THE FACTS
What is the Unibet PDC Home Tour? With the PDC Tour currently on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, the PDC have devised the tournament to supply some darting action to players and fans, with all matches are being streamed live from the homes of the players who are involved.
Who is taking part in the Unibet PDC Home Tour? All 128 PDC Tour Card holders were invited to take part, though there are some absences, the most notable being Michael van Gerwen due to the birth of his second child earlier this month, whilst Gary Anderson and Daryl Gurney are both missing due to internet connection problems.
What is the format of the Unibet PDC Home Tour? Each night, four players compete in a round-robin format with matches played over the best-of-nine legs, with the 32 group winners qualifying for the second stage of the event.
When is the Unibet PDC Home Tour Group 19 taking place? Tuesday 5th May, 2020 – 19:30 start (UK)
Where can I watch the Unibet PDC Home Tour? All PDC Home Tour action will be broadcast live on PDCTV for FREE to ALL registered PDCTV users, regardless of whether you have a paid or free membership.
THE PLAYERS
GLEN DURRANT
2020/21 SEASON SO FAR
Best Results in PDC Ranking Tournaments
Quarter-finals x2
Last 16 x3
Stats in PDC Players Championship tournaments
Average – 96.89
180s – 67 (0.23 per leg)
H2H
vs Justin Pipe
N/A
vs Maik Kuivenhoven
W1, L0
Last meeting: Glen Durrant 6-1 Maik Kuivenhoven (Mar 2019 – UK Open)
vs Vincent van der Meer
N/A
PROSPECTS
Three-time BDO World Champion Glen Durrant has proven his calibre with a rapid rise up the rankings since switching to the PDC. Along with a strong showing in his debut Premier League campaign earlier this year, he looks to be a strong favourite to qualify from this group.
JUSTIN PIPE
2020/21 SEASON SO FAR
Best Results in PDC Ranking Tournaments
Last 16 x1
Last 48 x1
Stats in PDC Players Championship tournaments
Average – 93.54
180s – 30 (0.25 per leg)
H2H
vs Glen Durrant
N/A
vs Maik Kuivenhoven
W0, L1
Last meeting: Maik Kuivenhoven 6-2 Justin Pipe (June 2019 – Players Championship)
vs Vincent van der Meer
W2, L0
Last meeting: Justin Pipe 6-1 Vincent van der Meer (Sept 2019 – Players Championship)
PROSPECTS
Justin Pipe has a wealth of experience from his many years on tour. He does lack the consistency he showed when he was winning titles on the tour a few years ago but he still has the ability to play to a high standard and can’t be written off.
MAIK KUIVENHOVEN
2020/21 SEASON SO FAR
Best Results in PDC Ranking Tournaments
Quarter-finals x2
Last 32 x1
Stats in PDC Players Championship tournaments
Average – 91.25
180s – 33 (0.18 per leg)
H2H
vs Glen Durrant
W0, L1
Last meeting: Glen Durrant 6-1 Maik Kuivenhoven (Mar 2019 – UK Open)
vs Justin Pipe
W1, L0
Last meeting: Maik Kuivenhoven 6-2 Justin Pipe (June 2019 – Players Championship)
vs Vincent van der Meer
N/A
PROSPECTS
Maik Kuivenhoven had some improved results on the circuit in early 2020 with a couple of quarter-final appearances in Players Championship tournaments. It will be a tough challenge to finish ahead of Durrant in this group but if Duzza slips up then maybe he will be the player to capitalise.
VINCENT VAN DER MEER
2020/21 SEASON SO FAR
Best Results in PDC Ranking Tournaments
Last 32 x2
Last 64 x1
Stats in PDC Players Championship tournaments
Average – 88.61
180s – 24 (0.20 per leg)
H2H
vs Glen Durrant
N/A
vs Justin Pipe
W0, L2
Last meeting: Justin Pipe 6-1 Vincent van der Meer (Sept 2019 – Players Championship)
vs Maik Kuivenhoven
N/A
PROSPECTS
Vincent van der Meer has no big expectations as the outsider in this group. The Dutch player is no stranger to facing quality opposition having competed on the tour since January 2019 but his results and performances suggest that top spot might be out of reach.
THREE PICKS FROM 3 DART ANALYST
Glen Durrant -2.5 handicap vs Vincent van der Meer
Glen Durrant is a class act and is likely to be too good for Van der Meer in this opening match of the night and he looks capable of beating the -2.5 handicap.
Maik Kuivenhoven to beat Vincent van der Meer
In this battle of the two Dutch dartists, it is Maik Kuivenhoven who looks to have the edge. His results and performances on the tour suggest he is good value to take the two points.
Glen Durrant to win the group
It is no certainty that the highest ranked player will finish at the top of the group but Durrant’s consistency and determination to win do give him an excellent chance of earning qualification to the last 32.
