The World Cup of Darts 2019 will take place from 6-9 June in Hamburg. Dartsnews introduces the competing nations ahead of the start of the event.
We are kicking off with the United States of America and Sweden. The Yankees and the Scandinavians participate for the ninth time at the
World Cup of Darts, meaning they are both ever presents at this tournament.
United States of America
Darin Young and Chuck Puleo will play together for the first time at the World Cup of Darts. Puleo makes his tournament debut, while Young appeared at all former editions. The Americans managed to reach the last eight only once, in 2012. England
beat them in the quarter-finals after the United States beat Philippines and Germany in the first two rounds.
The United States were close to causing an upset during the 2017 edition against the Netherlands. Larry Butler defeated Raymond van Barneveld in the second singles match as they forced the Dutch pair to play a deciding doubles match. Michael van Gerwen and Van Barneveld won the pair game with 4-0.
Darin Young
Nickname: Big Daddy
Age: 46
World Cup participations: 9
Best performance: Quarter-Finals (2012)
First round opponent: China
PDC Ranking: -
Chuck Puleo
Nickname: Pipes Age: 46 World Cup participations: 1 Best performance: Debut (2019) First round opponent: China PDC Ranking: -
Sweden
Magnus Caris and Dennis Nilsson wear the Swedish kit at this year's World Cup of Darts. They played together in 2012 as well and reached the second round seven years ago.
Sweden never came through the second round at this event. They also survived the first round in 2010 and 2014, when Caris teamed up with Par Riihonen and Peter Sajwani respectively. 'Pokerface' makes his last appearance at the World Cup of Darts, as the two-time Swedish national champion
announced to retire after this tournament.
Magnus Caris
Nickname: Pokerface
Age: 50
World Cup participations: 8
Best performance: Second round (2010, 2012 and 2014)
First round opponent: Brazil
PDC Ranking 156
Dennis Nilsson
Nickname: Ironman Age: 43 World Cup participations: 3 Best performance: Second round (2012) First round opponent: Brazil PDC Ranking: 130