PDC Grand Slam of Darts- 10th-18th November 2018- Wolverhampton

[BlueSpark]

Hogan should be invited for one. He wont fold up tamely like some do.

Doesn't play the circuit, mate

[Astonvilla]

Very true but if he did play it would add some interest as he has proved more than once he can compete with the top PDC players whereas some of the
BDO players have added nothinng to the Tournament in recent years.

Last year the only real interest was how far Durrant would get.

[Lee Taylor]

Hogan should be invited for one. He wont fold up tamely like some do.

Doesn't play the circuit, mate

Surely they could add in a couple of ‘sponsors wildcards’ to get Hogan and another in?

[Lee Taylor]

Or maybe a ‘legend’ (Lowe and Bob Anderson still throw a decent dart)

I think people are now getting bored of the PDC ‘leg format, with the same 8/16 players’ tournament in, tournament out?

[Ginge]

Ah, the "same 8 players" line.

Been a few weeks since I've seen that one trotted out.

[ssjsa]

Or maybe a ‘legend’ (Lowe and Bob Anderson still throw a decent dart)

I think people are now getting bored of the PDC ‘leg format, with the same 8/16 players’ tournament in, tournament out?

Some are, but in all fairness this tends to be people who hanker for "the good old days" with pretty little awareness of the development of the game to the levels of professionalism that exists within the current set up.

For example the current PDC World Champion has been in the PDC for all of 17 months, Ratajski wins both the Masters in the BDO and a PC in the last year, new Tour Card holder Corey Cadby wins a floor tournament and gets to the Final of the first Major of the year. Jonny Clayton follows up his Major final of last year, with both a PC and ET tour win.

Edit- Forgot the habitual TV quarter finalist Max Hopp who also won an ET event recently.

Same 8/16 players?

[markymark]

It's only PDC darts rather than snooker, tennis or the BDO where you see the same players all the time.

[Lee Taylor]

Or maybe a ‘legend’ (Lowe and Bob Anderson still throw a decent dart)

I think people are now getting bored of the PDC ‘leg format, with the same 8/16 players’ tournament in, tournament out?

Some are, but in all fairness this tends to be people who hanker for "the good old days" with pretty little awareness of the development of the game to the levels of professionalism that exists within the current set up.

For example the current PDC World Champion has been in the PDC for all of 17 months, Ratajski wins both the Masters in the BDO and a PC in the last year, new Tour Card holder Corey Cadby wins a floor tournament and gets to the Final of the first Major of the year. Jonny Clayton follows up his Major final of last year, with both a PC and ET tour win.

Edit- Forgot the habitual TV quarter finalist Max Hopp who also won an ET event recently.

Same 8/16 players?

Yep, good point well made mate.

[Lee Taylor]

Ah, the "same 8 players" line.

Been a few weeks since I've seen that one trotted out.

As above, fair enough.

[foggs3355]

Or maybe a ‘legend’ (Lowe and Bob Anderson still throw a decent dart)

I think people are now getting bored of the PDC ‘leg format, with the same 8/16 players’ tournament in, tournament out?

The format of this should change keep round robin best of 9 then from last 16 play sets 5 sets 5 legs last 8 and 4 best of 9 seats 5 legs 11 sets final

[Lee Taylor]

I still think the GS is the PDC’s opportunity to try something different.

Okay, maybe there isn’t the strength in depth in the BDO to field 8 lads who can really compete (?)

But there must be more ways to create a really unique tournament?

[BlueSpark]

Boring legplay again, yawn.
Once the BDO players are out it's just another run of the mill borefest.
They really should introduce set play as a more used format.

[Ginge]

Boring legplay again, yawn.
Once the BDO players are out it's just another run of the mill borefest.
They really should introduce set play as a more used format.

No no no no getting Paul Hogan in will solve everything.

[BlueSpark]

Boring legplay again, yawn.
Once the BDO players are out it's just another run of the mill borefest.
They really should introduce set play as a more used format.

No no no no getting Paul Hogan in will solve everything.

[The Knowledge]

Boring legplay again, yawn.
Once the BDO players are out it's just another run of the mill borefest.
They really should introduce set play as a more used format.

No no no no getting Paul Hogan in will solve everything.

And a woman and someone in a wheelchair.

[oche balboa]

Players who have qualified so far

PDC

Michael Van Gerwen
Rob Cross
Peter Wright
Gary Anderson
Michael Smith
Dimitri Van Der Bergh
Corey Cadby
Mensur Suljovic
Josh Payne
Raymond Van Barneveld
Johnny Clayton

"Waiting List"

Max Hopp
Ian White
Mervyn King
Jeffrey De Zwaan
Michael Mansell

Plus 8 via GSOD Qualifier (Between Tourcard Holders)

BDO

Qualified

Glen Durrant

Provisionally

Top 6 in BDO Rankings (McGeeney, Williams, Mitchell, Robson, Harms, Waites)
World Masters champion

[oche balboa]

MENSUR SULJOVIC has spoken of his delight at securing a return to the bwin Grand Slam of Darts in November.

The world number six came agonisingly close to a third televised title at last month's World Matchplay, going down 21-19 to Gary Anderson in a classic final - but his run sealed a place in Wolverhampton.

Suljovic is now looking forward to making his third Grand Slam appearance in November, when he will be bidding to lift the newly-titled Eric Bristow Trophy.

"I'm so pleased to be playing in the Grand Slam again," said Suljovic, who topped his group at last year's event before going out to Anderson in the quarter-finals.

"It's always great to take part in these tournaments, playing against both PDC players and our BDO friends.

