TAB partnership a good bet for Phoenix

WELLINGTON Phoenix stars Paul Ifill and Andrew Durante don’t like having their names in the referee’s book but when it comes to the TAB’s book it’s a different matter.

The Phoenix duo is providing expert insight on the World Cup in South Africa as part of a new relationship between the club and New Zealand racing and sports betting agency TAB.

British-born Barbadian international striker Ifill and the Phoenix’s “Captain Fantastic” Durante are giving betting hints and tips as part of the TAB’s daily World Cup coverage.

The 2010 FWC Odds Update show, fronted by gun TAB bookie Mark Stafford, screens daily around 12.30pm on TAB TV (Sky channel 35) and Trackside (Sky channel 36).

In between Phoenix training sessions Durante and Ifill have been poring over the form books of all the countries participating in the world’s biggest sporting event, which is also the TAB’s biggest sports betting event. Their Phoenix teammates have also got in on the wagering action.

“It’s all about adding to the fun of the World Cup and the boys have all really got into it,” Durante said. “Every game’s exciting but it’s that little bit more exciting when you’ve got something on it. All the guys like to have a flutter occasionally and we’ve ensured the focus is on fun, camaraderie, friendly competition and above all betting responsibly.”

Both Ifill and Durante are taking part in the Phoenix Tipping Challenge – a daily head-to-head contest between the players – and will give their expert views to Mark Stafford ahead of key games, including those featuring New Zealand, Australia and England.

For those unable to tune in to TAB TV or Trackside daily, the segment will be available to view online from the Phoenix’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/wellingtonphoenixfc.

The partnership between the Phoenix and the TAB will also see the betting agency place signage at Phoenix home games at Westpac Stadium during the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season.

Stafford said the TAB was getting behind the Phoenix following their success in the Hyundai A-League and because of how the club had led the resurgence of football in New Zealand.

“TAB is proud to support and work with the Wellington Phoenix in their upcoming season and we believe that this partnership shows a marvellous vote of confidence in the growth of football in New Zealand.”

TAB is New Zealand’s sports bookmaker, operating from more than 650 sites nationwide, as well as offering online and phone betting. The organisation provides a return to the sporting body for every bet placed. For example, following the 2006 World Cup the TAB provided more than $500,000 in funding to New Zealand Football.