Jeff Smith begins his chase for title prolongation at the North American Darts Championship on Saturday against Matt Campbell. The two Canadians faced each other in last year's final.
Smith and Campbell are two of eight North American stars who will compete among themselves for the continental title. Campbell is ranked highest at the North American Darts Championship because of his position in the world rankings.
Second-seeded Danny Lauby opens his tournament against debutant Adam Sevada, who makes his television debut this weekend. Dutch American Jules van Dongen meets Grand Slam quarterfinalist Stowe Buntz in an American quarterfinal, while CDC Cross Border Challenge winner Alex Spellman takes on Canadian veteran David Cameron.
The quarterfinals, semifinals and final will take place in one session on Saturday, June 1, starting at 7 p.m. Dutch time. All matches will be played over a format of best of 11 legs.
The tournament with a prize pool of $25,000 will be played Saturday at Madison Square Garden's Hulu Theater. The winner will receive the grand prize of $10,000 and a place at the Grand Slam of Darts and the World Darts Championship.
However, there is one catch for Campbell. According to PDC rules, Tour Card holders cannot qualify for major tournaments through regional tournaments after their first Tour Card year. If Campbell wins the North American Darts Championship, he will receive the top prize of $10,000 but will not be allowed to participate in the Grand Slam of Darts and the PDC World Darts Championship. These tickets will then be distributed by other means through the CDC circuit.
North American Darts Championship draw
(1) Matt Campbell v Jeff Smith
(4) Alex Spellman v David Cameron
(2) Danny Lauby v Adam Sevada
(3) Jules van Dongen v Stowe Buntz
Playing schedule North American Darts Championship
Saturday, June 1 (from 6 p.m.)
Quarterfinal
Matt Campbell v Jeff Smith
Alex Spellman v David Cameron
Danny Lauby v Adam Sevada
Jules van Dongen v Stowe Buntz
Semi-final
Campbell/Smith v Spellman/Cameron
Lauby/Sevada v Van Dongen/Buntz
Finale
Campbell/Smith/Spellman/Cameron v Lauby/Sevada/Van Dongen/Buntz