PREMIER LEAGUE PANIC!

Of course, the top six in the PDC World rankings after the SkyBet World Grand Prix will clinch their spots in the 2007 Premier League bonanza, which starts in Plymouth in February.

But after the Players Championship event and UK Open Irish Regional tournament in Dublin at the weekend, who is set for glory and riches and who looks like being bitterly disappointed?

Forgive my maths ( it did take me seven goes to get my maths ‘O’ Level!!) but this is how I reckon it stacks up before the Grand Prix starts. This list includes the points won in the Players Championship and UK Open Ireland Regional and takes OFF all the points the players are defending from the World Grand Prix…..so, it is a level playing field…

Colin Lloyd and Phil Taylor are already both guaranteed their spots…..as for the rest:

3….Dennis Priestley 426
4….Peter Manley 421
5….Roland Scholten 417
6….Wayne Mardle 415

7….Andy Jenkins 412
8….Ronnie Baxter 412
9….Adrian Lewis 409
10…Terry Jenkins 406

It looks certain that ‘Dennis The Menace’ has done enough to continue his incredible career renaissance…..If that is the case, there are three places still available. I reckon Scholten’s semi-final appearance in Sunday’s UK Open Irish Regional, should just about see him through, unless he has a disaster at the World Grand Prix.

Who is your money on? The other two spots in the new eight-man Premier League for 2007 will be wildcards. One will be named after the World Grand Prix. It is almost certain to be Raymond Van Barneveld – quite rightly in my opinion, because he has done wonders for the PDC since his switch last February.

The final place will be allocated after the World Championships.

As for this week, it will come down to courage and skill but if the contenders go up on stage with the Premier League on their minds, they may well come-a-cropper!