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Defending champion Michael van Gerwen to return for Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters in May

Sport360 staff

12:47 03/03/2016

The world’s biggest darts stars will compete in the fourth staging of the Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters on May 26-27, as Michael van Gerwen bids to continue his incredible run of success at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.

Dubai will host the opening event of the Professional Darts Corporation’s 2016 World Series of Darts, which features six international tournaments ahead of a season-ending World Series Finals.

The eight-player Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters was first held in 2013 and has been won for the past three years by Dutch star van Gerwen, the current world number one who has been untouchable in the unique open-air arena.

Van Gerwen defeated Raymond van Barneveld in the inaugural final, saw off Peter Wright to retain the title in 2014 and then defeated the legendary Phil Taylor last May – and all three will be amongst his rivals for this year’s title.

Reigning World Champion Gary Anderson, two-time World Champion Adrian Lewis, multiple major winner James Wade and Premier League star Dave Chisnall will complete the eight-player line-up for the Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters.

Play kicks off with the four quarter-finals on Thursday May 26, with the last four players returning on Friday May 27 to compete in the semi-finals and final.

“I can’t wait to get back to Dubai,” said van Gerwen. “The Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters is a special event and I’ve loved playing there for the last three years.

“I’ll be doing everything I can to make it four in a row in May but there are eight great players in the tournament so I know it will be tough.

“It’s a great venue and it will be a fantastic way to start this year’s World Series of Darts.”

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free stated, “This is the third year for this tournament which has grown in popularity and attracts the top players who love competing in Dubai. The outdoor venue at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, the enthusiastic crowds and the worldwide viewership, combine to make this a great social and sporting event.”

Following the Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters, the eight stars will compete in further World Series of Darts events in New Zealand, China, Japan and Australia before taking part in the World Series Finals in Scotland in November.

PDC Chairman Barry Hearn added: “The Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters has been a huge success for the past three years and we’re already looking forward to another brilliant event this May.

“Playing at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium creates a unique challenge for our players but one that they’ve risen to, particularly in 2015 during a thrilling two days.

“This year’s tournament promises to be another great event.”

The event will be hosted at the Irish Village supported by our long-term partners of JW Marriott Marquis, Qantas and Sixt. The event will also be supported by Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Calendar, Dubai Television and 7 Days.

Tickets for the Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters are on sale now, with VIP Tickets available to include table seating with select food & beverages included and General Admission tickets for the tiered seating.

2016 PDC World Series of Darts
Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium

Thursday May 26 (8pm)
General Admission (Free Seating) AED199
VIP Table (Individual) AED799
VIP Table (Ten Persons) AED 7,999

Friday May 27 (8pm)
General Admission (Free Seating) AED250
VIP Table (Individual) AED999
VIP Table (Ten Persons) AED9,999

Two-Day Tickets
General Admission (Free Seating) AED350
VIP Table (Individual) AED1,599
VIP Table (Ten Persons) AED15,999

Tickets can be purchased by calling +971 56 1134626, by email at info@dubai-darts.com or online via www.dubai-darts.com or https://tixbox.com/event/dubai_duty_free_darts_masters.

Tickets are also available at Virgin Megastores and Platinum List across the UAE and at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium Box Office, Garhoud.

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