BONUS EPISODE: Predictions and Analysis for the Cross-Border Darts Challenge

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Welcome to the pregame coverage of the 2024 CDC Cross-Border Darts Challenge! In this episode of “Shooting the Bull,” host Anthony Eugenia, along with teammate Nils Nelson, provide a detailed analysis of the upcoming darts tournament from Uptown Social in Michigan City, Indiana.

Join the conversation as they discuss the bracket, player matchups, and make predictions for the event. With exciting games lined up, including the Nations Cup between Team USA and Team Canada, this episode sets the stage for an action-packed weekend of darts.

Don’t miss out on the insights and predictions from the Shooting the Bull team as they dive into the world of North American darts. Subscribe to the podcast for more casual conversations about the sport of darts and stay tuned for the 2024 CDC Cross-Border Darts Challenge!

[00:02:28] Alex Spellman vs. Sylvain Bordeaux.

[00:06:22] PDC vs. CDC competition.

[00:10:02] Rising Stars.

[00:14:43] Dart players’ intriguing matchups.

[00:17:23] Stowe Buntz vs. John Part.

[00:26:31] Nils Nelson’s unexpected champion.

[00:28:56] Nations Cup prediction.

#darts #CDC #crossborder #tournament #predictions #analysis #NationsCup #ShootingtheBull #podcast #lovethedarts

From Indianapolis to Madison Square Garden: The North American Darts Journey with Contributors Sean Green & Mark Taggart

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Join Anthony Eugenia for the second episode of “Shooting the Bull,” the official podcast of the Championship Dart Circuit. In this episode, Anthony is joined by Sean Green and Mark Taggart for a casual conversation about darts from a North American perspective. They discuss the upcoming Cross Border Darts Challenge, the US Darts Masters, and the 2024 Tour Schedule. The show ends with an engaging Q&A about darts with their audience through feedback and questions. Tune in for entertaining insights and lively discussions from the world of darts!

[00:02:15] CDC: All roads lead to Indianapolis

[00:04:36] Cross Border Darts Challenge Preview

[00:15:06] Players to watch

[00:19:27] CDC at PopCon Indy – Introducing a New Audience to Darts 

[00:25:36] CDC Tour Schedule

[00:57:30] Previewing the US Darts Masters

[01:08:52] The Littler Effect on Michael Van Gerwen’s career and future

[01:25:33] Q&A begins – Vegas or NY for US Darts Masters

[01:40:42] What makes a professional darts player?

[01:51:39] Future tournaments in the CDC

Important links:

Cross Border Darts Challenge tickets and hotel (Book by 3/26 for discount!):

https://ticketsource.us/champdarts

U.S. Darts Masters tickets and discount hotel:

https://www.ticketmaster.com/u.s.-darts-masters-tickets/artist/2722212

Follow @champdarts on social media

🎙️🎯 #Darts #Podcast #ChampionshipDartCircuit #ShootingTheBull

Littler to headline 2024 US Darts Masters line-up in New York

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Luke Littler will make his bet365 US Darts Masters debut at Madison Square Garden later this year, with the eight PDC representatives now confirmed for the World Series of Darts event in New York.

Teenage trailblazer Littler has created global headlines over recent months, reaching the World Championship final before landing a nine-darter on his way to celebrating Bahrain Darts Masters glory on his World Series debut in January.

The 17-year-old sensation will now set his sights on a second World Series of Darts crown when the sport’s biggest names take on eight North American representatives in The Theater at Madison Square Garden on May 31 & June 1.

2024 World Champion Luke Humphries, the world number one, and reigning champion Michael van Gerwen will headline the star-studded 16-player field, alongside former US Darts Masters winners Michael Smith and Nathan Aspinall.

Three other former World Champions – Peter Wright, Gerwyn Price and Rob Cross – will also return to ‘The Big Apple’, as the PDC visits New York for a third consecutive year.

 

PDC Tour Card Holders Matt Campbell, Jules van Dongen and Danny Lauby will head up the eight North American competitors, with Grand Slam of Darts quarter-finalist Stowe Buntz assured of qualification following his 2023 CDC Continental Cup triumph.

The 2024 CDC Cross-Border Challenge winner will also earn a place in the field following April’s event in Michigan City, Indiana, along with a further three players from the CDC Qualifiers, which are set to take place from May 17-19.

