Get ready for a whirlwind week in professional darts from February 2nd to 8th! This week, the sport takes center stage with the colossal Dutch Open in the Netherlands, drawing over 6,000 players to battle for glory. Simultaneously, Latvia hosts the exciting launch of the PDC Nordic & Baltic Pro Tour, kicking off the hunt for World Championship spots. Not to be outdone, the PDC Women’s Series begins its season in Germany, featuring top female talent like Beau Greaves. Even New Zealand joins the action, ensuring a truly global darts spectacle where every throw counts!
Professional darts is a year-round phenomenon, captivating audiences and players across the globe. From the bustling arenas in Europe to smaller venues in the Southern Hemisphere, the competition is fierce. This weekly guide ensures you stay on top of all the upcoming tournaments, so you don’t miss a single arrow. Let’s dive into Week 6: February 2nd – February 8th.
The Darts Extravaganza: Dutch Open
From Thursday, February 5th, to Sunday, February 8th, the city of Assen, Netherlands, transforms into the epicentre of the darts world. The Dutch Open, renowned as the largest open tournament globally, is set to host an incredible over 6,000 players this weekend. It’s a true spectacle where every dart thrown holds immense significance and the atmosphere is electric.
The action unfolds across several thrilling formats:
- Warm-up tournaments kick off the excitement on Thursday, allowing players to fine-tune their game.
- Competitive pairs tournaments light up Friday, showcasing teamwork and individual skill.
- Intense singles competitions dominate Saturday and Sunday, leading to the grand finals where champions are crowned.
While the entire week promises high drama, Sunday afternoon is when the finals truly captivate a wider audience, with live broadcasts on RTL7 in the Netherlands. Fans can also follow the progress throughout the week via dedicated darts streaming platforms. Everyone will be watching to see who will follow in the footsteps of previous champions like Jeffrey Sparidaans and Rhian O’Sullivan.
Nordic & Baltic Battleground: PDC Pro Tour Kicks Off
The focus shifts to Latvia from Friday, February 6th, to Sunday, February 8th, as the PDC Nordic & Baltic (PDCNB) Pro Tour ignites its new season. Hosted in the home country of darts star Madars Razma, this opening weekend is packed with five exciting tournaments.
The schedule includes:
- Two European Tour Qualifier tournaments on Friday, offering players a crucial chance to secure spots on the prestigious European Tour circuit.
- Two PDCNB Pro Tour events on Saturday and Sunday, where players begin their vital hunt for World Championship tickets.
- An additional European Tour Qualifier on Sunday, rounding out a busy weekend of competition.
This year, 12 Pro Tour events will be held, with the top two players on the Order of Merit earning their coveted spots at the World Championship in Alexandra Palace this December. Last year’s dominant force, the bearded Swede Andreas Harrysson, returns as the top favourite, ready to defend his title and continue his impressive run.
Women’s Darts Takes Centre Stage: PDC Women’s Series Launch
The women’s professional darts season also gets underway this weekend with the PDC Women’s Series 1-4, held in Hildesheim, Germany, from Saturday, February 7th, to Sunday, February 8th. Unfortunately, these four crucial tournaments coincide with the Dutch Open, presenting a tough choice for many top players.
Most of the sport’s biggest female names, including Rhian O’Sullivan, have opted to compete in Germany rather than Assen. All eyes will undoubtedly be on Beau Greaves, the phenomenal talent and recent tour card holder. Despite her new status, she is still eligible to compete in the Women’s Series and is widely considered the overwhelming favourite to win all four titles this weekend, continuing her remarkable dominance in the women’s game.
WDF Action: Beyond the Majors
While the WDF (World Darts Federation) spotlight is firmly on the Platinum-ranked Dutch Open, another notable event is taking place further afield. In New Zealand, the Canterbury Classic offers a ‘Silver’ category tournament, showcasing the global reach of competitive darts and providing local talent a chance to shine.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
