BBC Sport extends World Darts TV deal

Friday, September 4 2009, 12:16 BST

By Andrew Laughlin,

BBC Sport has extended its exclusive broadcasting agreement to show coverage from the Lakeside World Professional Darts tournament.

The corporation has shown the British Darts Organisation's (BDO) premier contest since the very first event in 1978 and will now continue to do so until 2013.

BDO managing director Olly Croft OBE said: "This is wonderful news for BDO darts, our players and the millions of fans who tune into the BBC's coverage of our premier darts championships.

"It's a unique broadcasting partnership for darts, and we are extremely proud of it. There are very few sports which can boast of a BBC contract that is now in its fourth decade.

"We have the best sports broadcaster in the world and, in turn, we are delighted to have provided them with the very best in World Darts since 1978."

BBC head of TV sport Philip Bernie added: "The BBC is delighted to extend its long relationship with the BDO, and we look forward to more of the excellent contests and really entertaining viewing that the World Professional Darts Championships offer."

BBC presenter Rob Walker will join darts legend Bobby George this weekend for coverage of the Winmau World Masters in Bridlington on BBC One, BBC Two and via the Red Button.