DJ, why is it men and women have to compete in different categories? Is there any explicit gender-related advantage to be had in darts?

Genuine question.

Gender Divisions in Professional Darts: A Complex Issue
The division of professional darts competitions by gender is a complex issue with historical, cultural, and physiological factors at play.

Here are some potential reasons for this division:

Historical Tradition: Many sports, including darts, have historically been segregated by gender. This tradition may have been rooted in societal norms and expectations.
Physical Differences: While the skill and strategy involved in darts are significant, some argue that there might be subtle physical differences, such as hand strength or throwing mechanics, that could potentially give an advantage to one gender over another in certain aspects of the game. However, it's important to note that individual variations within each gender can be substantial.
Competitive Balance: Some might argue that separating competitions by gender helps to ensure more competitive balance, as players would be competing against others with similar physical attributes and experiences.
Cultural Perceptions: Stereotypes and cultural expectations about gender roles can influence the participation and success of individuals in sports. While these stereotypes are increasingly challenged, they might still play a role in shaping the landscape of professional darts.
It's crucial to remember that these are potential reasons and that the issue is more nuanced than a simple advantage-disadvantage analysis. The debate about gender divisions in sports is ongoing, and there are valid arguments on both sides.

Ultimately, the decision to maintain gender divisions in professional darts is a complex one that involves weighing various factors, including historical context, competitive considerations, and societal attitudes.

comment by ai'sonlyagame (U6426)
posted 1 hour, 6 minutes ago
DJ, why is it men and women have to compete in different categories? Is there any explicit gender-related advantage to be had in darts?

Genuine question.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Alongside what Barry said, I would guess it is a lot to do with developing the womens game.
There isn't actually a mens only category, the main Tour is open to everyone who qualifies. Lisa Ashton had a tour card a couple of years ago
However, simply put, women aren't as good as the top men, so the top 128 currently are all men. So without a women's only series women wouldn't have much chance of developing.

There will be 3 women at the World's if Beau takes her spot, and entry to other majors is also open via the women's series and matchplay.

As well as the Women's category There is the Development Tour (open to all genders) which Beau finished 8th this year and offers Tour Cards to the top 2. For any player without a Tour Card you can play on the Challenge Tour which also offers Tour cards and open to all.

So, in short, it is to women to allow to develop in the game

So, in short, it is to allow women to develop in the game

I see. So it's not that there's any obstacle to participation, but that basically the lack of female role models at the top of the game means women are less likely to become interested in it.

It is a pub sport, and it wasn't that long ago that women weren't regular pub goers, especially in terms of playing darts or pool.

But the numbers of girls taking up darts has massively risen - probably on the back of Fallon - and the growth to even have a PDC series is quite big.