World Darts Federation (WDF), Darts Australia and Murray River Council jointly announced the ranking promotion — the WDF’s highest — as well as increased prize money for the prestigious event, now up to $80,000.
Returning for the first time since the successful 2019 tournament, the open is another international level sporting event to hit the region, and Murray River Council Mayor Chris Bilkey said the region was excited to have it back.
“We were privileged to host the best darts players from around Australia, Europe and Japan in 2019, so we are looking forward to welcoming them back again this year,” Cr Bilkey said.
“We have world-class facilities right on our doorstep, so it’s great to see international events like this back in our region that will offer a certain boost to our local economy.”
Darts Australia president Kelvin James said the 2019 iteration had set the standard.
“The inaugural event set a new standard for tournaments in the Southern Hemisphere, with a total prize pool of $70,000,” Mr James said.
“That will now increase to $80,000 in 2022, thanks to our event partner Murray River Council.
“We also thank the World Darts Federation for awarding this tournament ‘platinum’ status, placing the tournament in the top-four-ranked tournaments worldwide alongside the WDF World Championships, the WDF Masters and the Dutch Open.
“The WDF continued support is important, as we strive to offer players, spectators, and viewers a world-class tournament that is open to all. It will now certainly attract the best darts players in Australasia and from around the world.”
The Australian Darts Open will run from August 1 to 6, before the Pacific Masters and the Australian Championships run the following week (August 7 to 13) at Rich River Golf Club.