Darts World Matchplay Rules Change 2013: How Tiebreaks Will Impact Tournament

This year’s Darts World Matchplay at Blackpool's Winter Gardens promises to be even more dramatic following the introduction of tiebreaks to settle close contests.

The PDC consulted host broadcaster Sky Sports and agreed that games not concluded after five extra legs will be decided by the lottery of one final race from 501 to a double.

Instead of having a bull-off to decide who throws first in the crucial leg, the order will remain unchanged.

Although it’s unlikely this method of determining a winner will be seen often, it will add spice and drama to matches that would have previously kept endlessly going.

It also creates more incentive for a player to capitalise earlier on in a match if they know they will be throwing second should it go to a decider.

Let’s break down how the new proposals will work, courtesy of the PDC.

Tiebreak Rules

First Round - Best of 19 legs (if a match reaches 12-12, then the 25th leg will be the final and deciding leg)

Second Round - Best of 25 legs (if a match reaches 15-15, then the 31st leg will be the final and deciding leg)

Quarter-Finals - Best of 31 legs (if a match reaches 18-18, then the 37th leg will be the final and deciding leg)

Semi-Finals - Best of 33 legs (if a match reaches 19-19, then the 39th leg will be the final and deciding leg)

Final - Best of 35 legs (if a match reaches 20-20, then the 41st leg will be the final and deciding leg)

The new rules mean that at some point in the future the final will in all likelihood come down to a tiebreak. A one leg showdown between the last men standing is bound to attract audiences and, when the day comes, it will be a massive boost for the sport.

Whether the new format will have any impact on tournament legend Phil “The Power” Taylor though remains to be seen.

He’s won 13 of the 19 titles, including the last five, but if his opponents can keep it level then maybe nerves will get to the 16-time world champion in the decider.

It was thought his legacy might be coming to an end in 2012 when he suffered a shock second-round defeat at the World Championships, but he bounced back the following year to storm the competition and beat Michael van Gerwen 7-4 in the final.

Taylor starts his title defence against debutant Stuart Kellett whilst Raymond van Barneveld meets Mensur Suljović. Last year’s runner up James Wade begins his campaign against John Part.

The World Matchplay gets underway on Saturday, July 20 with all but two players being eliminated before the grand final on Sunday, July 28.