Paul Nicholson has warned that players will not support the World Championship moving to the Middle East despite extra prize money.
‘The Asset’ made the statement after Matchroom Chairman Barry Hearn suggested the showpiece event could leave London in a bid to boost prize money.
Though former World Champion Gerwyn Price recently backed the idea suggested by Hearn, Nicholson said he would be ‘astonished’ if his peers shared his opinion.
Paul Nicholson says ‘money comes second’ for most players
Alexandra Palace in London has hosted the World Championship since 2008 and the winner pockets a whopping £500k.
The fancy dress that the Palace attracts is a staple of the tournament and Nicholson told Sporting Life that a move from the Capital could alienate fans and players.
“Imagine giving all 128 Tour Card holders this choice; Win the World Championship at Ally Pally and receive a cheque for £500,000 or win the World Championship in Saudi Arabia and receive a cheque for £1,000,000 – what would the majority choose?
“I’d be astonished if less than 80% went for the first option.”
The World Championship in Saudi Arabia could kill the sport
Darts is nothing without fans and Nicholson is right to say moving the World Championship could alienate the audience.
It’s Hearn’s investment and promotion of a party atmosphere that has allowed the sport’s popularity to boom and a move to a country with little darting heritage could threaten that.
The top stars in snooker rebelled against the idea of their World Championship moving from the Crucible, and the same is sure to happen in darts.
If the time does arrive when the sport has outgrown Ally Pally, the PDC should explore different options in the UK or Europe to keep the essence of the sport alive.