The Thrilling Triumph of England at the World Cup of Darts
Last week, the highly anticipated World Cup of Darts took place in the vibrant city of Frankfurt. In a captivating finale, England emerged victorious, defeating Austria by a score of 10-6. The winning English duo was comprised of Luke Humphries, the world’s number one player, and Michael Smith, ranked third globally.
The Tournament’s Highlights
The tournament showcased an impressive display of darts prowess, with the young sensation Luke Littler (ranked 25th) and the fifth-ranked player in the world, Nathan Aspinall, notably absent from the English team. Aspinall expressed his frustration, stating:
“Well, I’ve been number five in the world and I didn’t make the team, and this year, I’m number four in the world, and I’m still not making the team. So it’s quite annoying for me, as an Englishman, that I’m number four in the world, and I’m still not playing for England.”
Potential Changes to the Format
The current format of the World Cup of Darts, which selects the first two Tour Card holders from each country, has drawn some criticism from Aspinall. He advocates for a change to a three, four, or five-man team format, as well as the introduction of a Ryder Cup-style tournament, which he believes would be “class.”
However, the PDC, the governing body of professional darts, does not seem inclined to make significant changes to the World Cup’s format anytime soon. In a recent interview, PDC CEO Matt Porter expressed satisfaction with the current tournament structure and indicated that major changes are not expected in the coming years.
As the darts community eagerly awaits the next chapter of this thrilling sport, the triumph of England at the World Cup of Darts has undoubtedly ignited the enthusiasm of fans worldwide.
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