Eighteen countries participated in the first WDF World Cup Darts held in London from 2 to 4 December at the Wembley Conference Centre, often with the Olympic spirit to win the WDF WORLD CUP DARTS. The organization was in the hands of the British Darts Organisation (BDO) under the supervision of the World Darts Federation (WDF), formed in 1976 and consisting of 15 countries.
The host country was regarded as a favourite with reigning Winmau World Master John Lowe in their team. Each team consisted of four players. Wales was seen as the main opponent since they had Alan Evans, the 1975 World Master in their team. Also Leighton Rees, losing finalist of the News of the World tournament in 1976 played for Wales. Scotland with Rab Smith and the USA with Nicky Virachkul were considered outsiders. The youngest player was, only 16 years old, Belgian Arnold Vandepoele. The oldest, Joe Goldwin 52 years, came from Gibraltar.
The first WDF World Cup was played over three events; teams of three players (it was only played in teams of four from 1979 onwards), pairs and singles. Points and medals were awarded for each event. The total of the points determines who will eventually go home with the WDF World Cup.
Wales was the first country to win the silver WDF World Cup trophy worth £ 4,000 after an exciting battle with England.
Overall ranking
1- 110 points Wales
Leighton Rees, Alan Evans, David Rocky Jones, Phil Obbard
2- 75 points England
John Lowe, Eric Bristow, Tony Brown, Cliff Lazarenko
3- 30 points Rep. Ireland
Charles Byrne, Patrick Clifford, Seamus O'Brien, Jim McQuillan
4 - 27 points Scotland / New Zealand
6 - 24 points Sweden
7 - 23 points Australia
8 - 20 points United States
9 - 17 points Canada
10 - 15 points Finland
11 - 14 points Belgium / Bermuda / Denmark
14 - 13 points Netherlands
15 - 12 points France / Gibraltar
17 - 11 points Japan
18 - 9 points Malta