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Darts star Raymond van Barneveld backs calls to reinstate PDC walk-on girls

Former world champion Raymond van Barneveld says the walk-on girls are "part of darts" and he wants them to keep their jobs.

By Adam Arnold, News Reporter

Saturday 27 January 2018 19:36, UK

Walk-on girls at PDC World Darts Championships. File pic
Image: Walk-on girls have been used at the PDC World Darts Championships for several years
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Thousands of people have signed a petition calling on Professional Darts Corporation bosses to reverse their decision to stop using walk-on girls at tournaments.

Among those backing the online campaign is former PDC world champion Raymond van Barneveld, who said he wanted the women reinstated.

He tweeted: "I will really miss the girls!! For me they are a part of the darts. Sign their petition so they hopefully can keep their jobs."

The , addressed to PDC chairman Barry Hearn, has been backed by more than 7,000 people.

"Walk-on girls in darts has been traditional for years and so many things in this world that was tradition has been scrapped," it says.

"Well this is one that should not be scrapped not only would we break tradition but women would be out of work also."

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Women have accompanied players onto the stage for a number of years.

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Eight-time major winner James Wade even married walk-on girl Sammi Marsh three years ago.

Daniella Allfree, who walked on with Phil 'The Power' Taylor in his final appearance at Alexander Palace on New Year's Day, tweeted: "Had the best 6 years working for @officialPDC.

"Loved every minute of being a walk on girl and will miss the darts family so much."

The inclusion of walk-on girls has been criticised by some who argue it is incompatible with family viewing.

Following talks with broadcasters, the PDC said it would drop walk-on girls from this weekend's Masters in Milton Keynes.

Raymond van Barneveld at the PDC world championship
Image: Raymond van Barneveld is backing the campaign to reinstate the women

A PDC spokesperson said: "We regularly review all aspects of our events and this move has been made following feedback from our host broadcasters."

Last year, world number one Michael van Gerwen predicted the move, saying in an interview with AD Sportwereld: "The PDC wants more people to see it as a sport.

"It does not interest me (walk-on girls). It is just a sport."

The PDC World Darts Championships are shown live on Sky Sports.

The PDC's announcement on walk-on girls will likely increase pressure on other sports, such as boxing and F1, to review their use of ring and grid girls.