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!”
Mensur Suljovic became the latest big name to crash out of the William Hill World Darts Championship after losing 3-1 to debutant Ryan Searle, whilst two-time world champion Adrian Lewis eased through to round-three on a dramatic Thursday night at the Alexandra Palace. Continue reading “PDC World Championship – Day Eight Report!”
Newly crowned German Darts Open champion Max Hopp is up to 40th in the world after clinching his first senior PDC title with a thrilling deciding-leg victory over Michael Smith on a watershed night for the sport of darts in Germany. Continue reading “PDC Order of Merit Update!”
Michael Smith and Rob Cross produced sensational performances on a dramatic day of second-round action at the German Darts Grand Prix, as seven seeds were sent packing in Munich, with world number one Michael van Gerwen almost becoming the eighth on Sunday evening. Continue reading “German Darts Grand Prix: Day Two Report!”
Rob Cross produced a sensational display to dismantle two-time world champion Adrian Lewis in Leverkusen, as Peter Wright returned to form in emphatic style on a dramatic day of second-round action at the European Darts Open on Saturday. Continue reading “European Darts Open 2018: Day Two Report!”
2017 UK Open finalist Gerwyn Price will take on former BDO number one James Wilson in the opening afternoon of this year’s event next month, which will also see five-time world champion and two-time UK Open winner Raymond van Barneveld in action. Continue reading “2018 UK Open Draw!”
Rob Cross began life as world champion with an impressive 10-3 win over Ian White in the first-round of the Unibet Masters on Friday, as Peter Wright, Raymond van Barneveld and Mensur Suljovic all tasted victory on the opening night in Milton Keynes. Continue reading “Unibet Masters 2018: Day One Report!”
Michael van Gerwen will begin the defence of his Unibet Masters title against former Premier League star Kim Huybrechts in Milton Keynes, whilst newly crowned world champion Rob Cross faces Ian White in the season-opening tournament. Continue reading “2018 Unibet Masters Draw & Schedule!”
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!”
Vincent van der Voort and Keegan Brown produced brilliant displays to dump out Premier League stars Dave Chisnall and James Wade on a night of shocks at the Alexandra Palace on Sunday evening. Continue reading “PDC World Championship 2018: Day Four Report!”
Michael van Gerwen extended his lead at the top of the PDC Order of Merit to almost one million pounds after retaining his Players Championship Finals title in Minehead, whilst Jonny Clayton has broken into the world’s top 32 for the first time in his career after reaching his first major final. Continue reading “PDC Order of Merit Update!”
Former champions Michael van Gerwen, Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld kicked off their Grand Slam campaigns with comprehensive 5-1 victories, as BDO world champion Glen Durrant produced the performance of the opening day to stun second seed Peter Wright in a dramatic double-session at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall.
Michael van Gerwen began the defence of his Grand Slam title with a comprehensive 5-1 win over BDO veteran Ross Montgomery. The scoreline didn’t tell the whole story however. The Scottish debutant had darts at double in four of the six legs and averaged 97.24, but some clinical finishing from the world number one proved decisive. Continue reading “Grand Slam of Darts: Day One Report!”
James Wilson, Robbie Green, Joe Murnan, Alan Norris, Jeffrey De Zwaan, Darren Webster, Steve Lennon and Stephen Bunting were the eight players to book their spot at this weekend’s Grand Slam of Darts after coming through an established field at the Robin Park Tennis Centre in Wigan on Monday afternoon. Continue reading “Grand Slam of Darts 2017: Qualifiers Confirmed!”
Michael van Gerwen continued his European Championship title defence with an imperious 10-1 win over Ian White, to set up a quarter-final showdown against Simon Whitlock, who produced a clinical display to whitewash a shell-shocked Alan Norris on a remarkable evening of darts in Hasselt on Friday evening. Continue reading “European Championship: Night Two Report!”
Michael van Gerwen kicked off the defence of his European Championship title with a convincing win over his fellow countryman Jan Dekker, as the Huybrechts brothers were both condemned to deciding-leg defeats on a dramatic opening night in Hasselt on Thursday evening. Continue reading “European Championship: Day One Report!”
