1994 PDC World Darts Championship
Encyclopedia
The 1994 Skol World Darts Championships was held following 18 months of controversy within the sport of darts. After the 1993 Embassy World Championships
, several players decided it was time to part company with the British Darts Organisation
(who had always organised the World Championship) and form their own organisation. The new organisation was known as the World Darts Council (WDC). The WDC would later become the Professional Darts Corporation
(PDC).
The WDC decided to introduce their own separate World Championship, with the inaugural tournament being staged before the BDO version. The 1994 Championship actually started on Boxing Day 1993. This started a tradition for the WDC/PDC World Championship to actually kick off before the new calendar year begins. The tournament was staged at the Circus Tavern
, Purfleet
, Essex
.
, Rod Harrington
, Alan Warriner
, Peter Evison
, Richie Gardner
, Jocky Wilson
, Eric Bristow
, Keith Deller
, John Lowe
, Bob Anderson
, Cliff Lazarenko
, Kevin Spiolek
, Jamie Harvey
, Mike Gregory and Chris Johns
.
However Johns and Gregory returned to the BDO without ever competing at the PDC World Championship. They were replaced with Graeme Stoddart and Kevin Burrows and the field was brought up to 24 by adding seven players from the United States and Tom Kirby
of Ireland.
format. The players were put into groups of three where the order of play was thus:
This was done so that there would usually always be something to play for in the last group game.
The group winner would progress to the quarter-finals (best of seven sets) and the tournament then became a straight knock-out event. The semi-finals were the best of 9 sets and the final was best of 11 sets.
Dennis Priestley became the first WDC World Darts Champion, winning the final 6-1 against Phil Taylor to add to his 6-0 whitewash victory over Eric Bristow in the 1991 World Championship
.
which featured a £136,100 prize fund.
Steve Brown 89.28 5 - 1 
Peter Evison 83.13
1993 BDO World Darts Championship
-References:...
, several players decided it was time to part company with the British Darts Organisation
British Darts Organisation
The British Darts Organisation, or the BDO for short, is a darts organisation founded on 7 January 1973 by Olly Croft, OBE. The BDO is a founder member of the World Darts Federation which was formed in 1976....
(who had always organised the World Championship) and form their own organisation. The new organisation was known as the World Darts Council (WDC). The WDC would later become the Professional Darts Corporation
Professional Darts Corporation
The Professional Darts Corporation is a professional darts organization, established in the United Kingdom during 1992, when a group of leading professional players split from the British Darts Organisation to form what was initially called the World Darts Council...
(PDC).
The WDC decided to introduce their own separate World Championship, with the inaugural tournament being staged before the BDO version. The 1994 Championship actually started on Boxing Day 1993. This started a tradition for the WDC/PDC World Championship to actually kick off before the new calendar year begins. The tournament was staged at the Circus Tavern
Circus Tavern
The Circus Tavern is an entertainment venue in Purfleet, Essex, England which hosts functions, cabaret acts and is also a nightclub venue. However, it is most famous as having been a long-time venue of the PDC World Darts Championship....
, Purfleet
Purfleet
Purfleet is a place in the Thurrock unitary authority in Essex, England. It is situated south of the A13 road on the River Thames and within the easterly bounds of the M25 motorway but just outside the Greater London boundary. It was within the traditional Church of England parish of West Thurrock...
, Essex
Essex
Essex is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in the East region of England, and one of the home counties. It is located to the northeast of Greater London. It borders with Cambridgeshire and Suffolk to the north, Hertfordshire to the west, Kent to the South and London to the south west...
.
The 16 Defectors
Originally 16 players "defected" from the BDO to form the WDC/PDC - Phil Taylor, Dennis PriestleyDennis Priestley
Dennis Priestley is an English professional darts player. He has won two world championships, and was the first player to win both the BDO and WDC world championships, in 1991 and 1994 respectively...
, Rod Harrington
Rod Harrington
Rod Harrington is a former English darts player. He used the nickname The Prince of Style for his matches, often wearing a suit and waistcoast for his games...
