What Is 2017 PDC Players Championship 22

Overview

The 2017 PDC Players Championship 22 was the twenty-second event in the PDC Pro Tour series that year, part of a broader calendar of non-televised darts tournaments. Held on September 30, 2017, the event attracted top-tier players from around the world competing for ranking points and prize money.

Located at the Barnsley Metrodome in Barnsley, England, the tournament followed a single-elimination format with matches played in a best-of-11 legs format until the later stages. The event contributed to the overall Players Championship Order of Merit, influencing qualification for year-end championships.

• 128 players participated in the tournament, including top-ranked professionals and emerging talents from the PDC circuit.
• The winner, Dave Chisnall, secured the title by defeating Michael Smith 6–4 in a tightly contested final.
• Prize fund totaled £100,000, with the champion receiving £10,000, a standard amount for Players Championship events in 2017.
• The event was part of a busy Pro Tour schedule that included 36 Players Championship events throughout the year.
• Adrian Lewis reached the quarter-finals, while James Wade and Benito van de Pas advanced to the semi-finals.

How It Works

Players Championship events are part of the PDC Pro Tour, designed to give players consistent competitive opportunities outside televised majors. These tournaments use standardized rules and formats to ensure fairness and consistency across events.

• Format: Matches were played in a best-of-11 legs format until the semi-finals, which switched to best-of-19 legs. The final was a best-of-11 legs match.
• Entry: All Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) tour card holders were eligible, with 128 players competing in a single-elimination bracket.
• Venue: The Barnsley Metrodome hosted the event, a regular venue for Players Championship events due to its central location and darts-friendly facilities.
• Scoring: Each leg required a double finish, and players used standard three-dart turns with a maximum possible score of 180 per turn.
• Prize Distribution: The winner earned £10,000, with decreasing amounts down to the last 32 players who each received £250.
• Order of Merit: Points earned contributed to the Players Championship rankings, influencing qualification for the Players Championship Finals.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key aspects of Players Championship 22 to other major PDC events in 2017:

While Players Championship events like PC22 offer lower prize money than televised majors, they are crucial for maintaining form and earning ranking points. The consistency of format and structure across the 36 events in 2017 allowed players to track progress throughout the season.

Why It Matters

Players Championship 22 was more than just another tournament—it played a strategic role in the broader PDC ecosystem. Success in these events could determine qualification for year-end finals and influence seeding in larger tournaments.

• Dave Chisnall's win boosted his confidence and ranking, helping him secure a spot in the 2017 Players Championship Finals.
• Consistent performance across Players Championships allowed players to climb the Order of Merit and gain entry to televised events.
• The event provided valuable match practice for players outside the spotlight, helping refine skills under pressure.
• For fans, these events offered affordable live darts with top players competing in intimate venues like Barnsley.
• Organizers benefited from predictable scheduling, with 36 events held across the UK and Europe throughout the year.
• Players Championship 22 highlighted the depth of talent in the PDC, with over 100 unique players competing across the series.

Ultimately, the 2017 PDC Players Championship 22 exemplified the competitive depth and structured professionalism that defines modern darts, contributing to the sport's growing global appeal.