World Darts Championship: Increase to prize fund and new qualifying format for 2019
Winner's total will be £500,000 at next year's tournament
Thursday 4 January 2018 16:39, UK
The 2019 World Darts Championship will benefit from 40 per cent more prize money, and will feature an expanded qualification process to include more global tournaments.
Rob Cross scooped the trophy this year, including a £400,000 fee which is the highest individual prize in the sport's history, but the winner's total will be £500,000 next year. A record-breaking £2.5m will be shared between participants.
"This year's World Darts Championship was the biggest and most successful in the sport's history," said PDC chairman Barry Hearn.
"We were treated to thrilling matches throughout and the event exceeded all of our expectations with record TV ratings being reported globally and a new champion being crowned in Rob Cross.
"Rob epitomises the PDC structure which gives opportunities for all players of ability without any barriers to entry.
"For Rob to go from competing on our Challenge Tour to being world champion in just a year is an incredible story and one that will inspire ambitious players worldwide to achieve their dreams."
A total of 68,000 fans attended Alexandra Palace for this year's World Championship, the finale to the career of Phil 'The Power' Taylor.
The 2018 Premier League is the next major darting event on Sky Sports, running from February to May. Dublin's hugely popular 3Arena will open the 2018 season on Thursday, February 1 from 7pm on Sky Sports Action with the season concluding at the Play-Offs on May 17 at The O2 in London.
Keep up to date with the latest darts news, previews, reports, reaction and expert analysis. Get all the latest at www.skysports.com/darts and join in the conversation @SkySportsDarts- don't forget to use #LoveTheDarts