, Alan Warriner
Alan Warriner-Little
Alan Warriner-Little is an English professional darts player. He currently lives in Crosby, Cumbria and plays with the nickname The Iceman...
, Peter Evison
Peter Evison
Peter Evison is a darts player who has enjoyed a long career in the game. His greatest achievements were to win the 1989 Winmau World Masters and the 1996 World Matchplay. He has also come close to winning the World Championship on a number of occasions.Before appearing in a major tournament...
, Richie Gardner
Richie Gardner
Richie Gardner is a former English professional darts player, who had some success during the 1980s and was one of the 16 top players who formed a breakaway organisation during an acrimonious split in the game during 1992-94....
, Jocky Wilson
Jocky Wilson
John Thomas Wilson known as "Jocky" Wilson, is a former Scottish darts champion. He retired from the game in 1995.Wilson was twice World professional Darts Champion in 1982 and 1989...
, Eric Bristow
Eric Bristow
Eric Bristow MBE is a British darts player, whose skill at the game in the 1980s helped turn it into a worldwide spectator sport.- Early career :...
, Keith Deller
Keith Deller
Keith Deller is an English darts player, who won the Embassy World Professional Darts Championship in 1983. He was the first qualifier ever to win the championship and remains one of the youngest champions in history...
, John Lowe
John Lowe
John Lowe is an English darts player who was one of the best-known men in darts during the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in the United Kingdom. Lowe is one of only five players to have won the World Championship 3 times.-Biography:Lowe won the World Championship title in three different decades -...
, Bob Anderson
Bob Anderson (darts player)
Robert Charles "Bob" Anderson is a former world darts champion. He was ranked as world number one for over three years in the late 1980s. Nicknamed The Limestone Cowboy, he lives in Clevedon in Somerset.-Before Darts:Anderson threw his first darts maximum at the age of just five...
, Cliff Lazarenko
Cliff Lazarenko
Cliff Lazarenko is an English professional darts player who competed for the British Darts Organisation and the Professional Darts Corporation...
, Kevin Spiolek
Kevin Spiolek
Kevin Spiolek is an English darts player who played during the 1980s and 1990s. He made a brief return to form in 2006 when qualifying to play in the PDC World Darts Championship....
, Jamie Harvey
Jamie Harvey
Jamie Harvey is a Scottish darts player who plays in the British Darts Organization . He currently resides in Barrhead. Harvey uses the nickname Bravedart for his matches - a play on the lead character from the film Braveheart...
, Mike Gregory and Chris Johns
Chris Johns (darts player)
Chris Johns is a former Welsh darts player. He played county darts for Glamorgan and played in the BDO World Darts Championship on five occasions, but will be best remembered as a controversial figure in an acrimonious split in the game between 1992 and 1994....
.
However Johns and Gregory returned to the BDO without ever competing at the PDC World Championship. They were replaced with Graeme Stoddart and Kevin Burrows and the field was brought up to 24 by adding seven players from the United States and Tom Kirby
Tom Kirby (darts player)
Tom Kirby was an Irish darts player.Kirby was the first Irishman man to join the Professional Darts Corporation and entered its inaugural World Championship in 1994, where he won Group 7 by leg difference to reach the quarter finals, losing to eventual winner Dennis Priestley...
of Ireland.
The Tournament & Format
There were 24 players involved and the tournament featured an unusual round-robinRound-robin tournament
A round-robin tournament is a competition "in which each contestant meets all other contestants in turn".-Terminology:...
format. The players were put into groups of three where the order of play was thus:
- Player A v Player B
- Loser of Match 1 v Player C
- Winner of Match 1 v Player C
This was done so that there would usually always be something to play for in the last group game.
The group winner would progress to the quarter-finals (best of seven sets) and the tournament then became a straight knock-out event. The semi-finals were the best of 9 sets and the final was best of 11 sets.
Dennis Priestley became the first WDC World Darts Champion, winning the final 6-1 against Phil Taylor to add to his 6-0 whitewash victory over Eric Bristow in the 1991 World Championship
1991 BDO World Darts Championship
The 1991 Embassy World Darts Championship was held at the Lakeside Country Club in Frimley Green, Surrey from 4–12 January 1991. Phil Taylor was the reigning World Champion and started off well in the early rounds, before losing in the quarter-finals to Dennis Priestley who took the title.The...
