Darts World Extra’s regular look at who’s hot, and who’s not, in world darts, this issue was from DW Extra 15 (March 2024) . Small incidents can have big consequences. Players and even companies and codes come from nowhere, suddenly move up a level or even dramatically collapse. The signs were there if you’d known where to look:
Lukes – It seems that as long as your name is Luke the sky’s the limit in PDC darts. Whether it’s Humphries, Littler, Woodhouse or even Lukeman 2024 is gonna be your year.
Dimitri – Things had been looking tough for the Dancing Belgian. He seemed out of sorts and was sliding quite quickly. Yet, it appears that the courage to seek help, and the work of a psychologist, put him back on track to claiming his second Big 5 major at the UK Open and the first with a crowd.
Gary – Anderson is at it again. Another Pro Tour win, and a final, and some handy wins at the UK and Belgian Opens seem to signal another positive year for the Flying Scotsman.
Danny – The Mullett Jansen is having a fabulous time since losing his tour card. The big haired Dutchman has claimed titles on both the Challenge and Development Tours within weeks and sits handily in both Orders of Merit. He followed up with a decent debut at the MODUS Super Series as well.
Hendo – Another player beginning to thrive without an elite ticket is John Henderson. The new Seniors World Champion dominated after settling in and could be in for a fine year ahead. As could Lisa Ashton who also played superbly at the Circus Tavern, looks close to fully fit and at her best again.
Bounceouts:
Adam – Smith Neale has finally gone too far and looks set for hefty punishment after being videotaped brawling on an oche in Nuneaton. The tempestuous ‘Big Dog’ has been involved in numerous incidents but suspension from the DRA and missing part/all of his final year as a tour card holder…
Ross – Smith has suffered a mix of bad luck and a certain inflexibility since his European Championship triumph in 2022. Smudger continues to play well and records great stats. Yet, he keeps getting beaten, by opponents who seem to find their very best, when it counts.
Ricardo – Pietreczko seems destined to inherit the ever available title of darts’ pantomime villain. From Eric Bristow to Peter Manley and, more recently, Gerwyn Price the tradition is honourable. However it takes some real strength and a very high ability to carry the burden. Does Pikachu have what it takes..?
Adam – Warner is quickly discovering the reverse side of the darts coin. Having had a fabulous baptism, at Q-School 2023, the Sheffield University man seemed to be riding the crest of a wave. He is now in danger of metaphorically drowning…
Devon – Petersen has twice scaled the mountain of elite darts. First, as a fresh faced World championship qualifier and Q School winner, then after falling down the ranks and rebuilding his throw, as a European Tour event winning African Warrior. After another slide down the ranks can the popular South African make it three times a charm?
—–ENDS—–
Images: Darts World Magazine
