DARTS ‘CLEAN’ DESPITE BAN
DARTS bosses insist their sport is clean – despite a qualifier being banned for match-fixing at the PDC world championship.
Gilbert Ulang, from the Philippines, was handed a seven-year ban after his preliminary-round tie with Kevin Simm at Alexandra Palace in December 2016 aroused suspicion in the betting industry. PDC chief executive Matt Porter said: “Unfortunately, one regional qualifier was found to be in breach of our strict rules. But we remain confident our sport is clean.”
Unusual betting patterns observed during Simm’s 2-0 victory led to a criminal investigation.
Ulang was ordered to pay £2,500 towards the costs of his disciplinary hearing. There is no suggestion Simm was aware of any manipulation.