Michael van Gerwen will begin the defence of his European Championship title against fellow countryman Jan Dekker, whilst home favourite Kim Huybrechts takes on last year’s finalist Mensur Suljovic in Hasselt later this month. Continue reading “2017 European Championship Draw!”
World Grand Prix champion Daryl Gurney was dumped out by an inspired Andy Boulton in the second-round of the European Darts Trophy, as Michael van Gerwen and Peter Wright progressed through to finals day in Gottingen on Saturday evening. Continue reading “European Darts Trophy: Day Two Report!”
Five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld eased into the World Grand Prix quarter-finals with a straight sets victory over the veteran Steve Beaton, as former champion Robert Thornton dumped out Dave Chisnall on an entertaining night of action at the Citywest Hotel on Tuesday evening. Continue reading “World Grand Prix: Day Three Report!”
John Henderson caused one of the biggest shocks in World Grand Prix history by dumping out reigning champion and world number one Michael van Gerwen on a dramatic opening night at the Citywest Hotel, Dublin, on Sunday evening. Continue reading “World Grand Prix: Day One Report!”
Michael van Gerwen will begin the defence of his World Grand Prix title against John Henderson, whilst two-time world champion Gary Anderson will take on debutant Richard North, after the draw for next month’s tournament was made this morning. Continue reading “2017 World Grand Prix Draw!”
Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld have climbed back into the world’s top eight following the conclusion of the BetVictor World Matchplay, whilst James Wade has fallen to his worst ranking position in over a decade. Continue reading “PDC Order of Merit: Latest Update!”
Phil Taylor’s World Matchplay fairy-tale continued as he recorded one of the finest victories of his illustrious career to dismantle Michael van Gerwen and set up a semi-final showdown against his former protégé Adrian Lewis at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Friday evening. Continue reading “2017 World Matchplay: Day Seven Report!”
Phil Taylor punished missed doubles from his old adversary Raymond van Barneveld to set up a quarter-final showdown with defending champion Michael van Gerwen, as Adrian Lewis and Alan Norris also triumphed on a dramatic night of action at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Wednesday evening. Continue reading “2017 World Matchplay: Day Five Report!”
Phil Taylor kicked off his final World Matchplay campaign with victory over Gerwyn Price, to set up an enthralling second-round showdown with his old rival Raymond van Barneveld after a thrilling double-session at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Sunday. Continue reading “2017 World Matchplay: Day Two Report!”
Former champion James Wade and Scottish stars Gary Anderson and Peter Wright will open the BetVictor World Matchplay on Saturday July 22nd, whilst defending champion Michael van Gerwen will begin his title defence on Monday 24th July, after the schedule of play was confirmed last week. Continue reading “2017 World Matchplay Schedule of Play!”
Michael van Gerwen will begin the defence of his BetVictor World Matchplay title against former Lakeside world champion Stephen Bunting, as Phil Taylor’s Blackpool farewell kicks off with a potential banana-skin against Gerwyn Price, after the draw for this month’s event at the Winter Gardens was made on Tuesday evening. Continue reading “2017 World Matchplay Draw!”
Peter Wright began his bid for a fourth European Tour title of the year with victory over Polish star Krzysztof Ratajski, as James Wade, Jelle Klaasen and Kim Huybrechts were dumped out in the second-round of the Gibraltar Darts Trophy on Saturday. Continue reading “2017 Gibraltar Darts Trophy: Day Two Report!”
World number one Michael van Gerwen has extended his lead at the top of the Pro Tour Order of Merit after retaining his German Darts Masters title in Jena on Monday evening. ‘The Green Machine’ defeated his arch nemesis Jelle Klaasen in the final, to scoop the £25,000 winner’s prize and move to £217,000 on the Pro Tour standings. Continue reading “Pro Tour Order of Merit Update!”
Adrian Lewis will take on Daryl Gurney in the first-round of the German Darts Masters on Saturday, whilst five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld will face his fellow Dutchman Michael Plooy, after the draw and schedule for this weekend’s European Tour event in Jena were confirmed. Continue reading “German Darts Masters Draw!”
Daryl Gurney has leapfrogged world number one Michael van Gerwen to top the Players Championship Order of Merit, after enjoying the best weekend of his darting career in Barnsley. ‘Super-Chin’ won his maiden PDC title at Players Championship Seven on Saturday, before losing out in the final of Sunday’s event to Joe Cullen. Continue reading “Players Championship Order of Merit Update!”
