Title defense, record setting, return or first-time winner? This question arises when the Premier League darts final evening is played in Berlin for the first time on Monday (9:00 p.m./Sport1 and DAZN).
“It’s good to see that the highest league in darts is also playing its final in Berlin. This shows that Germany is very popular – it’s getting bigger and bigger,” said Germany’s currently best darts player Martin Schindler the “German Press Agency”. Who will get the trophy on Monday, which is worth a good 320,000 euros?
Johnny Clayton:
The defending champion from Wales has finally arrived in the world elite. In 2021 he not only won the Premier League, but also the Masters and the World Grand Prix. In 2022, the 47-year-old comes to Berlin with the recommendation of a clear win in the main round.
“It feels brilliant to be in this elite Premier League club. I’m very nervous and hoping to defend my title,” said Clayton.
Michael van Gerwen:
The Dutchman has already won the important league tournament in 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Now, with his sixth title, he could draw level with record winner Phil Taylor from England. “Mighty Mike” has recently increased his level significantly after two difficult years. But the biggest question mark is the 33-year-old’s health, as van Gerwen will undergo hand surgery the day after the final.
James Wade:
The Englishman triumphed in 2009 and reached the finals in 2008 and 2010. Almost a decade and a half later, “The Machine” reaches for the Premier League winner’s trophy again. Wade’s strength is the doubles, but in the semifinals against van Gerwen the 39-year-old is considered an outsider.
Joe Cullen:
For the 32-year-old Englishman, the appointment to the club of eight participants was already a success. Cullen earned it by winning the Masters title this January. It is a great success that he now left greats like world champion Peter Wright from Scotland or muscle man Gerwyn Price from Wales behind after 16 match days. In Berlin he can only surprise.