The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has addressed concerns raised by Nathan Aspinall regarding the audience composition at the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters. Aspinall had suggested that not all attendees were present voluntarily. The tournament kicked off with notable players like Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries, and Aspinall competing.
After his victory over Lourence Ilagan, Aspinall commented on the event’s ambiance, noting a need for improvement. He acknowledged the unique setting and speculated that not all spectators were willingly present at the venue. Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism about the potential growth of darts in Saudi Arabia.
In response to Aspinall’s remarks, the PDC clarified that all individuals in attendance were enthusiastic spectators. The organization emphasized the novelty of hosting a darts event in the region and highlighted the diverse crowd experience compared to established darts events in the UK and Europe.
World champion Luke Littler also shared his thoughts on the event, highlighting the quieter atmosphere compared to his usual experiences. He emphasized the importance of adapting to the different environment and expressed confidence in his upcoming matches.
As discussions continue around the Saudi Arabia Masters, the PDC remains encouraged by the strong interest shown by attendees at their debut event in the country. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to fostering darts’ popularity in new markets and appreciated the support from fans in Saudi Arabia.