As I write we have just completed the first phase of the Premier League. Nine nights of amazing darts.Major drama hit when Gerwyn Price was replaced by James Wade due to a positive Covid19 test.
In the first five nights we had two 9-darters, first from Jonny Clayton, (surely the most improved player in the last year?) then Portuguese Jose de Sousa who also hit an amazing eleven 180’s equaling Gary Anderson’s 2011 record. Yet, somehow, Nathan Aspinall still held Jose to a draw. A fabulous match to call.
Glen Durrant, the reigning PL Champion, just could not get going at all from the start and didn’t manage a win from all nine nights. That’s the thing with the quality of the PDC, if you are just not quite on your game then there is someone who will turn you over. We have seen that many times all over the years. Glen will bounce back I’m sure.
This year’s Champion? Well I think it is very open, the youngsters Aspinall and Van den Bergh are top and second respectively, with MVG and Wadey hot on their heels. We lost Rob Cross along with Durrant, but there are only five points between top and eighth placed Gary Anderson. I am really looking forward to the next session of the Unibet PL as it could be all-change. Watch this space….
Where other industries and sports have been hit hard with the pandemic, the darts has been full steam ahead. WOW, what a job they have done to keep the tournaments going and introducing new tournaments. Logistically, for the PDC it’s a nightmare to keep the players fresh and to keep us spectators entertained.
Modus Sports have also made a marvelous contribution to keeping the players going, introducing new talent and star names, while giving us a full quota of our great sport.
Finally I would like to wish Barry Hearn all the best on his retirement and a big thank you for what he has done for, and to the PDC, to get it where it is.
Until next time ‘Guys and Gals’, take care, stay safe and enjoy the darts.
RB x
—–ENDS—–
Russ Bray, PDC Referee (@Russ180) writes in association with Unicorn & William Hill
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