"I think my form is much better at the moment than last year, so I think I can go a bit further if I have a little luck along the way."

The last 12 months have been magnificent for Suljovic, claiming his first televised title at the Champions League of Darts in emotional fashion last September before doubling his tally at the German Darts Masters in May.

He fell just short of making it a hat-trick of TV crowns within a year in Blackpool but the Premier League star remains delighted with his progress.

"It was a massive boost to do so well at the World Matchplay," Suljovic added.

"I kind-of wished there was another tournament straight away so I could keep going.

"I have massive respect for my hero Gary for winning, but it's given me so much confidence going forward, now I'm starting to believe I can win one of these big tournaments.

"The reaction has been amazing, both in Austria and in the UK. There have been so many people stopping me for a chat and congratulating me.

"Every single comment has been positive and I'd like to thank everyone who commented on social media - I try to read as many messages as possible."

Suljovic's run to the quarter-finals of last year's Grand Slam included a second round victory over Dutch youngster Berry van Peer, who won through from the Group Stage despite visibly suffering with Dartitis.

The Austrian admitted that the former World Youth Championship finalist's displays were a strong memory from the event, adding: "The way Berry fought through Dartitis last year is probably one of the things that comes to mind.

"It took so much courage even to get up on stage in front of everyone as well as a TV audience. He gained everyone's respect for that."

Suljovic's qualification sees him join UK Open and World Matchplay champion Anderson, reigning Grand Slam champion Michael van Gerwen and 2018 World Champion Rob Cross in the field.

World Youth Champion Dimitri van den Bergh, World Cup winner Raymond van Barneveld and TV finalists Peter Wright, Michael Smith, Josh Payne, Corey Cadby and Jonny Clayton are also set to compete in Wolverhampton.

PDC players can still qualify for the event at the Champions League, World Grand Prix, European Championship and World Series of Darts Finals in the coming months.

The Bwin Grand Slam of Darts features 32 players from both the PDC and BDO systems competing across nine days, with the 2018 tournament being held at the Aldersley Leisure Village in Wolverhampton from November 10-18.

Tickets on General Sale will be available via the Wolves Civic Box Office ONLINE HERE, by calling 0870 320 7000 or in person from the box office located at Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

Disabled Access Tickets are available by calling 01902 55 0969.

TRAVEL TO ALDERSLEY LEISURE VILLAGE
Return coach travel will be available from the Wolverhampton Civic Hall to Aldersley Leisure Village, costing £2 return with advance booking only.
On-site car parking is available on a per session basis, costing £5 per session. Access to car parking is open from 30 minutes before doors open.
The venue address is: Aldersley Leisure Village, Aldersley Road, Wolverhampton, WV6 9NW

2018 Bwin Grand Slam of Darts
Saturday November 10
Afternoon Session (1pm)
8x Group Matches
Table Seat Ticket £31
Tiered Seat Ticket £26

Evening Session (7pm)
8x Group Matches
Table Seat Ticket £31
Tiered Seat Ticket £26

Sunday November 11
Afternoon Session (1pm)
8x Group Matches
Table Seat Ticket £31
Tiered Seat Ticket £26

Evening Session (7pm)
8x Group Matches
Table Seat Ticket £31
Tiered Seat Ticket £26

Monday November 12 (7pm)
8x Group Matches
Table Seat Ticket £26
Tiered Seat Ticket £21

Tuesday November 13 (7pm)
8x Group Matches
Table Seat Ticket £26
Tiered Seat Ticket £21

Wednesday November 14 (7pm)
4x Second Round
Table Seat Ticket £31
Tiered Seat Ticket £26

Thursday November 15 (7pm)
4x Second Round
Table Seat Ticket £36
Tiered Seat Ticket £31

Friday November 16 (7pm)
2x Quarter-Finals
Table Seat Ticket £41
Tiered Seat Ticket £36

Saturday November 17 (7pm)
2x Quarter-Finals
Table Seat Ticket £41
Tiered Seat Ticket £36

Sunday November 18
Afternoon Session (1pm)
Semi-Finals
Table Seat Ticket £36
Tiered Seat Ticket £31

Evening Session (7pm)
Final
Table Seat Ticket £41
Tiered Seat Ticket £36

Tickets are limited to six per person per session for Table Tickets. Under-14s are required to be accompanied by an adult. Tiered Seat Tickets will not go on sale until Table Tickets have sold out.

Tickets for the event may be subject to a booking fee and/or service charge, and are sold subject to standard PDC Terms & Conditions available at www.pdc.tv/tickets.

[Mgt]

Players who have qualified so far

PDC

Michael Van Gerwen
Rob Cross
Peter Wright
Gary Anderson
Michael Smith
Dimitri Van Der Bergh
Corey Cadby
Mensur Suljovic
Josh Payne
Raymond Van Barneveld
Johnny Clayton

"Waiting List"

Max Hopp
Ian White
Mervyn King
Jeffrey De Zwaan
Michael Mansell

Plus 8 via GSOD Qualifier (Between Tourcard Holders)

BDO

Qualified

Glen Durrant

Provisionally

Top 6 in BDO Rankings (McGeeney, Williams, Mitchell, Robson, Harms, Waites)
World Masters champion

Would add some drama if Robson qualified and found himself in the same group as Anderson.

Anyone know if they are still not on speaking terms?

[billyd]

Has it been confirmed anywhere that the 2018 World Masters champion will be selected rather than another player from the rankings instead of Ratajski? Imo the 2018 champion makes sense

[Bag Carrier]

Anyone know if they are still not on speaking terms?

I don't think anyone could see anything apart from a Anderson whitewash the form he is in.