Australian legend Simon Whitlock is relishing a return to Canberra later this month, as the Dabble Darts ANZ Premier League returns to the AIS Arena to kick off its second staging on September 26. Following the huge success of last year’s inaugural event, eight stars from Australia and New Zealand will once again go head-to-head […]
Australian legend Simon Whitlock is relishing a return to Canberra later this month, as the Dabble Darts ANZ Premier League returns to the AIS Arena to kick off its second staging on September 26.
Following the huge success of last year’s inaugural event, eight stars from Australia and New Zealand will once again go head-to-head across six nights from September 26-October 31, televised live on Foxtel & Kayo Sports in Australia, through Sky in New Zealand and globally on PDCTV.
The 2026 campaign will begin in the Australian capital, where reigning champion Whitlock will launch his bid to retain the title he claimed in dramatic fashion last year.
“It was great in Canberra last year,” said Whitlock, who will also feature at the upcoming World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam.
“The crowd were amazing; I don’t think I played too well there, but hopefully I will kick off with a much better start this time!
“I’ve been messing around with my darts again, but I’ve been putting a lot of hours in on the practice board, so hopefully I’ll be ready.
“I still love it [competing] just as much as I ever did, and I cannot wait to do it all again.”
Whitlock was beaten by Raymond Smith in his quarter-final tie in Canberra 12 months ago, before recovering over the following weeks to book his place at Finals Night.
The former World Championship runner-up then defeated Jonny Tata and Smith to become the inaugural ANZ Premier League champion, a triumph he ranks among the proudest moments of his career.
“It meant a lot to me,” revealed Whitlock, a former European and World Cup champion.
“It was like winning a major title for me, and to be the first winner of the ANZ Premier League, it was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had in darts.”
Whitlock was the sport’s original trailblazer Down Under, winning 18 PDC titles and establishing himself as one of the sport’s premier players for well over a decade.
However, the Hornsby-born star believes the impact of the inaugural ANZ Premier League can help pave the way for the next generation of Oceanic talent to emerge.
“I think the impact is going to be massive,” continued the 57-year-old.
“Just seeing players like Brody and Raymond coming through and performing so well during the World Series events – you can see their progress.
“Their experience of playing on the big stage is really paying off, and they’re now showing how good they are.
“I have a target on my back. I’m sure Raymond will want to get revenge on me because he was probably the best player last year, at least up until Finals Night.
“Brody will be after me too, as well as Ben Robb and Jonny Tata, so every game is going to be difficult.”
Whitlock’s success last year earned him qualification for the World Darts Championship, and this year’s winner will also seal a place at Alexandra Palace, alongside a spot in November’s Grand Slam of Darts.
“It’s a massive incentive for everybody,” admitted Whitlock, who is determined to return to the sport’s biggest stages over the coming months.
“It’s a big stepping stone for some of the boys. I would love to compete in both tournaments again and keep fighting for my spot.
“I’m really looking forward to it and I know one thing for sure, it will definitely be tougher this year.”
Tickets for the opening night of the Dabble Darts ANZ Premier League at Canberra’s AIS Arena on September 26 are available now at ticketek.com.