What Is 2017 PDC Players Championship 19

Overview

The 2017 PDC Players Championship 19 was the nineteenth of 20 events in the PDC Players Championship series that year, part of the Professional Darts Corporation's ProTour. Held on September 23, 2017, the tournament brought together 128 professional darts players for a single-day, single-elimination competition.

Played at the Barnsley Metrodome in Barnsley, England, the event attracted top-ranked players aiming to improve their standings in the PDC Order of Merit. The format featured best-of-11 legs matches throughout, culminating in a dramatic final that saw Dave Chisnall clinch his first title of the season.

• Event date: The tournament was held on September 23, 2017, making it the penultimate Players Championship event of the year.
• Venue: The Barnsley Metrodome in Barnsley, England, hosted the event, a regular stop on the PDC ProTour circuit.
• Winner:Dave Chisnall claimed the title, defeating world number one Michael van Gerwen in a tense 6–5 final.
• Format: All matches were played as best-of-11 legs, with no sets, and the entire tournament completed in a single day.
• Prize fund: The total prize pool was £100,000, with the winner receiving £10,000 and ranking points toward the Players Championship Order of Merit.

How It Works

Players Championship events are part of the PDC ProTour, offering players opportunities to earn ranking points and prize money outside of televised majors. These tournaments are critical for maintaining or improving positions in the PDC Order of Merit, which determines qualification for major events.

• Single-Elimination Format:Each match is played as a knockout, with losers exiting the tournament immediately and no second chances.
• Best-of-11 Legs:Matches are structured as first to six legs, with no set breaks, requiring consistency and mental toughness.
• 128-Player Field:All participants include top PDC professionals, Tour Card holders, and select regional qualifiers from around the world.
• One-Day Event:Played in a single day, the tournament spans from morning qualifiers to the evening final, testing endurance and focus.
• Prize Distribution:Winner earns £10,000, with decreasing amounts down to last 64, all contributing to the PDC Order of Merit.
• Order of Merit Impact:Points earned in Players Championships count toward the ProTour rankings, influencing World Championship qualification.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of Players Championship 19 with other key PDC events in 2017:

While Players Championship events offer smaller prize money compared to majors, they are crucial for consistent performers. The compact format and frequent scheduling allow players to accumulate points throughout the year, making them a cornerstone of the PDC calendar.

Why It Matters

The 2017 PDC Players Championship 19 had significant implications for player rankings and momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. Its outcome influenced qualification paths for televised events and demonstrated the depth of competition on the ProTour.

• Ranking Boost:Dave Chisnall’s win earned him valuable points, helping him climb in the ProTour Order of Merit.
• Van Gerwen’s Near Miss:Despite losing, Michael van Gerwen remained dominant in 2017, winning 11 major titles that year.
• Competitive Depth:The field included 128 players, showcasing rising talents and seasoned veterans alike.
• Preparation for Majors:Players used this event to fine-tune form ahead of the World Championship in December.
• Financial Impact:Even early exits earned prize money, vital for lower-ranked professionals’ livelihoods.
• Global Participation:Players from 15+ countries competed, highlighting the international reach of the PDC circuit.

Events like Players Championship 19 underscore the consistency required in professional darts. While not televised, they are essential for maintaining form, earning income, and securing spots in the sport’s biggest tournaments.