Premier League Darts: Five Famous Moments

Premier League Darts is back. Thursday night will see the 2020 competition get underway and darts fans from all over the United Kingdom will be tuning in to watch their favourite stars in action.

Can 2019 winner Michael van Gerwen claim his sixth Premier League title this year or will newly crowned PDC world champion Peter Wright shock the Dutchman once again? Only time will tell…

For now, let’s take a trip down memory lane and look at some of the famous darts moments in Premier League history. Fingers crossed for more famous matches in 2020 – it could be a tournament to remember.

Adrian Lewis vs James Wade (2012)

Lewis and Wade have had their fair share of disagreements over the years but this was on another level. Having played in the PDC World Championship less than three months prior to the start of the Premier League, this was always going to be a feisty affair.

With Lewis leading 7-5, Wade raised an unusual complaint with the match referee. The two-time World Grand Prix champion claimed that Lewis was deliberately stamping on a loose floorboard in an attempt to distract him while throwing at the oche.

Wade and Lewis clashed on stage but the latter held on to close out a memorable Premier League Darts success.

Peter Wright vs Michael van Gerwen (2014)

Having reached the 2014 World Championship final, Wright was relatively new to the big stage and he was determined to make an impact on the Premier League. Adopting his usual showman tactics, his attempt to wind Van Gerwen up was clear from the start.

There was a wry smile from Van Gerwen, one of the best ever darts players, and it would be the Dutchman who had the last laugh as he claimed a 7-5 victory in Dublin. However, the bad blood between these players is still clear for all to see.

Wright stated afterwards that he didn’t care about Van Gerwen disapproving of his tactics and that he would avenge that defeat in their next encounter.

Michael van Gerwen vs Michael Smith (2016)

Van Gerwen averaged 123.40 against Smith in the 2016 Premier League campaign – to this day it remains the best average in the competition’s history. In fact, 123.40 is the highest ever darts average recorded at a televised event.

Had the Dutchman hit double 18 in the seventh leg, he would have clinched a 7-0 victory while averaging more than 133. Instead, Smith claimed a consolation leg before Van Gerwen finally put an end to his misery in the eighth leg of the match.

Van Gerwen’s exploits that night eclipsed every performance we’ve ever seen in the Premier League. The Dutchman will be a popular pick in darts betting markets for 2020.

Peter Wright vs Michael van Gerwen (2017)

Trailing 7-2 after nine legs, it looked like the writing was on the wall for Van Gerwen. Wright had the Dutchman exactly where he wanted him and it looked like the Scottish player was about to claim his first Premier League Darts title.

However, Van Gerwen had other ideas. The Dutchman started to reduce the deficit and was within one leg of Wright – the Scot then missed six match darts and the momentum was well and truly with Van Gerwen.

From there, Van Gerwen looked destined for victory. As Wright collapsed, the Dutchman got stronger and a 12-dart finish in the final leg was enough to record a famous comeback.

Raymond van Barneveld vs Michael van Gerwen (2018)

Van Barneveld defeated Simon Whitlock in his first Premier League outing at Rotterdam but it was his victory in the ‘Dutch Derby’ with Van Gerwen that really sticks in the memory. To this day, it remains an iconic Premier League Darts moment.

Even against his compatriot, the five-time world champion had the backing of the crowd and Van Barneveld duly obliged with a near-perfect performance to down his rival. Barney himself admitted that this result was a career highlight.

Now retired, we won’t be seeing Van Barneveld in action during the 2020 Premier League Darts campaign. However, we’re sure he will be taking a keen interest in darts tips during the tournament.

 

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Tom Hevezi / AP Photo*

February 5, 2020
Darts

By Alex McMahon

Alex McMahon Sport
Body

Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.

He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.

As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible. 
 

Alex McMahon
factcheck
Off
hidemainimage
show
Hide sidebar
show
Fullwidth Page
Off
News Article
Off

Combined XI: London Clubs

The Premier League always has plenty of London clubs. The tally has been more than the current total of five, but that’s still ample opportunity for London derbies throughout the 38-match season.

Arsenal and Tottenham are having difficult seasons, Chelsea are in transition. Crystal Palace and West Ham are looking to avoid relegation. Picking a combined XI isn’t easy – there aren’t many locks as there would have been in previous years.

Here is our combined London XI, set up in a 4-3-3…

Hugo Lloris

A tricky one, this. Bernd Leno and Lukasz Fabianski gave Hugo Lloris a push for this spot, but the World Cup winner and long-time Spurs number one just edges out the Arsenal man in this All-London team.

https://www.888sport.com/blog/football-prediction

Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga, despite being the most expensive goalkeeper in history, is nowhere near consideration. The Spaniard’s advanced numbers are among the worst in the league and he was dropped by Frank Lampard at the weekend.

