Fallon Sherrock and Robert Thornton were among the players to secure qualification through to the Final Stage of the 2022 PDC Qualifying Schools on Tuesday, following a dramatic afternoon of action.
Continue reading “Sherrock, Thornton progress to Final Stage at PDC Qualifying School”
Jose De Sousa is a darting enigma. ‘The Special One’ lived up to his nickname on another blockbuster night of Premier League action on Thursday, registering his second televised nine-darter during his 6-6 draw against Nathan Aspinall – just 24 hours after being on the receiving end of perfection at the hands of Jonny Clayton.
Continue reading “De Sousa dazzles with nine-darter in record-breaking display”
Michael van Gerwen was in playful mood following an emphatic 7-2 victory over his old foe Peter Wright on Night Two of the Premier League, which sent the Dutchman top of the table via legs difference.
Continue reading “Van Gerwen: Peter Wright is in my pocket!”
Former world champions Rob Cross and Adrian Lewis crashed out on a dramatic double-session at the World Darts Championship on Tuesday, as Simon Whitlock and Dimitri Van den Bergh produced impressive displays to advance to round three.
Continue reading “Former champs Cross and Lewis crash out at World Championship”
Simon Whitlock has launched a passionate defence over his choice of darts points following his defeat in the World Matchplay quarter-finals on Thursday evening.
Continue reading “Whitlock hits back following criticism over his choice of darts points”
Ryan Searle defeated four Premier League stars en route to winning his first PDC ranking title on Saturday afternoon in Wigan, prevailing at Players Championship Three courtesy of a dramatic 8-6 win over Michael van Gerwen.
Continue reading “Super Searle stuns Van Gerwen to win first PDC title”
Raymond van Barneveld enjoyed a fitting farewell in Amsterdam on Saturday evening, as he won a star-studded exhibition event at the renamed ‘Barney Dome’ alongside his fellow countryman and former Arsenal and Man United striker – Robin van Persie.
Continue reading “Van Barneveld and Van Persie scoop ‘Barney Dome’ title!”
Scott Mitchell edged out two-time winner Scott Waites in a battle of the former world champions to reach his first World Championship semi-final since capturing his 2015 crown, as Lisa Ashton and Mikuru Suzuki progressed to the women’s final on Friday night at the Indigo at the O2.
Continue reading “2020 BDO World Championship – Day Seven Report!”
The BDO have confirmed that prize money for next month’s World Championship will be ‘reduced somewhat’, after failing to secure a title sponsor and selling just 15% of tickets after moving away from the Lakeside.
Continue reading “BDO World Championship prize money reduced due to poor ticket sales!”
Peter Wright survived a match dart as he edged out Noel Malicdem in a sudden-death thriller to progress through to the third round of the World Darts Championship on Friday night, as last year’s semi-finalist Nathan Aspinall came from behind to defeat Danny Baggish at Alexandra Palace.
Continue reading “Wright survives huge fright to prevail in sudden-death thriller!”
Fallon Sherrock has been rewarded for her historic World Championship triumph with a spot in the 2020 U.S Darts Masters, which will be held on June 5-6 in the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York.
Continue reading “Sherrock receives World Series spot!”
James Wade safely progressed to the third round of the World Darts Championship on Wednesday night, on a day which also saw Benito van de Pas dump out Gabriel Clemens and Stephen Bunting end his winless run at Alexandra Palace.
Continue reading “Clinical Wade progresses at the Palace!”
This year’s World Darts Championship has provided no shortage of drama. Michael van Gerwen surviving a major scare in his opener, Raymond van Barneveld bowing out from the sport in an emotionally-charged occasion, with Rob Cross, Michael Smith and Ian White also crashing out.
Continue reading “Sherrock shines on defining night for women’s sport!”
Fallon Sherrock produced a sensational display on a groundbreaking night at Alexandra Palace, as she became the first female to win a match at the PDC World Championship.
