A new projection of the PDC Order of Merit spells disaster for Michael van Gerwen, who is set to drop from World No.4 to World No.20 based on current data from dartsrankings.com. The analysis, which adds prize money from upcoming events including the World Matchplay and World Grand Prix, shows Van Gerwen facing a massive drop due to the heavy amount of prize money he must defend. The Dutchman has endured an 18-month period marred by personal issues and inconsistent form, and the two-year ranking cycle could see him leave the darting elite for the first time in many years.
At the top, Luke Littler remains untouchable. Despite finally needing to defend titles, the gap will decrease but he will still stay clear. The projection places Littler on £2,162,000, with Gian van Veen rising to second on £840,250 and Luke Humphries adrift on £701,500. Gerwyn Price is a big winner, projected to return to the top four and likely secure an automatic Premier League spot. Wessel Nijman moves up to 12th, while Niko Springer is projected to make his top 32 debut at 31st. Luke Woodhouse is projected to enter the top 20, edging towards top 16 contention.
Other big fallers include Stephen Bunting, who drops from 9th to 13th, and Rob Cross, who plummets to 26th after being a top-10 player last year. Dave Chisnall falls to 32nd. Dimitri van den Bergh is projected to lose his Tour Card, currently sitting at 67th with only £83,000 in prize money and nothing to defend. Despite recent signs of form, it may be too little too late unless a big run materialises.
Just inside the top 64, Max Hopp, Adam Lipscombe and Martin Lukeman are projected to keep their Tour Cards, largely due to World Championship qualification. Kim Huybrechts, who looked in danger, is expected to save his skin for the same reason. Among new Tour Card holders, Cristo Reyes, Beau Greaves and Adam Gawlas are currently seen as the top players just outside the top 70. Greaves, however, has qualified or will qualify for majors, so a good run could boost her into the top 64 in her first year.
