1,439 total views,  6 views today

GAA League 2023 Galway v Roscommon – Stats, Preview & Team News

Click for Galway v Roscommon live scores 

They have previously met in 23 Connacht finals with Galway winning 11 to Roscommon’s 9 while there were three draws.

Connacht titles: Galway 47, Roscommon 23

Galway and Roscommon have met 65 times in the championship. Galway have won 39 to Roscommon’s 21, with six draws.

The counties have met ten times in the championship in Pearse Stadium, with Galway winning five to Roscommon’s four. One was drawn.

This is the first time Galway have been in seven successive Connacht finals since the 1950s/60s. They reached a seventh successive final in 1962, followed by four more in 1963-64-65-66.

Roscommon beat Galway twice in the 2022 Allianz League Division 2 (1-20 to 1-15 in Round 7 and 1-20 to 0-22 in the final.

Galway last won the Connacht title in 2022; Roscommon were last successful in 2019.

LAST FIVE CHAMPIONSHIP MEETINGS

2022: Galway 2-19 Roscommon 2:16
2021: Galway 2-11 Roscommon 0-12 (Connacht semi-final) 2019: Roscommon 1-13 Galway 0-12 (Connacht final)
2018: Galway 0-16 Roscommon 2-6 (Connacht final)
2017: Roscommon 2-15 Galway 0-12 (Connacht final)
2016: Galway 3-16 Roscommon 0-14 (Connacht Final) Replay

LAST FIVE CONNACHT FINAL MEETINGS
2022: Galway 2-19 Roscommon 2:16
2019: Roscommon 1-13 Galway 0-12
2018: Galway 0-16 Roscommon 2-6
2017: Roscommon 2-15 Galway 0-12
2016: Galway 3-16 Roscommon 0-14 (Replay) 2016: Galway 0-13 Roscommon 1-10 (Draw

TEAM NEWS

Galway team to play Roscommon

Roscommon team to play Galway

The post GAA League 2023 Galway v Roscommon – Stats, Preview & Team News appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

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Leinster Senior Cup and Junior Cup Rugby – List of games on TV Squads, Draw, Results & Live score updates for the 2023 competition.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE SCORES FOR LEINSTER SENIOR CUP RUGBY

2023 Bank of Ireland Leinster Schools Senior Cup Second Round draw:

Newbridge College v CBC Monkstown
St Mary’s College v Gonzaga College
St Michael’s College v Clongowes Wood College
Blackrock College v Cistercian Colleg

A Twitter List by JoeNaConnacht

Fixture details have now been confirmed for the Bank of Ireland Leinster Schools Senior Cup draw.

Leinster Rugby confirmed that 13 games in the 2023 Bank of Ireland Leinster Rugby Schools Senior Cup will be available to view either on Premier Sports or via a Leinster Rugby live stream.

Premier Sports have once again confirmed they will broadcast eight Schools Senior Cup games, continuing a long-standing partnership, with a further five first round games also available on a streaming service provided by Leinster Rugby.

The competition kicks-off this Sunday, 29 January, at Energia Park with St Michael’s College taking on Belvedere College in the opening game, which will be streamed by Leinster Rugby.

The first game to be shown live by Premier Sports will see last year’s champions Blackrock College meeting Presentation College Bray, on Monday 30, January, in Energia Park.

All four quarter-finals, both semi-finals and the final will be live and exclusive on Premier Sports.

Leinster Rugby, in partnership with Videos On The Net, will be live streaming the additional five first round games played in Energia Park, not covered by Premier Sports, on www.irishrugbylive.ie.

Speaking about the announcement, Michael O’Rourke, CEO of Premier Sports, commented, “Premier Sports has a proud long term association with the Bank of Ireland Leinster Rugby Schools Senior Cup and we’re delighted that the association will continue this season and beyond.

“Once again the very best this wonderful competition has to offer will be live and exclusive on Premier Sports and we’re really looking forward to the matches getting under way in the coming weeks.”

The five games streamed live by Leinster Rugby, will be available on a subscription basis with each game costing €7.99 for the live and €8.99 for the VOD (video on demand) option.

There is also a five match bundle that can be purchased for €35.00 and the subscription can be purchased through the Videos on the Net platform, www.irishrugbylive.ie

Videos on the Net, based in Wicklow, are long-standing suppliers to both the IRFU and Leinster Rugby and will use commentators and contributors from the competing schools to add an additional level of insight and analysis.

