Tour hotting up... but too close to call

THE growth of darts can be measured by the amount of travelling that we are now doing.

The European Tour tournaments are coming thick and fast. Straight from Riesa last week, we are in Sindelfingen this weekend. Yes, I didn’t know where it was, either!

Last week, I beat Mike De Decker (top) and played quite well, then seemed comfortable against Ricardo Pietreczko at 5-3. But he threw some great legs at the end of the game and he ended up winning.

A week seems like a long time in darts and the good news is that I can see my game coming along again.

It was interesting playing Pietreczko in his homeland of Germany, especially only a few weeks after his on-stage incident with Luke Littler (right).

He was having fun with the crowd and at one point went for a bullseye finish when I was 200 behind.

It doesn’t bother me – in fact, I like the showmanship – but hopefully he will remember that feeling when accusing others of being arrogant or disrespectful.

The Premier League is right into the business end now. My predictions last week were spot on, although the games went to the wire – but this week, I am a lot less sure of what is going to happen.

Michael Smith is one of the only players to have a winning record over Littler, so their game will be close.

Rob Cross and Gerwyn Price both have magic in them, but have been inconsistent. Peter Wright and Nathan Aspinall have gone to the wire a few times recently.

As for Michael van Gerwen vs Luke Humphries? Well, that is down to whoever hits their doubles.

If you like a dabble, I would suggest keeping your powder dry this week.

These games could go either way.