Mike de Decker‘s exclusion from the Premier League Darts has sparked some controversy, with the Belgian’s vocal complaints about the decision. However, Chris Mason, an ex-player, pundit, and commentator, believes De Decker has no right to be upset, offering a blunt take on the matter.
Mason acknowledged De Decker’s achievement in winning the World Grand Prix but pointed out that, despite his triumph, his ranking wasn’t high enough to warrant a Premier League spot. “He’s the first one ever to win a Sky major that’s never been in the Premier League in its history. Does he have a point to moan? Not really,” Mason said in an interview with Online Darts. “He’s not backed it up. You’ve got to back it up or you’ve got to be highly ranked.”
While Mason expressed his admiration for De Decker’s win, he emphasized that a one-time major victory doesn’t guarantee a Premier League slot. “Unfortunately, his ranking, despite winning the World Grand Prix, isn’t even high enough to be considered. I’m gutted for him, because if other things hadn’t worked out the way they did, he may have had a sniff,” he added. Mason also referenced other players like Danny Noppert, who won the UK Open, and Ross Smith, highlighting that the issue of major winners being overlooked isn’t new.
Dave Chisnall also voiced frustration over the selection process, questioning the inclusion of Nathan Aspinall, citing his walk-on as the main reason for his selection. Chisnall, who finished 6th in the rankings at the time, expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that players with less consistent form could get picked based on their marketability rather than their performance. “The Premier League is a commercial exercise. It’s about selling the game and providing entertainment,” Chisnall said. “The popular players are popular for a reason. Their personalities come through on stage.”
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Mason agreed that personality plays a significant role in Premier League selections, with certain players being chosen based on their appeal to casual fans. He pointed to Peter Wright, whose ranking was down but still secured a spot in the following year’s Premier League. “Unfortunately for Chizzy, he’s not going to get the same credit as a Peter Wright will. He’s a personality, although it’s already sold out commercially. If you’re putting on an exhibition, it could be anybody right. Dave Chisnall or Peter Wright, who would you think would sell the most tickets?”
In the end, the Premier League Darts selection process isn’t purely about rankings or major wins; it’s also about the ability to entertain and appeal to the broader audience.
