Injury to Gary Anderson gives nine ‘contenders’ the chance to shine

GARY ANDERSON's back has finally won out and the ‘Flying Scotsman’ has had to withdraw from the Unibet Premier league of Darts on medical grounds. The opening nine nights will see nine new names replacing hi in an exciting new format that will give local heroes their chance to shine.

Each ‘contender’ will pay in lieu of Gary Anderson, winning cash bonuses if they draw or win their matches, whilst their opponents will retain any points won, which will go towards the league table.

‘Judgement Night’ will then be determined by the player who places ninth on the Premier League table being eliminated eliminated from the competition, with the remaining eight players battling it out in the race for the play-offs at The O2  

Chris Dobey has the honour of opening proceedings in Newcastle on the first night. The 26-year-old made the quarter-finals of the World Championship earlier this year, losing 4-3 to Gary himself, ad outscoring the Scotsman 15-13 I 180s thrown. ‘Hollywood’ ha this to say about his sudden call-up:

Absolutely delighted to be given the chance to play in the @unibet Premier League Darts this Thursday in Newcastle. Thanks to @BarryHearn @MattPorter_PDC and the rest of the @OfficialPDC for this opportunity. @UnicornDarts @HarlequinSports @DunveganDarts @RixMotorCompany

— Chris Dobey (@Dobey10) February 4, 2019

Other players to feature will be the three-time Lakeside Champion Glen Durrant, who won his PDC Tour Card at the very first time of asking. He plays at Glasgow on the second night and is sure to excite a crowd renowned for their love and appreciation of darts.

Also featuring is the young German superstar Max Hopp, who’ll play in front of a partisan home crowd in Berlin, John Henderson flies the flag in Aberdeen, whilst up-and-coming Irish star Steve Lennon takes centre stage in Dublin.

PREMIER LEAGUE CONTENDERS!

Here's the nine players who will replace Gary Anderson in the 2019 @unibet Premier League.

Full details ➡️ https://t.co/4KzwmKB2YZ pic.twitter.com/862svYpGoQ

— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) February 4, 2019

Whilst we’ll all miss Gary, the event organisers PDC summed up just what a chance this is for the players replacing him:

“The local favourites have earned their chance to entertain the crowds and TV viewers, with every one of them will bringing something different to the Premier League party in 2019, and I’m sure they’ll cause a few shocks along the way.

“The PDC has always been about giving opportunities to players and we felt this was the perfect chance to do something revolutionary, as we now look forward to an exciting year of Premier League Darts ahead in 2019."

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