If ever there was any doubt that the PDC is the elite in world darts, the last month or so has given us plenty of evidence.
Former BDO World No.1 Gary Anderson and ex BDO World Champion Mark Webster have certainly found out the hard way!
Since the pair took that great leap of faith across the great darting divide, they have both struggled to come to terms with the fierce competition that exists on the PDC Pro Tour.
Results have borne that out, as Webster and Anderson have so far struggled to make an impact on the biggest stage in world darts.
But I believe in the old cliché – Form is temporary but class is permanent!
Webster won a World title and remember, in the past, Anderson swept aside the rest in winning the International Darts League and World Darts Trophy and of course, he has also reached the semi-finals of the Grand Slam of Darts on two occasions.
It has taken the likes of Michael van Gerwen and Jelle Klaasen a long time to adapt to the rigours of the PDC circuit and only in the last six months have we started to see the immense talent they both undoubtedly possess, transfer into results on the circuit.
I guess the exception to the rule has been Robert Thornton. The Scot has relished the challenge and to be on the verge of the world’s top 16 after just nine months with the PDC is an amazing achievement.
In my mind, both Anderson and Webster will come good but they are both under pressure to start achieving big results on the PDC Pro Tour, as they chase prized places – through the Players Championship Order of Merit – at the World Matchplay in Blackpool in July.
But all it takes is one good tournament….with £6,000 on offer for the winner of Players Championship events, £3,000 for the runner-up and £1,500 for beaten semi-finalists, Anderson and Webster know it is in their own hands.
The pair came to the PDC for the challenge. Andy Fordham has also thrown his hat in the PDC ring and top Australian Simon Whitlock will soon follow suit – but it will be a long hard road ahead!
Finally, just a word about Anastasia Dobromyslova, who deserves all the praise in the world for what she has achieved so far….she has already produced some great results and has proved she certainly belongs in the elite!