John Part says darts is an expanding game and is now a global business
"Only a couple of guys from that tournament can feel that they've done well"
Thursday 21 December 2017 14:53, UK
Three-time world darts champion John Part says the game has expanded so much that it's not a surprise to see the number of shocks at Alexandra Palace.
This year's World Championship has already seen 10 seeds perish so far with two-time winner of the event Adrian Lewis on the end of the biggest shock of the opening round against Germany's Kevin Munch.
Veteran Paul Lim also caused a huge upset when the 63-year-old turned back the clock to see off former Lakeside champion Mark Webster.
And Part is not surprised at all to see the number of seeds tumble out of the tournament with darts now very much attracting the cream of the crop from around the globe.
These players are from everywhere. They're coming from every direction, which means there's a lot of pressure on the top guys.
"Darts has shown just how much it's expanded," said Sky Sports' analyst Part. "There are so many good players throughout and they're from around the world and they're also from within England.
"These players are from everywhere. They're coming from every direction, which means there's a lot of pressure on the top guys.
"The psychology of the top, top players are already battered from playing Premier League week in, week out. Only a couple of guys from that tournament can feel that they've done well.
"It's telling on a lot of the top guys, but it's still a big shock though percentage wise. We suspected that there was a chance that some of these players might lose, but to the extent that it has actually played out is unbelievable."
The 2018 World Championship from Alexandra Palace continues on Thursday night with coverage getting underway from 7pm on Sky Sports Darts and ending with the final on New Year's Day.
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