World Cup of Darts to feature expanded field and pairs-only matches
The World Cup of Darts is to expand to 40 teams and will feature a revamped format including a group stage and doubles matches throughout.
The annual World Cup of Darts will continue to see two-player teams representing their country, with this year’s event to be staged at Frankfurt’s Eissporthalle from June 15-18.
In a notable change to previous years, the tournament will be expanded from 32 to 40 teams – which sees Iceland, Ukraine and Bahrain set to make their debuts.
The top four ranked nations, based on the lowest cumulative PDC Order of Merit ranking of the two competing players, will be seeded and will enter at the Second Round stage.
The remaining 36 teams will be split into 12 groups of three for the round-robin first round – including 12 seeded nations – from which each group winner will progress.
Another change to previous years will see the event feature solely Doubles matches for the first time – as opposed to the combination of Singles and Doubles ties used in previous years.
The tournament, won by Australia’s Damon Heta and Simon Whitlock last year, will also incorporate a record prize fund of £450,000.
“The World Cup of Darts is one of our most popular events and this new format will add extra excitement to an already eagerly-awaited four days,” said PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter.
“The nations competing in the group stage will now be guaranteed a minimum of two matches, increasing their big-stage experience, and our global growth is also represented by being able to introduce new countries and stage a Latin America Qualifier.
“The move to feature Doubles matches throughout the World Cup is another big change to previous years but one we felt was right to introduce alongside the group stage to emphasise the team element of the event.
“This new format is an important development for us in continuing to grow professional darts around the world and we look forward to a wonderful World Cup of Darts in June.”
A Latin America Qualifier, which is set to feature the likes of Brazil, Costa Rica and Guyana, will be held to determine one place from May 12-14, while the Portuguese Qualifier will be held on April 1 to determine Jose de Sousa’s team mate.
Nations who will be represented by players from the PDC Order of Merit will see their teams confirmed on Monday May 29, with the top two ranked players invited to compete for their country.
Nations with qualifiers from the PDC Asian Tour Order of Merit will see their players confirmed on May 1, while nations in the PDC Nordic & Baltic region will have a cut-off of June 5 following the PDCNB weekend in Finland.
World Cup of Darts 2023 Competing Nations
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Belgium
Canada
China
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
England
Finland
France
Germany
Gibraltar
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Lithuania
Netherlands
New Zealand
Northern Ireland
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Republic of Ireland
Scotland
Singapore
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Ukraine
USA
Wales
Latin America Qualifier
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