The first round game between Blackrock College and Presentation College, and indeed all games shown by Premier Sports, will be broadcast live on Premier Sports 1 and 2 (Sky channel 412 and 421) and also with a ‘Sports Extra’ Membership on NOW.

Premier Sports has been broadcasting in the Republic of Ireland since 2019, and televise games from the BKT United Rugby Championship and also hold rights including TOP14 rugby, Premier League, FA Cup, La Liga, Scottish Cup and Premier Sports Cup, Coppa Italia and more.

New customers wishing to sign up to Premier Sports can do so via Sky and NOW.

Leinster Rugby can also confirm that similar to last season there will be no cash accepted at the turnstiles for games played at Energia Park.

All tickets can be purchased online at the following link HERE, with student and OAP tickets costing €6, and adult tickets costing €11.

Bank of Ireland Leinster Rugby Schools Senior Cup, First Round:

Sunday, 29 January
St Michael’s College 19-5 Belvedere College. – Result

Monday, 30 January
Blackrock College 49-5 Presentation College, Bray at 3pm in Energia Park (Live on Premier Sports) Result 

Tuesday, 31 January
Newbridge College 29-12 Kilkenny College Result 

Wednesday, 1 February
Terenure College v Clongowes Wood College at 3pmin Energia Park (Streaming Available)

Thursday, 2 February
St Mary’s College 33-28 Wesley College at 3pm in Energia Park Result

Friday, 3 February
CBC Monkstown v St Vincent’s Castleknock College at 3pm in Energia Park (Streaming Available)
Cistercian College, Roscrea v Vinnie Murray Cup Qualifier 1 at 2:30pm in Lakelands
Gonzaga College v Vinnie Murray Cup Qualifier 2 at 2:30pm in Clontarf FC

The post Leinster Senior Cup Rugby – List of games on TV, Squads, Draw, Results & Live score updates appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

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After the return of competitive football last week, the inter-county hurling season is set to make its long-awaited return this weekend.

Despite its recent decline in importance, as evidenced by Waterford’s title win last year followed by an early exit from the Munster championship, fans are eager to see their teams in action once more.

The Division 1 format has changed slightly this year, with the top two teams from each group now advancing directly to the final rather than through a semi-final round.

The battle to avoid relegation from the top flight will be especially interesting, as the bottom sides in both 1A and 1B will compete to keep their Division 1 status in 2024.

This season, several new faces can be seen in the dugout, including Derek Lyng, who has been tasked with taking over in Kilkenny after Brian Cody’s 24-year tenure and 11 All-Ireland titles.

Pat Ryan will take over in Cork after leading the Rebels’ U20 teams to back-to-back All-Ireland titles, while Liam Cahill will make his Tipperary debut.

Meanwhile, Dublin will be led by Micheál Donoghue, but with the departure of Mattie Kenny and key players Liam Rushe, Chris Crummey, and Cian O’Callaghan, the future of the capital city’s team is uncertain.

Perhaps the most exciting appointment is the return of Davy Fitzgerald to defend Waterford’s championship title. Fitzgerald, who brought the county to its first All-Ireland final in 45 years in 2008, will once again take the helm after a tumultuous relationship and brief stints with Clare and other teams.

With new managers, changes in format, and the excitement of competitive hurling returning, fans are eagerly awaiting the season ahead.

 
FIXTURES

SATURDAY 4 FEB
Allianz FL Division 3
– Down vs Antrim, Páirc Esler, 6pm
Allianz FL Division 4
– Waterford vs Carlow, SETU Arena, 5pm

SUNDAY 5 FEB
Allianz FL Division 1
– Kerry vs Monaghan, Fitzgerald Stadium, 1.30pm
– Galway vs Roscommon, Pearse Stadium, 2pm
– Tyrone vs Donegal, O’Neills Healy Park, 2pm
– Armagh vs Mayo, Athletic Grounds, 3.30pm

Allianz FL Division 2
– Kildare vs Cork, St Conleth’s Park, 2pm
– Louth vs Derry, Ardee, 2pm
– Meath vs Clare, Páirc Tailteann, 2pm
– Limerick vs Dublin, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 3pm

Allianz FL Division 3
– Cavan vs Tipperary, Kingspan Breffni, 2pm
– Longford vs Westmeath, Glennon Bros Pearse Park, 2pm
– Offaly vs Fermanagh, Glenisk O’Connor Park, 2pm

