William O'Connor has voiced his support for the reintroduction of Premier League Darts 'challengers', citing his own memorable appearance in Dublin as a prime example of the impact local players can have. In a conversation with Tungsten Tales, O'Connor reflected on his time in the Irish capital, stating, "When I was there, I had a superb reception — probably one of the best ever." His comments come amid renewed debate over the Premier League format, sparked by a recent night in Dublin where a quarter-final was removed after Gian van Veen withdrew due to kidney stones, reigniting discussions on whether local players should fill such gaps to maintain the evening's structure.
O'Connor believes there is a clear and practical case for bringing back the challenger format, especially in situations where a player drops out. "I think so. It's definitely something that could be talked about. Whether they'll introduce it or not, I don't know, but it's worth discussing," he said. He added, "Especially if a player pulls out — why not have a local player? It makes sense not to have a bye. Whether there are points on the line or not, at least fill the void for the crowd and give them something to cheer about. It makes sense to me, but I'm not in charge." The challenger concept has previously delivered some of the most memorable moments in Premier League history, offering local players a one-night opportunity to perform in front of home crowds.
Despite the ongoing debate about the atmosphere at the latest Dublin event, O'Connor admitted he was not in a position to judge, as he did not watch it. "I didn't watch it, so I can't give my reaction. I know when I was there, I had a superb reception — probably one of the best ever. That's all I can say. I wasn't there last night, so I don't know," he explained. However, when asked if he would have stepped in as a late replacement himself, his response was immediate: "Yeah, absolutely. I'd have been out the gap — bye-bye Euro Tour." O'Connor, currently ranked world number 41, emphasized the value of local involvement in enhancing the fan experience during Premier League nights.
