watched by so many millions of fans around the world.

"The Welsh Open is always one of the highlights of the snooker calendar and we look forward to another week of outstanding action on the green baize in Cardiff in February".

Scott Taylor, Partner at Project11, said: "The continuation is superb and endorses the impact of the title sponsorship and superior product delivered by World Snooker and Matchroom Sport in their marquee sports portfolio, with which Project11 work closely. We are excited to see the event unfold and the ManBetX brand along with their client base increase. Project11 are proud to work with both ManBetX and World Snooker on this, one of many collaborations, as we continue to strive forward in the world of sports marketing".

ManBetX added: "We are very happy to be placing the ManBetX brand alongside another of the most prestigious events in world snooker, taking our brand to the next level".