Monday 9 November 2015 14:04, UK
Sky Sports is bringing back its dedicated darts channel this year, following a record-breaking debut during the William Hill World Darts Championship a year ago.
Launching on Monday 14 December, Sky Sports Darts will give fans 23 days of non-stop tungsten action from Alexandra Palace.
After an unprecedented 2015 World Championship that saw over four million viewers tune in throughout the tournament, Sky Sports Darts will again follow every round live as the best players in the world compete for the Sid Waddell Trophy.
Last year 1.7m viewers tuned in for the final that saw Gary Anderson triumph over Phil Taylor, edging a classic match 7-6, while viewing across the tournament increased by 25% on the previous year.
Rory Hopkins, Sky Sports executive producer for darts, said: "Last year saw more viewers than ever before tune into the World Championship, and creating Sky Sports Darts was hugely popular. It's a firm favorite at Christmas and we look forward to giving it the full Sky Sports treatment over the festive period. Fans won't miss an arrow of the action with every leg live, plus some in depth features and classic past encounters making our dedicated channel must see festive TV."
Michael van Gerwen, PDC world number one and the 2014 World Champion added: "I can't wait to get back to Ally Pally and compete to regain the title. The atmosphere is always electric and Sky Sports Darts means that everyone at home will get a real sense of the occasion. The competition will be tougher than ever this year and I'm expecting some incredible matches. What better way to spend the festive season."
Fans will also be treated to in depth features, documentaries and memorable match ups from the past that have made the World Championship one of the biggest events in sport.
The channel will replace Sky Sports F1 from 0600 Monday 14 December to Tuesday 5 January and all live sessions will also be simulcast on Sky Sports 1, 2 or 3. Non-subscribers can also enjoy daily, weekly or monthly access to Sky Sports Darts and Sky Sports other six channels contract-free with NOW TV.
Live coverage of the 2016 William Hill World Darts Championship will be presented by Dave Clark who will be joined in the studio by three-time World Champion John Part, Wayne Mardle and former World Champions Eric Bristow and Rod Harrington.
Sky Sports will offer unrivalled live coverage of the 2016 William Hill Darts World Championship across TV, online and via mobile and tablet devices with Sky Go.
