Born back in 2009 at the iconic Circus Tavern, the Players Championship Finals has become the final pit stop before the pilgrimage to Ally Pally.
Nowadays, the event’s less smoke-filled Essex theatre and more seaside holiday camp, held at the beloved Butlins Minehead Resort. It’s been around a bit though – a stint in Doncaster, a one-off at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena during that little global pandemic no one wants to remember (because thousands in a tent probably wouldn’t have helped).
So, it’s back to Somerset once again for a weekend of tungsten mayhem and knobbly-kneed brilliance. Luke Humphries (pictured below) is the reigning champion – in fact, he’s won the last two editions. Conspicious by his absence, however, is Michael van Gerwen, who’s opted for Dubai over damp deckchairs on England’s south-west coast in November – hard to blame him. To be fair, he’s won it seven times, so he probably knows what he’s missing.
A few other big names won’t be there either – both Dimitri Van den Bergh and José de Sousa failed to qualify, despite their major pedigrees. Still, the line-up is stacked, featuring the top 64 floor performers from across the season. The seedings also dictate the fixtures – so, for example, should Gerwyn Price (1) beat Max Hopp, he could face Rob Cross (32) in round two, assuming Voltage dispatches Sebastian Bialecki.
Here are a few ties that really tickle the tungsten taste buds…
Luke Humphries v Gian van Veen
Tie of the round, no question. And, honestly, a bit of a shame that one of these two will be out so early. Gian van Veen has looked like the real deal all year, even before his European Championship heroics in Dortmund. Many reckon he’s a future world champion – and that “many” includes me (and probably Humphries too). This could be an absolute belter – pity it’s only a race to six. Flip a coin; this one’s going deep.
Jeffrey de Graaf v Luke Littler
You’ve got to feel for Jeff here. Drawing the No.36 seed shouldn’t mean running into the World Champion, but welcome to modern darts. Littler hasn’t exactly treated the Players Championship circuit as a top priority – hard to when you’re the face of the sport and barely out of school. He’s been busy conquering everything else, but he’ll want to sharpen up before Ally Pally. De Graaf will know his best shot is to catch Luke cold – because once the format lengthens, forget it. Littler should come through, but don’t rule out a few nervy moments early doors, especially if the teenager doesn’t hit the turbo early on.
Gerwyn Price v Max Hopp
Historically, not Gezzy’s happiest hunting ground – feast or famine sums it up. Ten appearances, one runner-up, one semi-final, and the rest… let’s say “forgettable.” Still, he’s the top seed this year, and his form looks decent despite a four-year major drought. Max Hopp, once Germany’s golden boy, has struggled to sustain it but still packs a punch. Over a short format, anything’s possible. If Price finds rhythm early, though, he’ll cruise through.
Gary Anderson v Mario Vandenbogaerde
One for the purists. Anderson’s a former winner here and loves Minehead – mostly because it’s a short drive home. He hasn’t gone deep since 2018 but remains a dark horse on any stage, especially when the travel’s minimal. Super Mario is in only his third appearance, and while he’s solid, Ando’s class should tell. That said, if the Flying Scotsman fails to get out of the station in opening legs, it could get interesting.
Brendan Dolan v Daryl Gurney
A Northern Irish derby to close my preview – two veterans, plenty of pedigree. Gurney famously lifted this trophy in 2018 and generally goes well here, with four quarter-finals or better in nine attempts. Dolan, meanwhile, has one semi-final to his name and tends to do his best work on the floor. On form, it’s Gurney’s to lose. Winning the World Cup alongside Josh Rock earlier this year has clearly boosted his swagger. But Dolan’s unpredictable and classy enough to spoil anyone’s day.
So, that’s the scene: buckets, beer, bullseyes, and Butlins. Expect drama, 180s, and at least one player asking where their chalet key’s gone.
FULL DRAW [1] Gerwyn Price – Max Hopp [64]
[32] Rob Cross – Sebastian Bialecki [33]
[16] Martin Schindler – Michael Smith [49]
[17] Niels Zonneveld – Nick Kenny [48]
[8] Stephen Bunting – Ritchie Edhouse [57]
[25] Brendan Dolan – Daryl Gurney [40]
[9] Cameron Menzies – Adam Lipscombe [56]
[24] Bradley Brooks – Martin Lukeman [41]
[4] Ross Smith – Niko Springer [61]
[29] Jeffrey de Graaf – Luke Littler [36]
[13] William O’Connor – Ricardo Pietreczko [52]
[20] Gary Anderson – Mario Vandenbogaerde [45]
[5] Chris Dobey – Keane Barry [60]
[28] Mike De Decker – Cam Crabtree [37]
[12] Jonny Clayton – James Hurrell [53]
[21] Luke Woodhouse – Alan Soutar [44]
[2] Wessel Nijman – Richard Veenstra [63]
[31] Karel Sedlacek – Nathan Aspinall [34]
[15] Danny Noppert – Ricky Evans [50]
[18] Dirk van Duijvenbode – Madars Razma [47]
[7] Gian van Veen – Luke Humphries [58]
[26] Krzysztof Ratajski – Raymond van Barneveld [39]
[10] Josh Rock – Gabriel Clemens [55]
[23] Scott Williams – Ian White [42]
[3] Damon Heta – Justin Hood [62]
[30] Andrew Gilding – Dom Taylor [35]
[14] Joe Cullen – Peter Wright [51]
[19] James Wade – Mickey Mansell [46]
[6] Jermaine Wattimena – Wesley Plaisier [59]
[27] Dave Chisnall – Ryan Joyce [38]
[11] Ryan Searle – Darren Beveridge [54]
[22] Kevin Doets – Callan Rydz [43]
—–ENDS—–
Images: PDC
