 The World Matchplay was first held in 1994 and is the second most prestigious competition in the PDC in terms of prize money behind the World Championship.The 2002 tournament was held between 28 July to 3 August in Blackpool, England, and was the 18th of 35 PDC-sanctioned events that year.It was the ninth edition of the tournament and featured a 32-player main draw that was played at the Empress Ballroom in the Winter Gardens.