The report says the Professional Darts Corporation has prepared an alternative schedule for the first three sessions at the Winter Gardens:
The aim would be to prevent the opening weekend of one of darts’ biggest tournaments from competing directly with a possible England final. The revised timings remain conditional, with confirmation expected after the semi-final.
Under the reported plan, tickets would move with the rearranged sessions rather than becoming invalid. Refunds would reportedly be available for supporters unable to attend at the new time.
That could affect spectators planning to watch leading names including Luke Littler, Stephen Bunting, Gian van Veen and Michael van Gerwen. Littler, the defending champion, would be among the headline players whose opening-round schedule could be altered.
For the tournament itself, the disruption comes alongside a major prize: the winner of the Phil Taylor Trophy is set to receive £225,000. The event’s early sessions traditionally carry significant attention, making the potential clash more than a minor timetable adjustment.
The key moment is England’s semi-final. A victory would force the reported World Matchplay contingency into action and create a rare crossover between football’s global audience and darts’ summer showpiece.
Supporters should learn the final arrangements on Thursday, 16 July, with the result of England’s match determining whether Blackpool follows its original schedule or makes room for a possible World Cup final.