The British Professional Championship was a darts tournament organised by the British Darts Organisation and televised by the BBC between 1981 and 1988. After the 1988 championships, the BBC withdrew their coverage of the event and it left UK terrestrial television with only one televised tournament – the World Championships. The game was at an all-time low and players eventually went on to set up the World Darts Council in an attempt to bring back sponsors and television.
Jocky Wilson won the title a record four times – John Lowe also reached four finals but lost them all.
British Professional Championship finals Year Champion Score Runner-up Prize money Sponsor Venue Total Champion Runner-up 1981 6–5 John Lowe £12,000 £6,000 £3,000 1982 Eric Bristow 7–3 John Lowe £26,000 £7,000 £3,500 1983 Jocky Wilson 7–2 £30,100 £8,000 ? Coatham Bowl Redcar 1984 Mike Gregory 7–5 John Lowe £29,600 £8,000 £2,000 1985 Eric Bristow 7–4 John Lowe £34,000 £9,000 £4,500 1986 Jocky Wilson 7–6 Dave Whitcombe £35,800 £10,000 £4,500 1987 Keith Deller 7–5 Leighton Rees £38,200 £10,000 £5,000 1988 Jocky Wilson 7–2 Ray Battye £39,700 £11,000 £5,500
References
External links Dartsdatabase British Professional Championship winners Mastercaller British Professional