UK Open - Runners and Outsiders

The UK Open sits as my favourite tournament of the year (other than the World Champs). Known as "The FA Cup of Darts", the presence of Riley's amateur qualifiers, second tier Challenge Tour and Development Tour players, and all 128 Tour Card holder makes this a fans delight. Chuck in the open draw too, and the tournament really is a fantastic watch. The big boys can face each other early, and in form players can make good progress with favourable draws.

The UK Open has three venues in one. The Big Top, which is the main arena and TV stage - real major darts, then there is Red's Bar, stage 2 - which brings back memories of the Circus Tavern, and finally the rest of the boards reside in the venue's nightclub - with a similar setup to a weekend Pro Tour, multi-board environment. Here, the luck of the draw may come into it for some players. The likes of Chris Dobey and Luke Humphries strike me as big stage players, who will want to play in front of the cameras, and generally put in good performances when doing so. Others may prefer to go about their business quietly on the outer boards, avoid the big names, with the genuine aim of making the Sunday.

If you're not an avid follower of darts away from the cameras, you may not know that we have already seen 6 Players Championship events, and last weekend also saw the first Euro Tour event. The Players Championships events are the real bread and butter "floor" tournaments, held in perfect conditions, whilst the Euro Tour events are "mini-majors" held in front of enthusiastic European crowds. Both are good barometers of form, and I track these regularly to help gauge who is most likely to go on a run when we get to the bigger tournaments like the UK Open.

Below I have outlined the top 10 players through my performance tracker this year, and 4 "wildcard" picks. These are my ones to watch:

Top Ten

1. Gerwyn Price: In some people's eyes, Price is the best player in the world right now. It's hard to argue when he has the most titles to his name since the World Championships, and most recently claimed Euro Tour 1 on Sunday with his now familiar big scoring and finishing. You have to feel he will be one of the men to beat. 87% win ratio in Player's Championships & Euro Tours in 2020.
2. Peter Wright: The World and Masters Champion is hitting real peaks this year, but with one or two oddly bad games too. A former UK Open winner himself, Snakebite knows what is needed to come through this gruelling tournament, and some think he is looking to peak at the "big ones" now. Win percentage in PC & ET matches is 84%.
3. Michael van Gerwen: Many have the beaten World Finalist as the best in the world right now, and even the best of all time, but a few chinks have been seen in the Green Machine's armour of late. To come into March with no titles to his name is unheard of in recent years. The move to his new equipment supplier, Winmau, brought with it noise of a period of transition, and despite wonderful highs, uncharacteristic blips have mounted up too. He will have a point to prove this weekend, but may find it difficult if coming up against top form opponents like Price, Wright and Aspinall. PC & ET win percentage this year is 77%.
4. Nathan Aspinall: The defending champion has had a solid start to his debut Premier League season, already taking the scalp of MvG, and also has a Pro Tour title under his hat. He had a great year in 2019, winning this, and also taking home a World Series title too. The Asp has a big stage game, big scoring and good combination finishing, and doesn't fear anyone. He will fancy retaining his title. PC & ET win percentage is 78%.
5. Krzysztof Ratajski: The Polish Eagle is becoming a serial winner away from your TV screens. Previously a World Master over in the BDO, and with a Pro Tour title under his belt in 2020, Ratajski will feel he has the game to go deep in any tournament. He is always a danger man, and surely a good TV run is only around the corner. PC & ET win percentage is 77%.
6. Gary Anderson: Still one of the best players around, the two time World Champion has already shown this in 2020 winning Player's Championship 1. In and out form, but capable of hitting the heights, Anderson could be a threat. I think he will need to avoid those already listed to win this one due to his in and out form, but in a one off game, he can beat anyone. PC & ET win percentage is 75%.
7. Ryan Searle: Possibly the first real outsider in this list, but Searle does have a title under his belt this year, a Player's Championship win against MvG. Searle was disappointed with himself despite a good showing at Ally Pally; he felt he had more to show, and will feel he can have a run in Minehead too. A good draw could see him make Sunday. He will be a threat to anyone in a one off game this weekend. PC & ET win percentage is 68%.
8. Michael Smith: Bully Boy is the new nearly man in darts. Runner up time and again in the big ones, with match darts most recently at the Masters, but if you knock enough, surely the door will eventually open. In recent days Smith has hit a nine-darter in the Premier League, and made the ET1 final, beating MvG en route. Form is looking good, and Smith will be hoping to claim his maiden major title here. PC & ET win percentage is 63%.
9. Dirk van Duijvenbode: DvD has shown signs over the past 3-4 years, but has really hit form early in 2020. Good runs in Players Championship events, 100+ averages, and a weekend semi final run, will see Big Dirk as one to be avoided in the open draw. Like Searle, he may need a favourable draw to make the Sunday, but he will also feel he could cause an upset or two if the need arises. PC & ET win percentage is 67%.
10. Danny Noppert: Noppie was pulling up trees before his switch from the BDO, but maybe hasn't quite reached those levels in the PDC. Early season form is good though, with signs that type of game isn't far away. Noppert has a BDO Finder Masters title, Lakeside Runner Up, Players Championship Finals Semi Final, and also a Players Championship (Pro Tour) win under his belt already, which may show you the high expectations I have of his game. A dangerous outside if his A game turns up. PC & ET win percentage is 71%.

