The world of professional darts is a vibrant, year-round arena, with tournaments taking place almost daily from the Netherlands to Malaysia. This “This Week in Darts” special focuses on the crucial events unfolding between November 2nd and November 8th, where careers hang in the balance and dreams of glory are pursued.
High Stakes on the Oche: Players Championship 33 & 34
When: Wednesday, November 4th – Thursday, November 5th
Time: 2:00 PM CET
This mid-week double-header is nothing short of a do-or-die moment for many, especially for securing a spot at the PDC World Championship. Only the top 40 players on the Pro Tour Order of Merit gain direct entry to darts’ biggest stage, and with just these two tournaments left, the pressure is immense.
- Raymond van Barneveld’s Fight: Darts icon Raymond van Barneveld, affectionately known as ‘Barney,’ currently teeters on the edge at 40th place. Every single leg, every match win, is invaluable as he battles to keep his World Championship hopes alive.
- Other Dutch Hopes: Wesley Plaisier (39th) finds himself in a similarly precarious position, needing strong performances to solidify his spot. Alexander Merkx is slightly safer but still feels the heat.
- Outside Looking In: For players like Jeffrey de Zwaan, Ricky Evans, Mervyn King, and Shane McGuirk, the challenge is even greater as they currently sit outside the qualification zone and need exceptional results to climb into the top 40.
Beyond World Championship qualification, these Players Championship events will also finalize the field for the upcoming Players Championship Finals, adding another layer of intensity to every throw.
Grand Slam of Darts Qualifier: The Race to Wolverhampton
When: Friday, November 6th
Time: 1:00 PM CET
The day after the Pro Tour decisions, attention shifts to securing a place at the prestigious Grand Slam of Darts. This final qualifying tournament offers between nine and eleven spots, depending on the Pro Tour outcomes.
Six Dutch players have already secured their places in Wolverhampton and can breathe easy:
- Gian van Veen
- Michael van Gerwen
- Wessel Nijman
- Jermaine Wattimena
- Kevin Doets
- Niels Zonneveld
However, several big names, including fellow Dutch stars Danny Noppert and Dirk van Duijvenbode, alongside international talents like Stephen Bunting, Gary Anderson, and Damon Heta, will still need to battle it out in this highly competitive qualifier.
Global World Championship Pursuit: Regional Qualifiers
CDC Continental Cup: North American Showdown
When: Friday, November 6th – Saturday, November 7th
Time: Evening Sessions 11:30 PM EST, Saturday Afternoon 5:00 PM EST
In Canada, the final North American spot for the World Championship is on the line. Four players have already booked their tickets to Alexandra Palace:
- Adam Sevada
- David Cameron
- Fred Krueger
- Brayden Hall
The winner of the CDC Continental Cup will join them. Interestingly, if one of the four already-qualified players wins this event, the coveted spot will then go to Leonard Gates, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the tournament.
PDC Nordic & Baltic Championship: Double Opportunity in Denmark
When: Friday, November 6th – Sunday, November 8th
Time: Friday 7:00 PM CET, Saturday 12:00 PM & 7:00 PM CET, Sunday 12:00 PM CET
Denmark hosts a crucial event offering not just a World Championship berth but also a spot in the Grand Slam of Darts. For tour card holders such as Cor Dekker, Darius Labanauskas, Oskar Lukasiak, and Viktor Tingström, this represents a final significant opportunity.
While Dekker, Labanauskas, and Daniel Larsson have already secured their places at Alexandra Palace, attention will be on players like Jani Haavisto, the Finnish dart player hoping to mark his return to the sport with a World Championship appearance.
PDC Mediterranean Qualifier: A Path Through Southern Europe
When: Sunday, November 8th
Time: 11:00 AM CET
The PDC Mediterranean Qualifier offers another route to the World Championship. Last year, Spanish star Cristo Reyes won this event to kickstart his impressive comeback. This year, Reyes is already safely qualified, opening the door for new contenders.
The field includes prominent names like Thibault Tricole, Michele Turetta, and José de Sousa, who will face off against a strong contingent of Spanish players. With no clear favorite, this tournament promises potential for an unexpected winner to claim their place at the World Championship.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
