2013 Premier League

Devastator

So this years PL kicks off on Feb 7th in the Odyssey up here in Belfast.

Apparently the 8 players will be announced at the PDC awards on Jan 2nd(I think). From what I can understand of it it looks like the top 4 automatic places will goto : Taylor, Lewis, Wade & MVG.

Who would you like to see make up the wild card places this year?

I think Anderson is a cert as hes ex PL champion & only just out of automatic place. Plus hes a big scorer which is great for PL crowds. Barney will be a shoe in due to being popular & a big name draw.

The last 2 places are not so clear I dont think. I'd say Whitlock will probably get a place, he's a consistent thrower & always good entertainment for the league. Last place could really be anyones...personally I'd like to see Wes Newton get a shot. He may not be considered a top class player but he's certainly proved his worth over last 18months/2 years. Plus a chance like this could help bring his game on even more and take him into the upper echelons of the rankings. Webster, Klassen, Painter & Hamilton have all been given shots in this sorta circumstances before.


Who would you like to see in the league?

leggo

Barney
Whitlock
Wade

Those three will be in anyway. No question.

Anderson isn't a shoe-in after his bad year, but they may put him in to spice it up and he has the credentials. Wes Newton deserves it on form. Terry Jenkins is always popular and, when you consider that this is a moneymaker first and foremost, might get it. It's a shame Robert Thornton ran into Taylor early on...as if he'd have gone on a good run it'd have been an easy choice after his year. Hamilton is another possibility; since he can beat anyone on his day and makes it interesting.

Then again, you never know if someone from the BDO might jump. And if, say, Tony O'Shea was to win the BDO World Championship he could be offered a wildcard as an incentive.

Devastator

All the players you mentioned are others that would be great, the reason I would opt for Newton over them is because Jenkins has had 2 or 3 goes in the league, Hamilton got a chance last year. I'd rather they try & freshen it up a little each year with someone that has not had a chance.

I think if O'shea or Waites were to be offered a wild card it could only be if they win the BDO. Could be interesting tho a complete outsider coming across and getting in, could ruffle a few feathers

Anderson could have blown his chance, lots of speculation on other sites that he wouldn't make it after he crashed out so heavily after being so poor in other majors this year. Perhaps lucky that Newton, Hamilton and Whitlock also went out at the quarters. I think his previous PL win and the fact that he can be a crowd pleaser when he hits form, especially with a Scottish venue, should see him in though. So

Taylor
Barney
Whitlock
Wade
Van Gerwen
Lewis
Anderson
Newton. Or maybe Chisnall.

leggo

Devastator wrote: »

All the players you mentioned are others that would be great, the reason I would opt for Newton over them is because Jenkins has had 2 or 3 goes in the league, Hamilton got a chance last year. I'd rather they try & freshen it up a little each year with someone that has not had a chance.

I think if O'shea or Waites were to be offered a wild card it could only be if they win the BDO. Could be interesting tho a complete outsider coming across and getting in, could ruffle a few feathers

I think Newton probably deserves it out of all mentioned, but it's just a case of whether or not the PDC find him 'interesting' enough. Which is a shame as you would've said the same about Terry Jenkins before his PL debut...and look what happened there. And they're always going to go style over substance: it's the PDC and Sky we're talking about here.

Wouldn't be surprised if the offer has already been made to a few BDO lads, under the condition that they get the spot if they win. At a guess, I'd say that's what happened with Ted Hankey when he had that controversy in his last BDO World Championship. And, of course, Barney got it. So there is precedent. Kist could also be another option, if he were to win it again. The final last year got HUGE interest and made him an instant star. So the PDC would've noticed that.

NeoRox

leggo wrote: »

Wouldn't be surprised if the offer has already been made to a few BDO lads, under the condition that they get the spot if they win.

Well seeing as the lineup is going to be announced on Wednesday and Lakeside doesn't start until Saturday, I doubt that any of the BDO player have been asked to participate.

If my understanding is correct Sky get to pick two players and the PDC two players after the top four is known.

Top four is

Taylor
Lewis
Wade
Van Gerwen

So my guess on the four wildcards is:

Anderson
Whitlock
Barneveld
Hamilton

Degag

Taylor
Lewis
Wade
Van Gerwen
Anderson
Whitlock
Barneveld

The above is a lock IMO, I don't think Hamilton will get in again. The last place will probably go to Newton alright. I'm not putting it past Sky to pick Hankey as a wildcard though!

There's just something about Hamilton that doesn't seem to connect with the fans. Nothing he's done wrong, but he seems a bit...colourless. They like the flair types to haul in the crowds, Klaasen being the obvious example.

leggo

NeoRox wrote: »

Well seeing as the lineup is going to be announced on Wednesday and Lakeside doesn't start until Saturday, I doubt that any of the BDO player have been asked to participate.

