PDC CHIEF EXECUTIVE Matt Porter appeared to welcome the idea of a radical change to Premier League Darts.
The arrows supremo was offered an imaginative proposal while speaking to Online Darts.
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The host posed a suggestion to alter the Premier League’s rules on Week 8 and 16 fixtures, which are currently drawn based on league position, with first playing eighth, second playing seventh and so on.
Instead of that system, the proposal suggests that first place be able to choose which opponent they would like to face.
This announcement would be made live on the PDC’s YouTube channel or partnered broadcaster.
Porter listened on with a grin, and seemed to like the idea in theory, saying: “It’d be amazing drama wouldn’t it. Maybe…”
The host acknowledged the storylines that would emerge from hearing the players explain their choices.
Porter chimed in: “And then it blows up in your face when he beats you 6-0 on Thursday?
“From a purely storytelling perspective, that’s a great idea. I don’t know. Would the players go for it?”
The interviewer highlighted how the method would build intrigue and develop rivalries as players chose not necessarily the worst player on paper, but the one they feel they get the better of most often.
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They illustrated their point with an example of Luke Littler choosing a player he beats often such as Nathan Aspinall over another competitor like Stephen Bunting, even if the latter was last in the rankings at the time.
Porter was tentatively receptive to the idea, and challenged his hosts to put the question to the players when they had the chance.
He finished: “Between now and the end of the year, when you interview a player who you think will or might be in the Premier League, ask them what they think of that idea, and I’ll watch the answers, and then we’ll see where we go.”
Porter has also spoken out about the Premier League being part of darts’ “Triple Crown” prize – and shot down the whole concept with some hilarious comments.
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