Continue reading “Stunning Sherrock creates sporting history at Ally Pally!”
Mikuru Suzuki was just one leg away from becoming the first woman to register a victory at the PDC World Championship after she staged a quite remarkable fightback against James Richardson at Alexandra Palace on Sunday night.
Continue reading “Suzuki agonisingly close to creating Ally Pally history!”
Brendan Dolan continued his remarkable revival by winning Players Championship 29 in Barnsley on Monday, as Peter Wright set a new record for the highest ever recorded average in a broadcast match.
Continue reading “Dolan wins PC29 as Wright sets new world record average!”
Michael van Gerwen clinched his fifth World Grand Prix title with a 5-2 victory over Dave Chisnall at the Citywest Hotel on Saturday evening and with the business end of the season approaching, Van Gerwen fired an ominous warning to his challengers in typically emphatic fashion.
Continue reading “MvG fires ominous warning in business end of season!”
James Wade has blasted the ‘nonsensical’ format at the World Grand Prix in an interview with Live Darts, despite securing his first victory at the Citywest Hotel since 2014 on Sunday evening.
Continue reading “Wade blasts ‘nonsensical’ format at World Grand Prix”
Raymond van Barneveld has claimed that winning his first Lakeside World Championship was the greatest moment in his career, before revealing that he’d be interested in working as a pundit following his retirement.
Continue reading “Barney on his career, Phil Taylor and life after retirement….”
James Wade secured his fifth PDC ranking title of 2019 with an 8-6 victory over Dave Chisnall in Players Championship 24 at the Barnsley Metrodome on Wednesday afternoon.
Continue reading “Fantastic five for Wade in Barnsley!”
Damon Heta defied the odds to defeat reigning champion Rob Cross and clinch his first PDC title in a dramatic conclusion to the 2019 Brisbane Darts Masters on Saturday.
Continue reading “Heta stuns Cross to claim Brisbane glory!”
Two-time world champion Gary Anderson will resume his 2019 season at next week’s Players Championship double-header in Barnsley.
‘The Flying Scotsman’ has competed in just three events since last year’s World Championship, after suffering with a multitude of injury problems. He struggled at the Alexandra Palace and was forced to withdraw from the Masters and the Premier League due to a twisted spine.
Continue reading “Gary Anderson set for return from injury!”
Former Real Madrid, Tottenham and Ajax midfielder Rafael van der Vaart will sensationally make his competitive darting debut next month, as he prepares to appear in the BDO’s double-header in Denmark.
Continue reading “Rafael van der Vaart to feature in BDO Denmark double!”
James Wade claimed a third PDC title in the space of eight days after completing a memorable Players Championship double on a thrilling weekend of darts in Barnsley.
Prior to this month, ‘The Machine’ hadn’t won a Players Championship event since July 2015, but the nine-time major winner claimed Players Championship 11 & 12 glory to secure his third floor title in four events.
Continue reading “Double delight for Wade in Barnsley!”
Corey Cadby is set to resume his PDC career next month having been granted a Visa which permits him to return to the United Kingdom.
Continue reading “Cadby set for PDC return!”
Nathan Aspinall has surged into the world’s top 16 for the first time in his career following his stunning UK Open success in Minehead, while five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld has slipped outside the world’s top 32 for the first time since 2006.
Continue reading “PDC Order of Merit Update!”
Glen Durrant clinched his first ever PDC title with victory in Players Championship Four at the Robin Park Tennis Centre in Wigan on Sunday afternoon. The three-time BDO world champion averaged 101.11 over the course of the day and defeated World Youth champion Dimitri Van den Bergh 8-3 in the final to seal the £10,000 winner’s prize. Continue reading “Dazzling Durrant seals his first PDC title!”
Michael van Gerwen has branded Mervyn King as ‘a disgrace to darts’ following their bizarre semi-final tussle at Players Championship 3 at Wigan’s Robin Park Tennis Centre on Saturday afternoon. Continue reading “Van Gerwen labels King ‘a disgrace’ after Players Championship tussle!”
