Key Highlights
- Mensur Suljovic criticizes the current location of the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace for its limited capacity.
- Suljovic suggests Germany as a potential new venue due to its large darts audience and significant contributions to the sport.
- The Austrian player emphasizes the importance of the European Tour tournaments in his career, despite facing increased pressure and expectations over the years.
- Suljovic discusses his future plans, including opening an academy after retiring from professional play.
Mensur Suljovic: The Future of Darts Beyond Alexandra Palace
In a recent interview with Laola1.at, Mensur Suljovic expressed his concerns about the current venue for the PDC World Darts Championship and suggested possible future locations. Suljovic, who has been participating in the championship for almost two decades, highlighted that the Ally Pally, which only holds 3,000 spectators, is insufficient to meet the growing interest in darts.
“The Ally Pally only holds 3,000 spectators, that’s not enough. Many friends of mine want to come and can’t get tickets,” Suljovic said, drawing attention to the need for a larger venue that could accommodate more fans.
A German Venue for the World Championship?
Suljovic sees Germany as a promising location for the tournament due to its substantial darts fanbase. “Maybe somewhere else in England. I played Premier League, there are lots of nice places,” he stated, adding that while England remains his preferred choice, Germany could also be an excellent option. Suljovic praised the contributions of figures like Werner von Moltke and Phil Taylor to the sport’s development.
“Without Germany, without Werner Moltke, without Phil Taylor and without Barry Hearn – that’s the most important man – darts wouldn’t be as big as it is today. Werner has done an incredible amount for Austrian and European darts,” Suljovic emphasized the importance of these individuals to the sport’s growth.
Focus on European Tour Tournaments
Despite facing increased pressure and expectations, Suljovic remains committed to participating in European Tour tournaments. These events remain a key part of his career, providing valuable experience and opportunities to compete against top players. “The pressure is always huge. As soon as I get to London, everything starts all over again,” he shared, reflecting on the challenges of competing at the World Championship.
Suljovic has participated in 17 PDC World Championships since his debut in 2008 and remains one of the most successful players in the German-speaking world. His first World Championship experience stands out as a positive memory, where he defeated Andy Smith and met John Part, who later became the World Champion.
Future Plans: An Academy and More Tournaments in Austria
Ahead of his professional career, Suljovic has set his sights on opening an academy. “When I’m no longer playing professionally, I’m sure I’ll open an academy,” he said, expressing a strong desire to contribute to the sport’s development beyond his playing days. Additionally, Suljovic envisions more darts tournaments being held in Austria, citing the success of events like Schwechat as proof of the potential for growth.
“Everything is sold out. Why not like in Germany?” he asked, highlighting the need for better prize money and increased support from sponsors to attract top players to Austrian tournaments.
Darts Beyond the PDC World Championship
In a broader context, Suljovic’s comments reflect the ongoing debate about the future of darts tournaments. While the PDC World Darts Championship remains a key event in the sport’s calendar, there are calls for greater diversity and innovation to keep fans engaged.
“It doesn’t get the energy going,” said Gerwyn Price after reaching the Grand Slam semifinals, expressing skepticism about some aspects of the new walk-on process. These comments highlight the need for constant evolution within the sport to maintain its relevance and appeal.
Conclusion
The Future of Darts is Shaped by Players Like Suljovic
Mensur Suljovic’s insights into the future of darts provide a valuable perspective on the sport’s direction. His call for larger venues, greater support for tournaments in Austria, and his vision for an academy after retirement underscore the importance of player input in shaping the sport’s future.