Alongside the US Darts Masters, the bet365 North American Championship will also be staged on Saturday June 1, as the eight North American competitors go head-to-head for that title and a spot in the 2024/25 Paddy Power World Darts Championship.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS FOR THE 2024 US DARTS MASTERS
(Click the unlock button at the seat selection screen and use code CDC33 for 33% off. Not valid on table seating or two-day passes.)

2024 bet365 US Darts Masters & North American Championship
May 31-June 1, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York

Session Schedule
Friday May 31 (1900 local time)
bet365 US Darts Masters first round

Saturday June 1
Afternoon Session (1300 local time)
bet365 North American Championship quarter-finals, semi-finals & final

Evening Session (1900 local time)
bet365 US Darts Masters quarter-finals, semi-finals & final

2024 bet365 US Darts Masters field
PDC Representatives
Luke Humphries
Michael van Gerwen
Michael Smith
Nathan Aspinall
Gerwyn Price
Rob Cross
Peter Wright
Luke Littler

North American Representatives
Matt Campbell
Jules van Dongen
Danny Lauby
Stowe Buntz
2024 CDC Cross-Border Challenge Winner
3x CDC Qualifiers

Article by Josh Gorton/PDC

Shooting for the Stars: 10 Years of the Championship Darts Circuit & Beyond!

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Welcome to the first episode of Shooting the Bull, your official podcast of the Championship Darts Circuit.

Join your host, Anthony Eugenia with his fellow CDC founders L. David Irete and Peter Citera as they reflect on the journey of the Championship Darts Circuit over the past decade. With a mix of humor, camaraderie, and personal anecdotes, the hosts discuss the origins of the CDC, the challenges they faced, and the milestones they achieved as the sport of darts continues to grow in North America.

In this episode:

-The vision for the future of the CDC, including plans for expanding the tour, increasing prize money, and venturing into the world of gaming. 

-The upcoming Cross Border Darts Challenge and the exciting venue in Michigan City, Indiana. 

-The North American players that made an impact in the PDC World Darts Championships and the players to watch this year

-Introducing darts to new fans including the upcoming CDC appearance at PopCon in Indianapolis

Moments from the show: 

[00:03:57] Evolution of the sport of darts and how the CDC came to be.

[00:11:20] Setting ambitious goals for the future of the CDC.

[00:22:33] Holding hands and jumping in – The moment the 3 CDC founders took the leap.

[00:39:32] Gaming and gambling coming to the CDC

[00:49:06] The Cross Border Darts Challenge 

[00:53:00] Impact of Luke Littler on Darts.

[01:07:11] Jeff Smith: His incredible contribution to darts.

[01:11:35] Jules Van Dongen: His journey and character.

[01:15:15] Alex Spellman: Passion for the game and teaching

[01:20:26] Stowe Buntz: The neon nightmare and more.

[01:28:11] Youth participation in dart leagues.

[01:31:49] PopCon – Comic and Culture Convention.

[01:36:34] Danny Lauby: From the beginning

Important links:

Cross Border Darts Challenge tickets and hotel:

https://ticketsource.us/champdarts

U.S. Darts Masters Tickets:

https://www.ticketmaster.com/u.s.-darts-masters-tickets/artist/2722212

Follow @champdarts on social media

If you liked this episode, please rate us and give us a review. It will help us grow the show! And remember to subscribe so you don’t miss out on our monthly episodes and the latest news.

 

 

Berth in Final Stage at PDC Q-School to be Awarded to CDC Tour Points Champion

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The Professional Darts Corporation has published revised Order of Merit Rules for 2024 and Championship Darts Corporation is delighted to announce that this year’s CDC Tour Points Champion will receive an automatic berth in the Final Stage at 2025 PDC Q-School! Our representative will join those from the other PDC Global Affiliate Tours (PDC Nordic and Baltic, PDC Asia, Dartplayers Australia and Dartplayers New Zealand) in attempting to secure a two-year spot on the PDC Pro Tour.

Players from the Global Affiliate Tour network (other than those from PDC Nordic and Baltic) will be able to choose whether to attend the UK or European Q-School, but must still register via the PDC entry system. Should the Tour Points Champion decline the invitation, it will pass to the runner-up.

The 2024 CDC Main Tour kicks off in Indianapolis the weekend of May 17-19.

