BBC SPORT | Special Events | 2000 | World Darts Championship

BBC Sport Online's Saj Chowdhury speaks to Bob Potter, the owner of Lakeside, about his commitment to the World Championship.

To many people Bob Potter could be Harry's father - to the people of Frimley, he is Mr Lakeside.

Potter owns the vast Frimley complex which has been host to the World Darts Championship for 16 years.

The self-confessed workaholic was a member of a band in the 1960's and also used to arrange gigs for the likes of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

"We used to pay the Fab Four �45-a-night and the Stones got �65 - they were both crazy bands but they were also very nice people," said multi-millionaire Potter.

The entrepreneur owns a number of hotels and establishments in Frimley and around Britain.

He has hosted a variety of events at the Lakeside Country Club, but admits that there is only one spectacle that sends shivers down his spine.

Showpiece event

"The World Championship is by far the best," the 72-year old added.

Lakeside
Preparations in the main arena

"Each time I go into the arena during the tournament I get excited - you can just feel the buzz go through you.

"There are so many people to cater for. This year we've had to create another viewing room with big screens for people who could not get tickets."

Tickets for the final nights sold out months in advance and Potter added that it is because people recognise the Lakeside tournament is world darts' showpiece.

"This is the world championship, there isn't a venue like this anywhere - you have to be here to sample the fantastic atmosphere" he added.

"The other tournaments are just invitational. There are many players in those events who would not be able to qualify for the Lakeside event.

"This is a proper tournament for which players have to qualify for.

"It's like a family at Lakeside, everybody knows everybody - I would not swap it for the world."


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