Matt Porter as Chief Executive of the PDC has gone through a lot of challenges like many in sport during the Coronavirus pandemic.
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But with a potential light at the end of the tunnel and the return of fans, it is starting to look up and for Porter speaking to Darts World, he believed this mid-2021 goal was always there.
“As soon as the vaccine roll-out began at the end of last year, we always had our minds set to mid-2021 as a return to normality," he said to Darts World.
Like alluded to fans returned recently at the Premier League and for Porter, it made the tournament extra special towards the end.
"All the players thrived on the experience of once again performing in front of fans but for him - Jonny Clayton - to lift the trophy in that atmosphere gave the tournament an authentic feeling."
But now his aim will be the World Matchplay and pending the removal of restrictions, a full crowd will adorn the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. This is still the aim of Porter and the PDC team.
"It’s our goal to have a regular World Matchplay in Blackpool - and that means a full and very lively Winder Gardens.”
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.