The News of the World Darts Championship began in 1927 as a regional darts competition. In 1946/7 the first national competition was held. By the 1970s it attracted players from all over the world. All players needed to win through in county and regional stages of the competition to reach the final stages, which were first televised in 1972. Matches were short, with just two legs being required for victory. The oche was slightly longer than most tournaments, being a full 8 feet from the board to the toe line. The early televised events until 1977 were held at Alexandra Palace, London. The event moved to Wembley Arena, Wembley, London in 1978.
See also News of the World Darts Championship draws 1983-1997
1972 Final stages
1973 Final stages
1974 Final stages
1975 Final stages
1976 Final stages
1977 Final stages
1978 Final stages
1979 Final stages
World champion John Lowe lost in the final of the Derbyshire County finals to Jack Holmes. Eric Bristow lost in quarter finals of the London and Home Counties Divisional finals to Martin Humphrey.
1980 Final stages
1981 Final stages
World champion Eric Bristow lost in the quarter finals of the Staffordshire County finals to Les Capewell.
1982 Final stages
References