Michael van Gerwen tops the Players Championship Order of Merit following the opening weekend of Pro Tour action in 2019, whilst Dave Chisnall, Jermaine Wattimena and Glen Durrant make up the top four after an entertaining double-header in Wigan. Continue reading “Players Championship Order of Merit Update!”
Matt Clark and Reece Robinson claimed Tour Cards on Day Three of the 2019 PDC UK Qualifying School in Wigan on Saturday afternoon, as BDO world champion Glen Durrant came within one win of securing a place on the PDC circuit. Continue reading “UK Qualifying School 2019 – Day Three Report!”
Deta Hedman has revealed that she was the victim of a sickening racist tirade following her first-round exit at the BDO World Championship.
Hedman, a three-time Women’s World Championship finalist, was beaten in straight sets by her doubles partner Maria O’Brien on Sunday afternoon at the Lakeside. ‘The Heart of Darts’ has won over 130 ranking titles in an astonishing career, but the World Championship is the one major title that has thus far proven elusive. Continue reading “Hedman suffers sickening racist abuse following Lakeside exit”
Danny Noppert has called for the PDC to implement stricter rules to combat gamesmanship, after criticising Gerwyn Price for his conduct during their first-round tussle at the World Grand Prix on Monday night. Continue reading “Noppert slams Price after controversial Dublin clash!”
World champion Rob Cross was dumped out in the opening-round of the World Grand Prix by Steve Beaton for the second straight year, as Michael Smith, James Wade and Simon Whitlock all bowed out on a dramatic night of darts at the Citywest on Monday evening. Continue reading “World Grand Prix Day Two Report!”
Raymond van Barneveld insisted ‘form is temporary, class is permanent’, as he rolled back the years to produce a majestic 164 checkout and secure a dramatic comeback victory over Ricky Evans in the first-round of the World Grand Prix on Sunday evening. Continue reading “Van Barneveld: ‘Form is temporary, class is permanent’”
UK OPEN FOURTH-ROUND DRAW!
22:40: LAST KNOCKINGS IN MINEHEAD!
Corey Cadby is safely through to round-four after easing past Michael Rasztovits, whilst Keegan Brown leads Joe Cullen 9-8 in the last remaining match of the evening…
22:25: LATEST…
22:20: ANDERSON MARCHES ON!
Gary Anderson doesn’t go the same way as the other high-profile casualties. He produces an imperious display to thrash Robert Rickwood 10-3. Will he go on to claim his first ever UK Open crown? Continue reading “LIVE BLOG: 2018 UK Open Day One!”
Former Lakeside world champion Scott Mitchell edged out Lithuania’s Darius Labanauskas in a five-set thriller on the opening day of the 2018 BDO World Championship, as three-time world champion Martin Adams was beaten in a sudden-death leg by second seed Mark McGeeney at the Lakeside on Saturday afternoon. Continue reading “BDO World Championship 2018: Day One Report!”
Newly crowned world champion Rob Cross is up to third on the PDC Order of Merit, after thrashing Phil Taylor 7-2 to become the first player since Raymond van Barneveld in 2007, to clinch PDC world title glory on their debut. Continue reading “PDC Order of Merit Update!”
Michael van Gerwen survived a scare to set up a World Championship quarter-final showdown against his old rival Raymond van Barneveld, whilst second seed Peter Wright suffered a shock second-round defeat to an inspired Jamie Lewis on a dramatic day of darts at the Alexandra Palace. Continue reading “PDC World Championship 2018: Day Eleven Report!”
Welcome to the 2017 Grand Slam of Darts prediction competition. The rules are simple….You get five points for a correct score and two points for a correct result. The person with the most points at the end of the Grand Slam will be crowned the winner!
Please submit your predictions to @OcheBalboa1 before every night/day of action.
Check out the latest standings ahead of the final day of action in Wolverhampton!