Wildcards

• Gabriel Clemens: The Giant German in reality has had a good 18-24 months in the PDC. Arguably he is the number 1 German right now, despite the positive press and titles claimed by Max Hopp. Actually the no.11 player this year. PC & ET win percentage is 71%.

• Glen Durrant: The three time BDO World Champion & two times World Master has threatened in the PDC majors since joining. Already ranked inside the top 20 after just 14 months in the PDC, Duzza's consistency can only mean another good run in a PDC big one. Add to this a solid start in his Premier League debut, and you can't really doubt his quality. PC & ET win percentage is 71%.

• Jeff Smith: The former Lakeside Runner Up, hit the ground running after claiming a Tour Card in January. His solid game will be a threat, particularly with a favourable draw, but even on the big stage The Silencer might just take out big names this weekend. PC & ET win percentage is 63%.

• Devon Petersen: His season to date can't be described as amazing, but there were signs of darts from the gods in a recent Players Championship run. The South African number one, maybe most famous for his dancing, is a huge 180 scorer when everything is flowing, and with more consistency he has the game to take out anyone. Working with Wayne Mardle seems to be helping with that big scoring becoming more consistent. I'm interested to see if the combination of TV and improved consistency will see Devon write at least some headlines this weekend. PC & ET win percentage is 57%.

The list could go on, but I had to give an honourable mention to Chris Dobey, Luke Humphries and Jeffrey de Zwaan as high calibre, emerging players, who could do damage this weekend.

PDC Darts Premier League - Wildcard bracket for finals night?

Judgement Night has passed, and the stars of the PDC Darts Premier League now focus on reaching the play-offs night (AKA "finals night") at the O2 on 19th May 2016. Robert Thornton's three-points haul in Liverpool in week 8 proved enough to save him, with Michael Smith and Dave Chisnall being eliminated after failing to take points from Phil Taylor and Peter Wright respectively on Judgement Night. Eight combatants will now do battle over the next six-weeks to make the O2.

A look at the way the table is developing (found here) and we see Taylor, van Gerwen, Anderson and Lewis in the play-off positions. This leaves the other four players battling to squeeze in and remove one of 'the big three' or two-time world champion Adrian Lewis, who to this point has proven to be the best of the rest, only losing to 'the big three'.

Lewis' 4th spot is the most likely to be in jeopardy, and as the marathon runs further, it is likely that Taylor, MVG and Anderson will open a gap. This means realistically five players are battling for one spot and quite possibly we could see some 'dead rubber' games as 8th, then 7th, then 6th get cut adrift. I have an idea, similar to the NFL play-offs 'Wildcard Weekend' which could keep more players in the hunt for the O2 for longer.

The Wildcard Bracket

The NFL 'Wildcard Weekend' keeps the underdogs in the hunt for the biggest prize for longer. Although those who have sat in the best positions at the back end of the season are favoured in the post-season, six wildcards have actually gone on to win the Superbowl. This a true underdog story, one that captures the imagination and also rewards teams that hit form late. The Premier League play-offs will see four players compete for the Premier League trophy on 19th May, but what if the PDC extended this to six players instead?

Looking at the table at present we would see James Wade and Peter Wright join Taylor, MVG, Anderson and Lewis at the O2, but also some enhanced hope for Raymond van Barneveld and Robert Thornton who currently sit 3pts and 6pts adrift of 'Snakebite' Peter Wright in sixth spot. At the top of the table there could also be three or four players battling for the top 2 spots and safe passage to the semi finals potentially all in play in weeks 13 and 14.

New look play-offs night

How do four players and a regular semi final bracket instead change to a six-player finals night? Looking at the NFL bracket for example, some teams are protected and actually sit in wait, taking on the winner of the wildcard weekend.

The PDC would not have to extend the Premier League to another week - instead we would see more matches on finals night. Again, looking at the current top six, the finals night would play out as below:

Mock-up of a PL Finals night wildcard bracket (as at week 9)

• Match 1: Six in League (Peter Wright) vs Third in League (Gary Anderson)
• Match 2: Fifth in League (James Wade) vs Fourth in League (Adrian Lewis)
• Semi Final 1: First in League (Phil Taylor) vs Lowest PL ranked qualifier from Match 1 & 2
• Semi Final 2: Second in League (MVG) vs Highest PL ranked qualifier from Match 1& 2
• Final

There could be a question as to whether it is fair for players 3 and 4 to play extra games, but this could also put more onus on finishing 1st or 2nd in the league. The prize-fund split is also in place meaning that there is still incentive to finish 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th even if 7th and 8th get cut adrift - but the positive there is that week 14 could feature many more players battling for the top 2, or wildcard positions.

Would do you think - is the current PL format fine, or would an extended wildcard bracket bring more spice after Judgement Night in the hunt for the O2?

