Darts World always takes a light hearted look at who is hot, and who is not, in the tungsten tossing world. Originally published in Darts World Extra 12 featured this September’s selections:
Dave Chisnall – Chizzy really does seem to have found his metier in the European Tour formula. His supreme scoring skills flourish over shortish but not cut throat formats.There is a good crowd and atmosphere but not quite the extreme pressure of major TV ranking finals.
Luke Woodhouse – The Bewdley thrower has been on the fringes of the top level for close to a decade. Despite threatening to break through on occasion, a 9-darter in the home tour for example, he must have been wondering if that breakthrough would come. Woody’s qualification for the World Grand Prix and strong performances this year have put that to bed and he has earned his chance at the main events. Harrows must be delighted.
Mikuriu Suzuki – The Japanese double Lakeside champion looked to be slipping in the early days of the Women’s Series. Covid and her huge travel burden seemed to be too much.But, in a turnaround that must be good for the game, The Miracle is right back in the top echelon and is likely to claim qualifying places at the Grand slam and world Championships once again.
Anastasia Dobromyslova – Another much welcomed return is that of another former multiple Word Champion. A previous loss of form and then the current difficulties associated with her Russian heritage, seemed to have dulled this remarkable champion. Recent performances, especially at the PDC Womens Series suggest we have yet to see the last of this historic talent.
Krzysztof Ratajski – The Polish Eagle had seemed to have stalled in mid air in recent months. The Pole – a winner of the Gibraltar Darts Trophy in 2019 – ended his four-year wait for a big stage crown with a series of superb performances at the Sparkassen-Arena to claim the German Darts Open earlier this month.
Bounceouts
Neil Duff – The WDF World Champion seems to be going through the mill. After a promising post Lakeside start he is struggling to carry the burden in almost every format and code. Players in the MSS get a longer look at him, and are determined to KO a world champion and Seniors veterans have a great deal to bring to the table. Either way ‘The Duff Man’ needs to recapture that swagger and confidence before defending his title in December.
Alan Soutar – The popular Scotsman seems to have drifted after an excellent spell. Recent months have seen early knockouts for Soots in Pro Tour events and less of his usual gritty runs. The Arbroath man needs to right the ship if he is to establish himself in that top 32 and then look to go higher.
Adrian Lewis – a Literal bounceout from Jackpot as he steps away from the daily grind of the professional game after 20 years in the very top segment. Tiredness, family illness, and much more, lie behind the decision but the Stoke-on-Trent man is getting fit and looking well after the first few months. Assuming he can find a way to combine his optimal wellbeing with a return, many will welcome him with open arms.
64-128 – It’s going to be tougher in future for those new to the PDC circuit or the journeymen players who fill the lower half of the exclusive club of 128 tour card holders. From the 2024 season all the Pro Tour (Players Championship and qualifying) events are scheduled for midweek. This will require players to be full time professionals or have very flexible working arrangements. Many doubt that there is enough money in the PDC game to justify 64-128 being full time. Currently the 128th player has earned less than £9,000 in almost two years!
WDF Players – The period of goodwill to all dart players is over. Last year’s exceptional circumstance waivers, that gave multiple players the chance to play both Lakeside and Ally Pally, are not going to be re issued and the PDC have severely tightened their criteria going forward. Not only will the higher end players be excluded but so to youth and ladies players alike. Big decisions to be made for the likes of Beau Greaves and Luke Littler.
—–ENDS—–
Image: Darts World Magazine
