Preview: World Series of Darts
This week marks the finals of the World Series of Darts in Amsterdam. Michael van Gerwen will defend his title on home soil. Belgian player Dimitri Van den Bergh is also among the participants. Read everything you need to know about this thrilling tournament below.
World Series of Darts
The World Series of Darts is a series of tournaments organized by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). Events held across eight different locations worldwide. The series kicked off in January in Bahrain. After stops in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, New York, Copenhagen, Gliwice, Wollongong, and Hamilton, the players have now arrived in Amsterdam for the finals. In AFAS Live, 32 players will compete for the coveted top prize.
The inaugural edition of the World Series of Darts was held in 2013. Two events were featured: the Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters and the Sydney Darts Masters. The popularity of the sport and the tournament has grown significantly since then. Since the announcement of the World Series of Darts Finals in 2015, players accumulate points based on their performances in the tournaments. The top eight players with the most points automatically qualify for the Finals. The remaining spots are filled by qualified players and PDC invitations.
This year, the tournament’s lineup has expanded from 24 to 32 players. Eleven players were invited by the PDC. The others qualified based on the World Series Order of Merit and the PDC Order of Merit. The first matches will take place on Friday, September 13. The final match is scheduled for Sunday, September 15.
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Favorites
While Michael van Gerwen enters the tournament as the defending champion, he has yet to secure a PDC title in recent months. His last victory in a PDC tournament came in January, when he defeated Luke Littler in the final of the Dutch Darts Masters. The Dutchman, nicknamed “MVG” or “Mighty Mike,” boasts an impressive track record in the World Series of Darts. He holds the record for the most finals appearances and wins in this prestigious tournament. Currently ranked third in the world, Van Gerwen will be determined to shine in front of his home crowd and defend his title.
World number one Luke Humphries is currently in top form. He secured his latest triumph on August 17, claiming his first World Series title. This recent success boosts his confidence heading into the tournament. Just a month prior, Humphries eliminated Dimitri Van den Bergh in the quarterfinals of the World Matchplay. Known for his calm demeanor, Humphries, also known as “Cool Hand Luke,” is one of the top contenders to dethrone Van Gerwen.
Belgium’s sole participant, Dimitri Van den Bergh, has had a mixed season. He has yet to claim a World Series of Darts title this year, and his most recent disappointment came during the Flanders Darts Trophy, the tenth tournament of the European Tour, where he was knocked out early in front of his home crowd. Despite these setbacks, Van den Bergh remains a formidable opponent. His energetic playing style always makes him a threat, and this tournament presents an opportunity to turn his season around.
In addition to these three big names, several other players are worth keeping an eye on. Wales’ Gerwyn Price, nicknamed “The Iceman,” could be a potential surprise, as could Jonny Clayton and Nathan Aspinall. Both have proven their ability to handle the pressure of major tournaments and are considered strong contenders.
AFAS Live
AFAS Live has become a staple venue on the World Series of Darts calendar. With a capacity of around 6,000 spectators, the home-court advantage could once again play a significant role for Michael van Gerwen. The Dutch crowd is known for its unwavering support of their darts players, and this could provide a boost for Van Gerwen as he aims to defend his title.
Magic Betting Live
Want to make this tournament even more exciting? Check out the Magic Betting App or visit the website for the best online sports betting opportunities. Be sure to take advantage of various promotions. Try your luck and win!
