PDC's Matt Porter Discusses Premier League Darts Future and Smith's Rise

Current Premier League Darts Format

Matt Porter, the Chief Executive of PDC, has described the current format of Premier League Darts as "solid", though he hinted at the introduction of some new ideas in the near future. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Porter reflected on potential changes and discussed the chances of Ross Smith's entry into the league, alongside Michael van Gerwen's uncertain future.

The Premier League Darts, launched in 2005 and exclusively aired on Sky Sports, has seen numerous adjustments to its format over the years. Most recently, in 2022, the format was simplified to include just eight players, with a winner declared each week.

Structure of the Competition

This latest setup features a mini-tournament each of the 16 league nights, comprising quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final. Participants accumulate points, vital for their standings. The winner of each night earns five points, while the runner-up takes home three. The semi-final losers get two points each, and those eliminated in the quarter-finals walk away empty-handed.

The 2021 format was markedly different, featuring ten players in a round-robin setup where each contestant competed in one match per night. The bottom two players were eliminated after nine weeks, a crucial event dubbed "Judgement Night". The remaining players then continued for seven additional weeks, ultimately leading to the top four playoff spots.

“I think the current format is working well,” Porter stated. “The audience gets to watch top players compete week in and week out, which enhances live attendance and keeps television viewers engaged. In previous formats, attendance would drop as the evening progressed, which is something we aim to avoid.”

Innovations on the Horizon

Even with the established format, Porter recognized the necessity of keeping things fresh. He noted that the Premier League format has evolved through its two-decade history and will continue to adapt. He mentioned that PDC is exploring new concepts that will be unveiled at the appropriate time.

Porter remarked: "We understand that we can't please everyone, but as long as the community is discussing it, we're on the right track."

As for player inclusion, Ross Smith is making headlines for his impressive performance, particularly following his triumph at the Machineseeker European Championship, where he claimed his second TV major title of the year.

Ross Smith's Rising Stature

Smith has positioned himself among the elite after defeating Martin Schindler 11-8 in the final in Dortmund. This victory marks his second European Championship win, adding to his success at the World Series Finals in September. As a result, he now ranks sixth in the PDC Order of Merit.

Additionally, his consistent performances on the European Tour have seen him earn multiple titles. Following the World Darts Championship, the top four players in the PDC Order of Merit will automatically qualify for the Premier League, supplemented by four additional wildcards to complete the eight-player lineup.

“Ross has had an outstanding year,” Porter noted. “His past performances may have fallen short at times, but he's now consistently reaching the latter stages of tournaments, proving he's capable of competing with the best.”

Michael van Gerwen's Challenges

Meanwhile, the seven-time Premier League champion Michael van Gerwen is witnessing one of his toughest seasons yet. The 37-year-old player has struggled to progress beyond the opening rounds of tournaments, marking his highest number of first-round exits in a single season since the European Tour's inception.

Despite his difficulties, Porter emphasized van Gerwen's commitment and believes he will bounce back. “His track record speaks volumes,” Porter asserted. “Though it's been a tough year for him, he remains dedicated to the tour, and I am confident he will find his form again.”

As PDC prepares for future events, including the Grand Slam of Darts and the World Darts Championship, fans continue to anticipate the thrilling action that the Premier League Darts will bring in the coming seasons.