World champ Webster eyeing PDC move

WORLD Champion Mark Webster could be set to turn his back on the BDO for the lucrative PDC tour.

The 24-year-old BDO (British Darts Organisation) world No.1 tops the bill at the Granite City Open at Aberdeen’s Station Hotel this weekend.

But he confirmed he could have less than a year left in the BDO.

He said: "I could go across to the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation), that is definitely an option.

"I would be lying if I said it is not something I have not already thought about.

"For now I will just focus on defending my world title in January and then see what the future holds after that."

With a prize pot of £11,000, the Granite City Open is now Scotland’s richest tournament.

Former world champions Martin ‘Wolfie’ Adams, Ted ‘The Count’ Hankey and John Walton are also confirmed for the event.

Current Winmau World Master’s champion Robert Thornton will also play.

And Webster has called for the Granite City Open to be awarded world ranking points to acknowledge the event’s rising stature.

"Wales has three world ranking events yet Scotland only has one," said Webster.

"The Granite City Open could definitely get ranking points and that is something the Scottish Darts Organisation should look at."

The North-east holds a special lure for Webster, as 18-year-old girlfriend Lorraine Hyde – a former Scottish women’s doubles champ – is from Inverurie.

Remarkably for a reigning world champion Mark is still in full-time employment, as a trainee plumber.

"I travel to the North-east regularly to see Lorraine so the Granite City Open was ideal," he said.

"Unfortunately I have not been playing as well as I would have liked in recent events.

"Hopefully I can put that right this weekend.

"It will be tough as there is a strong line up with former Granite City winner Tony West, Gary Robson and Gary Robertson.

"At the moment I am still working full-time but thankfully I have a very understanding boss."

The singles take centre stage from 11.30am today.

Men’s and women’s pairs take place tomorrow from 11.30am before the finals in the evening.

ABERDEEN Interclub’s annual meeting will be held in the GMB Club, King Street on Thursday at 7.30pm.

New teams wishing to join must attend.