The PDC recently revealed that the World Matchplay will take place on its original dates of 18 to 26 July, despite still the potential for it not to be played with an audience.
A decision will be made by 4 July about whether crowds are allowed and if not a behind closed doors World Matchplay in Milton Keynes is likely. According to former World No.1, Colin Lloyd it doesn’t make it any less of a tournament and that the same entertainment value is going to be there. “You are going to get the same value of entertainment as you would sitting in the venue, as you would sitting in your armchair at home,” said Lloyd to Sky Sports. “It is the second biggest ranked tournament on the circuit behind the World Championship. If one player turned around and said they didn't want to win the World Matchplay, they'd be telling you very big fibs.
It's a massive event, it's a great title to win and let's hope it can be in Blackpool, but if it's played behind closed doors, you're still going to get great entertainment by 32 of the best players in the world.”
“They are professional sportsman so they have got to go up and do a professional job in whatever circumstances they may be.”