“When I was there, I had one of the best receptions ever” - William O'Connor backs calls for return of Premier League 'challengers'
PDCFriday, 27 March 2026 at 10:00
William O’Connor has backed calls for the return of Premier League Darts ‘challengers’, pointing to his own experience in Dublin as proof of the impact local players can have on a night.
ADVERTISEMENT
“When I was there, I had a superb reception — probably one of the best ever,” O’Connor said in conversation with Tungsten Tales, reflecting on his appearance in the Irish capital.
His comments come amid renewed discussion around the Premier League format following the recent night in Dublin, where a quarter-final was removed after Gian van Veen withdrew due to kidney stones.
The situation has reignited debate over whether local players should be brought in to fill gaps and maintain the structure of the evening.
O’Connor backs local player solution
O’Connor believes there is a clear and practical case for reintroducing the challenger format, particularly in situations where a player drops out. “I think so. It’s definitely something that could be talked about. Whether they’ll introduce it or not, I don’t know, but it’s worth discussing.”
He added: “Especially if a player pulls out — why not have a local player? It makes sense not to have a bye. Whether there are points on the line or not, at least fill the void for the crowd and give them something to cheer about. It makes sense to me, but I’m not in charge.”
ADVERTISEMENT
The challenger concept has previously delivered some of the most memorable moments in Premier League history, with local players given a one-night opportunity to perform in front of home crowds.
William O'Connor is the current world number 41
Dublin reaction and missed opportunity
Despite the debate surrounding the atmosphere at the latest Dublin event, O’Connor admitted he was not in a position to judge. “I didn’t watch it, so I can’t give my reaction. I know when I was there, I had a superb reception — probably one of the best ever. That’s all I can say. I wasn’t there last night, so I don’t know.”
However, when presented with the idea of stepping in as a late replacement himself, his answer was immediate. “Yeah, absolutely. I’d have been out the gap — bye-bye Euro Tour.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Kieran WoodDarts Journalist
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He contributes to DartsNews.com, where he covers professional darts through news, match reports, analysis, and live coverage across the PDC calendar and major tournaments.
A key part of his work is on-site reporting from leading events. Kieran has covered the PDC World Darts Championship in person, reporting daily from the venue and providing first-hand insight from the tournament. During his coverage, he has conducted interviews with leading players including Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Gerwyn Price.
He is also one of the leading voices of the English-language Dartsnews Podcast, contributing regular analysis and discussion on developments across the professional darts circuit.
In his reporting, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles when new, verified information becomes available.
claps 26visitors 1
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- Need to see her take part in the womens tour. She'll break the inernet.medinabello08-09-2026
- If he can be bothered? He won't play darts in Germany yet he'll go over and get an award!??rick6702-09-2026
- Why is this the main story? He chose not to compete in loads of tournaments,yes he's number 1 in the world,but he does have to turn up at tournaments! Play the next world championship in Dortmund and see if he turns up!!rick6727-08-2026
- This is exactly what I mean,littler survives the 1st round,I think you'll find a lot of other players did. Can you just report on the real sport,and not just 1 person. I like Luke,but this is getting boring now,as Kevin painter once said to Taylor!! The sport is about every player,not 1 who everyone seems to have put the sport on the map.,which he hasn't,he's just got in when the money is massive. Great as he is,it seems like what's the point in anyone trying,he's going to win everything,unless it's in Germany or Australia!!!rick6726-08-2026
- I mean look, Littler's picture is first,wattimena is second and he won! Level it up. I know littler is fantastic,but the sport was here before him,and will be when he's retired. Any player in the top 64/128 can beat each other,it's not big news. Poor Jermaine,wins it,and not even the headline!!rick6726-08-2026
- I appreciate that littler is a fantastic player,but the top 3 articles are about him. Before he'd thrown a dart in the tournament. Level it out a bit, Taylor and van gerwen soon got disliked as the media could only see them,and nobody else seemed to matterrick6725-08-2026
- The two-point Lucky Loser qualifiers are Ross Smith, Robb, Whitlock, Sakai, Ilagan and Toylo. Jermaine is not on the entries list on Dartconnect for the TCH qualifier so the four from the main OoM are probably Searle, Nijman, Dobey, Wattimena.Scoobedybop24-08-2026
- The two-point Lucky Loser qualifiers are Ross Smith, Robb, Whitlock, Sakai, Ilagan and Toylo. Jermaine is not on the entries list on Dartconnect for the TCH qualifier so the four from the main OoM are probably Searle, Nijman, Dobey, Wattimena.Scoobedybop24-08-2026
- I'd happily pay for a site free of Van der Voort's every squeak and utterance.StraightArrowNoBull19-08-2026
- I think you miss the point. It is just a poll if you are willing to pay for an ad-free site. The content stays free.SheGotLegs16-08-2026
Loading