Table via @Leesy_180
Peter Wright landed a magical nine-dart finish at the inaugural Cologne Darts Gala in Germany on Monday evening, in the biggest darts exhibition ever staged on the European continent. Continue reading “Nine-dart Wright lights up Cologne Darts Gala!”
Peter Wright kicked off his bid for a maiden European Championship title with an impressive win over World Masters champion Krzysztof Ratajski, as Rob Cross and Jonny Clayton produced ton-topping averages on a high-quality session of darts in Hasselt on Friday afternoon. Continue reading “European Championship Day Two: Afternoon Report!”
UK Open champion Peter Wright has climbed to the top of the European Tour Order of Merit, after winning his second European Tour title of the year at the inaugural German Darts Open in Saabrucken last weekend. Continue reading “European Tour Order of Merit Update!”
Five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld has returned to the world’s top eight on the PDC Order of Merit after reaching the quarter-final stages of last weekend’s UK Open Finals in Minehead. Continue reading “PDC Order of Merit Update: Barney back in world’s top eight!”
After enjoying the best year of his darting career in 2016, Daryl Gurney has revealed that he’s targeting a Premier League spot in 2018. In an exclusive interview with Josh’s Dartistry, ‘Super-Chin’ discussed his Premier League aspirations, a dramatic World Championship campaign and his impressive return from injury last year.
Gurney has always possessed prodigious talent, but over the last two years the Northern Irishman has begun to display his potential on a more consistent basis, which has seen him climb to a career high of 21st on the PDC Order of Merit.
Gurney’s performances during the latter stages of 2016 saw many fans calling for him to be given a wildcard for the 2017 Premier League. Although he wasn’t selected, PDC Chairman Barry Hearn insisted that Daryl was seriously considered as a potential wildcard selection, and the 30-year-old took real pride from this acknowledgement.
“The comments Barry made have given me a lot of confidence going into the start of a new year. I never expected to be considered; it was a shock to me but I take pride in even being given a mention.
“It has also given me a push to do even better this year than last and maybe get a spot for the 2018 Premier League. I insist on bettering myself each year; upping my game, putting on a great show for the fans and doing the professional job I’m there to do,” he added. Continue reading “EXCLUSIVE: Gurney targeting Premier League spot in 2018!”
Newly crowned world champion Michael van Gerwen will begin the defence of his Unibet Masters title against two-time world finalist Simon Whitlock, when the first major TV event on the 2017 PDC calendar gets underway at the Arena MK in Milton Keynes on Friday evening.
The fifth staging of the Unibet Masters will see the world’s top 16 players face off, with all the action being broadcast exclusively on ITV4 from January 27th- 29th. The prize money for this event totals £200,000, with £60,000 on offer to the winner.
Phil Taylor, who won the inaugural staging of this event back in 2013, will feature on the opening night of action in an enthralling tie against eleventh seed Michael Smith. Meanwhile, two-time world champion Gary Anderson takes on Benito van de Pas in a repeat of their pulsating last 16 clash at the recent William Hill World Championship.
Elsewhere, 2016 finalist Dave Chisnall locks horns with 2015 finalist and five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld in the opening match of the tournament, whilst the night concludes with a clash between third seed Peter Wright and Stoke star Ian White. Continue reading “2017 Unibet Masters: Draw & Schedule!”
The rejuvenated Simon Whitlock is relishing the prospect of a first-round showdown with world number one Michael van Gerwen at the European Championship in Hasselt, Belgium on Friday evening.
Van Gerwen will go in search of his third consecutive European Championship crown with a tasty tie against 2012 champion Simon Whitlock, who heads to Belgium off the back of two Players Championship victories within the last month.
‘The Wizard’ had endured a tumultuous two years which saw him plummet from 4th to 20th on the PDC Order of Merit. Nevertheless, Whitlock has enjoyed a stunning revival over recent months, winning his first PDC title for over two years at Players Championship 18 in Dublin, beating Van Gerwen en route to the title.
