Abu Dhabi: Michael van Gerwen will be bidding to maintain his incredible dominance of the Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters when the fourth annual event is held on Thursday and Friday.
The world number one has won all three previous editions of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium tournament, which features eight of the world’s best players.
Van Gerwen defeated Raymond van Barneveld in the inaugural final in 2013, saw off Peter Wright to retain the title in 2014 and then beat the legendary 16-time world champion, Phil Taylor, last May. Van Barneveld, Wright and Taylor will all be among his rivals for the title again this year.
Reigning two-time world champion Gary Anderson; Adrian Lewis, also a two-time world champion; multiple major winner, James Wade; and Premier League star Dave Chisnall will complete the line-up for the tournament.
The quarter-finals will be held on Thursday from 8pm — the draw for which will be made at 12pm on Wednesday — with the last four players returning to compete in the semi-finals and final on Friday at 8pm.
“I couldn’t wait to get back to Dubai,” said Van Gerwen, fresh from his 11-3 hammering of Taylor last Thursday to clinch his second Premier League crown. “The Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters is a special event and I’ve loved playing here for the last three years.
“I’ll be doing everything I can to make it four in a row this week, but there are eight great players in the tournament so I know it will be tough.”
Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice-Chairman of tournament sponsors Dubai Duty Free, added: “This is the third year for this tournament, which has grown in popularity and attracts the top players who love competing in Dubai. The outdoor venue at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, the enthusiastic crowds and the worldwide viewership combine to make this a great social and sporting event.”
Following the Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters, the eight stars will compete in further World Series of Darts events in New Zealand, China, Japan and Australia, before taking part in the World Series Finals in Scotland in November.
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) Chairman, Barry Hearn, said: “The Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters has been a huge success for the past three years and we’re already looking forward to another brilliant event this week. Playing at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium creates a unique challenge for our players but one that they’ve risen to, particularly in 2015 during a thrilling two days.”
Ticket information
Tickets for the Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters are on sale now, with VIP tickets available to include table seating with select food and beverages included and general admission tickets for the tiered seating.
Phone: +971 56 1134626 Email: info@dubai-darts.com Website: Dubai Darts or Tixbox
Tickets are also available at Virgin Megastores and Platinum List across the UAE and at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium Box Office, Garhoud.
Thursday, May 26 (8pm)
General Admission (Free Seating) Dh199
VIP Table (Individual) Dh799
VIP Table (Ten People) Dh7,999
Friday, May 27 (8pm)
General Admission (Free Seating) Dh250
VIP Table (Individual) Dh999
VIP Table (Ten People) Dh9,999
Two-Day Tickets
General Admission (Free Seating) Dh350
VIP Table (Individual) Dh1,599
VIP Table (Ten People) Dh15,999
