Van Gerwen Frustrated by Frequent Premier League Darts Clashes
The Premier League Darts returns to Newcastle, igniting intense discussions about its format. This year marks an impressive lineup of eight top players competing for 17 weeks across Europe. Among them are notable names such as Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, and Gerwyn Price.
Premier League Darts Format
The competition begins tonight in Newcastle with the first match. Participants will battle it out in a knock-out tournament format. Each match is played in a “best of 11 legs” setup. Players earn points based on performance, with:
- 2 points for reaching the semi-finals
- 3 points for making it to the finals
- 5 points for winning the match
After 16 match days, the top four players will advance to the playoffs in London. This system ensures that fans see a definitive winner each week, with a prize of £10,000 up for grabs.
Controversy around the Format
Despite the thrill it brings to many fans, some players are frustrated with the Premier League format. Michael van Gerwen, a three-time world champion, expressed concern about the frequency of top players facing off. “It’s too much of a good thing,” he commented, suggesting that it reduces the excitement of individual matches.
Last year, Littler and Humphries faced each other nine times in the Premier League. This repetition is becoming a point of contention for players and fans alike. Van Gerwen prefers the old format, believing it allowed for greater anticipation of matchups. He stressed that, although the Premier League remains crucial in the darts calendar post-World Championship, he values ranking tournaments more.
Player Reactions
Despite criticisms from some competitors, Humphries defended the current format. He reiterated that fans enjoy watching the best players compete regularly. He likened it to boxing matches, stating that watching great fighters face off repeatedly can be thrilling.
As the Premier League kicks off in Newcastle, both the players and fans eagerly await the intense competition ahead. The blend of top-tier talent and ongoing debate about the format will surely fuel discussions in the darts community.
