The Players Championship double header produced two superb victories for Bradley Brooks and Damon Heta. But, elsewhere in Leicester, the other major headline was Michael Smith failing to qualify for the Betfred World Matchplay.
The former World Champion couldn’t close the gap to the top sixteen on the Pro Tour Order of Merit and loses out by one spot. It’s the first time he’ll miss the Winter Gardens since 2013 – and you can bet he’s already circling Blackpool 2026 in his diary.
One man who’s delighted? Ryan Joyce, who squeaked in by the narrowest of margins. After losing his board final to Cameron Menzies, the only man left standing who could leapfrog him was Krzysztof Ratajski – but he needed a run to the final.
So, facing Gezzy Price in the quarters – it’s obvious who Relentless was rooting for. And whatever darting gods the 39-year-old was praying to must have heard him, as Price prevailed. Joyce may now owe the Welshman a stick of rock when he gets up to Blackpool – or at least a pint.
When the dust settled, the sixteen in the vital spots arriving in Leicester remained unchanged. Speculation suggested drama and anxious waits. Apart from Ryan Joyce having a few moments of panic, it was mainly plain sailing for those already occupying them.
That means this year’s summer festival of tungsten action will be missing some huge names. In addition to Smith, they include former winner on the North-West coast Dimitri Van den Bergh.
Also missing out: reigning European Champion Richie Edhouse, and a couple of recent(ish) World Championship semi-finalists in Gabriel Clemens and Scott Williams. A brutal reminder of how stacked the talent pool is – and how unforgiving the system can be.
Before Blackpool, there’s one more tune-up – the Baltic Sea Darts Open this weekend in Germany, which really should look at a name change. Then it’s off to the seaside… well, for 32 of them anyway.
—–ENDS—–
Images: PDC
