International Darts League
About International Darts League 2003
After the success of the World Darts Trophy in Utrecht, Ad Schoofs launches the International Darts League in The Hague. From 17 to 25 May the speedskating center ‘Uithof’ is tranformed into a darts arena. The format is the same as that of the Champions League in football, but the public interest in the event is disappointing.
The tournament is played in groups of four players in the first and second round, each time the top two advance to the next round. From the quarter-finals it is knockout and will be played in sets of bo 3 legs.
Raymond van Barneveld wins the first edition of the tournament in his city of The Hague; he defeats Mervyn King in the final. The man from The Hague wins all nine games he plays in this edition. In the quarterfinals, he proves too strong for Tony David from Australia 4-0 in sets. In the semi-finals Martin Adams bows out 6-4 and Mervyn King loses the final 8-5 in sets. Mervyn plays a great tournament with victories over Ted Hankey in the quarterfinals and Andy Fordham in the semi-finals.
In the final Van Barneveld takes a 4-0 and 7-3 lead, but King continues to offer good resistance and comes back strong to 7-5. Yet Barney ultimately takes the win in the thirteenth set and becomes the first ever champion.
Competitors Of International Darts League 2003
Callers Of International Darts League 2003
International Darts League 2003
The Hague, NLD
