EXCLUSIVE Emma Paton has opened up about her favourite darts venue and why she can’t wait to return later this year
Emma Paton has had the chance to cover the world as she front up Sky Sports’ darts coverage – but there’s one venue that sticks above them all for her.
We’re approaching majors season at the oche, and all roads lead to the Alexandra Palace for the Paddy Power PDC World Darts Championship – and Paton is already counting down the days until she can return.
“The Ally Pally is probably just my favourite because I love the Worlds, and even walking in there I’m just like, ‘Oh, we’re back’,” Paton told Daily Star Sport, via Leasing Option. However, its not just the iconic venue that holds a special place in her heart.
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“It’s a tough one because I love them all, you know. But I think some of the European venues of the Premier League are incredible because they’re so huge.
“I think Rotterdam was always one that, for me, stands out because obviously the Dutch love their darts, but also the fact that everyone in there is wearing orange and it’s just a sea of orange. So I always think that’s really cool.
“Berlin as well, where I think over the years the atmosphere has really grown, in what again is a huge arena at the Uber Arena, and Antwerp was added this year to the Premier League, and it kind of exceeded my expectations, really.
“Then I’ve done the World Series in New York before. New York’s one of my favourite cities anyway, but I just think the fact that darts is at Madison Square Garden, which is just this iconic venue generally.
“I think that one probably stands out as well!”
We’re just a few months away from a return to the World Championships – but there are still quite a few major tournaments to navigate before the doors open at the Ally pally.
The next major is the World Grand Prix, and its unique double-in format, in Leicester.