WDF World Cup Men Teams 1977
Eighteen countries participated in the first World Cup Darts held in London from 2 to 4 December at the Wembley Conference Centre, often with the Olympic spirit to win the 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 World Cup was played over three events; teams of three players (until 1979 when it was played in teams of four), pairs and singles. For each component points and medals were awarded. The total points determined who ultimately would go home with the World Cup.
In the team England and Wales reached the semi-finals as expected. The Republic of Ireland and Sweden completed the semi-final line-up. The Swedes saw off Scotland 5-4 earlier. England defeated Sweden (Stefan Lord, Douglas Melander and Kent Ohlsson) in the semi-finals 5-2. But the match between Wales and Rep. Ireland (Charles Byrne, Patrick Clifford and Seamus O'Brien) was a gem of excitement. Wales (L. Rees, A. Evans & David "Rocky" Jones) was up 4-1, but the Irish did not give in and drew the score level at 4-4. The final leg was played between Pat Clifford and Alan Evans. With the Welshman on tops, Clifford threw from 111; he hit the triple 20 and the single 19, but just missed the double 16. Then both players had their chance to clinch the match but both missed eight arrows at the double. Ultimately, it was Evans who hit double one and gave Wales a place in the final.
In the final, England (Eric Bristow, John Lowe and Tony Brown) took a 4-1 lead, but it was Wales’ turn to come back to four all. Again it was Alan Evans who got the job done by beating John Lowe and thus Wales won the first event.
Barry Atkinson
Omer Bauwens
George Borg
Cecil Boyland
John Boyle
Eric Bristow
Hans Bronsgeest
Charles Byrne
Freddie Duarte
Bjørn Enqvist
Alan Evans
Takeyasu Ezaki
Perti Friman
Bill Gill
Jose Perez
Jan Larsen
Eric MacLean
Tom Marks
Wembley Conference Centre, London
From: Friday 02 December 1977
Till: Sunday 04 December 1977
Champion
Wales
Callers
List of finals
| Year | Winner | Result | Runner-Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 |
Wales
9
|
9 - 7 |
 Hong Kong
7
|
| 2017 |
 Australia
9
|
9 - 3 |
 United States
3
|
| 2015 |
England
9
|
9 - 4 |
 Ireland Republic
4
|
| 2013 |
 Scotland
9
|
9 - 7 |
United States
7
|
| 2011 |
England
9
|
9 - 8 |
 Finland
8
|
| 2009 |
 Netherlands
9
|
9 - 5 |
 Canada
5
|
| 2007 |
England
9
|
9 - 8 |
Netherlands
8
|
| 2005 |
Finland
9
|
9 - 8 |
Australia
8
|
| 2003 |
United States
9
|
9 - 7 |
Netherlands
7
|
| 2001 |
England
9
|
9 - 7 |
Finland
7
|
| 1999 |
England
9
|
9 - 7 |
Wales
7
|
| 1997 |
Wales
9
|
9 - 6 |
England
6
|
| 1995 |
England
9
|
9 - 4 |
Wales
4
|
| 1993 |
England
9
|
9 - 3 |
Wales
3
|
| 1991 |
England
9
|
9 - 7 |
Wales
7
|
| 1989 |
Canada
9
|
9 - 7 |
Australia
7
|
| 1987 |
England
9
|
9 - 8 |
 Northern Ireland
8
|
| 1985 |
United States
9
|
9 - 6 |
Australia
6
|
| 1983 |
England
9
|
9 - 8 |
Scotland
8
|
| 1981 |
England
9
|
9 - 7 |
Scotland
7
|
| 1979 |
England
9
|
9 - 7 |
Wales
7
|
| 1977 |
Wales
5
|
5 - 4 |
England
4
|