Adrian Lewis secured his first Pro Tour title of the year after producing a sensational display to defeat his fellow Premier League star Dave Chisnall 6-3, to win Players Championship Five at the Arena MK in Milton Keynes on Saturday afternoon. Continue reading “Players Championship Five: Report & Results!”
The entries for this weekend’s Players Championship double-header have been confirmed, as the Arena MK in Milton Keynes prepares to host Players Championships Five and Six on April 1st-2nd. There is £150,000 in prize money on offer throughout the weekend, for a field comprised of PDC Tour-Card holders and PDPA Associate Members. Continue reading “Players Championship Five & Six Entries!”
World number one Michael van Gerwen averaged 111.51 to kick off his European Tour season in sensational style, as James Wade, Simon Whitlock and Michael Smith were all dumped out in a dramatic double-session of darts at the Halle 39 in Hildesheim on Saturday. Continue reading “German Darts Championship: Day Two Report!”
Two-time world champion Gary Anderson remains top of the Players Championship Order of Merit after the second double-header which took place at the Barnsley Metrodome over the weekend. ‘The Flying Scotsman’ was knocked out in round-three by Daryl Gurney on Saturday, before succumbing to eventual winner Simon Whitlock on Sunday. Continue reading “Players Championship 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!”
An emotionally-charged Peter Wright ended his wait for a maiden televised title with a memorable triumph in the Coral UK Open, defeating Welsh number one Gerwyn Price 11-6 in Sunday’s final at Butlins, Minehead. Continue reading “Wonderful Wright wins his maiden televised title in Minehead!”
Tournament favourite Peter Wright will take on two-time champion Raymond van Barneveld in the UK Open quarter-finals on Sunday afternoon, as Simon Whitlock, Kim Huybrechts, Alan Norris, Daryl Gurney, Ian White & Gerwyn Price all moved into the last eight on a dramatic day of action in Minehead. Continue reading “2017 UK Open Day Two Report!”
Gary Anderson and James Wade were dumped out on a dramatic opening day at the 2017 Coral UK Open at Butlin’s Minehead on Friday evening, to throw the tournament wide open after the withdrawal of world number one Michael van Gerwen earlier in the day. Continue reading “2017 UK Open: Day One Report!”
World number two Gary Anderson tops the Players Championship Order of Merit after the conclusion of the opening double-header at the Barnsley Metrodome last weekend. The two-time world champion averaged 115.15 to defeat his fellow Scot Peter Wright in Sunday’s second event, and he sits top of the Order of Merit with £11,500. Continue reading “UPDATE: Players Championship Order of Merit!”
Alan Norris claimed the opening Players Championship event of the year after defeating inspired debutant Peter Jacques at the Barnsley Metrodome on Saturday afternoon. Norris performed superbly throughout the day; dropping just 14 legs en route to scooping the £10,000 winner’s cheque and securing his second Players Championship title. Continue reading “Players Championship One Report!”
Peter Wright secured his third PDC ranking title inside ten days after defeating eight-time major winner James Wade to win the sixth and final UK Open qualifying event at the Robin Park Tennis Centre in Wigan on Sunday afternoon; a day which saw former Lakeside world champion Christian Kist hit the fifth nine-darter of the weekend.
Wright won the opening qualifier last week and concluded his campaign in similar fashion, to scoop the £10,000 winner’s cheque and ensure that he will be top seed for next month’s Coral UK Open Finals in Minehead.
Wade clinched the opening leg of the final on tops, but Wright responded by finding D10 to level. Snakebite then landed a timely maximum and converted D4 to lead, before capitalising on missed doubles from ‘The Machine’ to record his third successive leg via D3.
The eight-time major winner hit tops for the second time in the contest to stop the rot, but Wright restored his two-leg cushion after sinking D10. Wade converted a pivotal 76 kill to reduce the arrears to 4-3, but the Scot was too strong in the scoring department and won the final two legs without reply to prevail convincingly. Continue reading “UK Open Qualifier Six: Report & Results!”
