The ADC Global Championship rolls into Group Three, a truly international affair featuring players from five nations across three continents. If you like your tungsten with an intercontinental twist, this is the group for you.
Steve De Buck (Belgium)
One of several Belgians in the 56-strong field, De Buck hasn’t exactly set the darting world ablaze just yet – another steady 80-average merchant who can be dangerous on his day. Off the oche, he’s known for being the partner of darts photographer Jenny Segers, but if he’s to make headlines himself, Steve will need to be picture perfect in this one.
Ricardo Ham (Netherlands)
The Rotterdam thrower has been a recent familiar face at the MODUS Super Series, appearing there as recently as this summer. At 41, Ham is still very much in his prime rib years – consistent in the high 70s to high 80s range, which might be enough to sneak through this group. However, a deep run feels a stretch unless he finds another gear.
Adam Mould (England)
Hailing from Buckinghamshire, Mould balances life as an engineer with his darting exploits. He crashed out in round one last year but returns with higher ambitions. A previous nine-darter at the MODUS Super Series shows he’s got something about him, and at 37, old enough to know how to win but young enough to still have the hunger.
Shane Turner (England)
Oxford’s Turner fits the mold of a solid, consistent performer – typically in the 75–85 average bracket. He’s been grinding on the PDC Challenge Tour, one of the sport’s toughest proving grounds, where he’s reached a few last 32s. That experience should make him a real contender to advance from this section.
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Brandon Weening (Australia)
Nicknamed The Python, Weening is extremely decorated on the regional Australian scene. Still only 27, the Victorian has already made waves internationally, reaching the third round at Lakeside last year. He’s a natural talent with serious potential, and it would be a major surprise if he doesn’t top this group – or even go much further.
Peter Wachiuri (Kenya)
Since Devon Petersen’s rise, African darts has been searching for its next breakout star – and Kenya might just be leading the charge. Wachiuri is one of the continent’s most exciting prospects: raw, powerful, and improving by the week. He’s got genuine class, and though experience is still building, expect him to come through this group comfortably.
Phil Johnson-Hale (England)
Cambridge’s PJH (as we’ll call him for short) is another capable competitor, though perhaps not one you’d tip for a deep run. Still, in a group as evenly matched as this, he’s got every chance of sneaking through if things fall his way. Aside from Weening and Wachiuri, there’s very little separating the rest – this one could come down to timing and temperament.
Verdict
The smart money says Weening and Wachiuri qualify without too much fuss. Beyond that, it’s a coin toss between the remaining five. If pushed for a prediction, I’ll lean towards Mould and Ham to grab the other two spots – though probably not as a sandwich filler.
—–ENDS—–
Images: MODUS
Graphics: ADC
