Peter 'SNAKEBITE' Wright
Peter Wright, the flamboyant Scotsman, has stolen in from an outside lane to secure his place in the Premier League for the very first time. Wright has entered the best form of his career in recent time. Last June, Wright averaged a phenomenal 118.66 in beating his fellow countryman Gary Anderson 6-0 in legs in the fifth Players Championship of 2013. That properly showcased his talent because, let's face it, before that we were all focusing on his hairstyle. Later in 2013, Wright advanced to the top sixteen in the world, but it was his efforts at Alexandra Palace a few weeks ago when he made a dashing run to the final, the highlight being a 6-2 win over Simon Whitlock in the semi-final with a 100 average, that has won him a place in the Premier League. Exciting times for Peter Wright.
'THE THORN' Robert Thornton
Also making a second appearance in the Premier League this year is the Scotsman Robert Thornton, who finished in a credible fifth position last year. Since winning the UK Open in 2012, Robert Thornton has failed to make a big as inroad into the top table of world darts as he would have liked, or maybe even have expected. He's lost in the World Championship at the 3rd round stage in both 2013 and 2014, the latter coming in a heavy 4-1 defeat to his fellow Premier League contender Wes Newton. Some form of Thornton's was found, however, in the Grand Slam of Darts last November where he reached the final before being dispatched by Phil Taylor. It will be interesting to see whether or not he can keep pace with the main contenders this time round.
'THE FLYING SCOTSMAN Gary Anderson
It's been a difficult year for Gary Anderson. The 2011 Premier League champion has qualified for this tournament, as has Raymond Van Barneveld, by virtue of a Sky Sports wildcard - which clearly indicates how perilous his position is. Anderson has not been past the quarter-final stage of a major event since 2011 so, as ever in modern professional sport, the pressure is swiftly growing. Like Barneveld, this could be one of his last chances as well.
TIPS TO WIN!
it's a difficult one! Michael Van Gerwen, Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis are, for my money, the three main contenders for overall victory. If pushed into a corner, I will venture that Michael Van Gerwen will be the winner - his power scoring over a slightly short format could well make all the difference.
However, if you're a betting man, and fancy a £10 punt on a player with long-odds, then Raymond Van Barneveld would certainly be my dark horse for the tournament. He seems to be almost forgotten about as a major contender, doesn't he? You write him off at your peril though.