Allianz FL Division 4
– London vs Leitrim, McGovern Park, 1pm
– Laois vs Wexford, Laois Hire O’Moore Park, 2pm
– Wicklow vs Sligo, Aughrim, 2pm

Live scores available  at Irishscores.com

The post The Wait is Over: Inter-County Hurling Season Returns This Weekend appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

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Premier Sports Ireland and ViAplay announce opening live Premier League and FA Cup fixtures through January, February and March

Saturday 4th February

Man Utd v Crystal Palace, 3pm

The post List of Premier League football and FA Cup fixtures live on VIAPlay Premier Sports appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

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Regardless of several streaming websites for live-streaming any sport around the globe, only a few give the best live-watching experience and are entirely free. Finding quality websites with the best user-friendly terms and experiences can be a headache. 

So, how to decide which one suits you the best? The fastest way is to roam google and read through the reviews or ask a friend who is already using a website that might interest you. You can use several websites on various devices, including your laptops, smartphones, PCs, Tablets, Ipads, and more. 

I am primarily focusing on the best yet easily accessible online sports websites. If you want to watch your favorite sports without spending money, here’s a brief guide for the best experience that you can get:

Live Soccer TV

Today is the era of online and virtual technology that has engulfed every sport, TV program, talk show, or casino like Echeck casino. Now, You can watch anything live from any place in the world. Although several apps help you satiate your interest in sports games, Live Soccer TV is what you should try. It is among the best online sports streaming site that allows you to watch any sport you want. 

VIPRow

This online site does not only focus on a single sport but allows a vast variety of online sports streaming lives anywhere in the world. You can watch any tournament held anywhere while staying in the online space of VIPRow. And the good news! It is entirely free and easy to access on any device you have on you right now. It has also become a site where people watch live streams of matches to bet online at betting sites or other games like Online Keno. If you are one of them, just give VIPRow a go to not miss out on any sports details and place your bets to win plenty.

FOX Sports Go

FOX Sports Go is one of the most ravaging websites that has become the center of attention of all sports enthusiasts. With millions of visits, this website has also broadened its user-friendly policies for everyone to have the utmost fun while watching their sports matches. The best feature I love about FOX Sports Go is that it allows you to split screen to enjoy four sports simultaneously. And you can also switch between your devices seamlessly with this site.

The post Best Sites to Watch your Favorite Sports Live for free appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

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January Spending From Premier League Clubs Increased By 176% In 2023

Led by Chelsea, PL clubs absolutely dominated the January window. The window ended with a bang last night as Chelsea signed Enzo Hernandez from Benfica in a PL record deal. The £107m committed by Chelsea to sign the Argentine midfielder took the total January spend to £895m.

Until this window, the 2018 January window held the record for the most money spent by PL clubs. That year, PL clubs spent £430m on transfers. However, the recently concluded transfer window blew all the previous records out of the water. PL clubs spent £385m more than they had spent in the 2018 window, a growth of almost 90%.

When we compare the recent window with the 2022 window, the growth was almost three-fold. Compared to £285m in 202, clubs nearly tripled their spending by paying out £815m in transfer fees in January 2023.

Other Four Major Leagues Spent A Total Of £210m

The excessive spending in the past month was only limited to the Premier League. The other leagues in the big five spent a combined amount of £220m. This expenditure was in sharp contrast to the Premier League, where clubs spent almost four times the overall spend of other leagues.

When we compare the numbers, the total spend of the other four leagues makes up only 27% of £815m spent by the Premier League. Additionaly, Ligue 1 was responsible for half of the amount of the £220m spent by the other four leagues.

It should be pointed out that the transfer activity by Premier League clubs was primarily led by Chelsea, who spent an exuberant amount of money on new acquisitions. According to the Deloitte report, the West London club spent approximately £301m on transfers in January, making up 37% of the total PL spend. Furthermore, relegation-threatened Bournemouth were the second biggest spender, while three clubs (Manchester United, Brentford, and Everton) didn’t spend any money on permanent transfers.

The post January Spending From Premier League Clubs Increased By 176% In 2023 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

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Top two meet in potential season defining Super League Basketball clash

A Cork derby between UCC Demons and Energywise Ireland Neptune at a sold-out Mardyke Arena on Friday night will provide a fiery hors d’oeuvre to this weekend’s InsureMyVan.ie Super League League action.

