Darts Stars Respond to Cullen’s Comments on German Pro Tour Tournaments
In a recent interview, professional darts player Joe Cullen expressed his belief that there are too many Pro Tour tournaments being held in Germany. This statement has sparked a response from fellow darts players Vincent van der Voort and Ron Meulenkamp, who shared their thoughts on the matter during a Viaplay broadcast on Thursday night.
Meulenkamp began by highlighting the changing demographics of the sport, noting that the days of the United Kingdom dominating the Tour Card holder landscape are long gone. > “It used to be that 95 percent (of the number of Tour Card holders) came from the United Kingdom. And then you had guys like Vincent (van der Voort), Jelle (Klaasen) and Michael (van Gerwen). Those came over with a Tour Card when it was just all possible. At some point more Dutch people came over. Belgians came over, now it’s maybe fifty-fifty. So many people from the mainland, it can’t be at all like that.”
Van der Voort echoed his Dutch colleague’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of expanding the sport’s global reach. > “You also want to make the sport worldwide and go to as many countries as possible so it becomes popular there, right? In Germany it’s getting bigger, Belgium*…. The Netherlands…” He then added a touch of sarcasm, stating, “I also want every Pro Tour to be held in Purmerend. That’s top right? I also want the World Championship to be held in Purmerend. It’s always England, England, England. The important TV tournaments are always in England.”
Meulenkamp went on to suggest that the English darts players have little room to complain, given the accommodations made for them during events held outside of the United Kingdom. > “Then when they come this way, it’s always close to the airport. Everything is done for them. They really have nothing to complain about.”
The responses from Van der Voort and Meulenkamp highlight the evolving nature of professional darts, with players from diverse nationalities making their mark on the sport. As the game continues to grow in popularity globally, the debate around the distribution of Pro Tour events is sure to remain a topic of discussion among the darts community.
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