Ladbrokes, the world’s number one bookmaker will once again sponsor the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Darts Championship at the Circus Tavern, Purfleet between December 27-January 4, 2004.

After what was unquestionably the most successful tournament in the PDC’s history in 2003 – capped perfectly by one of the greatest finals in living memory between Phil Taylor and John Part – Ladbrokes has decided to renew its sponsorship deal in a vote of confidence for The Greatest Darts Show on Earth!

The 2004 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship will carry a phenomenal prize fund of £256,000 – the largest amount ever at a darts tournament and a significant increase on the 2003 prize pot.

The field of players eligible to compete in the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship will again increase for 2004.

Some 48 players will contest the greatest prize with eight international wild cards, eight Professional Darts Players Association play-off winners and the world ranked Top 32 making up the total field of competitors.

The wild card places* will enhance the international flavour of the event with players from North America, Holland and for the first time ever Japan included in those countries to whom invites will be extended.

It is another innovative step forward for the PDC, who continue to take the professional game forward on a global scale – the decision to include a Japanese player in particular an acknowledgment of the very high standard of players currently active in the Far East.

PDC Chairman Barry Hearn is thrilled that Ladbrokes has decided to commit to a bigger and better World Championship.

‘The 2003 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship was a run-away success due in no small part to the support of Ladbrokes.

‘Their backing of the Championship is testament to the quality of professional players we have within the PDC and is recognition of the global appeal the sport has with fans everywhere.’

Ladbrokes eGaming managing director John O’Reilly added: ‘Darts is going through a renaissance with the Ladbrokes.com World Championship leading the way. We’re seeing a dramatic growth in interest in the sport – betting turnover for example has grown substantially.’

For Further Information Contact:

Gayle Farmer
PDC Media and Communications Manager
E: gayle.farmer@prodarts.com
T: 02476 693335
M: 07786 262 818