Darts Festival Won’t be Ranked

Registration is now open for the Isle of Man Darts Festival, but competitors will not be able to pick up ranking points.

Returning to the Villa Marina, the World Darts Federation event is on from March 9 to 12 and has £35,000 in prize money up for grabs.

Promoter Howard Miller has welcomed the return of the event, which claims itself to be the ‘longest running darts festival in the world’, but said there have been ‘a few notable changes’.

He said: ‘The IOM Open which where possible has always carried ranking points be that of the BDO or WDF variety will now not be ranked. It will be as the name suggests a genuine ‘Open’ event in which anyone outside PDC card holders can now enter.

‘It wasn’t a decision we made lightly but following lengthy discussions both internally and with the IOM Government Tourism department during which all possibilities and options were explored it was decided we simply couldn’t justify or afford the cost of hosting a WDF Gold event as has been the case for the last two festivals, certainly not without asking the players to pay for it, and that was something we decided we simply couldn’t and wouldn’t do.

‘However, as the EDO support for the WDF remains steadfast and embracing the IOM Classic on the Thursday night will still carry ‘Silver Ranking’ status so make sure you put that one in your diaries.’

To enter the competitions, click here.

Spectator entry for the event is free and you can find more info here.