‘As always with a Cork derby, it promises to be a great atmosphere,’ said UCC Demons (9-4) head coach Daniel O’Mahony. ‘Neptune’s newest American (Tarkus Ferguson) certainly makes them better, that’s been evident in performances recently. As always, we will focus on us. They’re a difficult team to break down, as either of the three Americans are capable to scoring and Xabi (Arriaga) & Nil (Sabata) have done really well against us,’ he added.

Their previous meeting this season ended in a one-point Energywise Ireland Neptune (8-5) win, but O’Mahony’s opposite number Colin O’Reilly isn’t reading too much into that: ‘Both teams have made changes since we played earlier in the season, so that adds an extra ingredient to the game. Demons are the inform team in the country, so we know heading to the Mardyke we need to be as close to perfect as possible in all areas of our play to challenge them.’ O’Reilly said.

Belfast Star and University of Galway Maree hold the joint-distinction of the best record in Irish men’s basketball at 10-3, with both holding a slender one game lead in the Northern and Southern Conference respectively.

Adrian Fulton’s Belfast Star have been dealt a blow this week with the news that Max Cooper will miss the remainder of the season after dislocating a shoulder against Killester, but Fulton insists that won’t be used as an excuse for their clash with UCD Marian (2-11): ‘We are under no illusions as to how difficult this game will be. A very talented, if inexperienced, UCD team playing at home where their crowd always gets behind them. We played well last weekend and are going well but to lose Max Cooper for the remainder of the season is a massive blow. We must have that ‘next man up mentality’ and no doubt the players will respond,’ Fulton said.

University of Galway Maree head coach Charlie Crowley enjoyed the satisfaction of a local derby win over Moycullen a week ago. Crowley is anticipating another ‘hostile environment’ when they make the trip to take on Norther Conference rivals EJ Sligo All-Stars: ‘Going to Sligo will be as hostile an environment we’ll play in this year. They pack out the gym and make it really difficult for opposition teams. We’re working to get back to top form both physically and mentally after last week’s performance,’ added Crowley.

DBS Éanna (9-4) are on a rebound mission on home soil. Bright St Vincent’s (4-9) are the visitors, with Darren McGovern’s InsureMyHouse.ie National Cup finalists aiming to end a two-game skid in the InsureMyVan.ie Super League and maintain the pressure on Belfast Star in the Northern Conference. Josko Srzic’s Bright St.Vincent’s enjoyed a first win in four games against EJ Sligo All-Stars a week ago. The Donovan Fields, Giorgi Tvalabeishvilli tandem was to the fore in that one, combining for 50-points.

‘Flexachem KCYMS (3-10) away is one of the toughest fixtures for any team, let alone when it’s a derby,’ said Garvey’s Tralee Warriors (6-7) head coach John Dowling ahead of the sides locking horns at the Killorglin Sports Centre. ‘They will be well prepared, and we understand we will have to be at our best if we are going to come out on top,’ he added. The Warriors made it back-to-back wins for just the second time this season last time out, defeating Emporium Cork Basketball. Flexachem KCYMS are without a win since December 10^th but have turned in many steady performances in that time.

Elsewhere this weekend Griffith College Templeogue (5-8) and third-placed Northern Conference outfit Killester (8-4) contest a Dublin derby at the National Basketball Arena and Emporium Cork Basketball (8-4) look to keep pace at the top of the Southern Conference on the road against the conference’s bottom team, Moycullen (2-11).

Trinity Meteors head coach Niall Berry insists there has been ‘no let-up in our schedule,’ as he prepares his team for a top of the table clash against the defending MissQuote.ieSuper League champions, The Address UCC Glanmire on Sunday afternoon.

The Dublin team allayed some demons last weekend, defeating their cup conquerors Killester in the Super League, but the Meteors head coach believes the wounds won’t have fully healed yet: ‘Losing a final always has an impact,’ said Berry. ‘However, we had a fantastic practice last night off the back of our performance against Killester this weekend. The game seems to have had a very positive effect on the squad. We’ll be as prepared as we can be for Glanmire this weekend and we’re all excited to see if we can go get the result we’re looking for.’

