Darts stars competing in the World Championship have to agree to four clauses, as revealed by a former participant.
The tournament at Alexandra Palace has again thrown up plenty of surprises, namely the shock exit from world number one and reigning champion Luke Humphries, who was beaten 4-1 by Peter Wright in an almighty fourth round upset.
Despite some tension beforehand, the duo shared an emotional embrace and Wright explained the exchange the two had on stage in his post-match interview.
And though emotions are understandably high after games in front of the roaring Ally Pally crowd, coupled with the fact that massive money is on the line, players have contractual media obligations that they must adhere to.
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Matthew Edgar appeared in the competition on three occasions, his best achievement being qualification to second round in 2021.
And in a video for his TikTok channel, the 38-year-old explained what players are expected to do whenever they participate in the World Championship.
Sharing a screenshot of a document, he explained that he would typically turn up four-and-a-half hours early so he could find time to practice and fit his media commitments in.
"You are also needed to do media after the game. If you're someone of interest, let's say Luke Littler for example if he goes out - the chances are with all the media outlets there - they are still going to want to interview him.
"He is entitled to a 2-minute cooling off period before he goes into those interviews but he would still be contractually obliged to go into interviews.
"Before the game, there is also a window there. It's around about 90 minutes, depending on what the event is, where they cannot disturb you - that is your time where you can just get on with what you need to do.
"The best thing is to make sure you've got preparation right and you allow plenty of time for the media."
In the screenshot attached by Edgar, it details the broadcast outlets players need to speak to and the cooling off period - but also notes that players may be asked to have new pictures taken for graphics if they alter their appearance with a new hairstyle or shirt.
Pay slip leaked by Edgar
Edgar also shared his official remittance notice from the PDC, giving insight into the final figure he ended up for his first round appearance.
"That doesn't mean what you get paid as a player," he explained in a TikTok video which went viral.
"There are deductions which need to come off this. All PDC players are self-employed contractors, not employes of the PDC and so we get remittance notices. We get deductions, two per cent is your PDC levy - that comes off everything before you even get it and comes from playing on the Challenge tour to being world champion.
"We all pay two per cent on our prize money before we even get it. Not only that, you've got to consider your membership fees - £500 is your membership which goes before you even get it. That's a once a year fee and your DRA fee as well.
"£6,800 is what came into my bank account from the first round defeat. From that, I've got to deduct my travel, my hotel and any other costs with that. Then, the money that is left is open to tax."
Topics: Luke Littler, Darts
Josh Lawless