Split in Darts - Players' Unrest

Players' Unrest

Many players had turned professional during darts' peak years in the 1980s, and the big sudden drop in the amount of darts television coverage in 1989 left them with very little prize money to play for. It also meant a lack of exposure, which would make it very tough for them to make a living from exhibition matches. The top players felt that not enough was being done by the governing body, the BDO, to encourage new sponsors into their sport and television coverage should be greater than just one event per year.

After over 3 years of internal pressure from pressure group, the Darts Council, failed, 16 professional players, including every previous BDO World Champion who was still active in the game, created their own darts organisation originally named the World Darts Council (WDC) in January 1992. They wanted to appoint a public relations consultant to improve the image of the game and also staged their first televised event in October 1992 (the Lada UK Masters on Anglia Television).

The final straw which had led to the decision to form the World Darts Council in January 1992 was the BDO's quick release of a VHS videotape which featured extended highlights of the 1992 Embassy World Final between Phil Taylor and Mike Gregory. The videotape also featured brief highlights of the 1983, 1985 and 1987 Embassy World Finals featuring Eric Bristow, John Lowe and Keith Deller, as well as featuring Paul Lim's 9-dart finish from the 1990 Embassy World Championship. Neither Phil Taylor, Mike Gregory, Eric Bristow, John Lowe, Keith Deller, nor their agents were offered payment for the release of the VHS videotape.