The Address UCC Glanmire have only lost twice in all competitions this season, both against their upcoming opponents. Mark Scannell’s side are unbeaten in the MissQupte.ie Super League since a 76-69 defeat in the Trinity Sports Centre in October: ‘With six games to go, we are still in the thick of it and considering our player turnover there is huge credit due to our players in the way that they’ve battled through this season,’ said Scannell. ‘We will have to be at our very best as we’ve lost to them in twice this year. We have big game players who have been here before and their experience will be crucial if we are to keep our title defence on track.’

Third-placed DCU Mercy (8-4) secured a big win against Waterford Wildcats a week ago, as the Champions Trophy starts to loom larger on the horizon. Mark Ingle’s team are comfortably the best defensive team in the league statistically, giving up a meagre 59-points-per-game to their opposition. That stat will be put to the test against i3Pt Fr.Mathews (5-7) on Sunday. The Niamh Dwyer coached Cork outfit put up 104-points in their most recent victory over Ulster University, a game in which five players reached double-digits in scoring. Grainne Dwyer, Sydney Candelaria and Shannon Brady taking turns to manage the scoring burden.

Some of the best up and coming Irish talent faceoff when University of Galway Mystics (1-11) host Waterford Wildcats (6-6). ‘They have a host of players that can step up and hit scores,’ said Wildcats head coach Tommy O’Mahony. ‘We are well aware we will need to up our performance if we are to get anything out if the game. Playing in Galway is always a tough place but after our game last weekend we are eager to get on the court again and show people what we are capable of. His opposite number Paul O’Brien is equally aware of the challenge that lies in store: ‘They are coming off a tough loss, but I expect they will be fired up for Saturday and have some very dangerous players. With Sarah Hickey and Karli Seay, they have dynamic scorers and are always a good defensive group. I am delighted with our group’s progression over the course of the season and want to continue to see our growth over the last 6 games,’ added O’Brien.

Killester (6-6) could move into fourth spot in the table if results go their way, but InsureMyHouse.ie National Cup winning coach Mark Grennell isn’t getting ahead of himself in preparations to face Singleton SuperValu Brunell (5-7): ‘It’s a bounce back game for us. We were not at our best last weekend, credit to Trinity they were better. This weekend poses completely different challenges than the past two weeks, but certainly not any easier. Dealing with Edel (Thornton) and the plethora of talent available to Liam (Culloty) will be difficult.,’ said Grennell.

Singleton SuperValu head coach Liam Culloty is also prepared for a close encounter: ‘Really tough challenge ahead this weekend playing the InsureMyHouse.ieNational Cup champions in their first home game since winning the trophy. I’m sure the atmosphere will be electric. We managed to get over the line last weekend and will look to build on the improvements we have being showing. Our team are training really hard and looking to finish the season on a strong note,’ he added.

Saturday’s remaining MissQuote.ie Super League fixture sees Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics (4-8) making the 190-kilometre trip to play Ulster University (3-9) at the Jordanstown Sports Complex. The home side had a two-game winning streak ended by i3PR Fr.Mathews last time out, but previously had gained some much needed momentum after a difficult season on the injury front. Emily Maupin and Alexandra Posset have stepped up to the mark in recent weeks. They’ll need to be on form once more. Karl Kilbride’s Liffey Celtics had three players named in the latest Ireland women’s squad. Ciara Bracken, Áine O’Connor and Sorcha Tiernan have to put their international ambitions on the back-burner to get the Kildare side back trending in the right direction. They are without a win in four games and currently sit in 8^th place in the standings.

Fixtures

InsureMyVan.ie Super League

Friday, February 3^rd

1930|UCC Demons v Energywise Ireland Neptune, Mardyke Arena

Saturday, February 4^th

1700|Griffith College Templeogue v Killester, National Basketball Arena

1800|DBS Éanna v Bright St. Vincent’s, Colaiste Eanna

1900|UCD Marian v Belfast Star, UCD Sports Centre

1900|Moycullen v Emporium Cork Basketball, Kingfisher Gym

1915|Felxachem KCYMS v Garvey’s Tralee Warriors, Killorglin Sports Complex

1930|EJ Sligo All-Stars v University of Galway Maree, Mercy College Sligo

InsureMyVan.ie Division 1

Saturday, February 4^th

1700|Team North West v Moy Tolka Rovers, ATU Donegal

1900|SETU Waterford Vikings v Malahide, SETU Arena

1900|Portlaoise Panthers v Ulster University, St. Mary’s Hall, Portlaoise

1900|Limerick Celtics v Dwyers of Cork Fr.Mathews, Crescent College Dooradoyle

1915|Killarney Cougars v SETU Carlow, Presentation Gym

1945|Limerick Sport Eagles v Scotts Lakers SPK, UL Arena

Sunday, February 5th

1600|Abbey Seals Dublin Lions v Drogheda Wolves, Colaiste Bride

MissQuote.ie Super League

Saturday, February 4^th

1530|University of Galway Mystics v Waterford Wildcats, Kingfisher Gym

1700|Ulster University v Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics, Jordanstown Sports Village

