This was the only year that the tournament was played in a matchplay format of legs, rather than sets which came into operation from 1979 onwards. BBC Television covered the event and began a long broadcasting partnership with the BDO.
This was the only year that the tournament was played in a matchplay format of legs, instead of sets which came into effect from 1979 onwards. BBC Television broadcast the event and established a long-term broadcasting partnership with the BDO.