The PDC is launching a new ‘Home Tour’ which will see darts stars play in a tournament from their homes across 32 consecutive nights.
With the global health crisis wreaking havoc on the sporting world, darts chiefs have come up with a plan to entertain those in lockdown.
Starting at 7.30pm on Friday, the Home Tour will see four competitors play each other once in matches played over the best of nine legs, with a winner crowned each night.
Following the conclusion of the initial 32 nights of league phase action, the 32 group winners will advance to the second phase of the competition.
Players will stream the action online using a smartphone or camera and every game will be broadcast free of charge on the PDC’s own subscription TV channel.
All players who hold a PDC tour card are able to enter, with the entrants to be confirmed in the coming days.
Last week, talkSPORT exclusively broadcast coverage of a stay-at-home match-up between darting greats Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld, which raised £15,000 for the NHS.
The Dutchman fought back from 6-3 down to claim a stunning 7-6 victory over the 16-time world champion.
And those who enjoyed the encounter will be pleased to know there is a lot more darts to come in the coming days.
PDC chairman Barry Hearn, who has recovered from a recent minor heart attack, said: “It gives me great excitement that we are able to deliver live darts to fans in these unprecedented times.
“We’ve spent the last few weeks planning and looking at what is possible.
“And I’m delighted to be able to present a concept which gives all Tour Card Holders the opportunity to take part.
“The PDC Home Tour will provide a regular supply of live sport to fans, showcasing the talent and unique characters of our players to both existing and new audiences.
“The event will also give players a chance to play competitive darts in this down period in preparation for the return to normal action, whenever that may be.”
Give COVID-19 the red card
The quicker we work together to stop coronavirus spreading, the sooner we can get back into the pubs, the gyms and stadiums and arenas to see live sport again…
STAY AT HOME. Only leave for the following purposes:
- to shop for basic essentials – only when you really need to
- to do one form of exercise a day – such as a run, walk or cycle, alone or with other people you live with
- for any medical need – for example, to visit a pharmacy or deliver essential supplies to a vulnerable person
- to travel to and from work – but only where this is absolutely necessary
For more info and tips, visit the NHS website.
The government has also issued further detail on what we can do during lockdown.
Everyone should do what they can to stop coronavirus spreading.
