Mike De Decker caused a sensation at the 2024 World Grand Prix in Leicester. After victories over the likes of Gary Anderson, James Wade and others, he defeated Luke Humphries 6-4 in the final. So for De Decker, who had previously never advanced beyond the last 32 at a PDC major, it was the first major title of his career.
As such, in some quarters, De Decker is now being tipped as a possible candidate for the 2025 Premier League Darts after his victory at the World Grand Prix. In that prestigious competition, which runs from early February to the end of May, eight players may participate each year. Normally, these are the top four players in the world supplemented by four other players chosen by the PDC in consultation with TV rights holder Sky Sports. In the past, De Decker's Belgian compatriots Kim Huybrechts and Dimitri Van den Bergh have been invited for the Premier League. So now, could a 3rd Belgian join the party?
According to the man himself, it may still be a little too soon. "I think I need some more experience playing in big games," De Decker admits in conversation with Sky Sports. "Last week was the first time that I had to play, quarter, semis and a final. Other than that tournament I've never reached past the last 32 at a major."
As seen in this year's edition though, the PDC aren't averse to giving someone with little experience a shot in the Premier League, as was the case with Luke Littler. "Well he just came onto the scene and destroyed everyone!" De Decker laughs. "But other than that, a lot of the players who are chosen for the Premier League had much more experience on stage, in the longer formats and in big games. That's what I need. More experience in the big games. "
By the way, next weekend De Decker will be back in action at the Czech Darts Open. At this last tournament of the European Tour he will play Brett Claydon in the first round. De Decker needs one more win to mathematically assure his participation in the European Championship at the end of this month.
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