What Is 1999 PDC World Darts Championship

Overview

The 1999 PDC World Darts Championship was the sixth edition of the Professional Darts Corporation's premier event and the third held under the PDC banner after its split from the BDO. It took place from December 28, 1998, to January 3, 1999, at the Circus Tavern in Purfleet, Essex, a venue that became synonymous with the early PDC World Championships.

This tournament solidified Phil Taylor’s dominance in the sport, as he claimed his fifth consecutive world title, a feat unmatched in darts history. The event featured 24 players from around the world, competing in a knockout format with sets played best-of-five legs.

• Phil Taylor successfully defended his title by defeating Peter Manley 6–2 in the final, showcasing his consistency under pressure.
• The tournament began on December 28, 1998, and concluded with the final on January 3, 1999, marking a New Year’s climax.
• Circus Tavern in Purfleet hosted the event for the third consecutive year, providing an intimate atmosphere for players and fans.
• The total prize fund was £100,000, with the winner receiving £30,000, a significant sum for the time.
• This championship was notable for being the last PDC World Championship before the turn of the millennium, adding historical significance.

How It Works

The PDC World Darts Championship follows a structured knockout format where players advance by winning sets and legs. Each match is played in a best-of format, increasing in length as the tournament progresses.

• Best-of-Five Legs: Each set consists of the first player to win three legs. Players must finish on a double to win a leg.
• Set Format: Early rounds use best-of-five sets, while later stages extend to best-of-nine or best-of-13 sets.
• Final Match Structure: The 1999 final was a best-of-11 sets, with Phil Taylor winning six to secure victory.
• Scoring System: Players start at 501 points, and the first to reduce their score to exactly zero wins the leg.
• Doubles Finish: A player must finish on a double (including the bullseye) to win a leg, adding strategic depth.
• Player Qualification: The 1999 field included top PDC rankings, regional qualifiers, and invited players from around the globe.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 1999 PDC World Darts Championship compares to other major darts events of the era:

While the PDC and BDO operated separately during this period, the PDC version offered higher prize money and growing prestige. The 1999 PDC final attracted significant media attention, especially with Taylor's continued dominance. Unlike the BDO's Lakeside tradition, the PDC’s use of the Circus Tavern gave it a more modern, televised feel, helping boost its popularity.

Why It Matters

The 1999 PDC World Darts Championship was a pivotal moment in professional darts, cementing Phil Taylor's legacy and highlighting the PDC's rising influence in the sport. It marked a shift toward televised, high-stakes darts that would define the 2000s.

• Phil Taylor's dominance established him as the greatest darts player of his generation, with five straight titles from 1995 to 1999.
• The PDC began to outpace the BDO in prize money and global visibility, attracting top talent.
• Television coverage on ITV helped expand the sport's audience beyond traditional darts strongholds.
• Peter Manley’s first world final appearance signaled the emergence of new competitive threats to Taylor’s reign.
• The Circus Tavern became iconic, hosting the championship until 2007, creating a unique fan-player dynamic.
• This event laid the groundwork for the modern PDC Premier League and Grand Slam of Darts formats.

The 1999 championship remains a landmark in darts history, symbolizing the sport's transition into a professional, globally recognized competition.