Andy Hamilton releases statement following World Masters mix-up

Former world finalist Andy Hamilton has released a lengthy statement on social media in response to Wednesday’s mix-up at the World Masters qualifiers.

The qualifying rounds for the Men’s tournament descended into chaos in Grays following a last-minute re-draw as a result of several international players having travelled without correctly entering the tournament, as well as numerous no-shows on the day.

It also emerged that players were forced to sign a contract stating they will not compete in December’s PDC World Championship should they qualify for either the World Masters or BDO World Championship.

Failure to comply would make them ‘ineligible to receive prize money from the World Masters’ and could result in court action.

A number of the BDO’s big names, including Michael Unterbuchner, Martijn Kleermaker and Ross Montgomery, opted not to enter the tournament in protest against the change of qualifying criteria, while the likes of Jim Williams, Wesley Harms, Kyle McKinstry and defending champion Adam Smith-Neale all failed to qualify.

Hamilton, the current BDO number 12 who spent 14 years as a PDC player, was among the list of high-profile casualties in the qualifiers as his hopes were ended by Keith Geraghty in straight sets in the Last 64.

The Stoke thrower then took to Twitter on Thursday to air his views about the BDO’s below-par organisation and communication.

Within the statement, Hamilton wrote: ‘There have been times over the past 18 months where I felt that a lot of things could be improved and I am fully aware that people are working hard to do this, but sometimes it is just needed that the simple things are done right first.

‘There has been issues with every major – the 2019 World Championship, World Trophy, World Masters and so far the 2020 World Championship is looking like it could be added to the list, however there is still time to save this one. The Grand Slam is a different matter altogether.

‘I feel that the event held yesterday was one that highlighted a lot of the issues the BDO has.

‘Yes I didn’t qualify for the television stages of the event but this isn’t why I have written this, I was beaten fair and square by someone who played better.

‘I just wanted to share my opinions and thoughts of some of the ongoings that players face within the BDO. There is a clear lack of communication between the board, the players and the fans, this is something simple that could be changed that could really help the BDO game.

‘Moving forward I really do hope that for every player’s sake (not just my own) that things in the BDO can be ironed out, we all deserve better, whether professional players or just starting out in the game. 

‘By communicating with players and asking for help and advice, I’m sure this can be achieved.’

The televised stages of the World Masters take place from October 25-27 at the Circus Tavern in Purfleet and will be shown live on Eurosport.

The prize fund for both the Men’s and Ladies World Masters are yet to be confirmed.

Graham Usher v Stig Jarle Knudsen

Gareth Chambers v Simon Stainton (16)

Mario Vandenbogaerde (9) v Eirig Rowlands

Jeff Smith v Ryan Hogarth (8)

Willem Mandigers (5) v Marty Moreland

Justin Hood v John O’Shea

Gary Stone (13) v John Mann

Neil Duff v Dave Parletti (4)

Dave Copley v Ciaran Teehan

Paul Harvey v Roemer Mooijman

Keith Geraghty v Thibault Tricole

Michael Warburton v Scott Mitchell (6)

Joe Davis v Paul Hogan

Nick Fullwell v Scott Waites (10)

Carl Hamilton v Benjamin Pratnemer

Craig Owens v Richard Veenstra (2)

My thoughts on current matters in the BDO pic.twitter.com/kFKz4Acc3e

— The Hammer (@TheHammer180) October 24, 2019