Michael van Gerwen survived a massive scare against inspired Spaniard Cristo Reyes, as Raymond van Barneveld and Phil Taylor breezed through to the third-round of the World Championship with emphatic whitewash victories on day ten at the Alexandra Palace on Tuesday evening.
Van Gerwen saw off the challenge of an inspired Cristo Reyes to prevail in an absolutely sensational second-round clash. Van Gerwen averaged 105.24, hit 23 140’s, eleven maximums and converted 38% of his double attempts, as Reyes averaged 106.07; the highest losing average in the history of the World Championship.
‘Mighty Mike’ strolled to the first set without dropping a leg. The world number one opened his account on D7, before punishing a mediocre leg from the Spaniard to break throw. Reyes was yet to settle and ‘The Green Machine’ went for the kill; posting a 174 and converting an 11-dart leg on tops to secure the opener.
Nevertheless, Reyes launched a remarkable recovery to level up proceedings. Cristo won his first leg with a magnificent 10-darter on D18, before he hit the same double to complete a 73 outshot after MvG had missed three darts to hold. Reyes was brimming with confidence at this point, and rounded off the set with a confident 14-dart kill. Continue reading “2017 PDC World Championship: Day Ten Report!”
Phil Taylor produced a mightily impressive performance to begin his assault for a 17th World Championship crown in style, as Alan Norris and Daryl Gurney also secured victories on a dramatic day four at the Alexandra Palace on Sunday evening.
Taylor dropped just two legs in beating DPA qualifier David Platt to set up a second-round clash with Kevin Painter, in a repeat of their iconic 2004 World Championship Final. Taylor was very impressive; averaging 101.93, hitting three maximums and converting 50% of his double attempts to kick off his campaign in fine fashion.
Earlier in the night, Platt had sealed his showdown with Taylor after securing an impressive straight sets triumph over John Bowles. Platt averaged 86.92, converted 43% of his double attempts and landed a stunning 156 checkout to seal victory against the PDPA qualifier.
However, he was left feeding off scraps against ‘The Power’. Taylor made a strong start to the contest, clinching the opening two legs in 15 and 14 darts respectively. The fourth seed then spurned two opportunities at double to clinch the set without reply, but Platt failed to take advantage and Taylor returned to pin D10 and seal the opener. Continue reading “2017 PDC World Championship Day Four: Evening Report!”
Raymond van Barneveld produced the performance of the first-round on day one at the Players Championship Finals at the Butlins Minehead Resort on Friday evening, as Alan Norris fired in a stunning 9-darter; the first in the history of this tournament.
Michael van Gerwen kicked off the defence of his Players Championship Finals title with a comprehensive 6-1 victory against former world finalist Andy Hamilton. The world number one barely got out of first gear, averaging 95.08, hitting four maximums and converting 43% of his doubles to dispatch the Stoke-on-Trent star.
In round-two, MvG will face his best friend Vincent van der Voort, who produced an inspired comeback to defeat Andrew Gilding in a thrilling affair. ‘Goldfinger’ won three straight legs to seize command at 5-3 but Van der Voort returned the favour, winning three consecutive legs of his own to prevail in a decider with a 95.53 average.
Raymond van Barneveld continued his magnificent form with a sensational 6-4 victory over eighth seed Mensur Suljovic. The five-time world champion averaged 107.4, landed four maximums and converted 55% of his double attempts to prevail against an impressive Suljovic, who posted an average of 102.79. Continue reading “Players Championship Finals- Day One Report!”
Michael van Gerwen will begin the defence of his Grand Slam of Darts title against legendary three-time Lakeside world champion Martin Adams, after the draw for this year’s event at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall was made on Monday afternoon.
Van Gerwen, who produced a staggering comeback to defeat Phil Taylor and win his maiden Grand Slam title twelve months ago, will face a stern test against the 60-year-old Adams, who thrived on his debut in Wolverhampton last year.
‘Wolfie’ won all three of his group games against Jelle Klaasen, Ian White & Steve Beaton respectively, before succumbing to Kim Huybrechts in a last-leg shootout in the last 16. MvG and Adams will also be joined in Group A by former World Grand Prix finalist Brendan Dolan, and World-Youth champion Max Hopp.
