World Matchplay organisers won't rule out Blackpool darts spectacular next month

Rob Cross could defend his World Matchplay title in front of a Blackpool crowd or behind closed doors elswhere

The PDC has confirmed that the Sky-televised showpiece will take place as scheduled from July 18-26, though it is unclear whether the 32-player spectacular will be staged at the Winter Gardens, its home every year since it began in 1994.

PDC chairman Barry Hearn revealed that Milton Keynes’ Marshall Arena, which hosted the recent Championship League Snooker, could provide an alternative venue for a behind closed doors event.

However, PDC chief executive Matt Porter told Sky Sports’ The Darts Show podcast: “Although we’ve had a few people scoffing at us, we haven’t given up hope of a crowd in Blackpool and that’s purely because the Government hasn’t given up hope of allowing public gatherings to take place again.

“It is not our decision. We are in the hands of other people and we will be led by what the decisions from above are.

“If the regulations are that you can have a public gathering, there will obviously be different restrictions, social distancing and testing.

“If you can do it then we will do our utmost to do it, because we know how good the World Matchplay is as an event and the crowd is one of the main factors that makes it so good.”

“We’re talking to the relevant Government departments and venues, so we will be ready if we are allowed a crowd.

“If we are not allowed a crowd then clearly people will still want to see the event, so then we will become wholly committed to a TV broadcast event.

“We will have various innovations that we have already started discussing with Sky to help create an atmosphere, albeit artificially.

“We’re not going to put the World Matchplay on in a Pro Tour cubicle, that just would not be appropriate ... it will be done on a proper stage.”

Wherever the World Matchplay is staged, Rob Cross will defend the Phil Taylor Trophy, named after the legendary 16-time winner.

The PDC’s Premier League is set to return on July 30 in Birmingham but first comes the launch of the ‘Summer Series’, consisting of five Players Championship events behind closed doors in Milton Keynes from July 8-12.