The Australian then reached just his second TV quarter-final in two years at the World Grand Prix earlier this month, where he was beaten in a thrilling affair. However, he maintained his fine form, by clinching victory at Players Championship 19 in Barnsley last weekend. Continue reading “Whitlock “full of confidence” ahead of Van Gerwen showdown!”
James Wade and Michael Smith both set new Guinness world records ahead of last month’s Champions League of Darts in Cardiff. The eight participants in the inaugural staging of this event, which was broadcast live on the BBC, all took part in a series of challenges, with Wade and Smith excelling.
Wade is now the proud owner of a Guinness World Record for the most inner and outer bullseyes hit in one minute. The previous record was twelve, although Wade trumped that in fine style, hitting fifteen inner and outer bullseyes in just 60 seconds, with an independent adjudicator watching on to confirm the legitimacy of the attempt.
However, Michael Smith set a new world record for the highest total score recorded in one minute. The previous record was 550, but two-time world champion Adrian Lewis bettered that with a magnificent attempt of 559. Nevertheless, Lewis was the record holder for only a matter of moments, as Smith produced a stunning score of 581. Continue reading “PDC duo set new Guinness World Records!”
Phil Taylor will be absent from the Players Championship Finals in Minehead next month, after opting not to enter the final two Players Championship events of the year in Barnsley next week.
The field for next month’s tournament in Minehead is comprised solely of the top 64 players on the Players Championship Order of Merit. Taylor currently sits in 108th position, having won £3,500 from the three events he’s competed in throughout the year, therefore he is unable to make the cut.
‘The Power’ participated in the opening triple-header in Barnsley back in April, but after failing to go beyond the last 16 across either day, he has not competed since. This means that the 16-time world champion will miss out on a TV ranking major for the first time in PDC history.
However, Taylor’s absence in Minehead is self-imposed, as back in May he claimed that he has essentially entered semi-retirement, by prioritising major TV tournaments over a packed Pro Tour schedule.
In an interview with Gulf News, The Stoke-on-Trent star revealed: “I’m 56 this year and I’m slowing down now, I’m semi-retiring. We’re going to sit down in January, Bob [Glenn, his aide] looks after me and my diary and everything. Continue reading “Phil Taylor to miss out on his first TV ranking major in PDC History!”
Simon Whitlock clinched his first PDC ranking title in over two years after surviving two-match darts against Ronny Huybrechts in a dramatic final at Players Championship 18 at the Citywest Hotel, Dublin, on Saturday afternoon.
‘The Wizard’ performed superbly throughout the day, ending Michael van Gerwen’s 31 match winning streak in Players Championship events, as well as missing D18 for a 9-darter in the final.
This victory gives Whitlock his 12th PDC Pro Tour crown; his first since defeating James Wade in Coventry back in 2014. However, he also benefitted from some good fortune, after Huybrechts missed two darts at double to win his first ever PDC title.
Huybrechts broke Whitlock in the very first leg of the contest after the Australian spurned three clear darts at double, and the Belgian doubled his lead with a 15-dart hold, culminating with a 70 checkout.
Whitlock was scoring strongly, but was looking increasingly fragile on the doubles. The former world finalist incredibly missed EIGHT darts at double to open his account in leg three, and Huybrechts eventually pinned D2 at the sixth time of asking to establish a three-leg cushion. Continue reading “Whitlock ends Van Gerwen’s dominance to win his first title in over two years!”
The face of Sky Sports’ darts coverage, Dave Clark, is set to embark on a 200 mile coast-to-coast walk across England this weekend in order to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK. Clark was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease over five years ago, back in January 2011, but he has fought the illness with immense bravery.
Parkinson’s UK is the charity adopted by the Professional Darts Corporation for 2016, as a tribute and acknowledgement of Clark’s inspiring determination to fight this horrid condition, which also killed his father Alan.
