What is the format for Premier League Darts play-offs and final? All the details for O2 Arena showpiece
IT all comes down to this – after 16 weeks of intense action, the Premier League Darts play-offs has arrived.
Luke Littler has been in stunning form in his maiden campaign, not only mixing it with the world’s best dartists but finishing TOP of the pile.
Eight players have been competing during the competition but only three others will be joining teenage sensation Littler at the O2 Arena.
But why? Here’s everything you need to know about the final night of the Premier League Darts.
Who is playing in the Premier League Darts play-offs?
Alongside Littler, the final four is made up of three other world champions – Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith.
Nathan Aspinall, Rob Cross Gerwyn Price and Peter Wright will miss out after failing to amass enough points over the 16 weeks.
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Littler finished top of the table and put 40 points on the board, a joint-record in the competition, as well as winning four of the nights.
He faces a tough test in Michael Smith, who is bang in form having won last week to secure his place in the final four.
Smith also has also performed well against Littler, winning five of their seven meetings in the Premier League so far.
In the other semi-final current world champion and world No 1 Luke Humphries is looking to continue his stunning 2024.
He also won four nights in his first season in the Premier League but faces the competition’s most decorated player.
Michael van Gerwen, who has won the competition a record seven times, has endured a turbulent season but still won three nights to finish third.
The Dutchman is also looking to make it a third consecutive Premier League win.
Premier League Darts play-off format
The play-offs will feature just three matches – two semi-finals and then the big one.
First plays fourth and second plays third, with the two match winners meeting in an epic final.
Unlike during the weekly events, however, where matches were best of 11, the semi-finals will be best of 19 and the final best of 21.
What is the Premier League Darts play-off order of play?
Luke Littler (1) will play Michael Smith (4) in the opening match of the night,
Luke Humphries (2) will then play Michael van Gerwen (3), with the two semi-final winners meeting in the final.
As the top two finishers during the group stage, Littler and Humphries will throw first in their matches.
Semi-finals (from 7.15pm BST, best of 19)
- Luke Littler vs Michael Smith
- Luke Humphries vs Michael van Gerwen
Final (approx. 9.30pm BST, best of 21)
- Winner of Match 1 vs Winner of Match 2
Where can I watch the Premier League Darts play-offs?
- The Premier League Darts play-offs will be shown on Sky Sports Main and Sky Sports Action in the UK.
- The play-offs take place on Thursday, May 23.
- Coverage is set to start at 7pm BST with the first semi-final taking place at 7.15pm BST.
- The final is expected to take place at approximately 9.30pm BST, although that is subject to change.
- You can also live stream the action on the Sky Go or NOW TV apps.
- Alternatively, SunSport will have all the action LIVE with our blog.
How much prize money will the Premier League Darts winner earn?
The competition is one of the most lucrative in the sport with the overall prize pot standing at a cool £1million.
The four players not playing in the play-offs will have already been paid.
Nathan Aspinall will have received £75,000 for finishing fifth, with Rob Cross (£70k), Gerwyn Price (£65k) and Peter Wright (£60k) earning slightly less based on their rankings.
The Asp earned a further £20,000 for winning on Night 5 in Exeter and Night 12 in Rotterdam.
The two losing semi-finalists will receive £85,000 each, while the defeated finalist will take home a £125,000 consolation prize.
That’s less than half of what the winner will earn, with a top prize of £275,000 up for grabs.