Photo credit: www.skysports.com
In an electrifying day of darts in Hildesheim, Germany, three players achieved remarkable nine-dart finishes, while Michael van Gerwen faced an unexpected exit in the first round. Ultimately, it was Gary Anderson who celebrated his historic 30th Players Championship title after defeating Adam Lipscombe 8-3 in the final.
Ryan Searle, Dirk van Duijvenbode, and William O’Connor each showcased their skills by hitting perfect legs during the tournament. Nevertheless, it was Anderson who claimed the top spot at Players Championship 7 by winning seven of the final eight legs against Lipscombe.
Van Gerwen, the only participant from the Premier League amidst a field where the likes of Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price, Nathan Aspinall, Stephen Bunting, Chris Dobey, and Rob Cross were not in action, suffered a 6-3 defeat to Niko Springer in the last 128.
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In a curious turn of events, Ryan Searle appeared surprisingly subdued after his nine-dart achievement, compounded by a referee’s premature announcement of a match-winning dart.
Anderson Expresses Joy Over Triumph
Following his victory, Anderson spoke with PDC TV about overcoming recent struggles: “The past few months have been challenging. I started off a bit shaky today but found my rhythm as the day progressed, making this win especially fulfilling.” He remarked on the ups and downs of competing, noting, “Playing darts is enjoyable, though my body doesn’t always cooperate as I’d like.”
In the lead-up to the final, Anderson narrowly edged out Krzysztof Ratajski 6-5 in the quarter-finals and triumphed over reigning World Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker with a score of 7-3 in the semi-finals.
Lipscombe’s journey to the final was impressive, having defeated O’Connor 6-4 in the quarter-finals and overcoming Van Duijvenbode 7-4 in the semis. This marked him nearing a title in only his eighth event after earning a Tour Card for the first time in January. Anderson praised Lipscombe’s talent: “Fair play to Adam. I anticipate he will make a significant impact and shake up the rankings.”
Looking ahead, Players Championship 8 will take place at the same venue this Wednesday, after which the series moves to Leicester for events 9 and 10 on March 31 and April 1, respectively.
Results from Players Championship 7 Finals
Final
Gary Anderson 8-3 Adam Lipscombe
Semi-finals
Adam Lipscombe 7-4 Dirk van Duijvenbode
Gary Anderson 7-3 Mike De Decker
Quarter-finals
Adam Lipscombe 6-4 William O’Connor
Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-3 Kevin Doets
Gary Anderson 6-5 Krzysztof Ratajski
Mike De Decker 6-3 Peter Wright
Upcoming Players Championship Schedule
February 10: Players Championship 1 – Winner: Rob Cross
February 11: Players Championship 2 – Winner: Gerwyn Price
February 17: Players Championship 3 – Winner: Chris Dobey
February 18: Players Championship 4 – Winner: Ryan Searle
March 11: Players Championship 5 – Winner: Joe Cullen
March 12: Players Championship 6 – Winner: Gian van Veen
March 17: Players Championship 7 – Winner: Gary Anderson
March 18: Players Championship 8 (Hildesheim, Germany)
March 31: Players Championship 9 (Leicester)
April 1: Players Championship 10 (Leicester)
April 8: Players Championship 11 (Leicester)
April 9: Players Championship 12 (Leicester)
April 14: Players Championship 13 (Rosmalen, Netherlands)
April 15: Players Championship 14 (Rosmalen, Netherlands)
May 12: Players Championship 15 (Hildesheim, Germany)
May 13: Players Championship 16 (Hildesheim, Germany)
June 17: Players Championship 17 (Leicester)
June 18: Players Championship 18 (Leicester)
June 19: Players Championship 19 (Leicester)
July 8: Players Championship 20 (Leicester)
July 9: Players Championship 21 (Leicester)
July 29: Players Championship 22 (Hildesheim, Germany)
July 30: Players Championship 23 (Hildesheim, Germany)
August 25: Players Championship 24 (Milton Keynes)
August 26: Players Championship 25 (Milton Keynes)
September 9: Players Championship 26 (Hildesheim, Germany)
September 10: Players Championship 27 (Hildesheim, Germany)
September 30: Players Championship 28 (Leicester)
October 1: Players Championship 29 (Leicester)
October 2: Players Championship 30 (Leicester)
October 14: Players Championship 31 (Wigan)
October 15: Players Championship 32 (Wigan)
October 29: Players Championship 33 (Wigan)
October 30: Players Championship 34 (Wigan)
Source
www.skysports.com