Get ready for a thrilling weekend in darts as the Players Championship 23 & 24 takes centre stage on July 6-7 in Leicester. This event is more than just another tournament; it’s the final battleground for players to secure their spot in the coveted Betfred World Matchplay. What makes it even more dramatic? Several big names, including World Champion Luke Littler and US Darts Master Luke Humphries, will be absent, creating immense opportunities for others to shine and make their mark on the PDC circuit. Don’t miss this decisive double-header!
The Final Sprint to the World Matchplay
The PDC season continues its relentless pace with the upcoming Players Championship double-header, events 23 and 24 of the ProTour series. Set to ignite the Mattioli Arena in Leicester on July 6th and 7th, these tournaments are not just about winning; they are a critical stepping stone, acting as the very last chance for many darts professionals to accumulate vital ranking points.
These points are paramount for qualification into one of darts’ most prestigious majors: the Betfred World Matchplay, often dubbed “the biggest party in darts.” With the cut-off point looming immediately after these events, every dart thrown will carry immense weight.
Who’s In and Who’s Out? Surprising Absences Create Opportunities
Each day will see a field of 128 players compete, featuring a mix of established PDC Tour Card Holders and ambitious PDPA Associate Members. While top talents like World Cup of Darts finalists Gian van Veen and Michael van Gerwen are confirmed to play, the biggest talking point is undoubtedly the absence of several high-profile stars.
Key Tour Card Holders Missing the Action:
- Luke Littler: The reigning World Champion, a surprising absence.
- Luke Humphries: Fresh off his US Darts Masters victory, opting out.
- Jonny Clayton: A former Premier League champion.
- Dimitri Van den Bergh: “The DreamMaker” will not be competing in both events.
- Matthias Ehlers
- Niko Springer
- Oskar Lukasiak
- Richard Veenstra (missing PC23 only)
Their absence is a significant development, as it opens up valuable spots and opportunities for other players. For those on the cusp of World Matchplay qualification or looking to improve their standing for future PDC majors, this is their moment to seize.
Rising Stars and Associate Members Stepping Up:
Filling the void left by the absent Tour Card Holders are several promising talents, including recent winners from the ADC and MODUS Super Series. These players will be eager to prove themselves on the big stage and potentially upset some established names. Notable non-Tour Card Holders competing include:
- Joe Hunt
- Derek Coulson
- Tommy Lishman
- Daniel Ayres
- Tommy Morris
- Aden Kirk
- Christopher Wickenden
- Nathan Potter (competing in PC23 only)
The Road to Blackpool: World Matchplay Qualification
The conclusion of Players Championship 24 on July 7th will mark the official end of the qualification race for the Betfred World Matchplay. The field for this prestigious tournament, which kicks off on July 18th, will then be finalized, with players battling for the coveted Phil Taylor Trophy in Blackpool. For many, these two Players Championship events are their final, desperate push to make it to the Winter Gardens stage.
How to Watch the Action Unfold
Darts fans worldwide can catch every moment of the Players Championship 23 & 24. Play will commence at 13:00 BST (British Summer Time) on both days. Coverage from four different boards for each event will be streamed live on PDCTV and through various bookmakers’ websites globally. For German-speaking fans, dedicated commentary will be available on Streaming Board One, ensuring no one misses out on the excitement from Leicester.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
