World darts returning to Ally Pally (From Haringey Independent)

World darts returning to Ally Pally

8:50am Saturday 27th June 2009

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ALEXANDRA PALACE will host the world's first £1 million darts event in December.

The sport's World Championship will celebrate its third year at the iconic north London venue over 13 days of play from Friday, December 18 to Sunday, January 3.

A total of 72 players will travel from as far afield as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, America and Canada for the tournament, which has a £1 million prize fund for the first time.

The 2010 world champion will pick up a record £200,000 cheque, with reigning champion Phil 'The Power' Taylor chasing his 15th title.

Taylor said: "A few years ago not many people would have predicted we would be playing for £1 million, but it's a very exciting time for darts as a sport and us as professionals."

He added: "I'd love to be crowned Ladbrokes.com world champion again and I'm already planning my preparation for the event - even though it's six months away."

Local residents will get tyhe chance to see the world's best players during the two weeks.

Over 2,000 tickets for each session are available, with around 30,000 fans expected to flock to ‘Ally Pally’ throughout the course of the tournament, which will be screened live on Sky Sports.

Professional Darts Corporation chairman Barry Hearn said: "Since moving to Alexandra Palace two years ago, the World Championship has reached a new level of excitement for both fans, players and television viewers.

"We saw a nine-darter from Raymond van Barneveld in this year's event and the greatest ever performance in a final from Phil Taylor as he won the title."

Tickets went on sale this week, with prices beginning at £15.

They can be purchased on 0871 220 0260 or by visiting www.seetickets.com/darts

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