Darts World Extra’s regular look at who’s hot, and who’s not, in world darts, this issue was from DW Extra 17 (June 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:
Rhian O’Suillivan: The former lakeside runner-up is enjoying a fabulous renewal along with the progress of the women’s game. Her victory in the MODUS women’s week keeps up a proud Welsh tradition of darting firsts.
Rob Cross: ‘Voltage’ was one of a clutch of players having a really good 2024 season, but not quite lifting trophies and garnering the attention. He turned that around with a fine victory in New York and defeating three titans in a row to do so.
Gerwyn Price: The Iceman has been claiming, with justification, to be playing well for quite some time, but the results would not translate into event wins. His victory in the nordic Masters was a first PDC title of 2024 and, he will hope, not the last.
Alan Soutar: The popular Scot was already having a decent season on the Pro Tour after a tough 2023. Yet, few would have picked him as the winner of Players Championship 11, but the firefighter from Arbroath produced a superfly consistent display to claim a maiden title.
Gemma Hayter: Another lady player returning to a far more rewarding game after a few years out. June saw the former Hampshire star sign with MODUS, claim an ADC double and win a PDC title. How much more and how quickly….?
Bounceouts
Krzysztof Ratajski: ‘The Polish Eagle’ flatters to deceive almost constantly. His ability is beyond doubt and he has claimed periodic event wins at most levels. Yet, his major and stage efforts have been comparatively underwhelming. Needs to do more!
James Wade: ‘The Machine’ has slipped out of the top 20 in the overall rankings and is not currently in the Pro Tour spots for the World Matchplay. Could James have done his time at the tungsten coalface?
Aileen de Graaf: After what has been a very strong year or two for the Dutchwoman it may be that off board issues are causing her more difficulty than most opponents. After a superb late surge De Graaf turned down her place at the Winter Gardens for another commitment?
Gerwyn Price: In a reverse of the above credit Iceman withdrew from the World Cup with only days to go. For such a physically fit individual, Price seems to have an unhappy knack of being ruled out of events.
Leighton Bennett: As we have seen with other teen prodigies recently, it is important to grasp a shot at redemption with both hands and not make similar mistakes a second time. ‘Boom Boom’ and his management had come a long way only to break down just as….
—–ENDS—-
Images: Darts World Magazine
