For the first time a youth tournament was played. The final stages at Lakeside though just consisted of a best of five sets final between Harry Ward and Colin Roelofs. Over 64 players have played down to the final in October 2014.[3] Roelofs won the title, 3–0 in sets.
Prize money
The total prize money was £339,000.[4] Additionally there was a £52,000 prize for a nine dart finish.[5]
Position
Men
Women
Youth
Champion
£100,000
£12,000
£5,000
Runner-up
£35,000
£5,000
£2,000
Semi-finalists
£15,000
£2,000
£1,000
Quarter-finalists:
£6,500
£1,000
£250
Last 16
£4,500
£500
n/a
1st round losers
£3,250
n/a
n/a
Preliminary round losers
£2,000
n/a
n/a
Highest Checkout
£5,000
n/a
n/a
Total
£300,000
£29,000
£10,000
Representation from different countries
This table shows the number of players in the Men's World Championship, the total number including Preliminary round.
In a repeat of last year's final Lisa Ashton beat Deta Hedman in the first round. She defended her title by winning the final 3–1 over Fallon Sherrock and became the tournament's oldest winner with 44 years of age. Also in the final, Fallon Sherrock set a competition record by throwing six 180s in a match and 13 180s in the tournament.[7]
Following exclusive coverage on the BBC in 2014, BBC & BT Sport will share broadcasting duties of the 2015 edition for the first time ever. The BBC had previously shared coverage of the tournament with ESPN from 2012 to 2013. The BBC have exclusive live coverage of every afternoon session, the first men's semi final and the women's final, while BT have exclusive coverage of every evening session and the second men's semi final, with both broadcasters sharing coverage of the final. In addition, the BBC will broadcast late night highlights.
The BBC live coverage will be hosted by Colin Murray alongside Bobby George; Rob Walker will be the roving reporter and also host the late night highlights show. Ray Stubbs will return to the Lakeside to host for BT Sport, having previously hosted BBC coverage between 2001 and 2009 and ESPN coverage between 2012 and 2013, with Ted Hankey alongside him, while Helen Skelton has been confirmed as the BT Sport roving reporter. Commentary will be provided by Tony Green, Vassos Alexander, John Rawling, Jim Proudfoot and George Riley.