Darts bosses have announced an expansion of the PDC Women’s Series for 2023 to a total of 24 events, with a second Betfred Women’s World Matchplay to be held as well.
The announcement is another boost to women’s darts following the recent inclusion of qualifiers in the PDC's World Championship and Grand Slam of Darts as well as the introduction of the Women's Series.
The eight-player Betfred Women's World Matchplay has been introduced in 2022, with the likes of Lisa Ashton, Fallon Sherrock and Lorraine Winstanley set to face off on Sunday, July 24 in Blackpool.
The PDC's commitment to women's darts will increase further in 2023, with £145,000 in prize money to be on offer in total.
READ MORE:
- Smith dumped out of Betfred World Matchplay
- Field announced for historic Betfred Women's World Matchplay
- Ashton and Sherrock lead Matchplay field*
The Women's World Matchplay will again be held alongside the Betfred World Matchplay in Blackpool in July, with qualification to be from a 12-month Order of Merit commencing from the Women's Series events in August 2022.
The 12-month Order of Merit will include eight events across the remaining two Women's Series weekends of 2022 as well as an expected 12 events in the first half of 2023.
The Women's Series itself is set to expand to 24 events across six weekends next year, with each tournament worth £5,000 in prize money.
"We've been hugely encouraged by the increased interest in the PDC Women's Series this year, with entries up by 50 percent to 100 on average, and there's a lot of excitement ahead of the Betfred Women's World Matchplay on Sunday," said PDC chief executive Matt Porter.
"The Women's World Matchplay will feature a great mix of experienced players and emerging faces, and it's going to be fascinating to see them on stage at the Winter Gardens challenging for that title.
"With players also competing in the Cazoo Grand Slam of Darts and Cazoo World Championship, the opportunities for women within the PDC have never been greater and it's a boost that we can continue to grow this aspect of the sport in 2023."
The PDC Women's Series will continue with Events 13 to 16 in Hildesheim, Germany on August 27 and 28 ahead of the year's final weekend in Wigan on October 29 and 30, which will feature Events 17 to 20.
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject to Change