Is it? Sorry, I missed that in the OP. It's usually closer to the date, I remember because every year there's speculation about whether the BDO Champ will jump or not, so that's what had me confused.

scudzilla

Degag wrote: »

Taylor
Lewis
Wade
Van Gerwen
Anderson
Whitlock
Barneveld

The above is a lock IMO, I don't think Hamilton will get in again. The last place will probably go to Newton alright. I'm not putting it past Sky to pick Hankey as a wildcard though!

Can't see Hankey returning for some time, didn't he have a stroke a few weeks ago?

Degag

leggo wrote: »

Is it? Sorry, I missed that in the OP. It's usually closer to the date, I remember because every year there's speculation about whether the BDO Champ will jump or not, so that's what had me confused.

Up until 2 or 3 years ago the wildcards were annonced after the BDO championships. Hankey would have been a shoe in last year if he had switched prior to the announcement but he didn't. I imagine even if he told the PDC on the quiet that he was thinking of moving before the Worlds, they'd have held off on the announcement because he'd have been a huge draw.

mdwexford

Yeah it will be the big 7 plus Newton or Hamilton.

I'm going with Newton.

Best Double On The Board ???

Top 4 in the Order Of Merit plus 4 Wild Cards (PDC picks 2 Sky picks 2)

so i guess .....

P.Taylor .... World No.1 but maybe not be around for PL ???

A.Lewis .... 2 missed darts at tops to be in his 3rd World final in a row

J.Wade .... maybe awhile before we see the best of this man again but still grinding out results

M.Van Gerwen .... playing the darts of his life right now Could soon be World Champ ???

Then comes the picks Plenty of names in the mix Whitlock Anderson Newton Hamilton Jenkins Barneveld Chisnall ..... etc

I'll go for ....

R.Van Barneveld .... He's Grand Slam of Darts Champion a big crowd favorite which means packed halls and high tv ratings especially after last night (SKY pick)

S.Whitlock .... a good consistent thrower and one for the high finishes too plus He was winner of the European Championship back in September (PDC pick)

G.Anderson .... Not been the best of years for the Scot which makes me think this maybe his last crack at this competition unless things pick up BUT His powerful high scoring (19 180's against John Bowles) is a crowd pleaser and get him another crack (SKY pick)

The last spot ??? ......

R.Thornton .... Uk Open Champion beating World No.1 in the final They say Kevin Painter got his shot last year for winning the players championship so the same may apply here ??? (PDC pick)

These could all turn out to be wrong as there are other who may deserve a shot but i do think they could lead to some interesting nights of darts England v England Scotland v Scotland Holland v Holland then throw in an extra Englishman and an Ozzy .... roll on wednesday till we see who is in

SamCowmando99

Has to be Taylor , Lewis , Wade , Van Gerwen , Van Barneveld , Anderson , Whitlock , and Newton well i hope

briany

MVG
Taylor
Barney
Wade
Whitlock
Hamilton
Lewis
Newton

I'd like to see Pipe, Winstanley, VDV or even a big name BDO defector get wildcarded in but that 8 would be deserving on merit/drawing power.

What's the feasability of expanding the thing to sixteen? Have two tables of eight players and each week would be played in two venues simultaneously with the red button to switch between coverage for the viewers and have the top 4 from each meeting for a knockout stage in May. It's just a thought and I'd say they will try expanding again at some stage, but maybe trying to do what I suggest would be an over saturation or just a logistical nightmare.

Degag

I would doubt it. It would detract from the fact that it should be the "Premier" League

Devastator

briany wrote: »

What's the feasability of expanding the thing to sixteen? Have two tables of eight players and each week would be played in two venues simultaneously with the red button to switch between coverage for the viewers and have the top 4 from each meeting for a knockout stage in May. It's just a thought and I'd say they will try expanding again at some stage, but maybe trying to do what I suggest would be an over saturation or just a logistical nightmare.

I've often thought having 2 leagues running, then doing promotion & relegations. Could have 1(championship) on Wednesday night in slightly smaller venues and premier league on Thursdays

briany

Degag wrote: »

I would doubt it. It would detract from the fact that it should be the "Premier" League

The PL is basically whatever SKY and the PDC want it to be. They could easily spin it to say that the top 8 are all premier league worthy since they're at most every major along with 3 wild cards for SKY and the PDC each along with two more from a public vote on the condition that they are within the top 32.

Devastator wrote: »

I've often thought having 2 leagues running, then doing promotion & relegations. Could have 1(championship) on Wednesday night in slightly smaller venues and premier league on Thursdays

Having a tiered system like that could complicate things though as the PL is mostly about having players in there who are their because of their OOM standing or their popularity. I think that a 2 table side by side system would work a little bit better because it would allow players to be sorted to each group, each year, in a way that would make for interesting matches instead of having a second tier where all the lesser players eventually collect and the people aren't as interested in watching.

