A chilly reception awaits players at the latest Players Championship tournament in Rosmalen, Netherlands.
The venue, the Autotron, has been criticized for its cold and empty atmosphere, leaving many top darts stars voicing their frustration over the harsh conditions.
Sub-Zero Temperatures Impacting Players
With temperatures dipping as low as -4°C, the freezing cold has created an uncomfortable environment for the players.
Multiple darts stars have expressed their displeasure, with even five-time PDC ranking champion Daryl Gurney calling out the venue.
For players, maintaining a solid grip on the dart is essential for top performance, and extreme temperatures can make that difficult.
Silence and Frustration
The atmosphere inside the venue has been far from lively.
Footage from the tournament reveals high-profile names like Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, and Raymond van Barneveld competing in a nearly silent and dimly lit hall, a stark contrast to the electric crowds of the recent World Darts Championship.
A Disappointing Experience for Players
Many players have voiced their dissatisfaction with the conditions.
Gurney, who has five PDC ranking titles to his name, shared his disappointment on social media.
He said, “The venue is freezing, and no consideration for the players.
A bad decision on the PDC’s behalf, and the players deserve better!”
Another player, Sebastian Bialecki, echoed Gurney’s sentiment, revealing that he was literally shaking with cold during warm-ups.
One darts writer also noted the effect the cold had on performance, commenting on the many sub-80 averages throughout the day, which he attributed to the poor venue conditions.
Van Gerwen’s Unfortunate Return
For Michael van Gerwen, this tournament held personal significance as he hails from a nearby town.
However, his return to the PDC Pro Tour has been anything but triumphant.
In a surprising upset, Van Gerwen lost 4-3 to Michael Flynn in the first round, marking a rough start to his season after reaching the World Championship final.
Fans React to the Complaints
While some fans have sympathized with the players, others were less than impressed with the complaints.
One fan commented under Gurney’s post, “All top players moan if it’s too cold or too hot.
Just get on with it; you’re a professional.”
Another added, “The good news is the same conditions for all players.
Raise the issue internally with the PDC.” The PDC has yet to respond to the growing criticism of the venue.
What’s Next for Darts?
With the criticism mounting, it remains to be seen how the PDC will address these concerns and whether future tournaments will consider the comfort of players in their venue choices.
The focus will likely shift back to the action on the darts board, but it’s clear that these icy conditions have had a significant impact on the tournament’s atmosphere and performance.
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