The World Matchplay will be played behind closed doors in Milton Keynes at the end of this month. Due to the corona crisis, the prestigious tournament cannot be held in Blackpool.
Dartsbond PDC thinks, after consultation with the British government, Sky Sports and other interested parties, that it is not wise to just let the World Matchplay take place in the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
The Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, which is the location of The Masters, does meet all requirements. This hall is located in the stadium of MK Dons, where a hotel is also located so that the players do not have to move during the event.
The World Matchplay, which features the top sixteen of the Order of Merit (the world ranking in darts) and the top sixteen of the Pro Tour Order of Merit, has been completed every year since 1994 in the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
Darts resumes with Summer Series next week
The World Matchplay, also known as the summer World Cup, is on the original date from July 18 to 26. Rob Cross is the defending champion. Michael van Gerwen (2015 and 2016) is the only Dutch winner.
In the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, darts will resume next week with the Summer Series. Five consecutive Players Championships will be organized there from 8 to 12 July. All 128 Tour cardholders will make an appearance.
The darts has been shut down since March due to the outbreak of COVID-19. The Home Tour, which was won by Nathan Aspinall, was an alternative in recent months. In addition, the players competed against each other from their own home.
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