PDC darts pair Cross and Gray look forward to swapping virtual oche for proper one

Rob Cross and Adrian Gray will be eligible for the PDC Summer Series, which will be played behind closed doors at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes from July 8 to 12.

The series will see all 128 PDC Tour Card holders given the chance to compete in five one-day Players Championship events, subject to government quarantine policy on overseas visitors.

As with all 2020 Players Championship events, prize money will stand at £75,000 per event, with all winnings counting towards the relevant PDC Orders of Merit.

PDC chairman Barry Hearn said: “Throughout challenging recent weeks we have continuously explored different ways of getting players back on the oche and live darts back on fans’ screens.

“I was proud of our players and staff who broadcast 43 nights of live remote darts through the innovative PDC Home Tour, which thrust darts into the limelight in a unique way at a time when almost all other sports were unable to provide any form of competitive action.

“Prior to the Home Tour, I outlined the three-stage plan for the return of darts, starting with events played remotely, followed by events played behind closed doors, before events can be played in front of crowds.

“I am delighted we are able to move on to the second stage of that plan, hopefully we will be able to safely welcome crowds back to our events in the not-too-distant future.

“The PDC Summer Series will provide a welcome return of live darts for both players and fans alike.”

Gray and Cross both lined up in the Home Tour - in which players competed against each other from their homes with the action broadcast to fans around the world via live video calls – with Cross making it to the semis.

Cross is fourth on the PDC Order of Merit, while Gray lies 83rd.