Nick Blackwell - Can Boxing be made safer?

Last Saturday, we witnessed a slobber-knocker of a contest between then British Middleweight Champion Nick Blackwell (19-3-1), and his challenger and the more (in)famous Chris Eubank Jr (21-1-0). We really was treated to a top contest, Five's offering a true delight for fight fans.

Eubank Jr won this contest after a 10th round stoppage (moves to 22-1-0), and is the newly crowned British Middleweight Champion. There was some friction between Eubank Jr and current WBO Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders (the only man to defeat Eubank Jr, and undefeated himself; 23-0-0), and Tyson Fury was notable during the coverage, but none of this stole the headlines.

Blackwell collapsed after the contest, and has since been placed in a medically-induced coma, with swelling on his brain. This has led to questioning from some corners of whether the referee or Blackwell's corner should have stopped the contest before the doctor eventually did in the 10th round.

Let's look at the contest:

1. Blackwell (now 19-4-1) contributed to the fight with Eubank Jr throughout, was dangerous early on, and continued to stand and trade with Eubank Jnr until the end.

Blackwell and Eubank Jr trading blows.

2. There were one or two occasions when Eubank Jr unloaded without reply, but with Blackwell still defending himself, Maybe the most damaging shot was Eubank Jr's uppercut which got through fairly often - this the most neurologically damaging aspect of the fight according to medical experts.

3. Those watching at home would have heard Blackwell's corner talking about a year of preparation for this fight. Blackwell remained game during these conversations.

4. The ref who has been criticised in some quarters also allowed the contest to continue despite some swelling to the left eye of Blackwell. During the majority of the contest, Blackwell's main injury was a seemingly broken and very bloody nose. The eye-swelling came later in the contest but was extremely notable when the fight was stopped.

5. Despite the swelling, Blackwell still had sight from his eye and so was not handicapped in the contest until around the time the fight was stopped.

6. Eubank Jr was probably ahead by some distance on the scorecards (although Richie Woodhall's unofficial scorecard had it as close as 2-rounds after 7-8 rounds), but had been caught once or twice himself. Therefore as defending champion Blackwell, very game throughout, may have hoped to catch Eubank Jr late on. This also seemed to be the game plan as suggested during the coverage from his corner.

So what more could be done to make Boxing safer? 

Looking at the above, I'm not sure under the current rules that anyone has done anything wrong. However, it does beg the question - should the current rules be assessed so that even with a boxer defending himself and throwing punches, some sort of assessment is still performed during the contest.

1. Can we make the equipment safer?
Boxers already wear gloves, which removes the dangers of bare-knuckle fighting. However, could gloves have greater padding or could it be made mandatory that fighters wear headgear similar to the amateurs. Some may argue it would detract from the thrill of knock-outs, but if it could lessen/prevent head injuries, should safety outweigh this thrill?

2. Can we bring in additional checks during the contest?
The ringside-Doc checked on Blackwell and ultimately had to call for the stoppage. But could these checks be made mandatory sooner and more often during the contests. The argument here is that simple questions could be asked between say the 3rd, 6th and 9th rounds and a short examination performed. Whilst the refs and corners will be checking regularly, quite possibly a qualified and neutral pair of eyes in each corner may well notice some danger signs that unqualified eyes wouldn't. This isn't apportioning blame anywhere in this instance, but would bring a neutral pair of eyes,

*These are just two considerations off the bat. Please join the debate by replying in the comments or on Twitter, and please send your wishes and prayers to Nick Blackwell and his family and friends,*

I would like to add, I'm in no way affiliated to any person or organisation mentioned in this blog and have no agenda here other than to suggest that Boxing could revisit safety aspects of the professional sport. 

I would also like to note I have regularly been checking for updates on Blackwell's condition, and my thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family and friends. As a fight fan, it was a great contest, Blackwell was a truly tough and game fighter, and that stands out for me right now. All the best in what I hope is a speedy recovery, and I hope to see Blackwell in a ring competing again soon.

Variety is the spice of life - is PDC Darts lacking it?

Peter Wright's attire is a long way
from black trousers and shoes of only a few years ago

Someone once said "variety is the spice of life, that gives it all its flavour". I've also been in a pub called 'The spice of life" although unfortunately it didn't have a dartboard. 

The saying does ring true in life though. How often have you had the same options in the canteen, drove the same route, performed the same tasks over your 9-5 job or been in a routine that became monotonous? I'm not saying that Darts is boring, not by a long shot, but I do see some opportunities for the PDC to spice up its programme of events. I believe the PDC saw this a long while ago with their introduction of WWE style walk-ons, and the recent approval of Peter Wright's attire - but yet more could be done.

