Scott Mitchell believes the PDC has a growing “headache” on its hands as more top stars choose to skip ProTour events.
The former BDO world champion warned that the increasing trend of elite players prioritising exhibitions and rest over floor tournaments could eventually hurt the sport’s televised competitions.
Luke Littler is currently in danger of missing out on qualification for the Players Championship Finals in Minehead after opting out of all 18 opening ProTour events this season.
Mitchell believes that creates a serious issue for the PDC if ranking systems tied to TV events no longer feature the sport’s biggest attractions.
“I think something has to change,” Mitchell told Tungsten Tales.
“If top players are missing ProTours, and those rankings are being used for TV events, then it becomes difficult to sell those tournaments to broadcasters when your best players aren’t there.
“That’s the PDC’s headache, not mine. I’m just enjoying watching it all and enjoying playing against the guys whenever I get the chance.
“There’s so much darts on TV now and I love that.”
Mitchell admitted he completely understands why leading stars are increasingly choosing high-paying exhibition appearances instead of grinding through long ProTour weekends in places like Milton Keynes and Leicester.
“I don’t know how you reduce it because there’s so much money to be made from exhibitions at the moment,” he explained.
“The top players are being offered huge money to play one exhibition match rather than grind through a ProTour event.
“From a player’s perspective, I understand it. But from a promoter’s point of view, trying to fix that is really difficult.”
Mitchell also spoke sympathetically about Littler and the intense pressure surrounding the teenage sensation after his rapid rise transformed the sport worldwide.
“I’ve known him since he was a youth player and I always enjoy catching up with him,” Mitchell said.
“It’s difficult for him to have a normal life with the magnitude he now has in the game and the way he’s changed darts.
“He has moments where he gets upset, but people forget he’s only 18 or 19 years old. He’s not 55 like me.”
Mitchell believes the spotlight and relentless schedule have likely contributed to some inconsistent performances since Christmas.
“There’s such a spotlight on him and, speaking to him, I think it’s very difficult at times,” he added.
“His schedule is so heavy as well. If he’s not playing in tournaments, he’s doing exhibitions.
“I think some of the downturn in form since Christmas has probably been because he’s been so busy, but I think over the next six months you’ll see him address that.”
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