Dubai: One of the greatest and most surprising sporting success stories of last year in Dubai, darts, is to have its own tournament in the emirate for the next two years.
The Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters, which was successfully staged for the first time last May in front of large and lively crowds at the Dubai Tennis Stadium, will return to the same venue in just under three months’ time.
The two-day extravaganza, which will be held on May 29 and 30 and feature eight of the world’s leading players, headed by world and defending DDF Darts Masters champion Michael van Gerwen, will also take place next year following a two-year deal agreed between Dubai Duty Free and the Professional Darts Corporation.
Speaking at a news conference at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel on Monday to announce the details of the 2014 tournament, President of Dubai Duty Free, George Horan, said: “Last year, we were a bit nervous [about backing the tournament] because of the uncertainty of what might transpire. But I am glad to say the event was very successful, not just for Dubai Duty Free, but also for Dubai and the game of darts.
“This year I’m pleased to announce that Dubai Duty free has signed a two-year contract with the PDC and we hope this event will grow over the years to come.”
World No 1 Van Gerwen, who beat fellow Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld 11-7 to win last year’s inaugural event, will again be joined by 16-time world champion Phil Taylor at the tournament.
The other six players taking part in what is the sport’s first World Series event of the year are: Simon Whitlock, the 2012 European champion; two-time world champion Adrian Lewis; Dave Chisnall, the 2013 World Grand Prix finalist; James Wade, a seven-time major champion; Raymond van Barneveld, a five-time world champion; and Peter Wright, runner-up to Van Gerwen in the World Championship in January.
The bald-headed Van Gerwen said he was relishing the chance to defend his title in May and continue his scintillating recent form, which has included a 7-0 trouncing of Phil Taylor in the UK Premier League last month.
He also insisted he was unfazed by the fact that the tournament takes place outdoors — as happened last year for the first time in the history of the sport.
“To play here in Dubai is fantastic for us,” said the Dutchman, who was wearing his trademark lime-green darts shirt and who is known as ‘Mighty Mike’.
“Last year, it was not easy to throw outside, but it was great. The darts flew a bit crazy, but never mind, I played really good and won the tournament. I think this year will be better and there will be more crowds. I’m here to retain the title and nothing else.”
Chief Executive of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), Matthew Porter, who has presided over the burgeoning success of darts in Europe and elsewhere in the world – it’s the second most-watched sport on satellite television in the United Kingdom behind English Premier League football – said: “We are delighted to be back here. There was a little bit of trepidation from Duty Free last year and also from our side as we’d never done an outdoor event before. But the atmosphere over the two days was fantastic and we at the PDC see the Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters as an important stepping stone in the sport’s worldwide growth.”