Listing the tournaments put on currently by the PDC (and there's a lot of them, and a hell of a lot of prize money - well done PDC) you will notice a trend towards the Matchplay format. That's a simple format which sees matches played over the best of x amount of legs (so best of 11 would be first to 6 legs for example). Straight Matchplay. Set play is the other option provided by the PDC. So set play would be matchplay over small distances, several times to win the game. For example set play may be best of 5 sets (so first to 3 sets) with each set best of 5 legs (first to 3 legs) and any final set needing a two leg advantage to win (a bit like tennis). This is nice and spicy as the eventual winner might actually lose more legs than they won (e.g. 3-2, 0-3, 3-2, 0-3, 4-2). Anyway, the list:

• PDC Pro Tour - Matchplay
• PDC Masters - Matchplay
• Premier League - Matchplay
• UK Open - Matchplay (+ amateur qualifiers + open draw akin to football's FA Cup)
• World Cup - Matchplay (+ pairs)
• World Matchplay - Matchplay...funnily enough
• European Championships - Matchplay
• World Grand Prix - Sets (+ Double in)
• Grand Slam of Darts - Matchplay (+ group stage + BDO invitations)
• Players Championships - Matchplay
• World Championships - Sets

You will note that nine out of a possible eleven tournaments use a matchplay format., and there are a couple satellite tours I've not noted also using it. With that in mind I believe there is room to consider amending one of the tournaments to the sets format instead. Of those listed the Masters or European Championships are probably best suited to such a change. I say this as the the Matchplay is the Matchplay after all, and the Players Championship should follow the same format as the Pro Tour through which it is qualified via. Other tournaments also already use set play or have their own 'spicy' element.

Adrian Gray, a previous conqueror of Phil Taylor
over the WGP's quirky format

Should the PDC ever consider changing one of those tournaments to a sets format, I would also suggest spicing it up yet further. The BDO Masters has run for years with a shorter set format, best of 3 legs, which makes it very quick fire to win a set. I believe this would create further shocks and see different players reaching the business end of such a tournament. Looking at tournaments with quirks we have seen different players reach the business end of for example the UK Open with Vincent van der Voort, Gary Mawson, Barrie Bates and Colin Osborne springing to mind. In the World Grand Prix we have seen Phil Taylor fall early against Kevin Painter, Andy Callaby and Adrian Gray. These different formats add some real spice and uncertainty to the events. When we have also seen the likes of poor old Kevin Painter up against Phil Taylor time and time again in the early rounds of PDC majors, there must be an even greater argument to spice things up and help the 15/16 ranks in the world out of that ranking quagmire.

More tournament opportunities

I have also been thinking about the opportunity for further events with even greater variety. As a keen spectator, and bit of an anorak, I am very much for the introduction of a longer format match up and a short format tournament. I believe both would whet the appetite of the regular punter too.

The one hour time limit

In 1999 then PDC World Champion Phil Taylor faced then BDO World Champion Raymond van Barneveld over an hour long contest. Taylor emerged the victor in this special one off event which pitted the two world champions head to head against one another. At that point, Taylor showed over such a long format he was the man. A similar contest was lined up between Taylor and Andy Fordham in 2004, but unfortunately Fordham succumbed to illness during the contest with Taylor again in the lead.

Nowadays it crosses the mind over a long format just who is the best. The decline of the BDO World Championship sees a head to head of PDC and BDO world champion probably not being the most competitive, so I wonder if a match up of PDC World Champion vs PDC World Number 1 or if the same, PDC World Number 1 vs PDC World Number 2 could work over such a time limit. This year it would see Gary Anderson (World champ) vs Michael van Gerwen (World Number 1) which would look a mouthwatering contest over a long format such as this. Some may argue that a big lead could see it be 'over' by the mid-way stage, but comebacks like we have seen by Scott Waites vs James Wade at the Grand Slam of Darts, and James Wade vs Mervyn King at the PDC Masters, plus a nine-dart prize could keep viewers gripped to their seats.

Snooker Shoot-out

Dominic Dale, World Snooker Ranking 32,
with his Snooker Shoot-out title

A second idea, and my favourite, is one similar to the very entertaining Snooker shoot-out. A single leg, or short timed format would not work for Darts, however, with legs of darts just 501 a format akin to the old News of the World Darts tournament could be a good fit.

The suggestion would see a 128 player tournament consisting of all PDC Pro Tour card holders (or if there's illness or injury top ranked challenge tour players invited to fill any open slots). The format would be as the News of the World, just best of 3 legs (so first to two legs). This would be sure to throw the cats amongst the pigeons and could be played mostly on TV over only a short period of time as the turnaround of matches should be quick (just 2 or 3 legs per match). An open draw might add more spice to affairs.

What do you think?

Has the PDC got the right mix in its tournaments, or would you like to see more variety? 

Are we asking ourselves who is the real number 1 player in the world and could a time-limit match help us decide?

Would a snooker shoot-out style Darts tournament work, add more excitement to the calendar and throw up surprises?

If you think so, send me a comment, or even let the PDC know their thoughts.

My twitter tag is @thesportsdean and you can get the PDC on @officialPDC

By the way, it was 18th century poet William Cowper who wrote that "variety is the spice of life, that gives it all its flavour" in The Timepiece, The Task II, 1785, lines 606-7.

Darts UK Open - 6-8 March, The Main Contenders

The UK Open gives the bulk of the PDC Tour Card holders the opportunity to play at a big major tourney (as opposed to generally 32 players).  Played over three congested days at the Minehead Butlin's, the tournament gives the purists the opportunity to get around the boards in a set up akin to the weekend Pro Tour events, albeit on a grander scale.

