Premier League Darts: Dave Chisnall joins debate over Nathan Aspinall, Gerwyn Worth picks

Dave Chisnall has questioned the inclusion of Nathan Aspinall and Gerwyn Worth on this yr’s BetMGM Premier League area, suggesting picks needs to be “about the darts, and not your walk-on”.

After Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker hit out at his omission from the event – a choice the Belgian labelled “a bit scandalous” – world No 6 Chisnell has waded in to the controversy over the eight-player line-up revealed for the 17-date roadshow, which begins in Belfast on Thursday February 6 stay on Sky Sports activities.

Though himself ranked larger than three of the 4 wildcard picks – Worth, Chris Dobey and Aspinall – ‘Chizzy’ stated he had no qualms about his personal omission, however admitted he felt for De Decker and world No 8 Damon Heta.

“The Premier League line-up was hardly surprising this week, but you’d have to be gutted if you were someone like a Mike de Decker or Damon Heta,” Chisnall instructed kwiff.

“I by no means anticipated to get a telephone name – regardless of being world No 6 – due to how poor I have been on TV this yr, however Mike can really feel let down after his nice run on the Grand Prix. Perhaps being No 24 on the planet counted in opposition to him, however these younger lads are all chomping on the bit to be given an opportunity to shine.

“Damo is another who I think can feel unlucky, while it’s good to see Chris Dobey and Steven Bunting rewarded with a spot. It seems like something of a changing of the guard with no Michael Smith and no Peter Wright, while Nathan Aspinall and Gerwyn Price can both feel a bit lucky in my opinion to be involved this year.”

Explaining why he felt Aspinall and Worth had been lucky to obtain a call-up, Chisnall added: “Gezzy has had lots going [on] and struggled in 2024, whereas Nathan has achieved equally.

“His run to the quarter-finals of the Worlds probably got him involved, that and everyone loving his Mr Brightside theme song.

“It is an important entrance, nevertheless it needs to be in regards to the darts, and never your walk-on that will get you concerned in these massive competitions. Nothing in opposition to them personally, as each nice lads and hit it off with, nevertheless it needs to be about your actions on the dartboard, not on a music and a dance.”

PDC chief explains rationale behind wildcard picks

Whereas the highest 4 within the PDC Order of Benefit – which this yr are world No 1 Luke Humphries, world champion Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen and Rob Cross – mechanically qualify for the celebrated weekly roadshow, the remaining 4 gamers are chosen by the PDC.

Explaining this yr’s wildcard picks, PDC chief govt Matt Porter instructed Sky Sports activities Information: “Obviously with Price, Dobey, and Aspinall, there are players above them in the rankings who haven’t been selected but we have looked at it in terms of big stage presence, popularity, and the way they can get a 10,000 crowd every Thursday going.

“We wish individuals on the sting of their seats. We wish individuals up and having fun with their darts.

“That isn’t to say other players can’t do that. You have to make decisions on who is right at the time.”

And on De Decker particularly after the Belgian turned the primary reigning Grand Prix champion to overlook out on choice, Porter added: “Mike is an outstanding talent and someone who we undoubtedly will see in the Premier League in the future.

“We did not really feel he was fairly prepared. There are plenty of tournaments and successful one… gamers prior to now like Ross Smith, Danny Noppert and Andrew Gilding, they’ve received TV tournaments, however you need to present you may compete on the latter levels of a event frequently.

“Doing it once is fantastic and something you will always have but to really be part of the elite, you have to be doing it on a regular basis over multiple years.”

2025 BetMGM Premier League schedule

• Night time 1 – The SSE Area, Belfast – Thursday February 6
• Night time 2 – OVO Hydro, Glasgow – Thursday February 13
• Night time 3 – 3Arena, Dublin – Thursday February 20
• Night time 4 – Westpoint Exeter – Thursday February 27
• Night time 5 – The Brighton Centre – Thursday March 6
• Night time 6 – Motorpoint Area, Nottingham – Thursday March 13
• Night time 7 – Utilita Area, Cardiff – Thursday March 20
• Night time 8 – Utilita Area, Newcastle – Thursday March 27
• Night time 9 – Uber Area, Berlin – Thursday April 3
• Night time 10 – AO Area, Manchester – Thursday April 10
• Night time 11 – Rotterdam Ahoy, Rotterdam – Thursday April 17
• Night time 12 – M&S Financial institution Area, Liverpool – Thursday April 24
• Night time 13 – Utilita Area, Birmingham, Thursday Might 1
• Night time 14 – First Direct Area, Leeds – Thursday Might 8
• Night time 15 – P&J Dwell, Aberdeen – Thursday Might 15
• Night time 16 – Utilita Area, Sheffield – Thursday Might 22
• Play-Offs – The O2, London – Thursday Might 29

Watch the Premier League Darts on Sky Sports activities

Watch all of the motion from the Premier League on Sky Sports activities with Luke Littler aiming to defend his title. The brand new Premier League season will start in Belfast on Thursday, February 6, as darts’ largest occasion returns to an unchanged line-up of 17 venues throughout the UK and Europe.

Who will win the Premier League Darts? Watch all of the motion on Sky Sports activities. Stream darts and extra high sport with NOW.