PDC's World Series of Darts comes to Dubai

Dubai is set to stage the first leg of the Professional Darts Corporation's (PDC's) World Series of Darts later this year.The top eight players on the planet will take part in the prestigious Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on May 23rd and 24th.It is the first ever professional darts competition to be held in the emirate and prize money of $250,000 will be up for grabs.Current world champion Phil "The Power" Taylor will be joined by Adrian Lewis, Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld, James Wade, Simon Whitlock, Wes Newton and Andy Hamilton in the UAE.Taylor - who defeated Van Gerwen in the final of the World Championships at the start of January - said he is looking forward to the event."I've never had the chance to play there before so it's great for me and the other players that we'll be able to play for such a great title," he remarked.PDC chairman Barry Hearn insisted that darts is growing in popularity all over the world and it is only right that fans in the Middle East get the chance to see a live tournament featuring the sport's crème de la crème.His view was shared by executive vice chairman of Dubai Duty Free Colm McLoughlin, who said this particular competition will be a landmark occasion, as it will be the first time darts is played in an outdoor arena."We think that this sport, which is growing in popularity across the world, will be a good addition to Dubai's busy sports and social calendar," he remarked.Dubai is building a strong reputation as a global sporting hub and events like the Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters will raise its profile event further.The emirate will also hold major tennis, golf, rugby and horse racing meetings in 2013 and there have also been suggestions that a huge boxing match could take place in the city at some point.