Players Championship 1 delivered a thrilling start to the darts season, with Justin ‘Happy Feet’ Hood stunning fans by achieving the highest average of the day – a remarkable 108.47. However, it was veteran James Wade who clinched the overall title, using his victory as a platform to launch a scathing critique of the PDC and the Premier League Darts, calling the event a “kindergarten” by comparison.
Justin ‘Happy Feet’ Hood Sets New Standard with Stellar Average
Justin Hood, affectionately known as ‘Happy Feet’, continued to build on his impressive form, following a notable run at the World Championship. At Players Championship 1, he delivered a performance that truly turned heads, recording the highest average of the entire day: an astounding 108.47. This exceptional display highlights his growing prowess and consistency on the professional darts circuit.
An average of over 100 in darts is considered elite, showcasing superb scoring and checkout ability. To break the 108-mark in a competitive field underscores Hood’s current peak form and his potential to challenge the sport’s biggest names. His performance was a clear standout amongst a strong lineup of players.
Top Averages at Players Championship 1:
- 108.47 – Justin Hood (England)
- 107.68 – Ian Crabtree (England)
- 107.36 – Richard Plaisier (Netherlands)
- 105.43 – Adam Gawlas (Czech Republic)
- 103.75 – Alan Soutar (Scotland)
- 103.21 – Gerwyn Price (Wales)
- 102.88 – Ricky Smith (England)
- 102.83 – Dimitri Van den Bergh (Belgium)
- 102.56 – Stefan Bellmont (Switzerland)
- 102.52 – Gary Anderson (Scotland)
- 102.46 – Dirk van Duijvenbode (Netherlands)
- 102.38 – Michael van Gerwen (Netherlands)
- 102.37 – Callan Rydz (England)
- 102.35 – Michael van Gerwen (Netherlands)
James Wade Clinches Victory and Fires Shots at the PDC
While Justin Hood grabbed headlines with his statistical brilliance, it was the experienced campaigner James Wade who ultimately lifted the Players Championship 1 trophy. ‘The Machine’ demonstrated his enduring class and tactical acumen to navigate the challenging format and emerge victorious.
However, Wade’s victory speech was far from conventional. He used the platform to deliver a pointed critique of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), specifically drawing a sharp contrast between the Players Championship events and the more high-profile Premier League Darts.
“This is the kindergarten compared to the Premier League Darts,” Wade stated, a remark that immediately resonated throughout the darts community. This statement is widely interpreted as a reflection of Wade’s long-standing frustrations with the PDC’s selection criteria for the Premier League, an invitational tournament that features the sport’s biggest stars.
Wade, a multiple major winner and former Premier League champion, has often expressed his belief that the Players Championship events, with their open entry and grueling format, represent the true grind and competitive spirit of darts. His comment suggests that the glitz and glamour of the Premier League might overshadow the raw talent and hard work seen in events like PC1, or perhaps that the competition in the Premier League, for some players, is less intense than the open circuit.
His outspoken nature ensures that even in victory, James Wade continues to spark debate, adding another layer of intrigue to the early stages of the darts season.
Source: Based on an article from News – Dartsnieuws.com.
