Nicholson believes New York might be key to PDC American dream: “Madison Square Garden might just be it"

Last week, the US Darts Masters was won by Michael van Gerwen. Paul Nicholson, a former professional player himself, looks back on this World Series of Darts tournament.

"When you think of North American darts, what comes to mind first? The answers may differ from person-to-person, but I would wager that most darts fans would go for John Part, as they should," says 'the Asset' in his column for the PDC's official website. "Here is the thing about darts in North America these days though, people are taking it way more seriously than ever and it's not the players who are making the most significant changes, it is the organisers."

"For years, the PDC have been trying to crack America and it has proven very difficult," he continues. "Something needed to change, and I think the introduction of Madison Square Garden might just be it. Let’s face it, when you think of MSG, you think boxing, you think New York Rangers and Wrestlemania. You do not think darts, but maybe now you do little bit more after two successful years hosting the US Darts Masters."

"When influential people like Ariel Helwani are getting involved, ears prick up and tongues start wagging and I see growth as inevitable," Nicholson explains. "

One last thing though, if you think about the PDC World Cup coming up, and how well Matt Campbell and Jeff Smith (the new two-time North American darts champion) are playing, and how well versed they are in Pairs, you might want to see what price they are as a dark horse. Imagine the impact of a Canadian World Cup win? If Canada does win the World Cup, they surely deserve their own World Series event too, eh?"