A number of Riley's qualifiers join 94 PDC qualifiers (plus ties) to make a 149 player field and each round is drawn in an open 'FA Cup' style. Those ranked 65 -117 plus 32 Riley's qualifiers compete in the Preliminary and first rounds. Ranks 33-64 join in round two, and the top 32 in the UK Open Qualifier rankings join at the third round stage (last 64).

The tournament will be played out between 6-8 March and is also live on ITV4. The schedule can be seen below:

Friday March 6

Afternoon Session (11.45-5pm) - Preliminary Round; First Round; Second Round

Evening Session (7pm - 11pm) - Third Round (Last 64)

Saturday March 7

Afternoon Session (11.45-5pm) - Last 32

Evening Session (7pm-11pm) - Last 16

Sunday March 8

Afternoon Session (12.45pm-5pm) - Quarter Finals

Evening Session (7pm-11pm) - Semi Finals; Final

The Runners

Those of you reading will be more than aware of the main runners, with focus quite possibly on the current world champion, the 16 time champion of the world and the current world number one. Indeed smart money will be fluttered in the direction of those three - the current big three. I'm travelling to Minehead this Friday and will be keeping a very close eye around the boards too. I've been tracking the form of the qualifiers and have summarised below those I see as the main contenders and outsiders this weekend.

The Main Contenders

1. Michael van Gerwen - The Green Machine is back

Before the world championship it was noticeable that MVG wasn't quite on this game. There were question marks over whether the world number one had the form to retain his world title. Ultimately we found out he wasn't quite at the peak of his powers, but since, MVG has been  as his compatriot 'Barney' was once known as, 'The Man'. Seemingly the post World Championship break revitalised and possibly re-focused Van Gerwen who has dominated in the UK Open Qualifiers. MVG has three wins and 1 runner up spot from the five qualifiers he participated in. Added to that he is the 2015 Masters champion and the German Darts Championship winner.  Also undefeated in the Premier League MVG is the form horse of 2015 and number one player in the world on form as well as ranking.

2. Taylor starting to hit the target

The greatest player of all time, Phil Taylor hasn't been as dominate in recent years, but is usually able to pick up one or two of the most lucrative majors (World Matchplay 2015; Grand Slam of Darts 2015).Following the World Championships, as is often the case Taylor began tinkling with his darts. Unlucky to be edged out by Anderson at the Leeds leg of the Premier League, Taylor has since been solid if not remarkable and currently occupies a play-off spot in that competition, but maybe more encouragingly he is back in the winning circle with a solid UK Open qualifier six win. Fourth in the overall UK Open qualifier rankings don't look past Taylor - unless he meets Barney in the quarters!

3. Anderson on top of the world?

2014 was a great year for Gary Anderson. Superb form in the Players Championship tournaments had him as one of the form horses all year, and he deservedly claimed the Players Championship finals major in Minehead. He carried his form into the World Championships and imperiously won that title. Since, the 'Flying Scotsman' has been there or thereabouts, but has been outgunned by MVG at the two big tournaments since. Anderson is still up there, but looks a little off his game. Quite possibly there's a World Championship hangover but the quality is there to turn it on at any point. Anderson is a strong runner, one of the big three for the UK Open.

4. Barney Army to march in Minehead?

The reigning Premier League champion, Raymond Van Barneveld likes the UK Open, and generally if he meets Taylor in the quarter finals his name is already being etched on the trophy. Barney may have had a period of mediocrity by his standards, but over the past two years has won two of the biggest titles and the Darts World Cup with MVG (what a team, right). We saw the 'eye of the tiger' in Wolverhampton in 2013, and that returned to claim the 2014 Premier League.

5.  Jackpot looking to defend

Two-times World Champion, and the defending UK Open champion Adrian Lewis must be mentioned in the top five most likely candidates this year. Lewis has the natural ability to beat anyone on his day and quite often not quite on his day, such is his talent. Lewis' form has been a little in and out throughout his career. Only at World Championships have we consistently seen the 'head on' Adrian Lewis, but working again with Keith Deller and looking to defend his title - motivation is likely to be there. He has been in the winner's circle already in 2015 with a UK Open Qualifier victory over MVG, and was very close to beating this year's form horse in the Premier League too (finished 6-6). Lewis is the number 2 in the UK Open Qualifier rankings and one of the top five most likely to win the UK Open in 2015. Will he have his head on?

6. Rest of the Premier League pack

The majority of the Premier League players will be competitive but are a little behind the five already mentioned and Wade, Huybrechts and Wright are flattering to deceive in that competition so far this year. All of these three have been solid in the UK Open Qualifiers and there have been signs of 'Snakebite' finding some form in recent weeks, but a favourable series of draws are probably needed to bring home the trophy for any one of these.

Chizzy, Dave Chisnall is maybe the most likely on current form from the rest of the Premier League participants. Top of the Premier League currently and on a very consistent run the St Helen's native now has several runners up spots to his name in the big one. He is knocking on the door for a major, and the format of the competition could open the door by taking out some of five mentioned above. Chisnall might just need that kind of luck.

