What Is 2017 PDC Players Championship 3

Overview

The 2017 PDC Players Championship 3 was the third of 20 darts tournaments in the PDC Pro Tour that year, organized by the Professional Darts Corporation. Held on March 18, 2017, it attracted a large field of professional players competing for ranking points and prize money.

This event was part of the Players Championships series, which consists of unseeded, single-day events open to all PDC Tour Card holders. The tournament followed a straight knockout format with matches played in a best-of-11 legs format until the later rounds.

• 134 players participated in the event, including top-ranked professionals and emerging talents from around the world.
• The tournament was held at the Barnsley Metrodome in Barnsley, England, a regular venue for PDC events.
• Matches in the early rounds were played as best-of-11 legs, increasing in length for the final stages.
• Dave Chisnall claimed his second Players Championship title of 2017 with a dramatic 6–5 win over Michael Smith.
• The winner received £10,000 in prize money, while the runner-up earned £5,000, with decreasing amounts for earlier exits.

How It Works

The PDC Players Championship events are structured to give all Tour Card holders equal opportunity to compete, regardless of world ranking. These tournaments are critical for maintaining or improving a player’s standing on the PDC Order of Merit.

• Single-Day Format: The entire tournament is completed in one day, requiring players to be ready for multiple matches under tight scheduling.
• Unseeded Draw: All players enter a random draw, meaning top players can face each other in early rounds.
• Knockout Structure: Losers are eliminated immediately, creating high-pressure conditions throughout the event.
• Best-of-11 Legs: Early rounds use this format; later rounds may extend to best-of-15 or best-of-19 legs.
• Prize Distribution: The winner earns £10,000, with £5,000 for second place, £3,000 for third, and smaller amounts down to last 32.
• Order of Merit Impact: Prize money earned contributes directly to the PDC’s ranking system, influencing qualification for major events.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key aspects of the 2017 PDC Players Championship 3 with other similar events in the Pro Tour series:

While the Players Championship events offer smaller prize pools compared to televised majors, they are essential for consistent performers. The unseeded nature of these tournaments often leads to surprising results, as seen when Chisnall defeated higher-ranked opponents en route to victory.

Why It Matters

The 2017 PDC Players Championship 3 played a significant role in shaping the season’s competitive landscape, influencing rankings and player momentum. These consistent events ensure that form and consistency are rewarded throughout the year.

• Dave Chisnall’s back-to-back wins in Players Championships 2 and 3 solidified his status as a top contender in 2017.
• Players earning points here improved their ProTour rankings, affecting qualification for televised events.
• The unseeded draw allowed lesser-known players to gain exposure by defeating top names in early rounds.
• Consistent performance across multiple Players Championships could secure a spot in the Players Championship Finals.
• Organizers used this event to test formats and logistics ahead of larger, televised tournaments later in the year.
• The Barnsley venue demonstrated strong fan turnout, reinforcing the UK’s central role in the PDC circuit.

Overall, the 2017 PDC Players Championship 3 was more than just another tournament—it was a crucial building block in the season-long journey for professional darts players aiming for glory and stability on the tour.