Shorts: Pdc, Celtic Challenge, AFC Wimbledon
bet365 has extended its deal with the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) which sees it remain as the title sponsor to the US Darts Masters and North American Championship.
The British online betting sportsbook has been the title sponsor of the US Darts Masters since the event moved to The Theatre at Madison Square Garden two years ago.
The bet365 US Darts Masters sees eight top PDC stars facing off against eight North American contenders across two days.
The bet365 North American Championship, which will be held in the afternoon session on 1st June, features eight US and Canadian players battle for the trophy.
A bet365 spokesperson, said, “bet365 is thrilled to extend our partnership with the PDC for two more years of thrilling darts action in New York.
“The bet365 US Darts Masters has become an unmissable event for darts fans in the USA, and we can’t wait to return to the iconic Theatre at Madison Square Garden next year.”
Matt Porter, Chief Executive Officer of the PDC, added, “The US Darts Masters is one of our most popular World Series of Darts events and we’re delighted that bet365 have extended their support for that and the North American Championship.”
The women’s Celtic Challenge rugby tournament will expand to six teams as it returns for a second year.
Ireland, Scotland and Wales will each field two development sides which will go head-to-head over 11 weeks of competition, starting on 18 December.
The Celtic Challenge provides a platform ahead of the TikTok Women’s Six Nations which aims to bridge the gap between the domestic and international women’s games in the three Celtic nations.
The Combined Irish Provinces team won the inaugural title, beating the Scottish Thistles and WRU Development XV.
The competition is organised by the Irish, Scottish and Welsh rugby unions, with financial support from World Rugby.
Sally Horrox, Chief of Women’s Rugby at World Rugby, said, “The feedback from the inaugural year of the Celtic Challenge has been overwhelmingly positive and it’s been impressive to see 24 players already going on to compete in the Women’s Six Nations, who might not have had the opportunity otherwise.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the competition grow as more teams compete, we strengthen our pathways and increase competitiveness on the road to the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025.”
Josh Payne, Celtic Challenge Competition Manager, said, “Following the successful pilot, it is clear to see the development opportunity that is now available for aspiring and promising players through the tournament, and the impact it has already had on the national teams in the TikTok Women’s Six Nations.
“Our focus continues to be providing female players with the right tools and experience to prepare them for the next stage of their rugby journey, whether that be as a professional rugby player or representative honours.”
EFL League Two football club AFC Wimbledon has become the latest club to back The Big Step campaign in an effort to end all gambling advertising in football.
The Dons are the 35th club to support the campaign after consulting The Dons Trust.
A total of 79% of the 1,199 participating members backed the move, joining clubs including Luton Town, Bolton Wanderers, Forest Green Rovers and Tranmere Rovers, in making a stand against gambling advertising.
Tom Fleming, Communications Manager at Gambling with Lives and The Big Step, said, “We’re thrilled to have the backing of Wimbledon and their owners – the fans. Gambling advertising is unhealthy and unpopular so the Club’s decision is welcome good news, following the sharp rise in high-profile players harmed by gambling. We’re sure that if it were down to the fans of each club, no club would partner with a gambling company.”
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