Get ready for a massive week in darts! From June 1st to 7th, the professional circuit explodes with action worldwide. We’ll see the high-stakes Players Championships, the future talent battling it out on the Development Tour, the return of the prestigious World Series with the Nordic Darts Masters in Copenhagen, and intense North American competition on the CDC Pro Tour. Plus, WDF events offer more ranking opportunities. Don’t miss a single dart!
High Stakes in Milton Keynes: Players Championship 19 & 20
Dates: Tuesday, June 2nd – Wednesday, June 3rd
The fast-paced Players Championship series continues this week with events 19 and 20. These tournaments are a crucial part of the professional darts calendar, offering significant prize money and ranking points. Each day, 128 players will compete in Milton Keynes, England, vying for one of two coveted titles.
While Dutch stars Michael van Gerwen and Niels Zonneveld are absent, over twenty other Dutch players will step up to the oche, including recent European Tour successes like Jimmy van Schie, Wessel Nijman, and Kevin Doets. Keep an eye on Luke Woodhouse, who has been in phenomenal form, having already claimed Players Championship 18 and a recent European Tour event. Can “Woody” extend his winning streak?
The Future of Darts: Development Tour 11-15
Dates: Friday, June 5th – Sunday, June 7th
The next generation of darts talent takes center stage with five Development Tour events in Milton Keynes. This circuit is vital for young players (aged 16-24) aiming to climb the professional ranks and secure a coveted PDC Tour Card.
Who to Watch:
- Sebastian Bialecki: The Polish sensation leads the rankings with three titles already, including Development Tour 10.
- Jurjen van der Velde: The leading Dutch player on the circuit with two titles to his name.
- Other promising Dutch talents in the top 32 include Angelo Balsamo, Jamai van den Herik, Owen Roelofs, and Shane de Jong.
- Jack Drayton: Already in a strong position to qualify for the World Championship – a massive achievement for any young player.
Will one of these rising stars make a serious push for a spot at the iconic “Ally Pally” World Championship?
World Series Returns: Nordic Darts Masters
Dates: Friday, June 5th – Saturday, June 6th
After a brief hiatus following the Premier League’s conclusion, the prestigious PDC World Series of Darts makes its highly anticipated return! Copenhagen, Denmark, hosts the sixth edition of the Nordic Darts Masters, bringing top-tier darts to Scandinavia.
Seven of the sport’s biggest names, fresh from their Premier League campaigns, will compete. James Wade joins the lineup, stepping in for Josh Rock. The tournament promises thrilling matchups, including:
- Michael van Gerwen vs. Oskar Lukasiak (Sweden)
- Gian van Veen vs. Daniel Larsson (Sweden)
- Jeffrey de Graaf (representing Sweden) vs. Luke Humphries (England)
This event is a fantastic opportunity for local talent to test their skills against the world’s best and for fans to witness darts royalty in action.
North American Showdown: CDC Pro Tour & US Darts Masters Qualifier
Dates: Friday, June 5th – Sunday, June 7th
Across the Atlantic, the Championship Darts Corporation (CDC) Pro Tour heats up in Philadelphia, USA. This tour is the gateway for North American players to reach the global stage, offering crucial ranking points and qualification spots for major PDC events.
Adam Sevada’s Dominance:
The American powerhouse Adam Sevada has been unstoppable. He famously defeated Matt Campbell at the last World Championship and then went on to win both of the first two CDC Pro Tour events. He’ll be looking to add two more titles this weekend!
Sevada has already secured his spot in the upcoming US Darts Masters – a World Series event – by virtue of being one of the top-ranked players from the USA and Canada. The battle for the remaining spots is fierce:
- From Canada, young talent Brayden Hall and veteran Jeff Smith are strong contenders for a direct qualification spot.
- Two additional places for the US Darts Masters are up for grabs through a dedicated qualification tournament this weekend.
WDF Global Action: England & Switzerland Open
Dates: June 5th – 7th (England), June 6th – 7th (Switzerland)
For players on the World Darts Federation (WDF) circuit, this weekend offers a choice of lucrative tournaments across Europe:
- England (Selsey): Three events are on offer – the England Open (Silver-ranked), England National Singles (Bronze-ranked), and England Selsey Open (Bronze-ranked).
- Switzerland (Zürich): Two Silver-ranked tournaments, the Swiss Open and Helvetia Open, provide significant ranking points.
These events are vital for WDF players aiming to improve their world ranking and qualify for the WDF World Championship.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
