What Is 2018 PDC Players Championship 13

Overview

The 2018 PDC Players Championship 13 was the thirteenth installment in the Professional Darts Corporation's Pro Tour series that year. Held on July 14, 2018, the event took place at the Barnsley Metrodome in Barnsley, England, drawing 128 professional darts players from around the world.

This tournament was part of a larger circuit designed to give players ranking points and prize money throughout the season. As one of the more competitive mid-year events, it featured top-ranked players aiming to maintain or improve their standings ahead of the World Championship.

• Michael van Gerwen won the title, defeating Dave Chisnall 6–3 in the final, marking his seventh Pro Tour victory of 2018.
• The event followed a straight knockout format, with each match played in a best-of-11 legs format until the later stages.
• Prize money totaled £100,000, with the winner receiving £20,000 and decreasing amounts down to the last 32 players.
• Notable participants included James Wade, Peter Wright, and Gerwyn Price, all of whom were eliminated before the semifinals.
• The tournament was organized by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and broadcast live on PDCTV and various regional sports networks.

How It Works

Players Championship events are part of the PDC Pro Tour, offering ranking opportunities and prize money without requiring televised stages. These one-day events are crucial for player development and qualification for larger tournaments.

• Format: The tournament used a single-elimination bracket. Each match was best-of-11 legs until the semifinals, which were best-of-19 legs.
• Participants: All 128 PDC Tour Card holders were eligible. No qualifiers were needed, ensuring full field participation.
• Venue Rotation: The PDC rotates Players Championship events across the UK and Europe. Barnsley was a frequent host due to its central location and arena capacity.
• Scoring System: Standard 501 double-out rules applied, with players required to finish on a double to win a leg.
• Ranking Points: Winners earned 10,000 Order of Merit points, vital for seeding in the PDC World Darts Championship.
• Referees & Officiating: Matches were overseen by PDC-certified referees, with electronic scoring and real-time statistics displayed for fans.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of Players Championship 13 with other major PDC events in 2018:

While Players Championship events like this one offer lower prize money than televised majors, they are critical for consistent performance and ranking points. Their fast-paced, single-day format contrasts with multi-week televised tournaments, making them ideal for player endurance and adaptability.

Why It Matters

The 2018 PDC Players Championship 13 had significant implications for the season's competitive landscape and player rankings. It highlighted the dominance of top-tier players while offering emerging talents a platform to prove themselves.

• Michael van Gerwen solidified his status as world number one, extending his lead in the PDC Order of Merit with consistent 2018 wins.
• The event contributed to season-long qualification for the PDC World Darts Championship, influencing which players made the cut.
• For broadcasters and sponsors, high attendance and streaming numbers reinforced the commercial viability of non-televised Pro Tour events.
• Younger players like Chris Dobey used the event to gain experience against elite competition, aiding their long-term development.
• The tournament emphasized the depth of talent in the PDC circuit, with over 30 nationalities represented in the field.
• Referees and officials used the event to test real-time scoring systems ahead of larger tournaments later in the year.

Ultimately, Players Championship 13 was more than just another stop on the tour—it was a microcosm of the PDC's growing global influence and the intense competition that defines modern professional darts.