Germany Hosts A Rare Opportunity As Many Of The Biggest Names Sit Out
The PDC ProTour heads to Germany this week for Players Championships 25 and 26, but these two floor events have a very different feel to normal.
An extraordinary 20 Tour Card holders are absent, including world champion Luke Littler, world number one Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen's recent rivals Gerwyn Price, Nathan Aspinall, Rob Cross, Stephen Bunting, Jonny Clayton, Josh Rock, James Wade, Gary Anderson and many more.
That creates one of the most open Players Championship events of the season.
With so many established stars missing, there is a huge opportunity for the next generation of players, ProTour regulars and in-form outsiders to make a deep run and collect valuable ranking money.
A Huge Opportunity
Normally a Players Championship features virtually every elite player on the tour.
This week is different.
With nearly a quarter of the leading Tour Card holders absent, players who may usually expect to meet a top-eight seed in the later rounds suddenly find the draw looking considerably kinder.
History shows these are often the events where careers can change. One title or one semi-final can dramatically improve a player's ranking, confidence and qualification prospects heading towards the televised majors.
Players To Watch
Wessel Nijman
Nijman arrives as one of the form players on the circuit.
His recent victory in the PDC Slovak event came with a superb 99.45 tournament average, including an outstanding 103.80 average in an 8-3 victory over Rob Cross. He has also already won a Players Championship this season and remains one of the most dangerous scorers in the field.
Chris Dobey
Dobey may start as one of the favourites.
He reached the quarter-finals of Players Championship 24 and has produced several 100+ averages during recent ProTour events. His scoring remains among the very best on tour and the absence of several elite names strengthens his chances further.
Michael van Gerwen
Van Gerwen remains capable of winning any floor event despite a mixed few months.
His Players Championship 15 victory earlier this season came with a tournament average approaching 102, while he also recorded a stunning 122.34 average in one of his recent matches. If he finds his rhythm early, few players will want to face him.
Gabriel Clemens
Few players arrive with more confidence.
The German delighted home supporters by winning Players Championship 24, defeating Brendan Dolan and Luke Woodhouse during another excellent week. Returning to Germany immediately afterwards could make him one of the most dangerous players in the draw.
Kevin Doets
The Dutchman continues to threaten a major breakthrough.
He has already produced 100+ averages this season and has shown he can beat established names on the ProTour. Consistency remains the key, but his ceiling is extremely high.
Andrew Gilding
"Goldfinger" continues to quietly collect excellent results.
Recent victories over Michael van Gerwen and Luke Woodhouse demonstrate the level he is capable of producing, while his experience could prove invaluable in an unpredictable field.
Dark Horses
Several players could spring a surprise this week.
- Sebastian Bialecki continues to impress after Development Tour success.
- Cristo Reyes recently reached a Players Championship final.
- Owen Bates arrives full of confidence after reaching the UKDA National Finals final.
- Daniel Ayres has produced several deep runs across ADC and PDC events.
- Tommy Morris has already shown he can beat established professionals.
- Cam Crabtree continues to develop into one of the most exciting young players outside the elite.
Who Could Benefit Most?
With so many elite players missing, these events offer a genuine chance for someone to take the next step.
Don't be surprised if a player outside the world's top 32 reaches the final—or even lifts the trophy.
The ProTour has a habit of creating new stars, and Players Championships 25 and 26 could easily produce another breakthrough winner.
My Prediction
If the draw opens up as expected, I expect Wessel Nijman, Chris Dobey and Michael van Gerwen to be among the leading contenders.
However, if I had to pick one player to continue his momentum, Gabriel Clemens looks an excellent bet after lifting the Players Championship 24 title and now returning to home soil full of confidence.