Six-time Grand Slam winner Phil Taylor has been handed a relatively kind draw. ‘The Power’ has been pitted with his fellow Stokie Ian White, Darren Webster and BDO veteran Darryl Fitton, who qualified for this year’s event by virtue of winning the 2016 World Trophy back in May. Continue reading “2016 Grand Slam of Darts Draw confirmed!”
Michael van Gerwen heads the European Tour Order of Merit by exactly £100,000 after the European Tour concluded for 2016 in Hildesheim last weekend. Van Gerwen has accumulated £160,500 in prize money on the European Tour, having won six of the ten events held throughout the year.
The world number one faces Simon Whitlock in the first-round of the European Championship and ‘The Wizard’ sits in 16th position following some consistent performances throughout the events.
Mensur Suljovic is placed second on the European Tour Order of Merit following a series of magnificent displays during the latter stages of the year. Suljovic clinched his maiden PDC title at the International Darts Open in September, before losing out to Michael van Gerwen in the final of the European Darts Trophy just a week later.
The Austrian has also appeared in two semi-finals and three quarter-finals, accruing £60,500 on the European Tour Order of Merit which has seen him to rise to a career high of twelfth in the world.
Peter Wright is ranked third after reaching three finals this year; all of which resulted in defeat to Michael van Gerwen, whilst European Darts Matchplay winner James Wade is the fourth seed on the European Tour Order of Merit. Continue reading “European Tour Order of Merit- FINAL STANDINGS!”
Alan Norris edged out former world champion Jelle Klaasen in a thrilling last-leg decider to win his maiden European Tour title at the German Darts Championship in Hildesheim on Sunday evening.
Norris performed with tremendous consistency throughout the tournament and averaged 97.48 in the final, over eight points more than Klaasen. Yet the decisive factor was the finishing. Norris hit 75% of his attempts at double, winning four of the final five legs to scoop the £25,000 winner’s cheque and secure himself a Grand Slam spot next month.
Klaasen landed the first blow, kicking off the final with a maximum, before converting a regulation 54 finish for an 11-dart break of throw. Norris threatened an instant break back after posting a magnificent 171, but Klaasen extended his advantage with a sublime 132 checkout (25, T19, Bull).
Norris was scoring prolifically and opened his account with a classy 13-darter, before leaving tops to once again pressure the Dutchman’s throw. Nevertheless, Klaasen regained his two-leg cushion with a tremendous 134 finish, culminating on D7.
Klaasen spurned an opportunity to establish a three-leg cushion in leg five and Norris reduced the arrears to 3-2 after pinning tops. However, ‘The Cobra’ maintained his lead after hitting D18 to complete a solid 16-dart hold. Continue reading “Norris edges out Klaasen in a thriller to win his maiden European Tour title!”
Peter Wright produced one of the finest European Tour performances in recent memory, averaging almost 114 on day-two at the German Darts Championship, as Michael van Gerwen overcame a battling Robbie Green in Hildesheim on Saturday evening.
Van Gerwen began his assault for a seventh European Tour title of the year with a hard-fought 6-4 victory over Robbie Green. The world number one averaged 99.83 and hit 46% of his double attempts to overcome ‘Kong’, who narrowly misses out on a qualification spot for the European Championships in Hasselt.
However, it was Peter Wright who produced the performance of the tournament thus far, averaging 113.77 as he recorded a comprehensive 6-1 victory over St Helens’ Eddie Dootson. Snakebite registered four maximums and hit six of his ten attempts at double, as Dootson claimed just the solitary leg, despite averaging a respectable 94.74.
International Darts Open winner Mensur Suljovic delivered a stunning performance as he swept aside Darren Johnson in round-two. The Austrian averaged a mightily impressive 106.22 and converted 55% of his attempts at double to set up a third-round clash with David Pallett.
Third seed Dave Chisnall breezed into the last 16 with a whitewash victory over ‘The Rock’ Peter Hudson. Chisnall averaged 102.48, landed three maximums and hit 43% of his doubles, as Hudson was afforded just the solitary dart at double in the entire contest. Continue reading “German Darts Championship: Day Two Report & Results!”