1730|Killester v Singleton SuperValu Brunell, IWA Clontarf

Sunday, February 5th

1430|DCU Mercy v i3PT Fr.Mathews, DCU Arena

1430|The Address UCC Glanmire v Trinity Meteors, Mardyke Arena

MissQuote.ie Division 1 

Saturday, February 4^th

1600|McEvoy’s Cavan Eagles v Phoenix Rockets, Virginia Show Centre

1630|St. Pauls Killarney v SETU Carlow, Aura

1645|Limerick Celtics v Portlaoise Panthers, Crescent College Dooradoyle

1700|Limerick Sport Huskies v Marble City Hawks, UL Arena

1900|Oblate Dynamos v Abbey Seals Dublin Lions, Oblate Hall

The post Top two meet in season defining Super League Basketball clash appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

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Irish Sailing Olympic Team event schedule for 2023

This summer is the first chance for our sailors to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games – the Olympic qualifier will take place in August in the Hague.

The post Irish Sailing Olympic Team event schedule for 2023 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

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Government should engage with the GAA to find a solution to hosting Katie Taylor’s homecoming fight.

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Sport, Chris Andrews TD has called for the government to engage with the GAA to find a solution to hosting Katie Taylor’s homecoming fight in Croke Park.

Teachta Andrews said.

‘’The cancelling of Katie Taylor’s homecoming fight in Croke Park is a major step backwards for both Irish boxing and the promotion of women in sport.

‘’Katie Taylor has gone above and beyond in representing Ireland in boxing, winning a staggering eighteen gold medals on the international stage.

“She is an outstanding role model for young women in the sporting community.

‘’The government should engage with the GAA and ensure that a solution is found.

‘’If this homecoming fight is moved to a much smaller venue, it will only serve to ensure that a whole section of sports fans will be priced out of attending this historic event.

‘’A solution must be found that will ensure Katie Taylor gets the homecoming fight she deserves – a homecoming in Croke Park, in front of 80,000 fans.’

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Premier League Darts – Belfast – Preview,  Results & Betting.

Michael van Gerwen will begin his bid for a record-breaking seventh Cazoo Premier League title with a clash against World Champion Michael Smith on a blockbuster opening night of this year’s tournament at The SSE Arena in Belfast on Thursday.

Reigning champion Van Gerwen will open his defence of the title against Smith in a repeat of last month’s epic World Championship final at Alexandra Palace, which saw the St Helens star land a sensational nine-darter en route to glory.

This year’s tournament will again see eight of the sport’s top stars contesting 16 mini-events during the season, with each league night comprising quarter-finals, semi-finals and a final over the best of 11 legs.

Van Gerwen and Smith’s showdown will headline Thursday’s opening night in Belfast – having faced off in front of the iconic Goliath shipyard crane during their pre-event media commitments on Wednesday – and the Dutch icon is aiming to kick off his campaign in perfect style.

“Me and Michael [Smith] always have great games,” said Van Gerwen, who has made the final in eight of his previous ten Premier League appearances.

“I’ve lost to him a few times but I’ve beaten him loads of times. I feel good, I feel comfortable and I hope I can produce something special.

“I think I have played really well over the last 12 months. Of course I could have won the World Championship, but outside of that, I had a phenomenal year.

“You always need to be confident. My main goal is to finish in the top four at the end of the season. It’s going to be tough but you need to be ready, otherwise you shouldn’t be here!”

Over 8,000 fans will be in attendance at The SSE Arena to see two of the sport’s biggest names locking horns for the first time since their famous tie at Alexandra Palace.

Smith is still riding the crest of a wave since his World Championship exploits, and is aiming to add the coveted Premier League crown to his growing haul of titles.

The 32-year-old was runner-up to Van Gerwen in the 2018 season, and he’s bidding to reaffirm his status as the sport’s premier player during this year’s extravaganza.