.
Prize money
The prize money for the tournament was £64,000 - significantly less than the 1994 BDO World Championship1994 BDO World Darts Championship
-References:...
which featured a £136,100 prize fund.
- Champion £16,000 (BDO £32,000)
- Runner-up £8,000 (BDO £16,000)
- Third place £5,000 (BDO £7,700)
- Fourth place £3,000 (BDO £7,700)
- Quarter-finals £1,500 (BDO £3,800)
- Group stage £1,250 (BDO last 16 £2,800 last 32 £1,900)
Group stage
The majority of the major players came through the group stage without trouble. Phil Taylor eased past Jamie Harvey 3-1, and Jim Watkins 3-0 to win Group 1, while 1988 World Champion, Bob Anderson, cruised into the quarter-finals for a showdown against Taylor, after a series of 3-0 wins against Americans Gerald Verrirer and Dave Kelly. But there was room for an American to upset the odds, as Steve Brown, surprisingly, took Group 3, with wins against 1983 champion Keith Deller and Kevin Spiolek. Alan Warriner would go through to meet him after a couple of 3-1 wins against Richie Gardner and Cliff Lazarenko. Peter Evison showed no signs signs of discomfort, with consecutive 3-0 wins over Jerry Umberger and Kevin Burrows, and two 90-plus averages to go with it; the second of which, 97.56, would be the highest three-dart average in the tournament. Rod Harrington also went through after winning group 6, though not without difficulty. After a 3-1 win over five time World Champion, Eric Bristow, he narrowly defeated Sean Downs by 3 sets to 2 to go through to the last 8. Group 7 would see three-time champion John Lowe bow out, who narrowed missed out in a tight group, which saw Tom Kirby from Ireland book a quarter-final place, despite suffering defeat in his opening match to Lowe. A 3-1 win over American Larry Butler, and Lowe's 3-2 loss to Butler, ensured the Irishmen's advancement. He would be up against Dennis Priestley, after the Yorkshireman saw off Jocky Wilson 3-2 and Graeme Stoddart 3-0 to book a quarter-final place.Quarter-Finals
In the battle of two former world champions, Phil Taylor moved onto the semi-finals with a 4-2 win over Bob Anderson, who would still be searching for his second world title. Steve Brown upset the odds again to defeat 1993 World finalist Alan Warriner 6-3 , and a meeting with Taylor. Peter Evison continued his good form with another 90-plus average, in dispensing Rod Harrington 4-1, while Dennis Priestley ended the run of Tom Kirby, with a 4 sets to 2 win.Semi-Finals and Third Place Playoff
Phil Taylor reached his 3rd World Final by finally ending American Steve Brown's dream run. With both players sharing the same 3-dart average, 91.20, a 5-0 scorline to Taylor seemed fairly harsh. Dennis Priestley would book his place in the final by taking out Peter Evison 5-3. Brown capped off his impressive run by taking the 3rd Place Playoff, with an impressive 5 sets to 1 win over Evison.Final
The final turned out to be a one-sided encounter, with Taylor rarely giving Priestley any trouble at all. Priestley would win comfortably with a 6 sets to 1 scoreline to claim his second world title came with a 6-1 win.1st Round - Group Stages
} Phil Taylor 92.58 3 - 1  Jamie HarveyJamie Harvey Jamie Harvey is a Scottish darts player who plays in the British Darts Organization . He currently resides in Barrhead. Harvey uses the nickname Bravedart for his matches - a play on the lead character from the film Braveheart... 89.76 } Jamie Harvey Jamie Harvey Jamie Harvey is a Scottish darts player who plays in the British Darts Organization . He currently resides in Barrhead. Harvey uses the nickname Bravedart for his matches - a play on the lead character from the film Braveheart... 91.35 2 - 3 Jim Watkins 87.90} Phil Taylor 80.49 3 - 0 Jim Watkins 78.00 |
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} Bob Anderson Bob Anderson (darts player) Robert Charles "Bob" Anderson is a former world darts champion. He was ranked as world number one for over three years in the late 1980s. Nicknamed The Limestone Cowboy, he lives in Clevedon in Somerset.-Before Darts:Anderson threw his first darts maximum at the age of just five... 86.97 3 - 0 Gerald Verrier 82.89} Gerald Verrier 74.43 3 - 0 Dave Kelly 75.39} Bob Anderson Bob Anderson (darts player) Robert Charles "Bob" Anderson is a former world darts champion. He was ranked as world number one for over three years in the late 1980s. Nicknamed The Limestone Cowboy, he lives in Clevedon in Somerset.-Before Darts:Anderson threw his first darts maximum at the age of just five... 83.43 3 - 0 Dave Kelly 72.48 |