I find the whole competition a little underwhelming, will often not bother to tune in and just keep an eye on results. Kinda like the group stages of the Champions League in football. No problem with the idea of group stages, it just plays out so slowly. It would have to be my least favourite televised darts competition.

ArmaniJeanss

Devastator wrote: »

I've often thought having 2 leagues running, then doing promotion & relegations. Could have 1(championship) on Wednesday night in slightly smaller venues and premier league on Thursdays

Problem would be if someone they aren't fussed about (say a Newton, Thornton type player) gets into the top division, then plummets down the rankings over the next decade but does enough in the Premier League year in year out not to get relegated. Would spoil the whole concept from Sky/PDCs point of view.

Or conversely the MVG situation. He probably wouldn't have been in the 16 selected last year, so he could only go into the second division under your system despite maybe being world champion.

briany

Deleted User wrote: »

I find the whole competition a little underwhelming, will often not bother to tune in and just keep an eye on results. Kinda like the group stages of the Champions League in football. No problem with the idea of group stages, it just plays out so slowly. It would have to be my least favourite televised darts competition.

Also, because the PL is not a knockout format, matches feel a bit inconsequential week to week for the most part, but the whole thing is a success it would seem having been run for the last 7 years or so. If SKY and the PDC feel it would be mutually beneficial financially, I'd say they'll try some sort of expansion again at some point.

mdwexford

Deleted User wrote: »

I find the whole competition a little underwhelming, will often not bother to tune in and just keep an eye on results. Kinda like the group stages of the Champions League in football. No problem with the idea of group stages, it just plays out so slowly. It would have to be my least favourite televised darts competition.

This is exactly how I feel about the PL.

hufpc8w3adnk65

It will be interesting too see the final line up but i agree the format needs a shake up.

AndyP

According to Tommy Cox there will be a "massive surprise" announced in this years line up.

10 players in changed format

Taylor
Barney
Wade
Lewis
Anderson
Whitlock
Newton
Thornton
Van Gerwen
Hamilton

The players will play each other once and then the bottom two eliminated.

BOHtox

So I presume the longer format will result in 9 games - then the bottom two eliminated
A further round of games( only 7 this time though) - the top 4 qualify
The semi and final in one night.

Any news on the length of games?

The Showstopper

Best of 12 legs I think

Devastator

Great news! Freshen up the format, add more players which means more games to see.

Cant wait for this to kick off...and I got the best tickets for opening night in Belfast

Devastator

The Showstopper wrote: »

Best of 12 legs I think

What makes you think that? Always been best of 14 and no mention of any change on pdc.tv

ArmaniJeanss

Best of 12 per match is confirmed on pdctv now.
http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/12yda5si8tp111igwqnnkagbn3/title/mccoys-premier-league-expanded

I notice the second phase is still only 5 nights, despite everyone playing 7 more games. 28 games in total if its a full second phase, so I guess there'll be 2 or 4 players doubling up each night.

mdwexford

Does say best of 12 on PDC site.

hufpc8w3adnk65

Thank God for this!

shockframe

I would wish the PDC would cancel this tournament instead of increasing the number of players in it.

Its only reason for existing is the money involved.Why not have 2/3 open tournaments on in its place.I might watch the finals nights but other than that would have very little interest in the event.there is nearly a 6 month gap between knockout darts on tv so a new tournament in the vein of a matchplay/grand prix would be welcome between january-june.play it out over a week with 32 players and throw in a players championship event over a weekend you could have crowds somewhere close to a premier league throughout the year maybe.

KevIRL

Gone from bloated to way over bloated now. Lots of games to lose only 2 players.

Will still head along to the 02, but most likely wont end up watching too many of the other nights on the tellybox

mdwexford

Yeah they aren't going to miss out on 15 or 16 nights of packed crowds while darts is this popular.

I'd much rather a few new competitions as well, league games wear thin after a few weeks.

leggo

shockframe wrote: »

I would wish the PDC would cancel this tournament instead of increasing the number of players in it.

Its only reason for existing is the money involved.Why not have 2/3 open tournaments on in its place.I might watch the finals nights but other than that would have very little interest in the event.there is nearly a 6 month gap between knockout darts on tv so a new tournament in the vein of a matchplay/grand prix would be welcome between january-june.play it out over a week with 32 players and throw in a players championship event over a weekend you could have crowds somewhere close to a premier league throughout the year maybe.

For the darts fan: It's a chance to go to a live event and be guaranteed to see the top 10 players in the world (okay don't take that too literally people) in action against each other. And it's guaranteed darts every Thursday on TV. So you get your fix, if you want, but aren't overloaded with Darts either. It keeps the season year-long, too (Snooker can't say the same...disregarding their own Aldi version of the PL. People lose interest unless you do it right).

