Sports Apps Powering the PDC’s Boom in Australia & New Zealand
Embracing technology is helping the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) continue its quest to establish a strong foothold in Australia and New Zealand.
The PDC recently announced the extension of its long-standing relationship with subscription television company Foxtel Group until 2027.
The extension will ensure all the PDC’s top events, including the prestigious World Darts Championship in London, will be broadcast live to Foxtel subscribers.
The deal also includes coverage of PDC World Series of Darts events staged in Australia and New Zealand, with fans able to watch the action on a range of digital platforms including the Foxtel app.
Professional Darts Corporation Chief Executive Matthew Porter said: “Australia has a passionate and knowledgeable fanbase, and we are thrilled to extend our partnership with the Foxtel Group.
“This agreement allows us to continue delivering high-quality sports entertainment to Australian viewers.
“We look forward to showcasing our incredible events and players to fans nationwide, with Foxtel Group’s extensive coverage ensuring no one misses out on the excitement.”
PDC Gets Second Tech Boost
The PDC’s commitment to developing its global footprint received another boost after PalmerBet agreed to sponsor World Series of Darts events.
The 2023 New South Wales Darts Masters during August attracted massive interest among local sports fans, who generated a terrific atmosphere during the event.
As the official wagering partner, PalmerBet featured heavily across all promotional activities in the run-up to the tournament and when the action got underway.
The PalmerBet app offered a vast array of markets on all the games, generating significant levels of business for the Melbourne-based company.
PalmerBet CEO Grant Palmer said: “We are delighted to be joining forces with the PDC through our sponsorship of the PalmerBet Queensland and New South Wales Darts Masters events.
“We have watched PDC events worldwide and always been impressed with their presentation and of course the high level of competition.
“We are seeing a resurgence of sports such as darts and boxing in Australia and PalmerBet will be continuing to support these world class events in the form of sponsorship.”
Cross Sparkles on the Big Stage
The PDC’s visit to Australia and New Zealand saw them stage two tournaments, starting with the New Zealand Darts Masters in Hamilton.
Fans watching live streams via the Foxtel app were treated to a fantastic event which produced one of the biggest shocks of the season.
World number two Peter Wright was on the receiving end, with New Zealand truck driver upsetting the odds to secure a memorable 6-3 success.
Tata then gave Rob Cross an almighty fright in the quarter-finals, sending the game to a last-leg decider before finally bowing out of the tournament.
Cross stepped things up in the semi-finals, producing a power-packed display to record an emphatic 7-3 victory over reigning champion Gerwyn Price.
He battled back superbly in the final against Nathan Aspinall, recovering from a 5-2 deficit to end his two-year wait for a television title with an 8-7 win.
Cross took his improved form into the PalmerBet-sponsored event in New South Wales, losing just seven sets on his way to scooping the £20,000 top prize.
Fans who backed the Englishman to win the tournament never had a moment’s worry, as the former world champion produced some fabulous darts.
He beat New Zealand’s John Hurring 6-2 in the first round, before recording a 6-4 win against Danny Noppert in the quarter-finals.
He whitewashed Wright 7-0 in their last four tie to secure a place in the final against Australian number one Damon Heta.
The home favourite was roared on by a vociferous crowd, many of whom had placed wagers on him to emerge victorious at the tournament.
However, ‘The Heat’ had no answer to Cross who swept to a comprehensive 8-1 victory to get his hands on another trophy.
“It feels fantastic – it’s surreal,” Cross said. “The crowd have been brilliant all tournament. I’ve really enjoyed my time in Australia and New Zealand, and I’m very grateful.
“Damon didn’t turn up in the final and I feel for him a little bit, but you’ve still got a job to do. I think I’m in a good place after the last couple of weeks. I’m enjoying my darts again.”
Tech Driving Global Darts Boom
Foxtel’s coverage and additional exposure from PalmerBet undoubtedly ramped up interest in the PDC’s latest visit to Australia and New Zealand.
The firm’s innovative use of technology is powering professional darts into another stratosphere, helping to establish the sport as a global phenomenon.
This strategy is making darts more international than was previously the case, opening up the sport for more players to make their mark at the top level.