“I know Michael [van Gerwen] is going to be up for it because he wants to prove a point, and hopefully the crowd get another fantastic game,” declared the world number one.

“I want to keep performing. I know people want to beat me even more now because I’m the World Champion, but I’m just there to compete and win games.

“I always look forward to the Premier League. Apart from the World Championship, this is the pinnacle of the sport.

“You have eight of the best players in the world going at each other every week – what’s not to like?”

The opening night of the £1m tournament will also see Nathan Aspinall make his Premier League return against Gerwyn Price, who landed two nine-darters on a famous night in Belfast 12 months ago.

The Welshman achieved perfection against Michael van Gerwen and James Wade to claim glory on Night Three last year, and he’s hoping for a similar outcome in Thursday’s curtain-raiser.

“It was an amazing night. I was just in the zone,” reflected Price, who also hit a spectacular 170 checkout to defeat Smith prior to his nine-dart exploits.

“I remember that I told James in the practice room [before the final] I was going to hit another one.

“It was a special feeling. The crowd were absolutely fantastic, and hopefully I can hit two nine-darters again in Belfast this year!”

Price will take on Aspinall in his quarter-final on Thursday, with the Stockport star preparing to make his third Premier League appearance, having also featured in 2020 and 2021.

The former UK Open champion enjoyed a stunning revival last year following a serious wrist injury, featuring in televised finals at the World Grand Prix and Grand Slam of Darts to reclaim a place in the world’s top ten.

Aspinall is aiming to continue his superb Premier League record on his return, having finished runner-up on debut before succumbing in the semi-finals 12 months later.

“What a way to return to the Premier League!” reflected Aspinall, who has finished third in the league phase in his previous two campaigns.

“I’ve got quite a good record against Gezzy, and he’s probably the opponent I enjoy playing the most. I love his raw emotion on stage, because I show that too.

“I love the Premier League, and to be able to play in front of 8,000 to 12,000 fans every week, it’s a dream come true and I cannot wait to get on that stage now.

“From where I came from last year with my injury, to be back involved in the pinnacle of the sport, I’m very proud.”

Elsewhere, newly crowned Cazoo Masters champion Chris Dobey will make his first Premier League appearance as a full-time participant, having featured as a contender in 2019 and 2020.

Dobey was included in the eight-player line-up after lifting his first televised title at last weekend’s Masters, and he faces a tough assignment against two-time World Champion Peter Wright in Belfast.

Wright – a runner-up in 2017 – claimed his first TV title in over 12 months at the Nordic Darts Masters a fortnight ago, so both players come into Thursday’s opener brimming with confidence.

“I haven’t played Peter for a while. I know it’s going to be tough, but I’ve got to show everybody what I’m made of,” said Dobey, also a World Championship quarter-finalist last month.

“It’s a great feeling to be involved in the Premier League. This is where everybody wants to be. I’m playing with the elite now.

“I’m looking forward to getting started tomorrow and hopefully I can prove to everybody that I deserve to be here.”

Thursday’s action will begin with a meeting between 2021 champion Jonny Clayton and Dimitri Van den Bergh, who is back amongst the Premier League fold following a 12-month hiatus.

The Belgian enjoyed a terrific 2022, winning a brace of World Series of Darts events and reaching semi-finals at the World Matchplay and World Championship, which sealed his return to the sport’s biggest roadshow.

Clayton meanwhile, became only the fourth player to finish top of the Premier League table in last year’s revamped competition, and the Welshman is now embarking on a third consecutive campaign amongst the sport’s elite.

The Cazoo Premier League’s opening night in Cardiff will be followed next Thursday by the visit to the Cardiff International Arena, and travels across the UK as well as to Dublin, Rotterdam and Berlin across the 17-night season, which culminates in May’s Play-Offs at The O2 in London.

The 2023 Cazoo Premier League will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK & Ireland, through the PDC’s worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN, Viaplay and VTM, and on PDCTV for Rest of the World Subscribers.

2023 Cazoo Premier League

Night One – Thursday February 2

The SSE Arena, Belfast

Quarter-Finals

Dimitri Van den Bergh v Jonny Clayton

Michael Smith v Michael van Gerwen

Peter Wright v Chris Dobey

Nathan Aspinall v Gerwyn Price

Semi-Finals

Van den Bergh/Clayton v Smith/Van Gerwen

Wright/Dobey v Aspinall/Price

Final

v

All games – best of 11

Premier League Darts Betting 

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