London (AP) – World Cup start in Alexandra Palace: Today (8 p.m. / Sport1 and DAZN) the Darts World Cup begins in London.
Before the opening day with world champion Gerwyn Price, the German press agency answers the most important questions about the most important darts tournament of the year:
How is the game mode?
There are a total of 96 players. The best 32 players are set for the second round. There is no play on Christmas Eve, the two Christmas holidays and New Year’s Eve. The final will be held on January 3rd. In contrast to most other darts tournaments, the World Cup is played in set mode. In the earlier rounds three sets have to be won, in the final there are seven. In order to win a set, the players need three legs, i.e. three rounds in which they can get from 501 points to zero with as few arrows as possible. At least nine darts are required for this. The nine-darter is very difficult, but there have already been a few of them at the World Cup.
Who is the favorite to win?
For many experts, last year’s winner Gerwyn Price from Wales is once again one of the top favorites this year. Despite a comparatively bad year, the Dutchman Michael van Gerwen is mentioned again and again, as is the Scot Peter Wright. Wright lost to the German Gabriel Clemens last year. Welsh Jonny Clayton is also one of the favorites, he had a strong year.
Which Germans are there?
Germany is represented by four players. In addition to the best player in the ranking, Gabriel Clemens (placed 25th), there are also Martin Schindler, Florian Hempel and 16-year-old Fabian Schmutzler. Hempel and Schindler play against each other on Sunday – so at least two Germans are in the second round of the tournament.
Are there women again?
With Lisa Ashton and Fallon Sherrock, two women are qualified for the World Cup. The Dutchman Ron Meulenkamp is waiting for Ashton, Sherrock is up against the British veteran Steve Beaton. For Beaton it is already the 31st World Cup in a row. Sherrock has a better chance of progressing and is even considered an easy favorite.
Which other players should you keep an eye on?
One of the most popular players with fans in London is “Darts Grandpa” Paul Lim. The 67-year-old player from Singapore will start the tournament on Friday evening. The five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld is back after his retirement, which has already been announced. The 54-year-old will have his first game on Monday next week – should “Barney” win it, the Englishman Rob Cross will be waiting and a difficult task in the second round.
Can fans be there?
In London’s Alexandra Palace, also known as “Ally Pally” by fans, viewers are permitted under the 3G rule. The fans must therefore be vaccinated against the coronavirus, recovered from an infection or tested negative on a daily basis. The world association PDC expects more than 80,000 fans during the World Cup.
How much is the prize money?
The tournament is endowed with 2.5 million pounds, that’s a little over 2.9 million euros. The winner will receive half a million pounds, around 585,000 euros.
–
