BDO bosses beg Fallon Sherrock and Co not to boycott World Champs after selling just 15 PER CENT of tickets
BUNGLING BDO bosses have begged Fallon Sherrock not to boycott their World Championship — despite slashing prize money by up to 60 PER CENT.
In a grovelling letter to players just five days before the nine-day tournament starts at The O2, the BDO admitted they cannot guarantee promised prize money as they have managed to sell just 15 per cent of the tickets.
The note pleads with players to “grace the BDO and audiences with your presences”, even though “we may not be able to guarantee the prize funds as first indicated”.
SunSport understands the combined promised £354,000 prize pool for the men’s and women’s tournaments, will be slashed by up to 60 per cent.
Darts legend Bobby George blasted the BDO, screaming: “What a f*** up!”
Wonder woman Sherrock – who created history by becoming the first female to beat a man in the PDC world championship – was favourite to become BDO women’s world champion.
But that £20,000 prize is now set to be slashed to just £8,000.
The BDO tournament was controversially moved from its Lakeside base in Essex after 33 years to the Indigo nightclub at London’s O2 Arena.
Organisers say their commercial advisors Sportotal told them sponsorship had been “impossible to secure” because their brand is considered “toxic” on social media.
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And they blame the broadcast production costs and previous debts from past regimes for “decimating” the TV contract income.
In the letter, BDO chairman Des Jacklin wrote: “It’s perfectly understandable for you to feel that elements have conspired against you in this regard and through no fault of your own expectations for rewards have been lowered.
“We feel sorry for each and every one of the players.”