Mark Webster has backed players struggling with dartitis to compete in the World Cup of Darts, despite concerns over sporting integrity. The former BDO World Champion, who battled the condition himself, spoke to Online Darts ahead of the tournament in Frankfurt from June 11-14. Webster, who played in a World Cup with Richie Burnett while suffering from dartitis, said: “I needed the financial gain, and you convince yourself that it could be the moment things change. So you go and do it where there's some financial reward.”
Several players in this year’s edition are affected, including Germany’s Ricardo Pietreczko, Croatia’s Pero Ljubic, and USA’s Jules van Dongen. When asked if their participation could be a sporting integrity issue for the PDC, Webster replied: “Yeah, possibly. But I'm not the guy to say it… They've earned their right to be there. It's tough on the partner, but they're going to do what they think is right.” He added: “I wouldn't want to make that decision on behalf of the PDC. Like I said, they've earned the right. Their ranking stands up, they're going to go and play. And who knows? Hopefully they sort it out.”
Webster also expressed disappointment that Gerwyn Price has pulled out of the World Cup, with Nick Kenny stepping in for Wales. “Really disappointed,” he said. “I keep saying I don't want to keep going on about it because I feel like it's a disservice to Nick Kenny. For Nick Kenny, it's a great opportunity to represent his country… But you can't deny that it's a weaker side without Gerwyn Price there.” He added: “Looking at Gerwyn Price's schedule, I just wish he'd moved something else around and not the World Cup. But he's taken the decision now.”
Looking at the favourites, Webster backed England’s Luke Littler and Luke Humphries to win comfortably. “Yeah, for me, they win it. I don't think there's enough in any of the other nations,” he said. He noted Northern Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands as potential threats, but added: “I just think this is a perfect storm for England.” He also praised Poland’s team of Krzysztof Ratajski and Sebastian Bialecki, calling them “a focused team” and highlighting Bialecki’s improvement: “He's won a ProTour title. I thought he was brilliant against Stephen Bunting at the World Championship last year.”
Webster also touched on the upcoming World Matchplay, where Luke Littler is the title holder. He noted the changing of the guard, with players like Rob Cross and Dave Chisnall under threat of missing out. “Yeah, but it's healthy, isn't it? That's what we want,” he said. “I think the competitiveness is as strong as it's ever been now, and I think it'll be a really good World Matchplay.” He labelled Wessel Nijman a “proper player”, citing his five Players Championship titles and a European Tour win in 2026, and said: “He's definitely one to watch, and if he cracks the big stage consistently, he could be right up there this time in 12 months.”