THE PDC are delighted to announce a long-term deal whereby both the Topic International Darts League and World Darts Trophy are becoming incorporated in their Order of Merit.
Raymond van Barneveld defeated Colin Lloyd to win the IDL last May in the first year of the Dutch-based tournament involving PDC players.
Phil Taylor then went on to win September's World Darts Trophy, knocking out both Lloyd and Ronnie Baxter before taking victory against Martin Adams in the final.
From 2007 onwards both events will include the top 12 players in the PDC Order of Merit (at 2 April) and four PDC Qualifiers.
Also involved in the IDL and WDT this year will be twelve players from the WDF rankings and four Wildcards.
Both tournaments will also now be ranked on the PDC's Order of Merit, with all players having the chance to qualify.
"This is great news for the Professional Darts Corporation and our players," said PDC Chairman Barry Hearn.
"Last year's events showed the quality of players in our ranks, and Dutch viewers are enjoying seeing the best players in the world through SBS6's coverage of PDC tournaments.
"It is also a boost that we have been able to secure four qualifying places for our members in this tournament.
"This means that all players in the PDPA will have the chance to join Raymond van Barneveld and Phil Taylor in the IDL and WDT this year and that their success will be rewarded on the Order of Merit."
The qualification criteria for the IDL will be the top 12 players in the PDC Order of Merit following the Blue Square UK Open Midlands Regional Final, staged on 31 March and 1 April.
The criteria for winning the four remaining qualification spots is as follows:
The four PDC Qualifying places will be awarded to the highest placed PDPA members in the Antwerp Darts Trophy staged on Sunday 15 April who are not already in the event.
In the event of ties, PDC officials at the Antwerp Darts Trophy will arrange a play-off to involve the relevant players.
The tournament organisers have the four Wildcards as Michael van Gerwen, Jelle Klaasen, Mervyn King and Vincent van der Voort.
The Topic International Darts League will be staged from 5-13 May at the Triavium in Nijmegen, with the World Darts Trophy taking place from 1-9 September.
Topic International Darts League Prize Fund
Champion: 30,000 Euro
Runner-up: 15,000 Euro
Semi-Finalists: 7,500 Euro
Quarter-Finalists: 4,500 Euro
Second Round Losers: 3,000 Euro
First Round Losers: 2,000 Euro
Highest Checkout: 1.000 Euro
Total Prize Money: 135,000 Euro