This week promises a whirlwind of darts action! We’re diving deep into the decisive World Championship qualifiers across Germany, Poland, and especially Den Bosch, Netherlands, where Dutch players are desperate to break a qualification drought. Simultaneously, the prestigious Grand Slam of Darts kicks off with a new, high-stakes format, featuring seven Dutch contenders. Plus, the first qualifiers for next year’s WDF World Championship will be determined in Ireland and New Zealand. Get ready for a week packed with crucial throws and intense competition!
Professional darts is a global phenomenon, with tournaments taking place almost daily around the world. ‘This Week’ keeps you informed about all the major events from November 9th to 15th, ensuring you don’t miss a single dart.
PDC World Championship Qualifiers: The Road to Alexandra Palace
Only 10 spots remain for the coveted PDC World Championship, and three of those tickets will be punched this week across three exciting qualifiers.
PDC Europe Super League (November 10-13)
This German-based qualifier offers one precious World Championship spot. Here’s what you need to know:
- Participants: 24 players – 20 Germans, 3 Austrians, and 1 Swiss.
- Format: The tournament begins with a group stage over two days, after which eight players are eliminated. The remaining 16 then battle through knockout rounds, with the final eight competing on Friday to decide who earns the trip to Alexandra Palace in December.
- Favorites: Keep an eye on the ‘Dutch-German’ Jaimy van de Weerd, alongside strong contenders like Paul Krohne, Florian Preis, Dragutin Horvat, and Youth World Championship finalist Jan Schmidt.
- Potential Surprises: Last year’s winner, Arno Merk, proved that upsets are always possible, having also secured a tour card shortly after his victory.
PDC Poland Qualifier (November 13)
Polish darts is on the rise, with Krzysztof Ratajski climbing towards the world’s top 16 and Sebastian Bialecki securing his second PDC title this year and debuting at the World Grand Prix. Both are already qualified for the World Championship, but a third Polish player will join them this Friday.
- Top Contender: Krzysztof Kciuk, known as ‘The Thumb’, is the favorite to repeat his success from last year and secure his spot.
- Challengers: Tour card holders Filip Bereza and Tytus Kanik will push him hard, as will Wojciech Brulinski and Miroslaw Grudziecki.
PDC Netherlands & Belgium Qualifier (November 14)
Held in Den Bosch, this is the qualifier where Dutch players have faced recent struggles, with the last two editions won by Stefan Bellmont and Andy Baetens respectively. Jimmy van Schie was the losing finalist on both occasions. This weekend presents a new opportunity for a home hero!
- Top Favorite: Belgium’s Andy Baetens is once again considered the strong favorite.
- Dutch Hopes: A formidable contingent of Dutch players will be aiming to dethrone him. Tour card holders such as Chris Landman, Jeffrey de Zwaan, Wesley Plaisier, and Sietse Lap are all in the mix. Additionally, Heine Uuldriks, Berry van Peer, and Maikel Verberk will be hunting for glory.
- Belgian Challengers: From Belgium, look out for Brian Raman and Kevin Lankhuizen.
- The Big Question: Can a Dutch player finally celebrate a victory in Den Bosch and secure their World Championship ticket?
Grand Slam of Darts: Nine Days of High-Stakes Action
With the World Championship just a month away, darts fans have another major treat: the Grand Slam of Darts, kicking off this Saturday for nine days of intense competition.
- New Format: This year sees an expanded field of 48 players (up from 32). They are divided into 16 groups of three, and only the group winners advance to the knockout stages. This ‘do or die’ format guarantees immediate drama!
- Dutch Contingent: Seven Dutch players have qualified. This includes title winners Wessel Nijman, Niels Zonneveld, Jermaine Wattimena, Kevin Doets, and the legendary Michael van Gerwen. They are joined by World Championship finalist Gian van Veen and qualifier Maik Kuivenhoven.
- Notable Absences: Unfortunately, Danny Noppert will not be participating, nor will other big names such as Gary Anderson, Ryan Joyce, and Dave Chisnall.
WDF Qualifiers: Looking Ahead to Next Year’s World Championship
While the WDF World Championship is only two weeks away, this weekend marks the qualification of the first players for next year’s event at Lakeside.
- Irish Events (November 13-15): Ireland hosts three tournaments: the Irish Classic, Irish Open, and Killarney Open. The Irish Open is a ‘Gold’ category event, meaning its winners will secure a direct spot at Lakeside for the following year. The other two Irish tournaments are ‘Silver’ category.
- New Zealand (November 14-15): The Ted Clements Memorial in New Zealand is a ‘Bronze’ category event, also contributing to the WDF rankings for future qualification.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
