The 1997 Webster's World Matchplay was the fourth time the World Matchplay darts tournament had been held in the Empress Ballroom at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool from 28 July to 2 August 1997.
Two Preliminary round ties were decided even before the players could even reach the oche, with the USA's Larry Butler and Holland's Raymond Barneveld being disqualified for failing to arrive at the venue in enough time to play their rivals, allowing Dean Allsop and Mick Manning an easy passage to the first round.
This was brewery Samuel Webster's third and final year as tournament sponsor. The tournament was won by Phil Taylor.
Prize money The prize fund was £46,000.
Position (no. of players) Prize money(Total: £46,000)Winner (1) £12,000Runner-Up (1) £6,000Third place (1) £3,250Fourth place (1) £2,750Quarter-finalists (4) £1,700Second round (8) £900First round (16) £500
Seeds There were eight seeds for the tournament.
Results Players in bold denote match winners.
Preliminary round Player Score Player John Ferrell 6–1 Paul Cook Anthony Ridler 6–1 Gerome Vardaro Darryl Fitton 6–4 Ritchie Gardner Andy Jenkins 6–3 Avtar Gill Drew O'Neill 6–4 John Part Richie Burnett 6–1 Colin Monk Mick Manning bye Raymond van Barneveld Dean Allsop bye Larry Butler
Last 32
Third place playoff (best of 21 legs) (4) Rod Harrington 11–10 Richie Burnett
References