The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has addressed concerns raised by Nathan Aspinall regarding the audience composition at the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters. The tournament kicked off recently with notable players like Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries, and Aspinall participating.
Aspinall, after securing a victory in his first match against Lourence Ilagan, shared his thoughts on the event’s ambiance, noting a unique experience. He mentioned that some attendees may not have been entirely voluntary in their presence, hinting at a potentially different atmosphere from traditional darts venues.
In response to Aspinall’s comments, the PDC clarified that all spectators present were enthusiastic fans. The PDC statement, as reported by The Telegraph, highlighted the novelty of hosting a darts event in the region, attracting many spectators new to live darts.
Separately, reigning world champion Luke Littler also commented on the event, expressing that the atmosphere was quieter compared to what he was accustomed to. Despite the differences, he acknowledged the win and anticipated the upcoming matches with adjusted expectations.
Overall, the PDC welcomed the strong interest shown by fans in their debut event in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that all attendees were legitimate ticket holders or guests. The organization remains optimistic about the future of darts in the region.
For sports enthusiasts, Sky has announced price reductions on its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the upcoming season, offering extensive live coverage of Premier League, EFL, and other sports, including Formula 1, darts, and golf.