"Commercially it's just so inept": Chris Mason befuddled at WDF strategy as Lakeside World Championship prize money cut

More questions than answers are there when it comes to the WDF Lakeside World Championship in the view of Chris Mason with the Prize Money cut again but the winner's amounts staying the same.

Mason spoke with Online Darts at the European Championship while he worked for ITV and said that while he was pleased for those who have grafted all year for the chance, he said that the money not funnelling down when it is cut is odd.

The winner still gets the £50,000 and £25,000 for men's and women's but losing in the first round in either draw gets only £750 which in a field mainly populated by those from overseas means more will be spent than made in a lot of cases.

"Why have they got a promotions company doing something. Why are WDF Promotions involved. There's not enough money in the kitty anyway. What is going on," said Mason to Online Darts befuddled.

"Listen I'm chuffed for the players that have committed to the tour and are going to experience getting up on that Lakeside stage. The ticket sales have gone well which is brilliant news. But it's certainly a kick in the teeth for someone who's invested 1,000's to be told that you're only guaranteed £750 if you lose first round."

"Where's the ticket sales money going. For one I'm amazed Lakeside's still there. But you would think whoever is ok'ed it would have the common sense to say we understand you haven't got any money. So what we will do is you have the ticket sales. We'll take the rooms, beer and food sales."

"It's always going to be a tough sell. You've only got to look at some of the Euro Tours on a Friday, they used to be a tough sell. I'm pleased for all the players who have committed and get the opportunity to become a WDF World Champion and for those who are going to enjoy the stage."

But while the prize money is an issue, as is the lack of TV deal and also those coming from abroad who Mason believes will think twice now in trying to qualify going forward.

"How can you get sponsorship if you haven't got a TV deal. Commercially it's just so inept. You can give them all the advice in the world. Nothing's changed. Look how the BDO ended with the departure of those involved."

"If you're Australian, from Canada, you've got to enjoy a ridiculous transatlantic flight. That £750 won't cover that, no mind your time off, your hotel bill. Your spending money and the fact that £750 they're going to take a percentage of that because you're overseas and it'll be taxed. I'd rather seen it £40k the winner, £20k runnerup and the rest divided."