Stephen Bunting is also worth a mention, although his form hasn't quite been up to that shown in 2014. The 2014 Lakeside World Champion is very capable though and has been a real bogey man for some (ask James Wade). Avoidance of MVG, Taylor and Anderson could see 'The Bullet' go far.

Outsiders

If you are looking for a little more value, a few players have been looking dangerous on the circuit:

1. Jelle Klaasen - Form is temporary, but Klaas is permanent

Jelle Klaasen was the 2006 Lakeside World Champion defeating Raymond Van Barneveld in that final - so is of the calibre to defeat the main runners. In recent years Klaasen has been 'in and out' but does have Premier League experience. You will also remember he very nearly knocked out World Champion Gary Anderson at Alexandra Palace and was fairly unfortunate to go home himself. Recently he's also made it to a UK Open Qualifier final, only losing to MVG missing ten match darts in the process. A nice draw might see Klaasen go deep and I'm sure the main runners will be hoping to miss him in the draw too.

2. Michael Smith  - A new Bully?

The Bully boy is turning into a real force on the oche. A former World Youth Champion, Smith also has PDC Pro Tour wins under his belt. The most recent is a UK Open Qualifier victory in the run up to the UK Open finals. Now in the PDC's top 16, Smith will only climb higher and has the game to worry anyone on his day.

3. Terry Jenkins - The old Bully

Last year's runner up - The Jimmy White of darts when it comes to losses in big finals, Terry Jenkins is another where the phrase 'form is temporary, class is permanent' can be used.  Jenkins is still very capable and saw a resurgence in 2014 with a major final loss at the European Championships too.  But he can always go deep, and isn't shy of a big win with notable scalps in his career. Only recently did MVG fall to him at the Players Championship 2014 finals tournament.

4. Van der Voort  - Could lightning strike twice?

Vincent Van Der Voort has been dangerous again in recent times. After his switch from the BDO 'Greased Lightning' made the UK Open Final in 2007 so has previous here (well not in Minehead but you get the point). In recent times, the big Dutchman terrified Taylor at the World Championships and since the turn of the year has been a runner up in the UK Open Qualifiers - but can lightning strike twice for Van Der Voort with a run to this year's final.

5. Mark Webster - A web to avoid

Webby is the final outsider I would like to mention. A previous Lakeside World Champion and Premier League participant, the Welshman has bags of ability but has seemingly lacked confidence during his time in the PDC. He is however looking in better form, kicking off the year with good UK Open Qualifier runs. Ninth in the overall UK Open order of merit, he's got a great chance causing some upsets in Minehead.

Others

Paul Nicholson, Ian White, Robert Thornton, Mervyn King  (recovering from his back injury) and Alan Norris might be others it's worth taking a punt on. Nicholson a previous major winner who has been struggling for some time now has showed signs of form and is more than due a run, whilst White, Thornton, King and Norris are real danger men - always!

For a run-down of the UK Open order of merit (an indication of form) check out http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/Rankings.aspx

UK Open Rankings

The players mentioned are UK Open Qualifier ranked as follows:

·         Michael Van Gerwen #1

·         Phil Taylor #4

·         Gary Anderson #29

·         Raymond Van Barneveld #15

·         Adrian Lewis #2

·         Dave Chisnall #13

·         Stephen Bunting #40

·         Peter Wright #17

·         James Wade #6

·         Kim Huybrechts #11

·         Jelle Klaasen #7

·         Michael Smith #3

·         Terry Jenkins #26

·         Vincent Van Der Voort #5

·         Mark Webster #9

·         Paul Nicholson #20

·         Ian White #8

·         Robert Thornton #14

·         Mervyn King #23

·         Alan Norris #22

References:

Darts Database (2015), 'Rankings - PDC UK Open', Darts Database, [online], Available from: http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/Rankings.aspx

PDC (2015), 'Coral UK Open Board Allocations', Professional Darts Corporation, [online], Available from: http://www.pdc.tv/uk-open/article/q4zr8jvyw4kj1dpfmydrfiyh9/title/coral-uk-open-board-allocations

2014 Betway Premier League Darts: Curing the dead rubber game

The 2014 installment of PDC Premier League Darts is the second time the PDC has opted to use a 10-man line-up seeing elimination at the end of week nine. Early in the tournament this works. In fact up to week 9, I found that I was checking what was happening on a weekly basis or tuning in to watch (work , & family permitting). From weeks 4, 5, 6 the trend is often there and it is obvious who will be fighting elimination. The show then focuses on those players more than at the top. That is because the serious business is at the bottom of the table during the first 9 weeks.

From week  10 though, the Premier League can fall into a predictable routine as the focus switches to the top 4. Two players with no chance of making the play-offs have been eliminated, packed their bags and headed home, but despite this there will also be a no-hoper or two on the card with regards to the play-off picture. Now these are excellent players in their own right, players winning on the Pro Tour (and doing doubles too) but players who after 9, 10, 11 weeks are just making up the card and need something to play for.

