While most players are currently in New Zealand and Australia, next month welcomes the latest major Darts tourney when the Champions League of Darts makes its return to Cardiff. The lineup for the event was recently announced and will be begin in the Welsh capital on 16th of September.
Details of the Unibet Champions League of Darts Lineup
There are no real shocks in the lineup with reigning champion Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor once again involved, allowing him to resume his rivalry with Michael van Gerwen, who will inevitably be the favourite. The pair fell out during last month’s World Matchplay — also won by Taylor — and haven’t attended an event together since.
Also making an appearance in Wales next month will be Raymond van Barneveld, Dave Chisnall and Mensur Suljovic, all of whom will be making their debuts in the Cardiff event. Barney will play in Group A alongside Taylor, MVG and Adrian ‘Jackpot’ Lewis, while Group B will host Chizzy, Suljovic plus Scottish pair Peter ‘Snakebite’ Wright and Gary Anderson.
Anderson will be looking for an upturn in form, as the World number two hasn’t posted a very successful season so far. His loss of form was again made apparent last week in Auckland when he went out on day one in an event won by Aussie namesake Kyle Anderson. This weekend, players are in Melbourne with Gary ‘The Flying Scotsman’ Anderson installed as a pre-tournament favourite of 5/2 at bet365. We shall see what shape he is in when the tour resumes in Perth next week.
Much the same can be said for van Barneveld who was eliminated in Melbourne on Friday by 22-year-old Aussie starlet Coady Cadby — available at 8/1 with Betway if you’re speedy.
Back in Cardiff, the BBC have announced a new deal with the PDC to broadcast the event for the next three years following last year’s inaugural BBC-televised tournament from which Taylor emerged victorious.
Following his success in the World Matchplay, Taylor rose to fourth on the PDC Order of Merit leading to his allocation in Group A for this year’s Champions League.
For Welsh fans of Taylor, who is due to retire at the end of the season, the Champions League will provide one last chance to see the 32-time World and Matchplay Champion in competitive action. Prices won’t be available for a week or two yet, so watch this space for more information.
Ante-Post prices up for World Championship
For those needing their Darts betting fix in the meantime, satisfy yourself with early, ante-post prices on the World Championships, which is being held this Christmas. Naturally, Mighty Mike VG is the odds-on favourite at 4/6 although Sky Bet are running a three-year long special on the Dutchman winning the next three Championships, worth 11/4 right now.
Gary Anderson is at 6s and Snakebite at 7s, while Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor has been brought right in to 8’s following his Matchplay success in Blackpool. All these prices are currently available at SkyBet where new customers can enjoy a £20 free bet when they sign-up, deposit and wager £5.
This returning promotion is open to players from all countries but deposits made via Skrill and Neteller are excluded.
Unibet Champions League of Darts field
Group A
Michael van Gerwen
Phil Taylor
Adrian Lewis
Raymond van Barneveld
Group B
Gary Anderson
Peter Wright
Dave Chisnall
Mensur Suljovic