What Is 2018 PDC Players Championship 12

Overview

The 2018 PDC Players Championship 12 was the twelfth installment in the 20-event PDC Players Championship series that year. Held on June 23, 2018, it formed part of the Professional Darts Corporation’s efforts to provide consistent competitive opportunities for ranked players throughout the season.

This tournament followed the standard Players Championship format, featuring a field of 128 players competing in a single-elimination bracket. The event was notable for its dramatic final and marked a breakthrough performance for the eventual champion.

• Daryl Gurney claimed his first Players Championship title of 2018 by winning the final 6–5 in a sudden-death leg against Dirk van Duijvenbode, marking a significant milestone in his season.
• The tournament took place at the Barnsley Metrodome in Barnsley, England, a frequent host venue for PDC events due to its central location and seating capacity of over 2,000.
• There were 128 players in the field, including top-ranked professionals and regional qualifiers, all vying for the £10,000 first prize and ranking points.
• The format was a straight knockout with best-of-11 legs matches in early rounds, increasing in length as the tournament progressed toward the final.
• This was the sixth Players Championship event held in 2018 at the Barnsley venue, highlighting its importance in the PDC’s touring circuit.

How It Works

The PDC Players Championship series consists of non-televised tournaments offering ranking money and qualification opportunities for major events. Each event follows a standardized structure to ensure fairness and competitive balance.

• Format: All matches are played in a legs format, with early rounds as best-of-11 legs. The final is best-of-11 legs, requiring a two-leg margin or sudden death if tied 5–5.
• Qualification: Players earn entry based on PDC Order of Merit rankings and regional qualifying events, ensuring a mix of elite and emerging talent in the 128-player draw.
• Venue Rotation: The PDC rotates venues across the UK and Europe; Barnsley has hosted multiple events annually due to its reliable facilities and fan support.
• Prize Money: The winner received £10,000, with decreasing amounts down to the last 32, contributing to the PDC’s annual ranking system and ProTour standings.
• Scoring System: Matches are played using standard darts rules with a double-start and double-finish requirement, and players must check out on a double to win a leg.
• Ranking Impact: Results count toward the PDC ProTour Order of Merit, influencing qualification for televised events like the World Matchplay and Grand Slam of Darts.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how Players Championship 12 compared to other darts events in structure, prize money, and player eligibility.

While Players Championship events lack the television exposure of major tournaments, they are critical for maintaining player form and earning ranking points. The lower prize money is offset by the frequency of events—20 per year—allowing consistent income and competition.

Why It Matters

The 2018 PDC Players Championship 12 played a key role in shaping the season’s competitive landscape, influencing rankings and player momentum.

• Daryl Gurney’s victory boosted his confidence and ProTour standing, helping him qualify for later televised events like the World Matchplay.
• The tournament provided ranking points crucial for players trying to climb the PDC Order of Merit and secure automatic qualification spots.
• For emerging players like Dirk van Duijvenbode, reaching the final was a career highlight and increased visibility among top-tier professionals.
• Events like this maintain competitive depth in the PDC, ensuring even non-televised tournaments feature high-level play and drama.
• The sudden-death final leg showcased the mental toughness required at elite levels, drawing praise from fans and analysts alike.
• Regular events across the year help sustain fan engagement and provide live darts experiences outside major televised tournaments.

Ultimately, Players Championship 12 exemplified the depth and competitiveness of professional darts in 2018, serving as both a standalone contest and a building block in the broader season narrative.