Hankey firm on his PDC joining decision
A major breakthrough in mainstream darts has taken place, with the transfer of Ted Hankey from the circuit of British Darts Organisation into Professional Darts Corporation.
Hankey, who is also known as ‘the Count’ in the game, can be among the very first of players to make this transfer.
The decision was finalised by Hankey after he lost to Christian Kist in the Lakeside semi-final.
Following his footsteps, other players have started to adopt a similar strategy.
BDO world number three Dean Winstanley is also looking forward to make way into the PDC by becoming a part or qualifying in the 2012 PDC Pro Tour qualifying school.
While commenting on the news of his transfer, Hankey said, "I'll miss this place but it's time to move on".
In order to compete for the 5 million pound purse offered by the PDC, competitions have already gone underway from the 19th of this month.
Players, who will be able to achieve success in their respective encounters, will get the opportunity of getting hold of the Tour Card and hence, a license to play for the PDC.
As far as the criteria outlined for the Tour Card is concerned, it is important to mention that the four semi-finalists who will remain in the end will be awarded with the Tour Card.
Speaking to BBC darts supremo Barry Hearn said, "Darts is an exploding sport, there's huge amounts of opportunity, huge amounts of money and there's no surprise these players are making the move".
In addition to this, rumours had started to make rounds that the 15-time champion Taylor would like to see Hankey in the PDC circuit.
The organisation came into inception in the year 1992, with a total capacity of 16 darts players.
Within a time span of two decades, the number of darts players playing for the PDC has increased to 400.
Hearn has positive expectations from Hankey, who he believes to be an optimistic contribution to the circuit.
"He's a big character and he's going to be a big success in the PDC circuit," he said.
With the increasing scope and popularity of the sport, the PDC is all set to redefine the game of darts on all platforms.
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