Plus, if you're not a fan of the tournament...it doesn't mean that much in the grand scheme so you can give it a miss and not miss anything THAT important.

For the PDC and players: money. And then some. And it'll suit all players, too, because all it takes is one good run in the Worlds and they're rolling in it. Most would take those odds.

What's the problem, again?

Max Power

Disappointed to see Hamilton there, not a fan of his at all, no personality and I find it's a chore to watch him throw. Would've loved if Dean Winstanley was in place of him.

BOHtox

FionnMcCool87 wrote: »

Disappointed to see Hamilton there, not a fan of his at all, no personality and I find it's a chore to watch him throw. Would've loved if Dean Winstanley was in place of him.

Would rather Painter myself. Not a great player but a great character, a fan favourite and a great misses! I'd rather Deano to Hamilton though just Painter would probably be my preference

mdwexford

FionnMcCool87 wrote: »

Disappointed to see Hamilton there, not a fan of his at all, no personality and I find it's a chore to watch him throw. Would've loved if Dean Winstanley was in place of him.

Nobody can deny he deserves his place though.

Number 6 in the world, Dean is number 42.

Chisnall was the one a case could be made for, better run in the worlds and he might have gotten in.

Just hope Pipe never gets in, that would be painful viewing every week.

Kingp35

I'm happy that they have changed the format a little bit so at least that makes it a bit more interesting but the Premier League is my least favourite tournament by a long long way so I will still watch most of the games but tbh it's a very underwhelming tournament and simply serves as a way to generate prize money for the proper tournaments.

Devastator

mdwexford wrote: »

Just hope Pipe never gets in, that would be painful viewing every week.

Him & Dennis Ovens..... :eek: Give me a rope!



Fair enough, some people dont like the PL thats there opinion but not everyone can afford to go travel to, pay accomodation & pay tickets/drinks/food etc for the big tournament so the PL offers an ideal way for everyone to get a fix of live darts.

RichieLawlor

Devastator wrote: »

Him & Dennis Ovens..... :eek: Give me a rope!



Fair enough, some people dont like the PL thats there opinion but not everyone can afford to go travel to, pay accomodation & pay tickets/drinks/food etc for the big tournament so the PL offers an ideal way for everyone to get a fix of live darts.

I won't hear a word said against 'The Heat'. Darting icon

Speak Now

RichieLawlor wrote: »

I won't hear a word said against 'The Heat'. Darting icon

Or "The Force"

jonnygiles

scudzilla wrote: »

Can't see Hankey returning for some time, didn't he have a stroke a few weeks ago?

Yeah a "stroke" against Van Gerwen in the GSOD, probably a cover-up story, he wont be playing until the UK Open id say

NeoRox

jonnygiles wrote: »

Yeah a "stroke" against Van Gerwen in the GSOD, probably a cover-up story, he wont be playing until the UK Open id say

Yes a stroke. Why would a professional dart player NOT play for 6-8 weeks when playing darts is what earns him money.:rolleyes:

jonnygiles

NeoRox wrote: »

Yes a stroke. Why would a professional dart player NOT play for 6-8 weeks when playing darts is what earns him money.:rolleyes:

Because he went on stage in that match against Van Gerwen drunk off his face, however Sky sports and his agent wrote out a statement saying he had a stroke and that he is taking time out of the game. You wont be seeing The Count playing for a few months I reckon

leggo

In other news...the moon landing? NEVER happened.

mdwexford

jonnygiles wrote: »

Because he went on stage in that match against Van Gerwen drunk off his face, however Sky sports and his agent wrote out a statement saying he had a stroke and that he is taking time out of the game. You wont be seeing The Count playing for a few months I reckon

Got any proof of this statement?

Kingp35

jonnygiles wrote: »

Because he went on stage in that match against Van Gerwen drunk off his face, however Sky sports and his agent wrote out a statement saying he had a stroke and that he is taking time out of the game. You wont be seeing The Count playing for a few months I reckon

I would prefer if people didn't make wild accusations on this forum with zero evidence to back it up. There is no reason for Sky or Ted's agent to say he had a stroke if he didn't.

Ted has also stated that he will be back in action very soon and will not be retiring.

mackeire

In fairness, his managment came out with 2 different statements in 24 hours.
The first statement said he had a flu or synus problems.

Then they must have realised that this was a stupid excuse so they came out with the stroke thing.

Speak Now

mackeire wrote: »

In fairness, his managment came out with 2 different statements in 24 hours.
The first statement said he had a flu or synus problems.

Then they must have realised that this was a stupid excuse so they came out with the stroke thing.

Or hospital test results came back!