SportGibraltar

Darts: Draw has been finalised for Gibraltar's PDPA tournaments

THE DRAW has been made for the first PDPA Players Championship events of 2007, to be held at the Queensway Club in Gibraltar over the weekend of January 20 and 21.

Saturday's Stan James Players Championship sees Dutch trio Jelle Klaasen, Michael van Gerwen and Vincent van der Voort make their PDC debuts whilst Sunday's Stan James.com Players Championship sets up a mouthwatering potential second-round clash between van Gerwen and new Ladbrokes.com World Champion Raymond van Barneveld.

They will take their places alongside van Barneveld, who made the same move 11 months ago after losing the Lakeside final to Klaasen.

The 39-year-old recently dethroned Phil Taylor to claim the Ladbrokes.com World Championship title. Klaasen, who became the youngest ever world champion at the age of 21, said: "I have chosen to play for the PDC because they are a more professional organisation with more money and more tournaments.

"I am looking forward to playing in Gibraltar and in the other tournaments throughout the year and want to prove myself against the best players in the world."

Van Gerwen, winner of the Winmau World Masters last October when he beat Adams in the final, lost in the first round to Gary Robson on his Lakeside debut last week despite starting as favourite.

"I saw what a good move it was for Raymond van Barneveld last year and I want to try to emulate his achievements," said the youngster, nicknamed `Mighty Mike'.

"The PDC gives me the best opportunity to become the best player in the world and I know my game will only get better for this."

For further details on both events, click here (Saturday) or here (Sunday).

Home (top)

SportGibraltar.com FORUM For discussion on Gibraltar issues