World Matchplay To Go Ahead

The PDC have confirmed in a press release, that the Betfred World Matchplay will go ahead in the original dates. We don’t know the venue or if any fans will be allowed to attend the Matchplay. The PDC have said that the final decision for this will be made on July 4th.

In recent weeks the prestigious tournament has been under mounting speculation that it could have been postponed. Today’s news will be an excellent relief for darts fans, as their last fix of live darts was back in March. The final event before the forced lockdown was the Liverpool Premier League.

It’s believed that if government restrictions are lifted, that will allow some fans to watch live, then the Winter Gardens could still host this year’s event. If no fans are possible, then behind closed doors will be the only answer with Milton Keynes being the favoured destination to host the 2020 World Matchplay if that is the case.

Press Release

The PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter said

“It is still our intention to be able to stage the Betfred World Matchplay with a crowd, and we remain in talks with all relevant parties in a bid to achieve this.

“We have worked hard with the venue, our broadcast partners and other parties to look at alternative dates later in the year, but with no guarantees of how restrictions may be lifted, we have taken the decision to retain the original dates so that the Betfred World Matchplay can play a major part in our sport’s return to action.

“Giving fans the chance to apply for a refund for this year’s tickets or to retain their booking will give them a chance to make their own decision in relation to the event either immediately or when a final announcement is made in the coming weeks.

“The Betfred World Matchplay will be broadcast in full by Sky Sports as well as the PDC’s worldwide broadcast partners, and with or without a crowd we’re working as hard as possible to make the 2020 tournament as special as ever.”

PDC Chair also took to Twitter to let fans and players know, that early next week plans for Pro Tour events will be released.