On Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19, sixteen North American darters will compete for the title at the
CDC Continental Cup 2024. A nice bonus awaits the winner of this event, as this person gets to compete at the
Grand Slam of Darts in November.
That reward is due to Matt Campbell. The Canadian won the North American Darts Championship in June, which included a Grand Slam spot. But because Campbell was no longer in his first Tour Card year, "The Ninja" was therefore not allowed to compete in the Grand Slam of Darts via this route due to applicable PDC rules. The same thing happened to Jeff Smith, the 2023 winner of the North American Darts Championship. As in that year, the vacant spot was awarded to the winner of the CDC Continental Cup.
Favourites for the title include
Leonard Gates and
Stowe Buntz. Gates proved to be the best player on the CDC Tour this season, winning three of 14 tournaments. Buntz finished third thanks to two titles and is considered the defending champion on the CDC Continental Cup.
In the draw, Buntz was paired with three-time world champion and darts icon
John Part. Gates will take on Nick Linberg. Another good contender for the title is
Jim Long, the number two seed from the CDC season. He starts his tournament against Jack Robinson.
Former UK Open finalist Gary Mawson, who lost the final to James Wade in 2008, meets Doug Boehm in the first round.
Larry Butler, winner of the first World Matchplay in 1994, crosses swords with Adam Sevada.
Alex Spellman drew Joey Lynaugh in the first round, while Jake Womack will battle Jeff Springer. Finally, Jacob Taylor and Steve Warnock are also vying for a spot in the second round. The first round will take place entirely on Friday, Oct. 18, with the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals taking place a day later.
2024 CDC Continental Cup draw
Leonard Gates v Nick Linberg
Gary Mawson v Doug Boehm
Adam Sevada v Larry Butler
Alex Spellman v Joey Lynaugh
Jim Long v Jack Robinson
Jake Womack v Jeff Springer
Stowe Buntz v John Part
Jacob Taylor v Steve Warnock
