The British Darts Organisation (BDO) World Championship starts on Saturday. Played out at the Lakeside Leisure Centre, widely regarded as the home of darts, this is still the title that most players want to win.  Online betting enthusiasts should note that, despite an exodus of talent to the PDC championship, the BDO draws the new up-and-coming talent from all quarters.

The luck of the draw means the tournament opens with a replay of last years final between champion Martin ‘Wolfie’ Adams and Phil Nixon. In the final Wolfie was six up when Nixon came back to even the match leaving the final set as the decider – it should be a ‘must see’ encounter.

It’s hoped that second seed, Gary Anderson, will have overcome his demons for this year’s challenge after departing in the first round of six previous starts. Sports betting fans should note that this year sees him up against the Aussie, Simon Whitlock, if he makes it through the first round.

Mark Webster is top seed and in good form right now. Robert Thornton, winner of the World Masters in Bridlington should be watched along with Ted Hankey and John Boy Walton who will be keen to make their mark this year.

There is a strong movement afoot to recognise that darts has transcended the pub and moved into the arena. There is significant pressure for the sport to be included in the Olympics, for the first time, in London in 2012. This tournament will be another step along that route to the proper recognition of darts as a sport in the same league as golf, snooker and bowls.