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} Keith Deller Keith Deller Keith Deller is an English darts player, who won the Embassy World Professional Darts Championship in 1983. He was the first qualifier ever to win the championship and remains one of the youngest champions in history... 88.53 1 - 3 Kevin SpiolekKevin Spiolek Kevin Spiolek is an English darts player who played during the 1980s and 1990s. He made a brief return to form in 2006 when qualifying to play in the PDC World Darts Championship.... 85.50 } Keith Deller Keith Deller Keith Deller is an English darts player, who won the Embassy World Professional Darts Championship in 1983. He was the first qualifier ever to win the championship and remains one of the youngest champions in history... 84.57 1 - 3 Steve BrownSteve Brown (darts player) Steve Brown is an English-born American darts player who had the majority of his success during the 1990s when he finished third at the inaugural Professional Darts Corporation's version of the World Championship in 1994 - after the majority of top players decided to separate from the British... 85.92 } Kevin Spiolek Kevin Spiolek Kevin Spiolek is an English darts player who played during the 1980s and 1990s. He made a brief return to form in 2006 when qualifying to play in the PDC World Darts Championship.... 84.06 0 - 3 Steve BrownSteve Brown (darts player) Steve Brown is an English-born American darts player who had the majority of his success during the 1990s when he finished third at the inaugural Professional Darts Corporation's version of the World Championship in 1994 - after the majority of top players decided to separate from the British... 92.61 |
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} Alan Warriner Alan Warriner-Little Alan Warriner-Little is an English professional darts player. He currently lives in Crosby, Cumbria and plays with the nickname The Iceman... 87.93 3 - 1 Richie GardnerRichie Gardner Richie Gardner is a former English professional darts player, who had some success during the 1980s and was one of the 16 top players who formed a breakaway organisation during an acrimonious split in the game during 1992-94.... 81.00 } Richie Gardner Richie Gardner Richie Gardner is a former English professional darts player, who had some success during the 1980s and was one of the 16 top players who formed a breakaway organisation during an acrimonious split in the game during 1992-94.... 88.25 3 - 1 Cliff LazarenkoCliff Lazarenko Cliff Lazarenko is an English professional darts player who competed for the British Darts Organisation and the Professional Darts Corporation... 77.64 } Alan Warriner Alan Warriner-Little Alan Warriner-Little is an English professional darts player. He currently lives in Crosby, Cumbria and plays with the nickname The Iceman... 85.77 3 -1 Cliff LazarenkoCliff Lazarenko Cliff Lazarenko is an English professional darts player who competed for the British Darts Organisation and the Professional Darts Corporation... 85.56 |
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} Peter Evison Peter Evison Peter Evison is a darts player who has enjoyed a long career in the game. His greatest achievements were to win the 1989 Winmau World Masters and the 1996 World Matchplay. He has also come close to winning the World Championship on a number of occasions.Before appearing in a major tournament... 93.39 3 - 0 Jerry UmbergerJerry Umberger Jerry Umberger is a retired American darts player who competed from the 1970s through the 1990s.Throwing American Darts, he was a member of four PA State Dart Championship teams... 81.06 } Jerry Umberger Jerry Umberger Jerry Umberger is a retired American darts player who competed from the 1970s through the 1990s.Throwing American Darts, he was a member of four PA State Dart Championship teams... 81.06 3 - 0 Kevin Burrows 77.04} Peter Evison Peter Evison Peter Evison is a darts player who has enjoyed a long career in the game. His greatest achievements were to win the 1989 Winmau World Masters and the 1996 World Matchplay. He has also come close to winning the World Championship on a number of occasions.Before appearing in a major tournament... 97.56 3 - 0 Kevin Burrows 87.57 |
