It is the first darts action since last week’s World Matchplay where Peter Wright added another major title to his collection, defeating last year’s champion Dimitri van den Bergh 18-9 in the final.
With only three titles up for grabs instead of the usual four, there is more of an onus on players to impress, as they chase spots in the World Grand Prix and December’s World Championship.
Who Can Stop Wright?
‘Snakebite’ might be ranked second in the PDC’s Order of Merit, but right now, he is the best player in the world.
His performances in the Matchplay were oozing with control and confidence throughout.
Wright was never troubled on his way to lifting the Phil Taylor Trophy, winning all his matches by at least six legs.
He did to Michael van Gerwen in the semi-final what the Dutchman has done to him so often down the years and completely outplayed him.
Players Championship 20 was also won by Wright, meaning he will enter his first match with an unbeaten record of 12.
He can be backed at 13/2 to claim what would be a fourth title of 2021.
Price Out To Prove Number One Status
Aside from his brilliant maiden World Championship win against Gary Anderson, 2021 has been a very frustrating year for Gerwyn Price.
The Welshman was all set for a Premier League challenge before a positive Covid-19 test ruled him out for the campaign.
As such, he is rustier than some of his key rivals and that perhaps showed in his Matchplay exit to Van den Bergh.
Double trouble saw the ‘Iceman’ knocked out in the quarter-final at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens where darts’ panto villain engaged in a bit of on-stage needle with his opponent.
In spite of his struggles, Price remains world number one and won Players Championship 6 back in March.
He can be backed at 5/1 to double his tally for the year.
De Sousa To Continue Meteoric Rise?
Jose de Sousa has been one of darts’ breakthrough stars in recent years and is a firm favourite of fans due to his exhibition-style finishes and propensity for miscounts.
When in full flow, few players can match the Portuguese’s scoring power and he has produced some extraordinary performances on the floor.
He hit an extraordinary 127 average in beating William Borland in round one of Players Championship 13 and has won three others this year to add to his Grand Slam success in 2020.
De Sousa is also top of Pro Tour Order of Merit meaning he could get a bye if any other player pulls out.
The 47-year-old former kitchen fitter can be backed at 13/2 to pick up the £10,000 prize on Monday.
Humphries Hoping To Break Title Duck
For those searching for a potential first-time winner, look no further than Luke Humphries.
The UK Open runner-up has always performed well on stage, evidenced by two World Championship quarter-final appearances, but has massively improved his floor game.
That has contributed to his rise in the rankings and now he sits 27th in the Order of Merit.
He has made four Players Championship finals this year, losing all of them but the 26-year-old is showing constant signs of improvement.
The former World Youth Champion can be backed at 55/1 to scoop a maiden senior PDC title.
*All odds correct at time of writing
