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Last Updated: Monday, 20 August 2007, 14:09 GMT 15:09 UK
Adams rejects Grand Slam invite
Lakeside champion Martin Adams
Adams finally won his first world crown in January
BDO world darts champion Martin Adams will not be competing in the new Grand Slam event organised by the rival PDC.

The tournament, from 17-25 November in Wolverhampton, was initially billed as bringing together the best players from across the sport's bitter divide.

But it clashes with the Winmau World Masters in Bridlington (17-18 Nov), and Adams is committed to the BDO event.

He said: "Loyalty is not a dirty word in my vocabulary, and I will not be playing in the Grand Slam of Darts."

The reigning Lakeside title holder and long-time England captain, 51, claimed he has had several phone calls from PDC boss Barry Hearn, asking him to reconsider.

"He accuses me of having misguided loyalties to the British Darts Organisation and says he feels 'sorry' for me because I don't want to play in his event," Adams said.

"I've been a BDO player for 25 years and they have made me the player I am today.

"The truth is, without me involved, the Grand Slam does not deliver what the fans and viewers have been led to expect."

The Grand Slam is being televised by ITV, while the World Masters will feature on the BBC.

This year's Masters has seen its total prize fund double to £60,000, with the winner banking £25,000.



SEE ALSO
Adams cautious about Grand Slam
02 Mar 07 |  Darts
New event to bridge darts divide
21 Feb 07 |  Darts
King move sparks bitter darts row
07 Feb 07 |  Darts
King joins exodus to PDC circuit
06 Feb 07 |  Darts
Dutch trio defect to PDC circuit
15 Jan 07 |  Darts
Adams seals dramatic Lakeside win
14 Jan 07 |  Darts
Adams pledges Lakeside allegiance
08 Jan 07 |  Darts
Darts results
12 Oct 00 |  Darts


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