Clark begins his trek this Saturday at St Bees, connecting the Irish and North Seas, before the 200 mile walk culminates at Robin Hood’s Bay, near Whitby on September 23rd.
Clark has already raised over £31,000 for Parkinson’s UK, having received donations from the likes of Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, Adrian Lewis & Raymond van Barneveld. He also received a call from Alan Shearer, who said his mate would give him free membership to his gym in London, in order for him to build up his fitness.
Continue reading “Sky Sports’ Dave Clark to embark on 200 mile walk for Parkinson’s UK!”
The top-four players in world darts collide as the Premier League heads to London’s O2 Arena for finals night on Thursday May 19th. For the first time in Premier League history, the top ten players on the PDC Order of Merit were selected for the event, and it’s rather fitting that the four semi-finalists all comprise the top four in the world rankings.
World number one Michael van Gerwen takes on Adrian Lewis in the first semi-final, whilst six-time Premier League champion Phil Taylor meets reigning champion Gary Anderson in the other semi-final clash. It’s set to be an explosive night of action in the capital!
Michael van Gerwen v Adrian Lewis
For the fourth year in succession, Michael van Gerwen topped the league phase after edging out Phil Taylor 7-5 in Rotterdam. Taylor and MvG have been involved in a thrilling rivalry throughout this campaign, but the Dutchman has secured the psychological edge by clinching top spot.
Adrian Lewis confirmed his play-off spot with a thumping 7-2 win over Gary Anderson last week. Neither player was anywhere near their best, but that performance typified Lewis’ campaign. He produced the key shots at the right moments, which he must also do against ‘The Green Machine’ on Thursday.
Continue reading “Premier League Darts- Finals Night Preview!”
Phil Taylor moved four points clear at the top of the Betway Premier League after Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson shared the spoils on a thrilling night of Premier League action at Belfast’s SSE Arena. Elsewhere, Adrian Lewis hit the first 9-darter in this competition since 2012 in his comeback victory against James Wade.
Van Gerwen and Anderson contested one of the best games in Premier League history in a rip-roaring tussle lasting just 16 minutes. It was an enthralling spectacle and only one of the twelve legs were completed in over 15 darts.
Van Gerwen averaged 110.55 to Anderson’s 108.24, asall twelve legs went with throw, which is extremely unusual in Premier League competition. Both men finished magnificently. MvG recorded 60% on the doubles, whilst ‘The Flying Scotsman’ boasted a sensational 85.71% on the doubles.
Phil Taylor held off a valiant fightback from Raymond van Barneveld to move four points clear at the top of the Premier League table. Taylor led 6-2 and was averaging 106 at one stage, but Van Barneveld fought back superbly, with finishes of 61 and 106 reducing the arrears to 6-5.
The Premier League heads to Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena for ‘Judgement Night’ of the 2016 competition, where Robert Thornton, Michael Smith and Dave Chisnall are fighting to avoid elimination. Elsewhere, world-champion Gary Anderson takes on James Wade, whilst the two vans collide, as Raymond van Barneveld faces Michael van Gerwen.
Continue reading “Premier League Darts- Judgement Night Preview!”
The 2016 Coral UK Open gets underway in Minehead on Friday afternoon as Michael van Gerwen looks to defend his title in the most unpredictable major tournament on the darting calendar. In the thirteen years since this event began, there have been thirteen different finalists. Josh’s Dartistry looks at 6 potential outsiders for the crown this year.
Alan Norris
Alan Norris is one of the form men in the PDC at present. The 2014 Lakeside finalist made the switch in January 2015 and after a difficult start initially, ‘Chuck’ has produced a series of fine performances in the past six months, which saw him reach the quarter-finals at Alexandra Palace in his maiden PDC World Championship appearance.
Norris won his first PDC ranking title last October, in a Players Championship event in Ireland. This saw Alan qualify for the European Championships and the Players Championship Finals and he’s gone from strength-to-strength from this moment onwards.
