What a Belter!
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June the 24th sees the return to action of one of the most innovative formats to hit darts in recent times. UNDISPUTED is the new ADC moniker for the evolution of the MAD Belt system and will take a bow in two exciting nights of darts this June and July.
The June event sees a return to the Atherton Botanical Garden - another darting ‘Night at The Garden’- which hosted a superb night's title match darts in late 2021.
On that occasion, we witnessed a young Jarred Cole dethrone reigning Global title holder Wayne Warren, Darryl Fitton claimed a last-leg thriller, with a unique finish, to retain his England National Title and Jim Williams defeated Jamie Lewis to capture the Welsh equivalent.
As well as these main title matches there were several regional titles up for grabs. These produced gripping matches and started Stu Wilson on his way. Wilson seemed to get a real boost from the win and began winning other events almost immediately. He is now a Challenge tour event winner and has been signed by Perfect 9 darts.
Whilst it's difficult to prove statistically I have no doubt that the belt/title system helped the successful players to cope with tough Covid times and to develop as players and kick on as soon as the opportunity returned. James Richardson, Jim Williams, and Stu Wilson are easy examples but the tough workout when Robert Thornton failed to rest Ruthless’s title from his grasp contributed to The Thorn being battle-ready for February’s Senior Darts World Championship and there were more examples.
UNDISPUTED on June 24th will be a similar evening darts with Wilson returning to defend his title - much higher on the bill - and Robert Owen and Gary Blades named already.
July sees the series move to Bristol to see its most active Champion, James Richardson defend his European belt against the legend that is Kevin Painter. The bill and the undercard in Bristol is already packed with interest. The local regional title is up for grabs and Ryan Palmer will take on Mitch Davis for the belt.
The extra ingredient in the new incarnation of these nights is what are being called ‘Grudge Matches’. These see any two local players who have a reason for a match-up: bragging rights, old rivals, fans dispute, or even charity fundraising, going for it over a decent distance with what promises to be a large crowd and a fantastic atmosphere.
The ‘Belt nights’ have already been held in Scotland, Manchester, and Mayfield, and with Bristol being added they will soon have covered a wide area of the UK. A bidding system sees anyone able to play in or host an event. This will doubtless quickly expand as venues, management teams and others realise what a fantastic opportunity it is for extra revenue, a player opportunity/profile boost, and a fantastic night’s entertainment. (More details on the bidding process Here)
There will be more to come on these nights as we get closer to them. Match-by-Match previews, undercard analysis, and even the ‘Tale of the Tape’ are coming soon…..
Words: JR Lott
@DartsWorldMagazine