THE WORLD'S GONE DARTS MAD

Staggering growth of game across globe

- BY RICHARD LEWIS

WHEN Sir Chris Hoy presents the Sid Waddell Trophy to the world champion tonight, darts will celebrate the awarding of the biggest individual prize in the sport's history.

But for the global game it is so much more than this evening's million-pound cheque.

This week is 19 years since the PDC World Championship left the Circus Tavern in Purfleet for its new home at Alexandra Palace, where in 12 months' time the showpiece event switches to an even larger arena at this iconic venue.

Darts has never been bigger - but the growth is not just about what happens in London N22 over Christmas and New Year.

The PDC have expanded their support of affiliate tours to invest £3m into the development of darts across the world over the next three years as the game is creating such an impact globally.