What Is 2017 BDO World Darts Championship

Overview

The 2017 BDO World Darts Championship was the 40th edition of the prestigious tournament held annually at the Lakeside Country Club in Frimley Green, England. It marked a pivotal year as Glen Durrant claimed his first world title, solidifying his status as a dominant force in the BDO circuit.

This championship continued the tradition of featuring top darts talent from around the world competing in a straight knockout format. The event drew significant attention from darts fans despite growing competition from the PDC circuit, maintaining the BDO's legacy in the sport.

• January 7–15, 2017: The tournament spanned nine days, beginning with preliminary rounds and culminating in the men’s final on January 15.
• 32-player men’s draw: The field included seeded players based on BDO rankings, with international representation from the Netherlands, USA, and Canada.
• 16-player women’s draw: Lisa Ashton entered as defending champion and successfully defended her title against Deta Hedman.
• £257,000 total prize fund: The largest purse in BDO World Championship history at the time, with £100,000 awarded to the men’s champion.
• Lakeside Country Club: The iconic venue hosted the event for the 40th consecutive year, known for its intimate atmosphere and traditional darts setting.

How It Works

The BDO World Darts Championship follows a structured knockout format with specific rules and scoring systems that distinguish it from other darts organizations like the PDC.

• Format: The men’s competition uses a sets-based system, with matches played in best-of-odd sets, progressing from best-of-five to best-of-nine in later rounds.
• Scoring: Each leg is played under standard 501 rules, requiring a double finish, and players must win a set by two clear legs if necessary.
• Seeding: The top 16 players are seeded based on BDO rankings, ensuring higher-ranked players face unseeded opponents in early rounds.
• Women’s Championship: A separate 16-player draw is held concurrently, with matches played in best-of-three or best-of-five sets depending on the stage.
• Referees and Officiating: Matches are overseen by BDO-certified referees who enforce rules on conduct, scoring, and time limits between throws.
• Broadcast: The event was televised by the BBC in the UK, reaching millions of viewers and maintaining the BDO’s long-standing media partnership.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2017 BDO World Darts Championship to the 2017 PDC World Darts Championship highlights key differences in structure, prize money, and player base.

The table illustrates the disparity in financial rewards and scale between the two organizations. While the BDO maintained traditional values and accessibility, the PDC offered higher stakes and broader global exposure, reflecting divergent paths in professional darts.

Why It Matters

The 2017 BDO World Darts Championship was significant not only for crowning new champions but also for highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the BDO in sustaining relevance amid the PDC’s rise.

• Glen Durrant’s breakthrough: His victory marked the first of three consecutive BDO titles, establishing him as a dominant figure before his PDC switch.
• Women’s darts visibility: Lisa Ashton’s win reinforced the importance of gender inclusion in professional darts competitions.
• Traditional format preservation: The BDO upheld classic rules and venue loyalty, appealing to long-time fans of the sport.
• Pathway for amateurs: The BDO provided a platform for non-PDC players to achieve world championship status.
• Media coverage: BBC broadcasts ensured the event remained accessible to a broad UK audience despite declining commercial investment.
• Legacy impact: The 2017 event was one of the last high-profile BDO championships before the organization’s decline and eventual closure in 2020.

The 2017 tournament thus stands as both a celebration of BDO heritage and a turning point, signaling the end of an era in professional darts history.