● The PDC revealed yesterday that a £180,000 bonus would be paid by World Championship sponsors Paddy Power for every nine-darter hit as part of The BIGGER 180 campaign.
● The bonus is being shared between Prostate Cancer UK, the player who threw it and a lucky fan in the crowd.
● However, as a bookmaker, Paddy Power have confirmed no Under 18s would be eligible for the prize.
● It means 17-year-old Luke Littler would be too young to be given the £60,000 … but Village Hotels have ensured he won’t miss out.
Luke Littler will bank £60,000 for every nine-darter he hits at the World Darts Championship this year – and it’s all thanks to Village Hotels.
It was revealed yesterday that the sponsors of the World Darts Championship, Paddy Power, would be donating £1,000 to Prostate Cancer UK for every 180 hit at Ally Pally – as well as a £180,000 bonus for every nine-darter.
That will be shared between Prostate Cancer UK, a fan in the crowd and the player who hit it.
While it was good news for 95 players in the 96-strong field, it was bad news for 17-year-old Littler.
The young darts sensation doesn’t turn 18 until January 21, meaning he’s too young to be eligible for the Paddy Power bonus.
However, PDC partners Village Hotels have stepped in to make sure the biggest name on the darting planet doesn’t miss out, by generously pledging to pay the £60,000 themselves each time Littler throws a perfect leg at Ally Pally.
A Village Hotels spokesperson said: “What Paddy Power and the PDC have done in supporting Prostate Cancer UK through The BIGGER 180 campaign has been remarkable, and the nine-darter bonus promises to make this year’s even bigger.
“But given what Luke has done in the sport already, and our close bond developed with the PDC since joining as a partner, we couldn’t see one of the biggest names miss out – so we wanted to do our bit.
“But if helps inspire Luke to hitting the magic number, and if it means more money goes to saving lives as part of the wider campaign, then it’ll be a small price to pay.”
Village Hotels have 33 locations throughout the UK, featuring affordable and stylish rooms, top-of-the range Health & Wellness Clubs and great food and drink in the Pub & Grill.
PDC chief executive Matthew Porter said: “It's an unbelievably generous gesture from Village Hotels and a testament to themselves as a brand that they're so keen to support our sport to ensure Luke doesn't miss out.
"The BIGGER 180 campaign is something very close to our hearts at the PDC, and we can't wait to get going in a few weeks' time.
Littler will play Queen of the Palace Fallon Sherrock or Ryan Meikle in the second round of the World Darts Championship, following the draw yesterday.