WDF Confirms Players Will Be Forced To Choose World Championships Following PDC Ruling “We were very disappointed to receive the PDC’s ruling.”

Any player who participates in the WDF World Championship at Lakeside is ineligible to compete in Alexandra Palace this year after an announcement on the WDF website.

Following discussions between the two codes, the PDC Board of Directors told the WDF that they will not permit any player to compete in both the PDC World Championship and Lakeside from December 2 through 10.

Any player who is currently in a position to qualify for both competitions must choose which World Championship to participate in.

As it stands, the decision will have an effect on at least four players, including Beau Greaves, the recently crowned Women’s World Matchplay champion and the current WDF Women’s World Champion.

Luke Littler, the tenth-ranked player in the World Darts Federation, was the first to announce his choice, choosing to make his PDC World Championship debut after earning a spot at Ally Pally and a PDC Tour Card via the Development Tour Order of Merit.

“I want to say a massive thank you to the WDF for the opportunities I’ve had to play around Europe and on the Lakeside stage in the 2022 World Championships,” Littler told the WDF.

“I think the experience I’ve gained through playing in and winning tournaments with literally hundreds of entries will set me up nicely for my career in darts.

“It is sad that I won’t be able to take up the challenge of playing in the WDF Lakeside World Championships, but I wish all of the players and the WDF team every success at Lakeside and in the future.”

Greaves, meanwhile, has taken time to consider her options, but has previously prioritised WDF events over the PDC Women’s Series and looks to be leaning towards a return to Lakeside to defend her title.

WDF Secretary General Nick Rolls has expressed his frustration and disappointment at the ruling, commenting: “We were very disappointed to receive the PDC’s ruling.”

“It has continually been the belief of the WDF that players should be eligible to play in both tournaments as they have met the qualification criteria for both tournaments. We have made this case to the PDC, particularly for the female players who we believe should have the opportunity to play in their own World Championships.

“We know that both Beau Greaves and Luke Littler have already qualified for both the WDF and PDC World Championships and we have been in communication with them both about their decisions.

“While Beau is taking some more time to consider her options, Luke has indicated to the WDF that he has chosen to play in the 2024 PDC World Championships. As he has declined his Lakeside invitation, we will follow the rules detailed on the WDF website to determine his replacement.

“These rules have been structured to ensure that the regions and countries that support the WDF system are suitably represented in our World Championships.

“When decisions are made by any other players concerned, we will share these publicly at the earliest opportunity.”