I wonder whether to shake it up a bit more the PDC needs to introduce a second cull. How fair this would be in the current format is another thing though, as weeks 10, 11 and 12 vs. MVG, Barney and Taylor, might be a little tougher than Thornton, Wright and Anderson. It then wouldn't be correct to cut the player losing to the top 3 players. I don't have an absolute answer to this, but what we are seeing is a return to the pre-2013 format for the last 7 weeks and I think this needs changing up.

Maybe an option is splitting the remaining 8 players into two groups for the next three fixtures. 1-4 and 5-8 play one another, with then the top 6 moving on to the final fixtures. Six weeks of seeing the crowd not into Dave Chisnall walk-ons, or his matches can become a little monotonous for example and in an ideal world it would be cured - maybe such an idea would help. When the bottom two are battling, with little atmosphere, the match really becomes one for the purists, and the time to make a cuppa, or get the beers in (if you're in attendance).

The Premier League has never really been about matches for the purists but more of an advert for the top end and exciting stars of darts. I'll sit there with my beer on the table and snack in hand - but is everyone enjoying it, and still tuning in? (Does anyone have ratings?)

In 2013 the PDC realised the Premier League needed a change up. Elimination after 9 weeks has been a welcomed change, and something that should without doubt stay for 2015 and beyond. Early interest is definitely there. The number of wildcards has also been extended, I'd say just in case a couple of consistent but dull players make up the automatic qualification spots (but I'd still question some of the wildcard "characters" chosen when Nicholson has never been in, and Bunting has switched from the BDO). But my main question is how to deal with some dead rubber matches from weeks 10-15. 

It just feels like there must continue to be something to play for at the bottom and top so we don't lose 45-60mins of TV to dead rubber contests. If the format stays exactly the same for 2015 will the fans still watch (probably more apt for the TV audience). Also, do we think the PDC will continue to choose Wes Newton, Dave Chisnall, and possibly even Robert Thornton, whilst putting multiple major winner and always a play-off contender, James Wade, on the bench, or over-looking entertainers like Nicholson, AND BDO World Champions? Wildcards need to be playing out of this world darts, or have something about them to attract fans and warrant a spot . When they're not, they're eliminated after 9 weeks, have little hope of the play-offs, or end up in unexciting contests. 

So, something for the PDC to think about after 22nd May. How do they help to make weeks 10-15 of the Premier League more compelling viewing throughout the card? 

And for consideration - is the PDC picking the right wildcards for the current format & picking them at the right time?

However, there are definitely a few interesting games coming up this week and next to decide the Play-Off spots. It's on tonight (Thursday 8th May), Sky Sports 2, between 7-10pm and well worth a watch.

The England National Football side - Billionaires, FA negligence and Negative tactics

It's no secret that the England national football side has been uninspiring for some time now. The inventors of the beautiful game have been left behind at international level since the 1990s. At least during that decade English football fans could point to a team playing passionate high tempo football at international tournaments, who were defeated by strong international sides and old enemies, Germany (1990 and 1996) and Argentina (1998). These losses happened on penalties on all three occasions. Waddle and Pearce, Southgate, and Ince and Batty the stand out misses which resonate through time. But passion was clear, blood, sweat and tears apparent, as were dubious refereeing decisions, and disallowed goals, but there was always effort to the end. Premier League sides were also filled with British players, and owned by British people. Foreigners did play, but the English league was primarily an English league rather than the international franchise that is now the Premier League.

Since that period the "golden generation" promised much, but under Sven's guidance failed to produce more than a hapless quarter final defeat at the hands of Brazil. Ronaldinho's magic/fluke or Seaman's weakness has always been one for discussion - but ultimately Seaman relived Nayim from the halfway line all over again, and England went home with little more than a whimper. With Owen, Beckham, Scholes, Ferdinand, Campbell, Gerrard, Lampard and Cole fans can only be left disappointed that England did not at least grace the semi finals of a major tournament during that time. Sol Campbell will also be disappointed that in 1998 vs Argentina and 2004 vs Portugal he suffered the same fate by seeing a winning goal disallowed at an international tournament.

On paper the England team facing Brazil looks relatively strong and there are notable absentees such as Ashley Cole, John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Jack Wilshere who would arguably strengthen the starting XI. Others, like Peter Crouch and Kyle Walker may feel a little aggrieved to not feature as much as they possibly should under Hodgson's reign.

England team away to Brazil - 2nd June 2013

                  Rooney
Milner                           Walcott
       Lampard Carrick Jones
Baines Jagielka Cahill Johnson
                    Hart

Whilst all England managers can point to key players missing at major tournaments, qualification and for friendlies - players appetite to play often seems to lack, even from the squads peripheral players or up and coming stars who should have a point to prove. We have seen club coaches such as Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger have disagreements with various England coaches and key English club players go missing from squads with mysterious injuries or illnesses. Indeed some have even retired from international football to concentrate on their club. Dreams of representing your nation must diminish once the first million is in the bank account. I can't prove that - but I'm sure enduring fans will agree. Beckham was always the exception to this perception.