Reece James

Serge Aurier has improved under Jose Mourinho, but the errors remain. Cesar Azpilicueta has the track record. Ryan Fredericks is promising. Reece James not only has the upside, he’s the best of the lot at the moment, too.

James combines his supreme all-round athleticism with Alexander-Arnold-level creativity in the final third. Still raw defensively, his pace and strength allow him to compensate for the occasional lapses in concentration. James is going right to the very top.

Issa Diop

The centre-back positions were competitive, but not because of a high standard. Issa Diop takes the first place despite West Ham sitting in the relegation zone with one of the worst defensive records in the league.

The 23-year-old has been linked to Chelsea and Manchester United in the past, and few of the experienced heads have impressed this season.

Toby Alderweireld

The Belgian’s form has been below par for a couple of seasons, but with a new contract signed, Alderweireld has improved notably under Mourinho.

His place in this team is still reliant on the low standard of competition as much as his own displays. Antonio Rudiger was the closest competitor for a centre-back place, and an argument could have been made for Arsenal’s Sokratis.

Kieran Tierney

Possibly the weakest position in the XI, Kieran Tierney gets the nod at left-back despite playing just 299 Premier League minutes this season. Tierney excelled at Celtic and away from Aaron Cresswell, there’s very little competition.

Azpilicueta belongs on the right, Patrick van Aanholt cannot be relied on defensively and Danny Rose has moved to Newcastle. It remains to be seen if Ryan Sessegnon becomes a Premier League left-back.

Mateo Kovacic

The difference between Mateo Kovacic last season and this is stark. Kovacic has been sensational under Frank Lampard, spreading the play from the six position or drifting past opposing midfielders as an eight.

Kovacic’s form has been so great, in fact, he beats N’Golo Kante into this team. The Frenchman has started to come under pressure due to the Croatian’s performances – Kovacic was the first-choice central midfielder for our XI.

Giovani Lo Celso

It’s a small sample since becoming a regular starter, but Giovani Lo Celso has been excellent. Tanguy Ndombele was in contention for this spot too, and a case could have been made for Lucas Torreira alongside Kovacic.

Lo Celso’s recent impact just gives him the edge. It’s not a perfect balance, forcing Kovacic to play as the deepest in this midfield trio, but both are deserving.

Dele Alli

One of the best midfielders in the Premier League when on form, Dele Alli has been rejuvenated under Mourinho. The England international has the experience over Mason Mount and delivers more consistently than Mesut Ozil.

Alli is playing his way into Gareth Southgate’s XI for the Euros. He’ll be able to support the front three in this side, as he has been since Mourinho took over.

Heung-min Son

Once underrated, every watcher of the Premier League knows how good Heung-min Son is now. The former Leverkusen forward has contributed to 14 Premier League goals this season in just 19 starts.

Son has been particularly key for Spurs in Harry Kane’s absence, sharing the line-leading load with Lucas Moura. He was the easiest pick of the front three.

Tammy Abraham

Tammy Abraham started this season on fire. The goal-scoring has slowed down a little, but the England international remains absolutely crucial to Chelsea and his link-up play has been superb.

As it stands, he’s England’s number nine in the Euros. Abraham has proven he’s a more than capable centre forward for a Champions League team – he could be Chelsea’s main man for the next decade.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

It was tempting to slot Wilfried Zaha into the front three ahead of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Aubameyang’s goal-scoring record is too impressive to ignore, however, earning him the place on the opposite flank from Son.

With Christian Pulisic, Nicolas Pepe, Felipe Anderson and a few others involved, the forward positions are the strongest in London at the moment.

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Frank Augstein / AP Photo*

June 24, 2023
Premier League
Body

Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.

He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.

Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.

Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.

Sam Cox
factcheck
Off
hidemainimage
show
Hide sidebar
show
Fullwidth Page
Off
News Article
Off

How Can The ICC Help The State Of Test Cricket?

The health of Test cricket is an omnipresent worry. Immediate highlight packages, social media reaction and the lure of sports with quicker, brasher entertainment, raise questions about the place of the eldest format of cricket.

As the NBA share viral videos of earth-shaking dunks and white-ball tournaments show the latest ingenious switch or scoop, the marketability of a 120-ball 45 not out in a Test match is limited.

Barring knocks like Ben Stokes’ 135 not out at Headingley, it is a format going against the trajectory of modern society.

That’s not to say it is dying. Test cricket has always been unique, matches reliant on tactics rather than fireworks, important contributions not always evident on the scorecard.

