Darts chiefs reckon the game can rule the world because of teen Luke Littler – as everybody thinks they will play it.
Organisers of the World Darts Championship are focusing on the worldwide development of the game in markets corresponding to south-east Asia after 16-year-old Luke’s fairytale run within the match. The kebab-munching lad pocketed £200,000 after ending runner-up. He mentioned he believed anybody might copy his rise to superstardom with follow and focus.
Matthew Porter, chief govt of the Professional Darts Corporation, mentioned Luke’s efficiency was a ‘transformational’ second. “Darts is something people can relate to and Luke is a very relatable character,’” he mentioned. “You wouldn’t go to look at a Premier League match and suppose, ‘oh I might try this’.”
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Porter, 43, mentioned Luke’s run to the ultimate had helped broaden the demographic of the fan base – bringing in new youthful devotees. The closing on Wednesday evening – during which Littler misplaced to World No. 1 Luke Humphries – was watched by almost 5 million individuals throughout Britain.
It was additionally broadcast reside in Germany, the Netherlands, Australia and a handful of different nations the place darts is standard. Porter’s firm plans to make use of Luke’s success to spice up darts’ worldwide profile which has virtually reached saturation level in its foremost UK market.
Can Luke Littler assist deliver darts into the mainstream? Let us know what you suppose within the feedback part beneath.
(Image: LAWRENCE LUSTIG)
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Around 80 gamers at the moment make their residing solely from darts. Live tournaments within the UK usually promote out. But the PDC is seeking to develop the sport elsewhere in Europe, Japan, the US and Australia
“We’ve had 20 years of moving upwards but every now and then something happens that expedites that growth,” Porter mentioned. “This moment feels transformational. It has to be from overseas that transformational growth comes.
“Our intention is for darts to change into a genuinely international sport. It’s necessary we put to mattress that pub-based picture. It’s not what individuals perceived it to be within the ‘80s and ‘90s. It’s performed by real skilled athletes.”