World Darts Championship: Alexandra Palace to host from December 15 and fans could return
The 2021 William Hill World Darts Championship will be held from December 15-January 3 at its usual home of the famous Alexandra Palace in London.
During a year that has saw both the World Matchplay and World Grand Prix away from Blackpool and Dublin respectively, the World Championship will take place at its spiritual home in north London.
The sport’s showpiece staging will be held across the festive period as usual and fans could return, providing light at the conclusion of a tough year for both players and onlookers alike.
Following the UK Government’s post-lockdown plans being proposed on Monday evening, the PDC are now working in conjunction with the Alexandra Palace to explore the potential potential of spectators returning.
The World Championship’s opening nine days will be from December 15 until the short Christmas break, with the first and second rounds being contested.
The world’s top 32 players enter proceedings at the second hurdle, following the first round being played out between 32 qualifiers from the ProTour Order of Merit and 32 international qualifiers.
Players will then return from December 27-30 when the third and fourth rounds will be played, before the quarter-finals onwards take place in the early days of next year.
?? Step into ?????????…
1️⃣6️⃣ Days
2️⃣8️⃣ SessionsWe're delighted to announce details of the 2020/21 @WilliamHill World Darts Championship, which could see the return of fans at Ally Pally!
? Watch the drama unfold on the dedicated @SkySports Darts channel! pic.twitter.com/3pr10PkFfY
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) November 23, 2020
The final will be contested on Sunday, January 3, differing from its usual New Year’s Day scheduling in recent years.
Peter Wright will be defending his crown after lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy last year at Alexandra Palace, overcoming Michael van Gerwen in the final.
The field in full will be confirmed on Monday, November 30 following the PDC Tour Card Holders’ Qualifier in Coventry, before the draw takes place live on Sky Sports News three days later.
2021 WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP
Alexandra Palace, London
Schedule of Play
Tuesday December 15
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Wednesday December 16
Afternoon Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Evening Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Thursday December 17
Afternoon Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Evening Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Friday December 18
Afternoon Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Evening Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Saturday December 19
Afternoon Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Evening Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Sunday December 20
Afternoon Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Evening Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Monday December 21
4x Second Round
Tuesday December 22
Afternoon Session
4x Second Round
Evening Session
4x Second Round
Wednesday December 23
Afternoon Session
4x Second Round
Evening Session
4x Second Round
Sunday December 27
Afternoon Session
3x Third Round
Evening Session
3x Third Round
Monday December 28
Afternoon Session
3x Third Round
Evening Session
3x Third Round
Tuesday December 29
Afternoon Session
3x Third Round
Evening Session
1x Third Round, 2x Fourth Round
Wednesday December 30
Afternoon Session
3x Fourth Round
Evening Session
3x Fourth Round
Friday January 1
Afternoon Session
2x Quarter-Finals
Evening Session
2x Quarter-Finals
Saturday January 2
Semi-Finals
Sunday January 3
Final
(Featured Image: Chris Sargeant/Tip Top Pics)