Luke Littler and his fellow competitors are gearing up for a high-stakes opportunity in Riyadh next week. The World Series of Darts is making its debut in Saudi Arabia, featuring eight PDC Tour players against eight from the Asian Tour. The tournament promises a significant prize of $200,000 (£149,000) for anyone who can achieve a nine-dart finish followed by hitting the elusive ‘golden bull.’
The incentive for darts players is unprecedented, with a $100,000 (£74,700) prize awaiting the successful completion of a nine-dart finish, which can then be doubled by hitting the golden bullseye. This hefty sum represents the largest reward ever offered in the sport for such a feat. Luke Littler, who recently secured a record £1 million prize by winning the World Championship, will be aiming to add this impressive achievement to his list of accolades.
The setup in Riyadh mirrors the innovative approach seen in the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship, where a unique golden ball is introduced to potentially unlock a $1 million (£760,000) bonus for a remarkable 167 break. This golden ball is strategically placed at the beginning of each frame and remains in play until a maximum break of 147 is no longer feasible.
Former World Championship semi-finalist Mark Webster highlighted the enticing prize structure, emphasizing the allure of potentially winning $200,000 with a flawless performance. Littler will be among the notable darts players participating in Riyadh alongside other top contenders like Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, and Gerwyn Price.
The competitive spirit is high as Littler and his peers are currently engaged in the Bahrain Masters, showcasing their skills before heading to Riyadh. Littler’s recent victory over Paul Lim with a remarkable 170 ‘Big Fish’ check-out exemplifies the caliber of talent present in the tournament. As the excitement builds, fans can anticipate thrilling performances and intense competition in the upcoming darts events.