To counter this, fans at least want to see passion displayed in the team, one-hundred percent effort, and negative tactics binned. Robson and Venables attacked, whilst finding a good balance to their sides, whilst Hoddle found his own system which worked well and saw an impressive World Cup qualification and unlucky loss to Argentina at World Cup 98. Sven was steady but rarely took a chance and could be accused of not having a plan B. This resulted in a few "could possibly have" moments at major tournaments.

I'd just allow Sven to escape this group, but we've seen a number of wet blankets or uninspiring figures in charge also. Graham "The Turnip" Taylor and Steve "The wally with the brolly" McClaren were maybe the wettest coaches, whilst Fabio Capello did not bring the style one would like to see in an England football side. Although effective, the Italian way has never been the most attractive football to watch. Serie A on channel 4 in the 1990s was often rather dull, and watched only to catch a glimpse of football superstars, and the English exports. Capello always seemed to have a "do not lose" ethos and would prefer a workman-like 1-0 win away to Moldova, where something like a 3-1 or 4-2 victory could have been achieved with a different approach. Sometimes you have to back yourself as being a better team but unfortunately the treading on eggshells, do not lose approach continues with Roy Hodgson. At club level, Hodgson has failed to impress whenever he has been dealing with elite players. England does still have elite players, important at top Premier League clubs competing for European silverware but Hodgson plays them in a way reflective of his time in charge of Liverpool, or how one would expect a mid-table side to set up. England has turned into Fulham.

Harry Redknapp was the peoples choice to take over as England coach. Whilst I didn't necessarily agree that Harry would save England, his teams do play a more attacking and upbeat tempo of football more likely to please fans, even when losing. Like Sven, Redknapp can be criticised for his lack of a plan B and Tottenham Hotspur fans might agree, however, Hodgson's appointment was jaw-droppingly bad for many when it was announced. It's true that previously the FA has listened to the fans and appointed the peoples choice. After Hoddle left England for non-football related reasons Kevin Keegan was appointed and failed to deal with the hype and expectation. He ultimately left the the job with a dented reputation. But that was 15 years ago, and few choices of the FA have even flirted with success since.

Watching England play in Brazil this evening, I'm looking at a formation containing two defensive midfielders and a lonely centre forward. Any support Rooney is meant to have is uninspiring or lacking conviction. I'm also thinking that Joe Hart was the standout player during the first half which points towards a negative approach. Rooney has been left alone up top far too often, whilst passes up to him have been sloppy when attempted too soon, or support is non-existent. Walcott has lacked conviction in the main when playing for England. Actually some Arsenal fans have suggested that since signing a new deal, he's lacked a lot more than just conviction. Before signing that deal he was impressive - what's changed? I'm digressing. The short of it is that under Roy Hodgson the England team will not improve. They will simply plod along, scraping qualification to major tournaments in groups containing Montenegro and other Balkan states - or being at risk to make it at all. Currently they are at risk. England performed better in the second half against Brazil, but we witnessed celebrations from the coaching set up akin to a goal in the World Cup when Rooney curled his effort in to make it 2-1. Brazil equalised with little effort shortly after. The game ended 2-2. Maybe for England a trashing at the hands of Brazil would have helped more. Instead Hodgson will plod on.

I'm not blaming Roy Hodgson, Fabio Capello or even Steve McClaren. The FA have put the wrong man in charge on several occasions now, seemingly not learning from their mistakes. A safe option, and football mediocrity seem to be preferred. Alongside this, the growth of the Premier League bringing with it the foreign invasion of both players and investors is clearly hurting the England national side. In fact it's almost like a disease. A playground for billionaires and mercenaries picking up scandalous salaries, even when warming the bench. Other nations have seen problems at international level, and have worked to counteract this. In other sports like Cricket, central contracts revolutionised the England set up and clearly focused cricket on the international game. I'm not suggesting central contracts in football, but do feel that international football should be valued as the pinnacle of the game like it is elsewhere in the world. The Premier League have sold out to the highest bidder and turned itself into a world league. England then does not fit into that plan, and the Premier League may as well invite Barcelona, PSG, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich to join.

Germany have really worked on youth over the past decade, whilst Spanish football has seen great success recently with streams of talented Spanish players filling their club teams from bottom to top of La Liga. A lot of this comes from the way they play the game, their ethos, but also the passion shown when wearing the shirt. Both are reaping the rewards and are where a football and economic power like England should strive to go beyond. In England we have seen elevation of youth recently, and notably the U21 Premier League is really taking off. I believe that we will see more British players in the starting XI of top Premier League clubs within the next 3-5 years because of this, however, with coaches like Roy Hodgson in charge of England instead of more positive options how can England ever wish to emulate and surpass Spain and Germany? Only more of a focus on the international game, and willingness to play in a more aggressive manner will see a change of fortune. Otherwise we'd best call ourselves Denmark, Sweden or even Scotland. Success will be qualifying for a major tournament. Square pegs will continue to be forced into round holes. The FA will continue to live up to the sweet FA moniker.