The Professional Darts Corporation has confirmed that players at the World Darts Championship will no longer be forced to change their shirt colours in the event of a kit clash — a rule that has been in place for many years.
The third round of the tournament begins on December 27 after the traditional Christmas break, with several high-profile names already out of the competition. Former world champions Gerwyn Price and James Wade, along with Danny Noppert, have all been knocked out.
Meanwhile, reigning champion Luke Littler, world No.1 Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen have safely progressed. Humphries was particularly dominant in round two, dropping just a single leg in a 3-0 victory over Singapore veteran Paul Lim.
One match that will benefit directly from the rule change sees two-time world champion Gary Anderson face Jermaine Wattimena. Both players typically wear black shirts, although Wattimena’s features plain blue sleeves while Anderson’s includes a distinctive checked pattern.
Under the previous regulations, Wattimena — who entered the tournament as the 19th seed compared to Anderson’s 15 — would have been required to change his shirt, as the lower-ranked player was obliged to avoid a colour clash. Players were often forced to bring multiple shirts to Alexandra Palace as a precaution.
Former PDC tour card holder Matthew Edgar has now explained why the rule was ultimately abandoned.
Speaking on his YouTube channel Edgar TV, Edgar recalled his own experiences on tour:
“When I played Michael van Gerwen, who we know always wears green, I used to wear a green polo shirt myself,” he said.
“When I played him on TV at the Players Championship Finals, I had to take an alternate shirt with me.
“This happened all the time. It became tricky when you played someone like Peter Wright, because you never knew what colour he was going to wear.”
Edgar added that the system often favoured the higher-ranked player.
“The highest-ranked player got to choose their colour. Imagine Phil Taylor playing Michael van Gerwen — world number one against world number two. Phil could choose to wear green and Michael would have to change, even though that’s his trademark.”
According to Edgar, the rule change reflects darts’ shift towards individuality and personality.
“As the sport became more individual and personalities were encouraged, we had meetings with Barry Hearn where he said, ‘We need you to show who you are,’” Edgar explained.
“We need those individualities — the little things that make players recognisable. That’s why the rule was scrapped.”
The decision has been widely welcomed by players and fans alike, as it allows stars to maintain their identity on the sport’s biggest stage without unnecessary restrictions.
