What Is 2017 PDC Players Championship 13

Overview

The 2017 PDC Players Championship 13 was the thirteenth of twenty Players Championship events in the 2017 PDC Pro Tour season. It took place on August 12, 2017, at the Barnsley Metrodome in Barnsley, England, drawing a full field of 128 professional darts players.

Organized by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), the event followed a single-elimination format, culminating in a dramatic final where Jamie Lewis claimed his first PDC title. The tournament was part of a broader series offering ranking money and qualification opportunities for major PDC events.

• 128 players competed in a one-day, single-elimination format, progressing through seven rounds to crown a champion.
• The event was held on August 12, 2017, at the Barnsley Metrodome, a regular host venue for PDC events.
• Jamie Lewis won the tournament, defeating Dave Chisnall 6–5 in a sudden-death leg after a 5–5 tie.
• As the winner, Lewis earned £10,000, the largest prize of his career at the time.
• Chisnall, despite reaching the final, had to settle for £4,000 as the runner-up prize.

How It Works

The PDC Players Championship series consists of non-televised, ranking darts events open to PDC tour card holders. These tournaments use a standardized format to ensure competitive balance and consistent progression opportunities.

• Format: The event used a single-elimination bracket with best-of-11 legs matches until the final, which was best-of-11 legs.
• Participants:128 players qualified based on PDC tour card status, including top-ranked professionals and emerging talents.
• Venue Rotation: The PDC rotates venues across the UK; Barnsley was a frequent host due to its central location and fan support.
• Scoring System: Matches were played in a legs format, with players required to finish on a double, following standard PDC rules.
• Ranking Points: Winners earned 10,000 ranking points, contributing to the PDC Order of Merit and qualification for televised events.
• Prize Fund: The total prize pool was £50,000, distributed across the top 32 finishers, with decreasing amounts per round.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five finishers in Players Championship 13 based on performance and earnings:

The tournament highlighted both consistency among top players and opportunities for lower-ranked competitors to earn significant points. While established names like Chisnall and Wade advanced deep, Lewis’s breakthrough victory demonstrated the competitive depth of the PDC circuit.

Why It Matters

Players Championship 13 was a pivotal event for several players, particularly Jamie Lewis, whose first major win boosted his profile and ranking. The tournament also contributed to the broader narrative of the 2017 PDC season, influencing qualification for major events like the World Championship.

• Breakthrough win: Lewis’s victory marked his first PDC title, elevating his confidence and Order of Merit standing.
• Ranking impact: The 10,000 points earned helped Lewis qualify for later televised events.
• Competitive depth: The field included players from 15+ countries, showcasing global talent in the PDC.
• Path to majors: Strong performances in Players Championships helped players qualify for the World Grand Prix and Masters.
• Financial incentive: Even early-round losers earned prize money, supporting full-time professional darts careers.
• Development platform: The event served as a proving ground for emerging players to test against elite competition.

Overall, the 2017 PDC Players Championship 13 exemplified the depth and competitiveness of professional darts, offering both established stars and newcomers a chance to shine on the PDC circuit.