The Professional Darts Corporation is still awaiting Government guidance over Covid certification just five days before it prepares to welcome a capacity crowd to the World Matchplay at Blackpool's Winter Gardens.
The tournament starts on Saturday but the venue layout will be redesigned after Sunday night's action in order to admit almost 2,000 spectators per session from Monday onwards when legal restrictions on Covid are lifted, with the event running until July 25.
The PDC had previously said there would be no requirement for spectators to provide proof of full vaccination, a recent negative test or immunity in order to gain entry, after the Government said on July 5 that Covid certification would not be mandatory.
Covid certification has been used throughout the second and third phase of the Government's Events Research Programme from last month onwards, which has included England's matches at Euro 2020, Wimbledon and this weekend's British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
The PDC's head of media Dave Allen told the PA news agency last week that the World Matchplay would look and feel "in many ways like 2019".
Allen also said last week that any advice on face coverings would be followed, but that "at present we do not expect fans will need to wear a mask within the venue".
A Downing Street spokesperson said on Monday the Government would "expect and recommend" people in England to wear face masks in crowded areas, such as on public transport.
