Luke Littler and his fellow competitors are gearing up for a lucrative opportunity in Riyadh next week, where they will have a shot at winning $200,000 (£149,000) by achieving a nine-dart finish followed by a ‘golden bull.’ The World Series of Darts is making its debut in Saudi Arabia, featuring eight PDC Tour representatives facing off against eight Asian Tour representatives in a two-day tournament commencing on Monday.
In this high-stakes event, a player who hits a perfect nine-darter will secure a $100,000 (£74,700) prize and then have the chance to double it by aiming for the bullseye with a ‘golden’ dart. This unique incentive marks the largest reward ever offered in the sport for a nine-dart finish, exciting players like Littler, who recently clinched the record £1 million prize for winning the World Championship and secured a lucrative £20 million contract with his darts supplier.
The concept of introducing substantial rewards for specific achievements is reminiscent of the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship, where players can aim for a “Riyadh Season golden ball” that could lead to a $1 million (£760,000) bonus for achieving a historic 167 break. The golden ball is strategically placed on the snooker table, aligning with key spots and offering a substantial reward for exceptional performance.
Former World Championship semi-finalist Mark Webster highlighted the impressive rewards at stake, emphasizing the potential for a player to earn $200,000 by delivering ten flawless darts in a single leg. Littler will be among the talented players vying for victory in Riyadh, alongside a lineup that includes Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, and other prominent darts personalities.
As the competition heats up in the Bahrain Masters, where Littler is showcasing his skills, fans eagerly anticipate the thrilling matches and remarkable performances by the top darts players. The stage is set for intense battles and extraordinary feats as these elite athletes strive for glory and substantial rewards in the world of darts.