Michael van Gerwen criticizes Premier League Darts format ahead of tournament launch
Michael van Gerwen has voiced strong frustrations regarding the current format of the Premier League Darts as the tournament is set to launch in Newcastle on Thursday, reports BritPanorama.
The Dutch star, a seven-time champion of the competition, believes the existing knockout system has become overly predictable and lacks excitement.
“I didn’t do too well last year but I also don’t like the format to be fair. Sometimes that doesn’t help me,” Van Gerwen stated. He expressed a preference for the previous round-robin structure, which he feels added more variability to the contests.
Since its inception in 2005, the eight-player tournament transitioned from its traditional format to a knockout bracket in January 2022. This year’s competitors include defending champion Luke Humphries, rising star Luke Littler, and newcomer Gian van Veen, as Van Gerwen seeks to secure an eighth title.
Van Gerwen suggested the integration of elements from the old format might enhance the competition, proposing a mix of elimination-style and conventional rounds throughout the season. “You could involve eliminations or split it with this format for a few weeks then the old format again,” he proposed.
His primary concern remains the repetitive matchups. According to Van Gerwen, the current system, where players face the same opponents week after week, diminishes the anticipation surrounding key matches. “Now, all the players play too many games against each other and before people really look forward to a certain week,” he noted.
However, he acknowledged a silver lining for fans, indicating that the format allows spectators to witness new champions emerge weekly. “From the spectator’s point of view, every week they get a little winner because there’s a little tournament each week,” he added.
When the Professional Darts Corporation revealed the new format in 2022, chief executive Matt Porter expressed optimism about revitalizing the competition. He maintained that the changes would ensure every match carries significant weight moving forward.
Though Van Gerwen’s calls for a revised format create ongoing discussion, it remains uncertain if any alterations will be made. As the tournament begins, players and fans alike will be watching closely to assess the impact of the revamped structure.
In the unpredictable realm of sport, Van Gerwen’s candid critiques underline how tradition can clash with innovation, reminding us all that the thrill of competition often lies in its unpredictability.
