General conditions - Darts boss: "Olympics is a crime against athletes"
Darts boss Werner von Moltke launched a verbal attack on the IOC and the general conditions at the Olympic Games shortly before the start of the World Championships. "The Olympics is a crime against the athletes. Don't tell me that the Olympics are a great thing. The Olympics are great for the IOC and for the TV stations every four years," said the managing director of the PDC Europe at a joint press conference with the German top player Gabriel Clemens in Saarbrücken on Thursday. The official criticized above all that athletes benefit far too little financially from their success at the Olympics.
Von Moltke cited Formula 1 and US leagues such as the NFL and NBA as counter-examples of successful sports marketing. He also believes darts is on the right track. "We have reached a status that is insane. We're not just a phenomenon in Germany. It's crazy what has come out of this small sport," said von Moltke.
The World Championships begin on December 15 in London. A total of 96 participants will be competing, with prize money of 2.5 million pounds (2.92 million euros) up for grabs. The final will take place on January 3.
As last year's semi-finalist,Clemens is one of the extended favorites. "Lives can change. It's simply the biggest and most important tournament," said the 40-year-old from Saarland. He will play for the first time at Alexandra Palace on December 21 (10 p.m.) and will travel to London on December 19.
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Source: www.stern.de
