Third-Fourth Place Game Introduced

A THIRD-FOURTH place play-off will be introduced at the 2010 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship.

The battle between the losing semi-finalists at Alexandra Palace will be the pre-cursor to the £1 million event's final on Sunday January 3.

Four previous third-fourth place play-offs have previously been held between 1994 and 1998, and the concept will return next January.

The two players will be battling for a £100,000 total in prize money, with the winner picking up £60,000 and the loser £40,000.

"The Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship is already the sport's biggest ever event but the third-fourth place play-off will add even further to the spectacle at Alexandra Palace," said PDC Chairman Barry Hearn.

"After 12 days of play across Christmas and New Year, the tournament will now culminate with these two high profile fixtures - the final and the third-fourth place play-off on January 3.

"Our aim is to give fans the best possible value for their money at all PDC tournaments and creating an experience they will never forget, and this certainly does that.

"For the stars involved it will also be a huge occasion, especially so as the game could also be the deciding factor for players battling for a Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts place."

The 2010 Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts will feature the top six players in the PDC Order of Merit following the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship, to be joined by two wildcard selections.

Tickets for the 2010 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship are now on sale, with prices starting at £15. To book, call 0871 220 0260.

Hospitality Packages start from £100 and can be booked on 08712 501 180.