2021 UK Open Behind Closed Doors

2021 UK Open Behind Closed Doors

The 2021 Ladbrokes UK Open will be staged behind closed doors at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes from March 5-7. This is the latest setback for the PDC having to move another major tournament behind closed doors.

The ‘FACup’ of darts is usually held at the Butlin’s Minehead Resort where fans flock to Somerset, with eight stages in action during the early rounds of the three-day tournament. Sadly this announcement was expected but didn’t make it any easier for darts fans.

Due to the ongoing situation, the tournament would not be able to be staged with a crowd in Minehead, but will now be staged on the planned dates in Milton Keynes.

 

 

 

 

No Amateur Qualifying in 2021

As a result of the current UK lockdown, it will not be possible to stage amateur qualifying events through Rileys Sports Bars as per previous years.As such, the 128 PDC Tour Card Holders will be joined by 32 additional qualifiers from the following criteria (selected in the order below):

 

• Top 8 non-qualified players from 2020 Development Tour OOM who remain PDPA Associate Members in 2021
• Top 8 non-qualified players from 2020 Challenge Tour OOM who remain PDPA Associate Members in 2021
• Top 8 non-qualified players from 2021 UK Qualifying School Final Stage Order of Merit
• Top 8 non-qualified players from 2021 European Qualifying School Final Stage Order of Merit

 

 

“We share the disappointment of players and fans that the 2021 Ladbrokes UK Open will not be able to be staged in its popular home at the Butlin’s Minehead Resort in front of a live crowd this March,” said PDC chief executive Matt Porter.

“The UK Open forms an important part of the PDC calendar and it is appropriate that this retains it place in March this year.

“We’re pleased to be able to keep the spirit of the UK Open alive by incorporating amateur players, even though we are unfortunately not able to stage qualifying events with Rileys this year due to the current circumstances.

“As always we’ll be playing across eight stages simultaneously on the opening day, and I’m sure that the excitement and drama will remain for everyone watching the coverage around the world throughout the tournament.”

 

2021 Ladbrokes UK Open

Friday March 5

Afternoon Session (1200 GMT)

First Round

Second Round

Third Round

Evening Session (1900 GMT)

Fourth Round

Saturday March 6

Afternoon Session (1245 GMT)

Fifth Round

Evening Session (1900 GMT)

Sixth Round

Sunday March 7

Afternoon Session (1245 GMT)

Quarter-Finals

Evening Session (1900 GMT)

Semi-Finals

Final