The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has addressed concerns raised by Nathan Aspinall regarding the audience composition at the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters. Aspinall suggested that not all spectators were there voluntarily. The tournament kicked off with top players such as Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, and Luke Humphries participating, with Aspinall also competing.
Following his victory over Lourence Ilagan, Aspinall shared his observations on the event’s ambiance, mentioning the unconventional setting and indicating that some attendees may not have been fully engaged. Despite the smaller venue, he acknowledged the importance of starting somewhere in promoting darts in new regions.
Responding to Aspinall’s remarks, the PDC clarified that all individuals present were enthusiastic fans, emphasizing that many were experiencing live darts for the first time due to the novelty of the event in the Middle East. The organization highlighted the diverse atmosphere compared to established darts events in the UK and Europe.
Meanwhile, world champion Luke Littler commented on the relatively subdued atmosphere compared to his usual experiences, noting the quieter environment but expressing satisfaction with his performance. Littler compared the event to past competitions and highlighted the distinctiveness of the Saudi Arabia venue.
In conclusion, the PDC underscored the positive reception from attendees, confirming that everyone present had valid tickets or were invited guests. The organization expressed delight in the strong interest shown during the PDC’s debut in Saudi Arabia, aiming to foster a successful darts community in the region.
