Gabriel Clemens

Posted: 15.04.19 in Darts Performance Centre Blog category

Gabriel Clemens Is Beginning to Make a Name for Himself on the Tour

Many promising darts players have been described by the media as 'the next big thing', but the majority of throwers have been unable to sustain or build upon this early promise. Max Hopp is a player who often receives this accolade, but it's his fellow countryman Gabriel Clemens who has been catching the eye throughout 2019, and he is slowly beginning to establish himself on the tour. He is aiming to break into the top 16 of the PDC Order of Merit, and has the potential to become a formidable force in the sport. 

Germany's Gabriel Clemens completes an impressive 6-4 victory over Mervyn King to become our first semi-finalist at Players Championship 10.#PDCProTourpic.twitter.com/ZwsptJVNju

— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) April 7, 2019

Gabriel Clemens reached the final of the Players Championship 10 in Barnsley at the beginning of April, but was beaten in the final by Johnny Clayton. It was the third PDC title for 'the Ferret', who ran out 8-4 winner in South Yorkshire. Averaging 103 throughout the contest, he proved too good for the promising German, and the Welshman was able to pull clear of his opponent and add further silverware to his trophy cabinet. He had previously triumphed at the Austrian Open 12 months ago, and here, he managed to overcome a poor start to edge past his up-and-coming opponent. 

Both players were able to capitalise on a number of big names crashing out of the tournament with Peter Wright and James Wade suffering early losses, whilst Rob Cross withdrew from the event due to illness. After his victory, Clayton praised his opponent, claiming that "it won't be long before he's in the top 32 or top 16 of the world".

Clemens has been slowly making a name for himself in his homeland and recently made the headlines after winning all 15 of his games in the German Super League. It was absolute perfection from the Saarlouis-born 35-year old. In the UK, he had previously reached the final of the Players Championship 5 back in late-February, and this is highly unlikely to be the last time that he reaches of the latter stages of a PDC event. 

Darts aficianados are expecting to see plenty more of Gabriel Clemens over the next twelve months, and although he's still a 250/1 outsider for the World Championships in the bet365's latest darts betting markets, his price could shorten significantly if he can maintain this eye-catching form. He faced John Henderson at Alexandra Palace in the second round of last year's event, and despite losing 3-2, he produced a spectacular 125-finish consisting of Bull-Outer Bull-Bull. It delighted the crowd, who rose to their feet in order to show their appreciation and he'll be hoping to make a similar impression when he returns to North London in December.

He had previously beaten Aden Kirk in straight sets, and his current form coupled with a favourable draw may just enable him progress to the latter stages of the competition in 2019. 

😍 WHAT A SHOT!!
Gabriel Clemens takes out a 125-finish in an incredible way! 🎯#GabrielClemens#125finish#Darts#LoveTheDarts#DartsLife#DartsOfTwitter#DartCounter#DartCounterApp#180Darts#WHDarts#PDC#WorldDartsChampionship#London#AllyPally#AlexandraPalace#DartsWMpic.twitter.com/gX1o99pqCu

— DartCounter (@DartCounter) December 21, 2018

His defeat in Barnsley was the fourth time that he has fallen victim to Johnny Clayton, but the German claimed some notable scalps along the way, beating Mervyn King, Joe Cullen and Jan Dekker en-route to the final. He is visibly growing in confidence, and he will be keen to build upon those recent performances. 

Clemens is still hunting for his first PDC title, and although his recent defeat will be viewed as a missed opportunity, he is likely to get plenty more chances to avenge that loss. He is no longer an unknown name on the circuit, and his deadly accuracy and finishing ability should see him secure that long-awaited triumph on the tour in the not-too-distant future.