Michael van Gerwen remains on course for a third World Grand Prix title after he whitewashed former BDO number one James Wilson, as Simon Whitlock, Dave Chisnall and Daryl Gurney all sealed their spots in the quarter-finals at the Citywest Hotel, Dublin on Wednesday evening.
However, the performance of the night was delivered by world number one Michael van Gerwen, who averaged 97.17, landed three maximums and converted 56% of his finishing doubles to dismantle Wilson, who performed better than the scoreline indicates.
Wilson kicked off the contest in sumptuous style with a roof-raising 156 finish. He missed the bullseye to double his lead moments later, but van Gerwen fired back with a sensational 96 checkout, culminating with D18 and D20. This galvanised the Dutchman, who went to seal the first set with relative ease.
‘The Green Machine’ fired in scores of 180 and 177 in the opening leg of set two, but he almost lost the leg, as ‘Jammie Dodger’ missed tops for a 160 checkout. However, MvG pinned the same target to hold throw, before winning his fifth straight leg with a fine 14-darter.
The third leg was an extremely high-quality affair. Both men kicked of the leg with flawless 160 starts, registering five perfect darts in the process. However, the advantage of throw proved decisive for Van Gerwen, who converted 64 for a stunning 12-darter to establish a commanding two-set cushion. Continue reading “World Grand Prix Day Four: Whitlock hits sixteen perfect darts to reach the last eight!”
Eleven-time champion Phil Taylor was sensationally dumped out in the opening round of the World Grand Prix by debutant Steve West, as world number one Michael van Gerwen survived a minor scare at the Citywest Hotel, Dublin on Monday evening.
The evening’s proceedings were interrupted early on by a power-failure, however the story of the night was the power-failure suffered by Phil Taylor. The Stoke-on-Trent ace, an 11-time champion in Dublin, lost six of the last nine legs against an inspired Steve West, to suffer his fifth first-round exit in the tournament’s history.
West broke Taylor’s throw in the very first leg after the 56-year-old missed three darts at D12. However, ‘The Power’ responded emphatically, breaking straight back with a clinical 111 checkout. Taylor then secured an easy hold of throw after West took 16 darts to pin a starting double, and the 16-time world champion went on to clinch the set after nailing D6.
West looked like a beaten man after the opening set, but he rallied superbly and restored parity at one apiece after producing a trio of top-class finishes. He won the opening leg of the set with an 86 finish, and sandwiched in between seven perfect darts from Taylor, West took out two clinical 101 finishes to force a third and final set.
Taylor had the throw in the deciding set, but he relinquished the initiative after missing one dart at double and West pounced, breaking throw on D10. The underdog then moved to the cusp of a shock victory after holding his nerve to complete a 62 checkout, but Taylor preserved his hopes by hitting D16 to hold throw. Continue reading “World Grand Prix Day Two: Taylor suffers shock first-round exit!”
World number one Michael van Gerwen will face the legendary Steve Beaton in the first-round of the World Grand-Prix, whilst reigning champion Robert Thornton will begin the defence of his title against Stephen Bunting at the Citywest Hotel, Dublin, next week.
The draw for the 2016 World Grand-Prix, which begins on Sunday October 2nd, was made live on the PDC’s official Facebook page, ahead of the final day of Champions League of Darts action.
Van Gerwen will take on 1996 Lakeside world champion Steve Beaton in round-one. Beaton has enjoyed a mini-resurgence this year, reaching the quarter-finals of the recent World Matchplay. However, ‘The Green Machine’ will be hoping to clinch a third World Grand-Prix title.
Robert Thornton, who defeated Van Gerwen in a thrilling final last year, takes on another former Lakeside champion Stephen Bunting. ‘The Thorn’ has endured a slump in form since winning his second major title last year, but he’ll be hoping that a return to Irish soil will have a galvanising effect on his fortunes.
Phil Taylor will go in search of an unprecedented twelfth World Grand-Prix crown against debutant Steve West. West secured his spot for this event by virtue of reaching the final of Players Championship 16 in Barnsley last week, which saw Vincent van der Voort miss out on qualification. Continue reading “2016 World Grand Prix Draw!”
Raymond van Barneveld produced a magnificent 141 finish to edge past Simon Whitlock in a thrilling deciding-leg at the HappyBet European Darts Grand Prix, but Mensur Suljovic produced the performance of the second-round at the Glaspalast in Sindelfingen on Saturday.