On February 16th 2006, ten years ago today, Raymond van Barneveld marked his PDC debut with a thumping 8-1 victory over Ronnie Baxter in the Premier League. Since then, van Barneveld has accomplished some tremendous feats, winning an array of major titles, as well as posting five televised nine-dart finishes. As we celebrate ten years of Raymond van Barneveld in the PDC, Josh’s Dartistry reflects on RvB’s 10 greatest moments.
10. Van Barneveld wins the 2007 Las Vegas Desert Classic!
(Via Ianjk78)
Raymond always performed tremendously well in the Las Vegas Desert Classic, before the tournament was retired in 2010. He reached the final in both 2006 and 2009, losing to John Part and Phil Taylor respectively.
Continue reading “Barney’s decade- Raymond’s greatest 10 PDC moments!”
Michael van Gerwen claimed glory in the second UK Open qualifier of 2016 after beating Alan Norris 6-4 in Saturday’s final at the Robin Park Tennis Centre, in Wigan. Van Gerwen was in scintillating form throughout the day, and guaranteed his spot in the third-round of the UK Open with victory over the former BDO World finalist.
Van Gerwen dropped just a solitary leg in progressing through to the last 16 stage. The world number one whitewashed both Matt Padgett and Joe Murnan, before thumping former World-Youth champion Arron Monk 6-1.
Van Gerwen then whitewashed his compatriot Benito van de Pas 6-0 to secure a quarter-final berth against yesterday’s winner Adrian Lewis. MvG continued his rampant form, dismantling ‘Jackpot’ 6-1 to reach the semi-finals, for the loss of only two legs throughout the entire day.
MvG edged past the improving Simon Whitlock 6-4 in the semi-finals, before defeating Norris by the same scoreline to secure his second title of 2016. After his opening night Premier League defeat to James Wade, coupled with his last 32 exit yesterday, van Gerwen will have been determined to bounce back, and he did so in typically emphatic fashion.
Continue reading “Van Gerwen edges out Norris to win second UK Open qualifier!”
Raymond van Barneveld made a phenomenal start to his 2016 Premier League campaign, with a thumping 7-2 victory over his old rival Phil Taylor at the First Direct Arena. Elsewhere, James Wade produced a stunning comeback to shock world number one Michael van Gerwen on Thursday evening in Leeds.
Van Barneveld stole the show however, averaging 103.60 and hitting a remarkable 7/9 on the doubles in his victory over Taylor. In addition, he almost became the first player in Premier League history to boast a 100% checkout ratio in victory.
Yet, the most pleasing aspect for van Barneveld was his overall performance, coupled with an emphatic victory, which condemned the 16-time world champion to a humbling opening night defeat.
Taylor made a strong start to the contest by holding throw on D8, but Barney responded superbly, levelling up proceedings with a commanding 13-dart hold, before the five-time world champion broke Taylor’s throw by hitting his favourite D18 for a spectacular 10-dart leg.
Van Barneveld kicked off the fourth leg with his second maximum and again posted D18 to establish a two-leg advantage, before converting a 61 checkout for a 14-darter to break throw in the fifth leg.
Continue reading “Barney thrashes Taylor, as Wade stuns MvG!”
Phil Taylor survived an uncomfortable evening at Alexandra Palace on Monday evening, as he defeated his old adversary Kevin Painter 4-1 in a bizarre contest. The scoreline appears somewhat comprehensive, but it was anything but, particularly in the opening three sets.
Elsewhere, Adrian Lewis and Peter Wright were emphatic straight-set winners over Andrew Gilding and Ronny Huybrechts respectively, although Taylor’s performance attracted the most headlines.
‘The Power’ and Painter contested the epic 2004 World Championship Final at the Circus Tavern, but Kevin has a miserable record against the 55-year-old from Stoke-on Trent.
The pair had met on a total of 31 occasions, with Painter claiming just the solitary victory. Taylor had won their last 29 meetings, however ‘The Artist’ was given a major boost, as he claimed the first set with an authoritative 14-darter in the fifth and deciding leg of the opener.
