The PDC has provided clarification regarding the audience composition at the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters following remarks made by Nathan Aspinall suggesting some attendees were not fully present by choice.
The tournament commenced yesterday with notable players like Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, and Luke Humphries participating alongside Aspinall. After defeating Lourence Ilagan in his initial match, Aspinall shared his observations on the event’s ambiance, expressing reservations about the attendees’ level of engagement.
In response to Aspinall’s comments, the PDC stated that all spectators were enthusiastic fans, emphasizing that this event marked a unique darts experience for many attendees in the region. They acknowledged that the atmosphere and crowd dynamic might differ from established darts events in the UK and Europe.
Reigning world champion Littler also commented on the tournament, noting a quieter atmosphere compared to what he is accustomed to, despite securing a victory over Paul Lim. Littler highlighted the need for more noise and compared the event to his past experiences, noting the distinctive nature of the venue.
The PDC assured that all attendees were legitimate ticket holders or guests, expressing satisfaction with the strong interest shown in the PDC’s debut in Saudi Arabia.