Luke Littler and his fellow competitors are gearing up for a lucrative opportunity in Riyadh next week, where they have a shot at winning $200,000 (£149,000) by achieving a nine-dart finish followed by a ‘golden bull.’ This prize awaits players at the World Series of Darts’ inaugural visit to Saudi Arabia, where eight PDC Tour representatives will face off against eight Asian Tour representatives in a two-day tournament commencing on Monday.
The high stakes involve a $100,000 (£74,700) reward for hitting a nine-darter, with the added twist of a chance to double the prize by hitting a ‘golden’ dart at the bullseye. This setup offers the largest prize in the history of the sport for a nine-dart finish, with Luke Littler, the recent £1 million World Championship winner and recipient of a lucrative £20 million darts supplier contract, eagerly eyeing the opportunity.
This new incentive in darts mirrors the format of the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship, introducing the “Riyadh Season golden ball” feature that can lead to a $1 million (£760,000) bonus for achieving a first-ever 167 break. The golden ‘Riyadh Season ball’ is strategically placed on the table to enhance gameplay dynamics during the championship.
Luke Littler, alongside notable players like Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, and others, is currently participating in the Bahrain Masters ahead of the Riyadh event. Littler’s impressive track record, including a 170 ‘Big Fish’ check-out in a recent match, showcases his form as he prepares to compete in the upcoming tournaments.
As the darts world buzzes with anticipation, the stage is set for an intense showdown in Riyadh, where players will strive for perfection and the chance to claim the prestigious $200,000 prize.