The Premier League Darts circus returns to Birmingham on Thursday evening with the eighth instalment of the 16-week long competition.
Unlike in the first seven weeks, the ties for tonight were set based on league position – the same will occur in week 16 – with league leader Michael van Gerwen taking on bottom place James Wade.
This means that world number one Peter Wright (2nd) faces Gary Anderson (7th), as Jonny Clayton (3rd) takes on Michael Smith (6th).
In the other quarter-final, Joe Cullen (4th) and Gerwyn Price (5th) will go to battle for a semi-final place against either van Gerwen or Wade.
On the other side of the draw, a mouth-watering match between Wright and Smith could take place, with tensions set to be high after a falling out last week.
Wright criticised Smith’s ability to perform in big games, suggesting that he tends to ‘bottle’ tournament finals.
Night 8 – Utilita Arena, Birmingham – Thursday March 31
Quarter-Finals:
Michael van Gerwen v James Wade
Joe Cullen v Gerwyn Price
Peter Wright v Gary Anderson
Jonny Clayton v Michael Smith
How does the Premier League work?
There are 16 tournaments altogether, with the results from each forming the overall Premier League table.
It will be arranged so that a player meets the other participants twice in the quarter-finals in weeks one to seven and nine to 15.
During two weeks of play, in the eighth and 16th week, the draw is determined by league standings heading into each night.
Points can be scored with results in the sixteen tournaments. A semi-final earns two points, a second place three points and a tournament win five points as well as a £10,000 bonus.
The four best players then advance to the Premier League Darts play-offs.
