Darting eyes primed for Players Championships

The eyes of the darting world are now slowly turning to be transfixed on the Doncaster Dome, where the Top 32 players from this years PDC Pro Tour will battle it out for their share of £250,000 – but defending champion Paul Nicholson will not be there to defend his title. Nicholson, who won his first major tournament here last year, missed out on his spot in 2011 after a dramatic final day of the floor tournaments in Derby.

With some players being made and others broken in the aftermath of this year’s World Championship action, all players will be looking to kick off the New Year in style, and set the tone for what is now set to be the most open darting year yet. First Round highlights include:

Andy Hamilton V Dennis Priestley

These are two solid players who know how it’s done on the big stage. With the format being so short, the throw for the bull in the practice area could be crucial, and the slower out of the blocks will not be fancied to make it through in this one.

Colin Lloyd V Jelle Klaasen
Both players suffered disappointing World Championships, particularly the latter who has since faced some heavy criticism about his rapid throwing style. Lloyd seems at odds with himself also, but we know what these two are both capable of, so we could see this game go quite a distance, and expect plenty of fireworks.

Adrian Lewis V Steve Beaton
The new World Champion faces his first challenge under the spotlight in the form of Steve Beaton. Beaton will be a very tough challenge for the youngster, particularly in the short format, as Beaton has had a great year, and will be up to take Lewis in the best-of-11 legs format. Lewis however, on the back of a spectacular showing in the World Final will be favourite to take that form into this one, but don’t discount a major upset from the “Adonis”.

Phil Taylor V Steve Brown
Taylor will be back here, after a holiday in Tenerife to take a break from the sport, against new kid on the block Steve Brown. Taylor has never been a fan of the short format, and Steve Brown now has the experience of the big stage, and is learning with every game, but Taylor will be looking to lay down a marker in his quest to sweep the darting boards once again, which is an ominous message for Brown and the rest of the field.

As the tournament progresses, look out for Phil Taylor’s half of the draw, as he could potentially face James Wade in the second round! He could then perhaps take on Mark Webster in the quarters in a repeat of their showdown in the same stage of the World Championship, which Webster won. The number 1 seed Simon Whitlock will be looking for a strong run here to justify his ranking, and with players now raising the bar of darts once more, everyone will be in it to win it. Could another surprise winner be thrown up this year?

Thursday February 3
7pm-11pm
First Round

Friday February 4
7pm-11pm
First Round

Saturday February 5
Afternoon Session (1pm-5pm)
Evening Session (7pm-11pm)
Second Round

Sunday February 6
Afternoon Session (1pm-5pm)
Quarter Finals

Evening Session (7pm-11pm)
Semi-Finals & Final

TV yet to be announced