Get ready for a thrilling week in the world of professional darts, as players battle across the globe from June 29th to July 5th. All eyes will be on New Zealand, where Ben Robb is on the brink of securing a coveted spot at the PDC World Championship. Meanwhile, the PDC Europe Next Gen Tour introduces innovative new game formats, and the WDF circuit brings more action from Gibraltar to Iceland. Don’t miss a single dart!
Your Darts Planner: June 29th – July 5th
Professional darts action is a global spectacle, happening almost every day of the year. This week, we bring you the highlights of the upcoming tournaments, ensuring you stay in the loop with all the crucial throws and dramatic finishes.
DPNZ Pro Tour 9 & 10: Ben Robb’s World Championship Quest
Saturday, July 4th – Sunday, July 5th
The DPNZ Pro Tour in Christchurch, New Zealand, is set for a potentially historic weekend. Ben Robb, currently dominating the leaderboard, could secure his PDC World Championship ticket as early as Sunday! His closest rival, Jonny Tata, will be fighting hard to prevent this early qualification, making for an intense showdown.
But the stakes are high for more than just the top two. This two-day event is crucial for all players, as the top 16 in the rankings after Tournament 10 will qualify for the newly launched Trans-Tasmanian Championship. This championship itself offers another pathway to the PDC World Championship, along with an entry into the prestigious ANZ Premier League. Expect fierce competition as players vie for these highly sought-after spots.
- Dates: Saturday, July 4th – Sunday, July 5th
- Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
- Key Stakes: PDC World Championship spot for Ben Robb, qualification for Trans-Tasmanian Championship, and ANZ Premier League entry.
PDC Europe Next Gen 9 & 10: Innovative Formats and Rising Stars
Saturday, July 4th – Sunday, July 5th
Last Sunday, Daniel Klose delivered a stunning performance in Austria, winning Tournament 8 of the PDC Europe Next Gen Tour with an overwhelming 11-0 victory in the final against Jaimy van de Weerd. Klose excelled in the unique ‘170’ game format, showcasing precision under pressure.
This upcoming weekend in Ried im Innkreis, Austria, promises more fresh challenges:
- Saturday: Features an open draw format, where players are seeded randomly, adding an element of unpredictability.
- Sunday: Introduces the ‘Master Out‘ format. In Master Out, players must finish a leg by hitting a double or a triple, rather than just a double. For example, a player on 30 could finish with a Double 15, or a Triple 10 (which is 30). This variation requires even greater accuracy and strategic thinking in the final stages of a leg.
The Next Gen Tour continues to be a breeding ground for future stars, testing their skills with diverse and exciting game variations.
WDF Circuit: European Action in Gibraltar and Iceland
July 4th – 5th
The World Darts Federation (WDF) keeps its focus on Europe this weekend, hosting events across the continent:
- Gibraltar Open & Gibraltar Classic (July 4th – 5th): Both are rated as Silver category tournaments, attracting a strong field of players looking to earn valuable ranking points.
- Akranes Irish Day Open (July 4th): Taking place in Iceland, this event is a Bronze category tournament, offering opportunities for emerging talents to make their mark on the international stage.
These WDF events provide crucial platforms for players to climb the world rankings and gain experience in competitive environments.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.