27 November 2023 , 16:41
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Organisers of this year's Paddy Power World Darts Championship have made a key change to the dartboard ahead of the tournament.
The Irish bookmaker has taken over the sponsorship of the legendary event at London's Alexandra Palace that runs from December 15 until January 3. As part of the deal, Paddy Power have unveiled a new-look dartboard, which features a green treble 20 instead of the traditional red.
The Winmau board will be at the centre of the Ally Pally stage illuminated by a green backdrop - the iconic colour of the brand, who will also distribute merchandise to the 90,000 fans attending the 16-day event. However, the bookie claims the switch is more than just a stunt. In fact, research shows green is easier to see, which should hopefully result in more treble 20s thrown at this year's event.
PDC chief executive Matthew Porter added: “We have always said as an organisation that we want to move and evolve with the times. If after 30 years of our World Championship being played on a traditional dartboard, change means improvement for the standard and quality of the sport, and it directly benefits the health of players, then we owe it to them to give it a go.
"We saw 901 180s struck during last year’s tournament and maybe we’ll break the 1,000 mark this year for the first time ever. It's great to be working with Paddy Power and we hope the players are as excited about this change as we are."
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Paddy Power have taken over sponsorship of this year's World Darts Championship (PA)Spokesman Paddy Power added: “Our aim is to help make the standard of the first ever Paddy Power World Darts Championship like something you've never seen before. We saw last year's tournament make headlines all over the world. Hopefully we can play a small part in making this year's just that 1 per cent better.
"And yes - as an Irish brand, the thought of invading an icon of British pub culture and turning the treble 20 green had its own added appeal."