Van Barneveld made a sluggish start to his contest, as Whitlock eased into a 2-0 advantage. The Australian missed three darts for a precious double-break in the third leg, allowing the Dutchman to open his account with a 60 checkout.
However in the fourth leg, ‘The Wizard’ capitalised on missed doubles from Van Barneveld, who missed two darts at tops to break back, allowing Whitlock to regain his two-leg cushion. Yet, the five-time world champion responded impressively, firing in his first maximum and taking out 111 to reduce the arrears to 3-2.
Whitlock delivered an instant riposte with a top-class 130 checkout, before the next two legs were shared, with the Australian leading 5-3. Barney remained in contention by pinning D16, before benefitting from a missed match dart from the Aussie in the tenth leg.
The Den Haag ace left 24 after 12 darts having posted successive visits of 180 and 137, and after Whitlock missed one dart at D7 for an 86 kill, Barney forced a decider with a 13-darter. Continue reading “European Darts Grand Prix: Day Two Report!”
World champion Gary Anderson began his bid for a maiden World Matchplay crown with a comprehensive win over Alan Norris, whilst Adrian Lewis and Peter Wright also eased through to round-two. However, former winner James Wade suffered a surprise first-round exit at the Winter Gardens on Sunday.
Wade was beaten by an inspired Mervyn King in the opening match of Sunday’s evening session. ‘The King’ averaged 99.45, hit three maximums and converted an impressive 67% of his attempts at double, to dethrone ‘The Machine’ by a 10-5 scoreline.
Wade was uncharacteristically profligate on the doubles, as King stormed into a commanding 6-1 advantage. The left-hander missed three darts at double in the opening leg, and King capitalised on his opponent’s wastefulness, taking out finishes of 82, 100 and 120 to put one foot into the last 16.
Wade scored strongly in the latter stages of the contest, but it was to no avail. King missed D8 for a match-winning 136 outshot, and he was almost punished as Wade wired the bullseye for a 161 finish. However, King, a semi-finalist at the Winter Gardens in 2009, returned to post D4 and seal his second-round spot.
Michael van Gerwen will begin the defence of his World Matchplay title against Jamie Caven, whilst world champion Gary Anderson takes on former Lakeside world finalist Alan Norris, after the draw was made live on Sky Sports News on Thursday morning.
The prestigious 32-player event, televised by Sky Sports, will be held at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens from July 16-24. Van Gerwen, who defeated James Wade in last year’s final, is faced with a tough assignment against Caven, a winner of seven Pro Tour titles.
Arguably the tie of the round sees world champion Gary Anderson take on Alan Norris. Norris has been in tremendous form over the last twelve months, which saw him reach the quarter-finals of the PDC World Championship on debut. Anderson has never gone beyond the last four in Blackpool, and this promises to be a quick-fire contest.
Phil Taylor will begin his bid for an unprecedented 16th World Matchplay title against Robbie Green, who just managed to secure his spot on the final day of qualifying.’Kong’ is making his first Matchplay appearance since 2004, but Taylor will be hoping to win his eighth Blackpool title in just nine years.
The field for the 2016 World Matchplay was confirmed after the conclusion of the Players Championship double-header in Barnsley. Robbie Green secured a last-gasp qualification with a fine run to the quarter-finals at the Metrodome on Sunday afternoon.
A 32-player field will compete in the BetVictor World Matchplay from July 16-24 at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, as the top 16 players from the PDC Order of Merit will be joined by 16 qualifiers from the rolling one-year ProTour Order of Merit.
Green will be making his long-awaited Blackpool return, having lost 10-7 to Bob Anderson in round-one of the World Matchplay twelve years ago, back in 2004. Green’s run to the last eight in Players Championship 11 saw him pip Rowby-John Rodriguez for the final qualification spot, which will be a bitter pill to swallow for the Austrian.
There will also be three debutants in this year’s competition. Former World Championship finalist Alan Norris has been rewarded for his remarkable Pro Tour consistency, having finished 4th on the Pro Tour Order of Merit.
