This competition is currently sponsored by Ladbrokes, which tells you everything about the increasing popularity of darts betting. The PDC has now overtaken the BDO in terms of quality, prestige and prize money, especially with the acquisition of Raymond Van Barneveld.
It was the Dutchman who won the 2007 title, beating eleven-time champion Phil Taylor in one of the best finals the competition has ever seen. Previously to this, backing ‘The Power’ could almost have been seen as ‘buying money’, such was his dominance at Purfleet. John Part has been the only other winner in recent years, beating Taylor 7-6 in 2003.
The arrival of Barneveld and fellow Dutchman Van Gerwen into the PDC certainly makes the Outright betting on the World Championship a great deal more competitive. Although, Taylor is once again favourite for the 2008 contest, it’s a strange sight to see him odds-against whereas in the past, he was heavily odds-on.
