Team Red Dragon in Euro Campaign
With the European Tour now firmly established in the new PDC calendar it is very rewarding to see Red Dragon Darts so well represented in the 3rd event of this new element of the modern day Pro Tour. Five of these European Tour events are held and each are over 3 days featuring the top 32 PDC players plus qualifiers, from Europe, the host nation and the UK, to add up to 64.
These events are sort of half way between floor tournaments and TV style events, they have large live audiences and full stage set ups. Operated by PDC Europe they are similar to The UK Open in terms of timetable and multiple boards, but here all games are best of 11 legs and a seeded bracket draw takes place.
The first 2 events proved very popular with fans, and thanks to the maiden stage win of Justin Pipe and then 2The Power”overcoming Chizzy in event 2’s final proved attention worthy to a wider public. In addition many lesser known players have had good runs or notable wins at these events. The ranking points gained are vital and may help many new face to get into the TV events this year.
So with Event 3 – The European Open taking place from July 6-9th and being the final qualifying event for the Word Matchplay all eyes will be on Dusseldorf in a couple of weeks time. Here’s a look at the Team Red Dragon representatives and how they line up:
Robert “The Thorn” Thornton
Following his sensational triumph in the UK Open in June Rob will be looking to consolidate his renaissance and qualify for the World Matchplay in Blackpool. His place amongst the elite in 2013 would be assured and plans for even bigger things may burgeon. Rob will play Maik Langendorf in the opening round, Maik has been around a fair while and was World Soft Tip Champion as long ago as 2005, his recent wins over Jyan Artut and Bernd Roith in the qualifying event show both good form and a strong mind. “The Thorn” would be well advised to make short work of the Austrian before he settles.
Ian “Diamond” White
A superb start from Ian has included 2 qualifications for the European Tour, although safely in The World Matchplay positions Ian has bigger fish to fry. The European Open will feature a renewal of Ian’s ongoing battle with Barney, these two, starting last year, have met on a few occasions, always at important times. Ian has the better record so far with a win in The Grand Slam and a good floor win last year. Barney however is a new animal this year, he gained his first win over Ian in a Pro Tour Final in April and pinched a close floor win last month. So all square and looking like one of the ties of the 1st round.
Peter “ Snakebite” Wright
Despite a slowish start Peter has picked up strongly and is currently very close to qualifying for The Matchplay again, this event may prove the difference for Peter this year. Peter’s last few Pro Tour events have been very strong and he looks to come strong in the 2nd half of the year. His 1st round against Ronnie Huybrechts is very interesting, many were of the opinion that Ronnie was the better of the two Huybrechts brothers. It will be good to see both play at the same event and Peter will have to watch out for the sibling rivalry!
Young Dragons
Both Jamie Lewis & World Youth Champion James Hubbard have qualified here, neither has an easy task with the former tackling Vincent Van de Voort, whilst James takes on World Finalist Andy “ The Hammer” Hamilton. Whilst both are capable of causing upsets, the vital experience of playing huge names on stage in front of vociferous support is main bonus of these events. Whilst this applies to all outside the top 16 it is especially so for the youth players.
Richie “The Prince of Wales” Burnett
Richie’s return to top flight darts should not be dismissed in the light of others gaining the limelight this is an incredible achievement not achieved by many. Back in the 32 and always in the mix it will be a tough opening encounter against Andy Jenkins, another on the road to recapturing former glories. Although Richie’s 2012 has not been as strong as his 2011 we are heading to that time of year again when he has tended to shine!
Mark “Mile High” Hylton
Mark makes his Euro Tour debut here in Dusseldorf and it could not be more appropriate, he has many friends in the local area and has developed a strong European following over his stellar start to PDC darts. The vast majority of Marks’s success has come in the middle to late part of seasons 2010 & 2011. Jelle Klassen will prove a very tough 1st round as he too needs every point in the qualification and will be looking to kick start a stuttering career. Recent signs of form from Jelle make this 3rd Red Dragon vs Holland tie an intriguing one.
Overall then a superb line up from Team Red Dragon at this event, congratulations to all for qualifying and managing to avoid each other in the draw! The Pro Tour events from Crawley this weekend will leave us in no doubt as to what each player must do to qualify for the 2nd richest event on the PDC calendar thus ensuring an absorbing and entertaining event with much at stake for almost every player.
Keep an eye here on Red Dragon News for regular updates and results as the team progress!