Get ready for a darts extravaganza! This week, from September 7th to 13th, professional darts action explodes across three continents, with crucial decisions unfolding in Australia, Belgium, and China. From World Championship tickets to qualification for prestigious tournaments like the World Grand Prix, players are battling for their careers. Don’t miss the thrilling finishes as top contenders fight for glory and a spot on the biggest stages!
The Global Darts Calendar: Week 37 Highlights (September 7th – 13th)
Professional darts is now a year-round spectacle, captivating audiences worldwide. This week, the action is particularly intense, with major tournaments determining critical qualifications and career-defining moments. Here’s your guide to all the must-watch events:
Australia: The Race for Ally Pally Heats Up!
Friday, September 11th – Sunday, September 13th: ADA Tour 21-24
- Location: Adelaide, Australia
- What’s at Stake: A coveted spot at the PDC World Darts Championship (affectionately known as ‘Ally Pally’).
Adelaide hosts a thrilling three-day event, featuring the final four tournaments of the ADA Tour. Only two players remain in contention for the automatic World Championship ticket:
- Brody Klinge: Impressed recently by reaching the final of a World Series event on home soil. He currently holds a slight lead.
- Raymond Smith: Also showed his class at the World Series, making it to the semi-finals in New Zealand.
The player who performs best this weekend will secure their direct qualification. For the runner-up, one last chance awaits in the ANZ Premier League.
Belgium: World Grand Prix Qualification on the Line at the Flanders Darts Trophy
Friday, September 11th – Sunday, September 13th: Flanders Darts Trophy, European Tour 13
- Location: Antwerp, Belgium
- What’s at Stake: Crucial ranking points for qualification to the World Grand Prix.
Antwerp is the battleground for the final push towards the World Grand Prix, a unique tournament where players must start and end each leg with a double. Two spots are still hotly contested:
The Bubble Battle:
- Currently in: Joe Cullen and Cristo Reyes (holding spots 31 and 32).
- Chasing Pack: Sebastian Bialecki, Karel Sedlacek, and Martin Schindler are breathing down their necks.
Sebastian Bialecki, in particular, could leapfrog both Cullen and Reyes with just one victory, potentially earning him a sensational debut at the ‘double in, double out’ major.
For the Dutch contingent, most of the top eight players who qualified for the World Matchplay are already safely in the World Grand Prix, allowing them to play without pressure. However, two familiar names, Raymond van Barneveld and Chris Landman, are fighting for different stakes: a strong performance here could significantly boost their chances of qualifying for the World Darts Championship.
China: Five World Championship Tickets to be Claimed on the Asian Tour!
Saturday, September 12th – Sunday, September 13th: PDC Asian Tour 25-28
- Location: China
- What’s at Stake: An astonishing five PDC World Darts Championship tickets!
The Asian circuit has been incredibly competitive all year, culminating in a dramatic weekend where five players will punch their tickets to Alexandra Palace. While Christian Perez, Motomu Sakai, Ryuta Arihara, and Haruki Muramatsu are strong contenders for qualification, nothing is guaranteed in darts.
The tension is even higher for Man Lok Leung, Paolo Nebrida, and Lok Yin Lee, all vying for a return to the biggest stage. Unfortunately, Man Lok Leung’s hopes are now out of his hands, as he has had to withdraw due to illness, leaving his fate to the results of others.
Beyond the Majors: WDF Tournaments Galore!
For fans of the World Darts Federation (WDF) circuit, this weekend offers a feast of action with nine tournaments spread across four continents! These events provide crucial ranking points for players aiming for WDF majors and World Championship qualification.
Here’s a snapshot of the WDF action:
- India: India Open (Silver) – September 10th-12th
- New Zealand: Taranaki Open (Silver) – September 12th
- Hungary: Savaria Masters & Savaria Classic (Bronze) – September 12th-13th
- USA: Witch City Open & Witch City Classic (Silver & Bronze) – September 11th-13th
- Italy: Italian Grand Masters, Italian Open & Adriatic Classic (Silver & two Bronze) – September 11th-13th
With a mix of Silver and Bronze-ranked events, players across the globe will be battling for valuable points, making this a truly international darts weekend!
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
