Another European Tour weekend is upon us and, as always, it looks packed with storylines.
Recent ProTour events have produced several surprise runs, emerging stars continue to push towards the elite, while some of the biggest names in world darts are looking to rediscover the consistency that has made them multiple title winners.
Nijman looking every inch a contender
If there is one player arriving with genuine momentum, it has to be Wessel Nijman.
Already sitting fourth in the Q4QS rankings, Nijman arrives after lifting the PDC Slovak title with a superb tournament average of 99.45, including an outstanding 103.80 average in his victory over Rob Cross. Although his most recent Players Championship ended in an early exit, his recent body of work suggests he is becoming one of the most dangerous players on the circuit.
Dobey continues to produce big numbers
Chris Dobey remains one of the most reliable scorers in the game.
An eight wins from his last ten matches highlights his consistency, while a 105.09 match average earlier in the Players Championship series reminded everyone just how explosive "Hollywood" can be. Another quarter-final last time out keeps him firmly among the favourites to go deep once again.
Can Van Gerwen find another title?
Michael van Gerwen's season has perhaps lacked the relentless consistency fans expect from the Dutch legend, but the quality is still there.
His Players Championship victory earlier in the season featured a tournament average of almost 102 and included a 106.57 average in the final against Dirk van Duijvenbode. When MVG finds his rhythm, few players can live with him.
Woodhouse quietly building momentum
Luke Woodhouse may not always dominate the headlines, but his recent form deserves plenty of attention.
Winner of the Baltic Sea Open before reaching the final of Players Championship 24, Woodhouse has won eight of his last ten matches and looks full of confidence heading into another European Tour weekend.
Ross Smith remains a major threat
Ross Smith's scoring power is never in doubt.
A Players Championship title, tournament average above 100 and a remarkable 107 average in one of his recent victories show exactly why nobody will want to face him early in the draw. If his finishing clicks, he has every chance of lifting another title.
Experienced names searching for another big weekend
James Wade, Nathan Aspinall and Stephen Bunting all arrive with reasons for optimism.
Wade continues to produce high-quality performances despite a few frustrating early exits, Aspinall already owns a European Tour title this season and has won seven of his last ten matches, while Bunting has shown flashes of the form that made him one of the most dangerous players earlier this year.
Keep an eye on the next generation
The European Tour continues to provide opportunities for younger players to announce themselves.
Sebastian Bialecki arrives after Development Tour success, while Gian van Veen continues to impress after another recent semi-final run. Wessel Nijman is already proving he belongs among the game's elite, and several younger stars look capable of making another statement this weekend.
Dark horses
Every European Tour seems to produce one or two surprise packages.
Kevin Doets continues to produce excellent averages and remains capable of beating anyone on his day. Mickey Mansell comes into the weekend after another quarter-final run, while Joe Cullen has quietly put together some encouraging performances despite not yet making a major breakthrough.
My players to watch
If I had to pick six players most likely to make a serious impact this weekend, they would be:
Wessel Nijman
Chris Dobey
Michael van Gerwen
Luke Woodhouse
Ross Smith
Nathan Aspinall
With established champions, in-form outsiders and several rising stars all capable of winning on the European Tour, Event 10 promises another fascinating weekend. Recent form suggests there are plenty of genuine contenders, and I wouldn't be surprised if another fresh name finds themselves lifting the trophy on Sunday.