Packed Ashes crowds, and constant sell outs in England, don’t paint an accurate picture of the health of Test cricket.

In general, empty rows are more common than packed stands. England’s Test series in South Africa showed this as well as any – the crowds were mediocre and dominated by England supporters.

The price of tickets puts some off. Plenty won’t be able to, or will not want to, take a day off work to go to a Test match. Given the choice between a day at the Test and an ODI or T20, fans are preferring the white-ball experience.

Altering Test cricket to chase crowds doesn’t make sense. Even significant changes will not make it more than a casual Sunday afternoon stroll compared to the 100-metre sprint of other sports.

Test cricket is a grind, it’s slow-paced, it’s a thinking game. Twisting the essence of the format serves no purpose (not to mention, it would alienate many of the current fans). The format is niche, and that should be embraced by the ICC.

Crowds are massive in England and Australia – the Boxing Day Test between Australia and New Zealand had a record-breaking attendance. Elsewhere the picture is less pretty.

Funding

There’s been a vicious cycle. The money isn’t in Test cricket. Players and authorities have focused on white-ball matches, and the standard has dropped off as a result.

One-sided Test matches do not attract crowds – if anything, they turn people away from the sport. There are far too many Tests with no intrigue.

The Indian Premier League is a model that other nations have tried to copy and paste. The Big Bash had early success, but even their attendances are dwindling. These leagues have been a cash machine for Test cricket.

While that approach has merit, they are failing; South Africa’s attempt could not get support, Bangladesh experienced problems aplenty, players went on strike in Canada, Pakistan’s version has disgruntled team owners

South Africans are turning down Test cricket for the financial security of Kolpak deals. Others are developing their game for big IPL contracts. Being a Test player isn’t a lucrative career path.

The ICC have a responsibility to share the money in the game more equally. A balance is there to be had between revenue generation from white-ball, six-hitting frenzies, and keeping the best players in the world motivated to play the longest format.

Teams outside the big three need greater monetary support. Crowds are not going to turn up for Test matches in the West Indies and South Africa when their teams are losing their best players and cannot compete.

Improvement Of Test Championship

The ICC introduced the Test Championship to add relevance to every match. The concept has the right aim, but the application is a mess.

Point-scoring is inexplicable. Winning a match in a five-match series is worth less than winning a match in a two-match series. It is dauntingly complicated for cricket devotees, let alone casual fans.

What could have been a boost has quickly become a sideshow, thanks to a scoring system so disorientating that only a handful have the energy to care.

Some teams play more Tests than others. Making the scoring fair required something to accommodate that fact, but the way it has worked out with an Ashes Test match being worth less in the Test Championship than most other matches is peculiar.

The idea to give context to Tests and remove them from the vacuum they have been played in, is rooted in sensible thinking.

With the duration of the Championship, though, it risks being a formality, with the richest teams once again flourishing. How does that help interest fans of Sri Lanka, West Indies and Bangladesh?

Expanding the knockout stage to a last four would open the tournament up. At least one non-big-three nation would make the last four, and anything could happen in a knockout.

Or, of course, that could be changed to a four-team round-robin with the top teams getting to choose whether to bat or bowl first rather than having a coin toss.

There’s a lot of work to be done before the Test Championship is more than a gimmick. Maybe that will change as we get closer to the final.

The Objective

The goal for Test cricket should be to retain the best players and maintain its status as the pinnacle of the sport.

Selling out day after day isn’t a realistic aim outside of Australia and England – that’s okay. Tests will always be comparatively niche but holding onto that status isn’t a foregone conclusion.

The longest format needs to remain at the forefront of thinking for young cricket fans. Test series need to keep at least a passing interest from the new generation of cricket fans to avoid being entirely bankrolled by white-ball revenue.

Chasing the dollars, rupees and pounds is understandably tempting. More series between Australia, England and India isn’t the answer.

For cricket, and particularly Test cricket, to flourish into the 2020s and beyond, becoming a worldwide game should be the priority.

T20s and ODIs are an important part of growing the sport, and a gateway to fandom for many. It is the diversity of cricket that makes it such a unique sport, though, the fact that the formats are so different, but ultimately the same.

The players and teams that can excel across all three will always be the greatest of all.

Test cricket isn’t dying. It’s at risk. No one – not even the big three – benefits long-term from resource inequality, which is the biggest threat to the five-day game. Addressing that is the ICC’s greatest challenge.

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Themba Hadebe / AP Photo*

February 4, 2020
Cricket
Body

Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.

He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.

Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.

Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.

Sam Cox
factcheck
Off
hidemainimage
show
Hide sidebar
show
Fullwidth Page
Off
News Article
Off