UK Open

UK Open

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Wikipedia - UK Open

The Ladbrokes UK Open is a ranking major darts tournament held annually at the Butlins Minehead Resort by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) in England. The event is often referred to as the "FA Cup of darts" as it has an unseeded open draw made after each round, and entry is open to players at all levels of darts. One-hundred-and-sixty players compete in the multi-board event over eight-stages before the PDC’s Top 32 enter the tournament in the fourth round. The tournament has a prize fund of £600,000; the victor’s prize is £110,000.

History

From 2003 to 2013, the UK Open took place in June each year at the Reebok Stadium, in Bolton. In 2014, it moved to Butlin's Minehead taking place in early March. Phil Taylor beat Shayne Burgess in the inaugural final. Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld won the tournament in 2006, in his first appearance in a PDC ranking event. He knocked out 13-times World Champion Phil Taylor 11–10 en route to the final where he beat Barrie Bates 13–7. He also successfully defended the title in 2007, again beating Taylor en route.

As the event has amateur and semi-professional qualifiers, it has produced some upset results over the years. In 2014, Aden Kirk, playing in his first televised match, beat defending and five-time champion Phil Taylor 9–7 in the third round. Kirk then beat Peter Wright 9–5 in the next round. In 2016, Rileys amateur qualifier Barry Lynn recorded a 9–3 win over reigning world champion Gary Anderson and reached the quarter-finals. A year later, Anderson lost to another Rileys qualifier, Paul Hogan, who followed up by beating Adrian Lewis in the next round.

Taylor achieved the perfect nine-dart finish four times (2004, 2005, 2007 & 2008). Mervyn King (2010), Gary Anderson (2012), Wes Newton (2013), Michael van Gerwen (2016 & 2020), Jonny Clayton (2020), Sebastian Białecki (2021), Jitse van der Wal (2021), José Justicia (2022), James Wade (2022) and Michael Smith (2022) have also achieved a nine-dart leg (although Newton's, Białecki’s, van der Wal’s and Justicia's were not televised live, while Clayton's and Smith's were only live on the PDC website). The tournament had a different runner-up for the first 13 years.

Because of extreme weather conditions and fears for the safety of visiting fans the unprecedented decision was taken by the host venue Butlins to play the entire 2018 UK Open behind closed doors leaving the public only being able to watch the event though ITV4’s live coverage and the PDC live web feed.

The Tournament was moved to the Marshall Arena in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and played behind closed doors.

**UK Open Darts Tournament**

The UK Open, often referred to as the "FA Cup of Darts," is one of the most prestigious and exciting events in the professional darts calendar. Held annually in the United Kingdom, this tournament attracts the best players from around the world, showcasing their skills in a thrilling knockout format.

Taking place over a weekend, the UK Open features a unique format that includes a series of matches played across multiple stages, culminating in a grand final that determines the champion. The tournament is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with passionate fans filling the venue to cheer on their favorite players.

Players compete in a series of matches, with each round offering the chance for upsets and surprises, as lesser-known competitors can challenge the top seeds. The event is characterized by its fast-paced action, high-scoring finishes, and dramatic moments, making it a must-watch for darts enthusiasts and casual fans alike.

In addition to the intense competition, the UK Open also celebrates the spirit of darts, with a festive environment that includes entertainment, food, and merchandise stalls. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the sport, the UK Open promises an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, camaraderie, and the thrill of the game.

Join us for this electrifying tournament and witness the best in darts as they vie for the coveted title and a place in the annals of darts history!