Continue reading “‘Nervous’ Taylor progresses, as Lewis & Wright impress!”
The 2016 PDC World Darts Championship gets under way in just over 48 hours. World Number One Michael van Gerwen is red-hot favourite for the crown, whilst Phil Taylor is second favourite to win his 17th World title. Nevertheless, you cannot write off the defending Champion!
3. Gary Anderson
Reigning World-Champion Gary Anderson will be hoping for a repeat of last year’s success when he begins the defence of his crown at Alexandra Palace on Thursday.
Continue reading “World Championship Contenders- Gary Anderson”
Ricky Evans and Andy Boulton sealed the final two places at this year’s World Championships at the Alexandra Palace, after progressing through the PDPA qualifier at the Ricoh Arena, in Coventry.
Evans beat Boulton 5-4 in today’s final, sealing victory on D20, which means that the Kettering ace will now meet Simon Whitlock in the first-round of this year’s tournament.
Boulton will have to progress through his preliminary clash against Per Laursen, with a first-round meeting against reigning World Champion Gary Anderson lying in wait for the victor.
Continue reading “Evans and Boulton seal Ally Pally Spots, as big names miss out!”
Gary Anderson will begin the defence of his World Championship title against either Per Laursen or a PDPA qualifier, after the draw for the 2016 PDC World Championships was made on Sky Sports news on Monday morning.
World Number One Michael van Gerwen has been handed a kind draw, as he will meet the winner of the preliminary round clash between Thanawat Gaweenuntawong and Rene Eidams in the last 64.
Phil Taylor will begin his pursuit for a 17th World title against another preliminary qualifier. The 55-year-old will play either Keita Ono or Alex Tagarao in Round One.
Arguably the tie of the opening round sees World Number 4 Peter Wright take on former World-Youth Champion Keegan Brown. Brown has recorded a number of major scalps on the TV stage, so Snakebite will be in for a difficult tie.
Michael van Gerwen secured his maiden WorldMatchplay title, after beating former winner James Wade at the Winter Gardens tonight.
van Gerwen began tentatively, but grew in confidence as the contest progressed, to secure an emphatic 18-12 victory against a below-par Wade.
Mensur Suljovic recorded the biggest victory of his darting career to defeat World Champion Gary Anderson and progress to the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay in Blackpool.
Suljovic performed superbly and capitalised on inept finishing from the Scotsman to record a stunning 13-9 win in the early hours of Thursday morning, dispelling any hopes of Anderson completing the much-publicised ‘triple crown’.
Continue reading “Superb Suljovic Stuns Anderson as Taylor Powers on at the Matchplay!”
So, day one of the UK Open is over, and 4 of my 6 darkhorses still remain! Andrew Gilding astonishingly beat Kevin Painter 9-0, whilst Mensur Suljovic progressed in confident fashion, beating Joey Ten Berge 9-1! I also said touted William O’Connor for a potential run this weekend; he’s enjoyed a fine day, beating Dean Winstanley and Mark Webster! Who are you tipping now? Let me know your thoughts!
My name is Josh Gorton and I’m 19 years old. My blog will focus on the Professional Darts Corporation, because I have a major passion for the sport and I am hoping to pursue a career in Sports Journalism. Darts has grown immeasurably over the past decade and is now the second most watched sport on satellite television within the UK, thanks largely to the dedicated coverage provided by Sky Sports and ITV4.
My blog will analyse the development of the hottest young properties within the PDC circuit, whilst focusing on players who are on the rise, or on the decline. I will also explore the difference between television form and floor form, and discuss how difficult the transition can be for some. I will also keep you up to date with the latest results from all PDC tournaments, whilst providing opinions and provoking darting debates.
With the increasing prize money, more tournaments being introduced and the standard constantly improving, 2015 has all the makings of being the most exciting and captivating in PDC history.
I hope you enjoy my blog and I look forward to hearing from you!