PDC World Darts Championships Moves Home

The PDC World Darts Championships is moving from its long-time home at the
Circus Tavern in Purfleet to London’s Alexandra Palace.

The move, which comes after 14 years at the Circus Tavern, will see the
session capacity increase to more than 2,500.

Prize money for the tournament will also increase to £1m over the next three
years following a sponsorship deal with bookmakers Ladbrokes.

‘The Circus Tavern has created a unique atmosphere for players and fans and
become something of a Mecca for darts supporters around the world,’ said PDC
chairman Barry Hearn.

‘But the simple fact is that we have to move to Alexandra Palace if we are to
continue growing. There will be the opportunity for greater crowds and this in
turn allows us to make the historic increases in prize money over the next three
years.’

The winner of the 2008 tournament, which begins in December, will collect
£100,000, a prize which will rise to £200,000 by 2010.

Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld is the current title-holder after beating
13-time champion Phil Taylor in an epic final in January.