SouLGa Dances His Way Back to the Winner’s Circle in Indianapolis

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Leonard Gates, fresh off his World Seniors Matchplay title, has won the Winmau Blade 6 Championship in Indianapolis, Indiana, cruising through the day with a 31-4 record and besting David Cameron 7-2 in the final. The win is Gates’ second of the season and the final was a rematch of the second-round (and instant classic) match between the two Titans of Tungsten at the Seniors.

Gates was in complete control all day, starting with a 5-0 thrashing of Anthony Romero, followed up with a 6-2 victory over Ryan Vander Weit. He completed his run to the fina with back-to-back whitewashes, 6-0 over Jason Brandon in the quarterfinals and 7-0 over the #1 seed, Alex Spellman, in the semifinals.  Cameron, playing in his second final in as many days, also started his day in dominant fashion, defeating Rick Allred 5-1 with a 102.52 average, before blanking Joey Lynaugh 6-0. In the quarterfinals he won a back-and-forth affair against Danny Lauby 6-4, then overcame a 5-2 deficit to Jacob Taylor in the semifinals, winning the last 5 legs on the trot to secure a 7-5 victory.

As the 2023 Championship Darts Circuit came to a close, three players have booked spots at the 2024 PDC PaddyPower World Darts Championship:

  • Alex Spellman finished as the top American player, and will make his World Championship debut. He is also the winner of the 2023 Jay Tomlinson Trophy – awarded each year to the top-ranked player in the CDC Tour standings.
  • Thanks to a strong final weekend, David Cameron leapt into top spot for the Canadians and will make his second straight appearance in London, looking to improve upon his second-round exit to Danny Noppert last December.
  • The final player to qualify is Stowe Buntz. He was the highest-ranked CDC Tour player not otherwise qualified and will also take the Ally Pally stage for the first time.

Alex Spellman led the way with a 93.36 average, narrowly edging out finalists Leonard Gates and David Cameron. Gates would lead the tournament with 12x 180s and also topped the field with 47% success rate on checkouts.

David Fatum connected on the big fish, checking out a 170 finish against Keith Way in their second round match.

Finals
Leonard Gates (5) 7-2 David Cameron (2)

Semifinals
Leonard Gates (5) 7-0 Alex Spellman (1)
David Cameron (2) 7-5 Jacob Taylor (3)

Quarterfinals
Alex Spellman (1) 6-1 Larry Butler (8)
Leonard Gates (5) 6-0 Jason Brandon (13)
David Cameron (2) 6-4 Danny Lauby (7)
Jacob Taylor (3) 6-4 David Fatum

The top-16 players on the 2023 Championship Darts Circuit will take the stage at the Continental Cup Tour Finals Championship, October 20-21 in New York City, with a berth in the Grand Slam of Darts and the 2024 US Darts Masters on the line. Tickets will be available soon at champdarts.com!

Article by Brian Fraser

Excalibur Victorious in DartConnect Derby

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The CDC’s stars came out to shine on Saturday, with 7 of the top 8 reaching the quarterfinals of the DartConnect Derby. With everything on the line, Canada’s David Cameron emerged victorious with a 7-3 victory over fifth seed Stowe Buntz in the final.

The entire bracket was fraught with World Championship implications as the fight to represent the USA and Canada at the 2024 PDC PaddyPower World Darts Championship continued. In the semifinals, American point leader, Alex Spellman, was defeated by fellow countryman and rival Stowe Buntz while David Cameron – who was in a three-way battle for the Canadian top spot with Jacob Taylor and Jim Long – survived a last leg decider against The Gentleman to advance.

The win for Cameron, his first of the 2023 season, moves him into a big lead amongst the Canadians. He now sits 12 points ahead of Jacob Taylor and 14 ahead of Jim long, with 18 points available Sunday. He started Saturday with three comfortable wins, 5-0 over Rick Allred, 6-1 over Jason Brandon, and 6-1 over Danny Lauby, prior to his nail biting 7-6 victory over Long in the semifinals.

