Gulliver and Adams to appear at the Ricoh

The duo are just two of the big names taking part in the BDO British Classic and EDO England Masters from Friday, July 13 to Sunday July 15 in the Mercia Live Level and IBEX Hall 3.

Adams will be competing alongside another former world champion in John ‘Boy’ Walton and TV favourites including Tony O’Shea, Darryl Fitton and Scott Waites, while Southam-born Gulliver will be making a welcome return to her home county.

Barry Gilbey, chairman of the British Darts Organisation, said: “The BDO and EDO are joining forces for the very first time in Coventry. And for the general public in and around the city there is an additional bonus because entry for all spectators to all events at the Ricoh Arena will be free.

“We are really looking forward to three exciting days of darts and the men’s and women’s events will be played for valuable ranking points so there will be plenty at stake.”

Players will be on the oche for the first-ever Ricoh Arena Darts Open (singles) at 8pm on July 13 with £1,500 prize money.

The following day, the England National Singles (men and women) will get underway at 10am, followed by the BDO British Classic Singles (men and women) at 1pm, and the G Casino will stage the first-ever EDO Grosvenor Grand Prix of Darts grand final at 7pm.

The festival ends on the Sunday with the EDO England Masters Men’s and Women’s Singles at 11am, the England Masters Youth at 1pm and the England Masters Men’s and Women’s Pairs at 3pm.

Laurie Dalrymple, venue director at the Ricoh, said: “This year’s Lakeside World Championship was seen by millions on BBC TV, ESPN and Eurosport and we hope to capture the unique atmosphere created by darts fans, with lots of dressing up and everyone in good spirits while watching some of the very best in top-class action.”