So the 2016 European Darts Championships is almost upon us and every dart is live on ITV 4. The tournament has gone through some wholesale changes this year, a bigger prize pool and the qualifying places determined on the PDC European Tour Order of merit, meaning that only money won the internet streamed events contributes towards qualification.
This has led to some big names missing out on the £100,000 top prize on offer in Hasselt. Adrian ‘Jackpot’ Lewis and Raymond van Barneveld have failed to qualify for the tournament after not competing in a large number of these European tour events, opting instead to play on the exhibition circuit.
People have been saying that this means that the system determining places for the competition is poor and weakens the tournament. I say “nonsense”, the players knew when they didn’t play in these events that they’re jeopardising their chances in playing in this tournament. ‘Barney’ panicked and played in one event, making a semi-final and thought that it was see him through. That negligence sees him missing out on his first PDC major since 2006.
Adrian Lewis, a man who won this tournament in 2013 and been a finalist twice prior, his absence is even more baffling considering the fact as World Number 3 and an increasing prize pool, a good tournament for either Phil Taylor, Peter Wright or both could see ‘Ade’ fall down the rankings. What Adrian also forgets is Phil is only defending a second round loss in this tournament meaning that he is more than likely going to gain money and makes his chances of catapulting up the rankings again a boost.
But for those who have missed out, it is a chance for those players who play in every tournament and having to pay out as much as they can afford to play in these tournament, the numerous sacrifices are paid dividence. One example is that of Devon Petersen, who has moved from his family in South Africa and risking everything to play on the PDC Pro tour week in, week out, his hardwork has paid off. He played in every European tour event this year and by doing this and picking the odd result here and there saw the ‘Spartan’ qualify for the tournament and will play Mervyn King in the first round on Friday.
Henry Deacon Media 