Stowe Buntz, who sits second on the American points list – 10 behind Alex Spellman and 6 ahead of Danny Lauby – sailed comfortably through his first three contests as well, winning 5-3 over Michael Nguyen, 6-1 over Chuck Puleo, and 6-1 over Leonard Gates before meeting Spellman in the semifinals. Even though he fell 7-5 in that semifinal, he extended his lead over Lauby for the wild card spot at the Ally Pally. The top American and top Canadian at the conclusion of the Tour will earn their spot at the Worlds, as will the highest-ranked player not otherwise qualified, regardless of nationality.

Danny Lauby secured the highest average in event 11, with a brilliant 94.74. He’ll look to keep that going Sunday to hold out hope for a return to the Palace. David Cameron was untouchable on his checkouts, converting 48%. Jim Long notched 7x 180s and Jacob Taylor had the highest checkout, with a 161.

Finals
David Cameron (2) 7-3 Stowe Buntz (5)

Semifinals
Stowe Buntz (5) 7-5 Alex Spellman (1)
David Cameron (2) 7-6 Jim Long (6)

Quarterfinals
Alex Spellman (1) 6-2 Gary Mawson (9)
Stowe Buntz (5) 6-1 Leonard Gates (4)
David Cameron (2) 6-1 Danny Lauby (7)
Jim Long (6) 6-5 Jacob Taylor (3)

The players meet one last time, for the Winmau Blade 6 Championship, which is the 12th and final event of the season. Coverage beginning at 11:00 am eastern from, Indianapolis, Indiana. At the end of the day, the top American and Canadian player, along with the next highest ranked player, will earn their spots at the 2024 PDC World Championships in December. The current points list can be found on champdarts.com.

 

Article by Brian Fraser

Three-Peats and Nine-Darters and Records, OH MY!

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It was a perfect Sunday afternoon for Stowe Buntz, Ross Snook and darts fans across the continent as Weekend 3 on the 2023 Championship Darts Circuit came to a close.

Buntz completed a clean-sweep on the weekend with a 7-2 victory over Jim Long in the final of the Galaxy Gold Cup, making him the first player in CDC history to claim a trifecta of CDC Tour event titles in a single weekend. He averaged 91.28 in the final and went 31-12 in legs on the day.

But that wasn’t the only piece of history made.

Ross Snook became the first player to hit a perfect nine-dart leg on a CDC Main Tour event live-stream, pinning Double 12 in the third leg of his last-64 match against Cashmere Ventura. This on Snook’s first weekend of CDC play this season following open-heart surgery earlier in the year. While it came in a losing effort, “The Rock” was smiling from ear-to-ear after the match, feeling that it was a huge milestone in his recovery and a big step towards returning to top form.

Buntz opened his bid for a third consecutive title with a 5-1 victory over Eugene Schmitt before overcoming 12th seed Doug Boehm and 13th seed Chuck Puleo, both by a 6-4 score. He then outclassed an out-of-sorts Danny Lauby 7-1 in the semis to book his tie with Long in the final.

For his part, the 6th-seeded Long began his journey with a 5-1 victory over Justin Fawcett and followed it up with a tight 6-4 victory over the aforementioned Cashmere Ventura. He then caught fire, defeating 3rd seed Jacob Taylor (6-4) and 2nd seed David Cameron (7-2), gaining ground on the two Canadians ahead of him in the standings. Long almost added a nine-darter of his own along the way, just missing the double twelve against Jacob Taylor.

Buntz connected on an incredible 47% of his checkout attempts on Sunday, while his finals opponent, Jim Long, led the way with 9x 180s. Jules Van Dongen recorded the highest average with 93.37, and the highest checkout belonged to Alex Spellman, with a 164 against Sylvain Bourdeau.

 

Finals

Stowe Buntz (5)  7-2  Jim Long (6)

Semifinals

Stowe Buntz (5)  7-1  Danny Lauby (8)
Jim Long (6)  7-2  David Cameron (2)

Quarterfinals

Danny Lauby (8)  6-4  Ryan Vander Weit (16)
Stowe Buntz (5)  6-4  Chuck Puleo (13)
David Cameron (2)  6-0  Keifer Durham
Jim Long (6)  6-4  Jacob Taylor (3)

The final weekend of the 2023 Championship Darts Circuit tour takes place September 8-10 in Indianapolis, Indiana, where the culmination of the tour will determine the Canadian and American representatives at the 2024 PDC PaddyPower World Darts Championship, as well as the field for the 2023 CDC Continental Cup.

 

Article by Brian Fraser
August 13, 2023