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} Eric Bristow Eric Bristow Eric Bristow MBE is a British darts player, whose skill at the game in the 1980s helped turn it into a worldwide spectator sport.- Early career :... 78.63 1 - 3 Rod HarringtonRod Harrington Rod Harrington is a former English darts player. He used the nickname The Prince of Style for his matches, often wearing a suit and waistcoast for his games... 89.22 } Eric Bristow Eric Bristow Eric Bristow MBE is a British darts player, whose skill at the game in the 1980s helped turn it into a worldwide spectator sport.- Early career :... 82.20 3 - 2 Sean Downs 79.20} Rod Harrington Rod Harrington Rod Harrington is a former English darts player. He used the nickname The Prince of Style for his matches, often wearing a suit and waistcoast for his games... 90.60 3 - 2 Sean Downs 83.88 |
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} John Lowe John Lowe John Lowe is an English darts player who was one of the best-known men in darts during the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in the United Kingdom. Lowe is one of only five players to have won the World Championship 3 times.-Biography:Lowe won the World Championship title in three different decades -... 89.94 3 - 2  Tom KirbyTom Kirby (darts player) Tom Kirby was an Irish darts player.Kirby was the first Irishman man to join the Professional Darts Corporation and entered its inaugural World Championship in 1994, where he won Group 7 by leg difference to reach the quarter finals, losing to eventual winner Dennis Priestley... 87.66 } Tom Kirby Tom Kirby (darts player) Tom Kirby was an Irish darts player.Kirby was the first Irishman man to join the Professional Darts Corporation and entered its inaugural World Championship in 1994, where he won Group 7 by leg difference to reach the quarter finals, losing to eventual winner Dennis Priestley... 88.44 3 - 1 Larry ButlerLarry Butler (darts player) Larry Butler is an American darts player, who was the winner of the 1994 PDC World Matchplay Darts Championship. This success made him the first, and so far only American player to have won a major darts tournament in Europe.... 89.04 } John Lowe John Lowe John Lowe is an English darts player who was one of the best-known men in darts during the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in the United Kingdom. Lowe is one of only five players to have won the World Championship 3 times.-Biography:Lowe won the World Championship title in three different decades -... 82.86 2 - 3 Larry ButlerLarry Butler (darts player) Larry Butler is an American darts player, who was the winner of the 1994 PDC World Matchplay Darts Championship. This success made him the first, and so far only American player to have won a major darts tournament in Europe.... 81.21 |
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} Dennis Priestley Dennis Priestley Dennis Priestley is an English professional darts player. He has won two world championships, and was the first player to win both the BDO and WDC world championships, in 1991 and 1994 respectively... 95.22 3 - 2 Jocky WilsonJocky Wilson John Thomas Wilson known as "Jocky" Wilson, is a former Scottish darts champion. He retired from the game in 1995.Wilson was twice World professional Darts Champion in 1982 and 1989... 94.38 } Jocky Wilson Jocky Wilson John Thomas Wilson known as "Jocky" Wilson, is a former Scottish darts champion. He retired from the game in 1995.Wilson was twice World professional Darts Champion in 1982 and 1989... 77.22 1 - 3 Graeme Stoddart 78.21} Dennis Priestley Dennis Priestley Dennis Priestley is an English professional darts player. He has won two world championships, and was the first player to win both the BDO and WDC world championships, in 1991 and 1994 respectively... 86.25 3 - 0 Graeme Stoddart 85.92 |
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Knockout Stages
Third-place play-off: Steve Brown 89.28 5 - 1 Peter Evison 83.13