The inaugural Swiss Darts Trophy is set to begin this Friday, September 27, marking the first time the PDC European Tour will visit Switzerland. The tournament, held at the St. Jakobshalle in Basel, promises thrilling action as the biggest names in world darts go head-to-head over three days of intense competition, from September 27-29.
World Champion Luke Humphries Leads the Charge
World number one Luke Humphries is one of the tournament’s star attractions, as he begins his quest for a second European Tour title in 2024. He’ll face a tough opening challenge against either Peter Wright or Richard Veenstra in the second round. Humphries, who has been in exceptional form this year, will be hoping to add to his trophy collection this weekend.
Also making headlines is teenage sensation Luke Littler, who will be competing in Basel for the first time. Littler has already won two European Tour titles in 2024 and is a player to watch closely.
BREAKING NEWS
Unfortunately, Michael van Gerwen has withdrawn from the Swiss Darts Trophy due to illness, Read the full story about his decision here
Key First-Round Matches to Watch
The action kicks off on Friday with a packed first-round session, featuring 16 exciting matches. Some of the standout matchups include:
- Peter Wright vs. Richard Veenstra: Wright, the reigning German Darts Champion, faces the fast-throwing Dutchman Veenstra in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
- Dimitri Van den Bergh vs. James Wade: The UK Open champion meets the ten-time TV title winner in a must-watch match.
- Joe Cullen vs. Raymond van Barneveld: The former Masters champion takes on the Dutch icon in a highly anticipated battle.
In addition, two-time World Cup winner Jonny Clayton will face Scotland’s Cameron Menzies, while Michael Smith goes up against Ian White. These matches are sure to set the tone for an exciting weekend of darts.
Saturday’s Second Round: The Seeded Players Enter
The top 16 seeded players, including Dave Chisnall, Ross Smith, and Danny Noppert, will enter the fray in Saturday’s second-round matches. Here are some key pairings:
- Luke Humphries vs. Peter Wright/Richard Veenstra
- Luke Littler vs. Krzysztof Ratajski or a Host Nation Qualifier
- Gerwyn Price vs. Dimitri Van den Bergh or James Wade
- Dave Chisnall vs. Nathan Aspinall or a Host Nation Qualifier
With top players like Rob Cross, Josh Rock, and Martin Schindler also in the mix, Saturday promises some electrifying encounters as the competition heats up.
The Road to Sunday: Finals Day
The final day of the Swiss Darts Trophy will see the last 16 battle it out in the afternoon session. Later in the evening, the tournament will culminate with the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the grand final. Fans can expect a blockbuster finale as the best in the world vie for the title.
How to Watch the Swiss Darts Trophy 2024
Darts fans around the world can catch all the action live via Viaplay, DAZN, and PDCTV. Viaplay will cover viewers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, while PDCTV will stream the event for global viewers (excluding these countries). Make sure to tune in for all the excitement!
Tournament Schedule and Draw
Friday, September 27 – First Round
- Afternoon Session (13:00 local time, 12:00 BST)
Karel Sedlacek vs. Jim Williams
Luke Woodhouse vs. Wessel Nijman
Krzysztof Ratajski vs. Bruno Stöckli
Mike De Decker vs. Graham Hall
Madars Razma vs. Alex Fehlmann
Andrew Gilding vs. Nandor Pres
Roger Hertig vs. Ryan Meikle
Callan Rydz vs. Brendan Dolan - Evening Session (19:00 local time, 18:00 BST)
Ritchie Edhouse vs. Jermaine Wattimena
Anton Ostlund vs. Dirk van Duijvenbode
Dimitri Van den Bergh vs. James Wade
Joe Cullen vs. Raymond van Barneveld
Cameron Menzies vs. Jonny Clayton
Peter Wright vs. Richard Veenstra
Marcel Walpen vs. Nathan Aspinall
Ian White vs. Michael Smith
Saturday, September 28 – Second Round
- Afternoon Session (13:00 local time, 12:00 BST)
Gian van Veen v Callan Rydz
Ryan Searle v Roger Hertig
Rob Cross v Andrew Gilding
Josh Rock v Jermaine Wattimena
Damon Heta v Madars Razma
Ross Smith v Mike De Decker
Daryl Gurney v Karel Sedlacek
Danny Noppert v Cameron Menzies - Evening Session (19:00 local time, 18:00 BST)
Martin Schindler v Anton Ostlund
Stephen Bunting v Michael Smith
Gerwyn Price v James Wade
Luke Humphries v Richard Veenstra
Luke Littler v Bruno Stöckli
Ricardo Pietreczko v Raymond van Barneveld
Dave Chisnall v Nathan Aspinall
Chris Dobey v Wessel Nijman
Sunday, September 29 – Third Round and Finals
- Afternoon Session (12:00 local time, 11:00 BST) – Third Round
- Evening Session (18:00 local time, 17:00 BST) – Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals, Final
Conclusion
With the world’s top players competing in Basel this weekend, the Swiss Darts Trophy 2024 is set to be an unmissable event. Will Luke Humphries secure his second European Tour title of the year, or will we see a surprise winner emerge? Tune in for all the action!