Michael van Gerwen kept alive his hopes of winning a fourth consecutive European Tour title of the year, whilst Phil Taylor, Peter Wright, Michael Smith and Kyle Anderson all booked their places in the quarter-finals of the Austrian Darts Open in Vienna on Sunday afternoon.
Van Gerwen opened up Sunday’s marathon session with a comprehensive 6-1 win against ‘The Adonis’ Steve Beaton. Van Gerwen was on course for a 10-darter in the opening leg, before eventually winning it with his seventh attempt at double.
Beaton missed opportunities for an instant break back in leg two, before MvG posted successive 12-darters to coast into a 4-0 lead. Beaton landed an 80 finish to open his account, but Van Gerwen’s dominance continued, as the Dutchman won the remaining two legs to finish with an average in excess of 101.
Van Gerwen will face Kyle Anderson in the last eight tonight, after the Australian edged out Jelle Klaasen in a pulsating contest which featured twelve maximums. Anderson averaged 103.61 and hit four 180’s to complete a wonderful performance and seal his quarter-final spot in Vienna.
Continue reading “Austrian Darts Open- Last 16 Report & Results!”
Daryl Gurney, Vincent van der Voort and Alan Norris all won through to round-two of the European Darts Matchplay at the Inselparkhalle on Friday, whilst Max Hopp and Reine Eidams also tasted victory on home soil.
Hopp produced a fine comeback from 5-3 down to stun Joe Murnan and delight the Hamburg crowd. The World-Youth champion posted four maximums and hit a brilliant 158 checkout to reduce the arrears, before completing victory with a fine 14-darter in the decider.
Hopp’s compatriot Reine Eidams also secured a place in round-two with a hard-fought win over Ricky Williams. Eidams converted a spectacular 160 checkout as he established a 4-0 cushion, but Williams won four of the next five legs. Nevertheless, ‘The Cube’ eventually got over the winning line, setting up a clash with Adrian Lewis on Saturday.
Vincent van der Voort eased through to the second round with a comprehensive 6-2 victory against Jamie Robinson. ‘The Dutch Destroyer’ averaged 87 and recorded the solitary maximum, but he will lock horns with Kim Huybrechts in what could prove to be a classic encounter.
Continue reading “European Matchplay- Day One Report & Results”
Daryl Gurney, Joe Cullen, Stephen Bunting and Alan Norris all booked their places in the second-round of the Gibraltar Darts Trophy, after a busy double-session of action at the Victoria Stadium on Friday.
The performance of the day was delivered by Daryl Gurney, who averaged over 102 in defeating David Pallett 6-3, to set up a second-round tie against world number five Peter Wright.
German Darts Masters semi-finalist Joe Cullen also impressed at The Rock, coming from 5-3 down to edge out former major winner Kevin Painter in a high-quality contest. Cullen averaged over 96 and converted finishes of 113 and 119 to seal a fine comeback victory against ‘The Artist’.
Stephen Bunting and Alan Norris both breezed into the last 32 with convincing 6-1 victories. Bunting defeated former UK Open finalist Mark Walsh, whilst Norris saw off Gibraltar’s George Federico by the same scoreline.
Former Austrian Open winner Justin Pipe cruised into round-two with a comprehensive whitewash victory over an out-of-sorts Jamie Lewis. However, it was a role-reversal for Lewis’ Welsh compatriot Gerwyn Price, still fresh from his Players Championship seven victory. Price whitewashed Gibraltar’s David Francis 6-0, despite averaging a poultry 77.
Former world champion Christian Kist stormed into the second-round with a comprehensive 6-1 victory against Spain’s Cristo Reyes, and Kist’s Dutch compatriot Jermaine Wattimena also secured a spot in the last 32 by virtue of an impressive 6-2 triumph against Rowby-John Rodriguez.
World-Youth champion Max Hopp confirmed his spot in Sunday’s last 16 with victory over former world-finalist Andy Hamilton. Hopp recorded 3 maximums and completed a 121 checkout to secure victory, and he will receive a bye to round-three after Adrian Lewis pulled out this morning through illness.
Steve Beaton suffered a surprise 6-4 defeat to Austria’s Michael Rasztovits in the second game of Friday’s double session. Missed doubles ultimately cost ‘The Adonis’ and Rasztovits took full advantage, to set up a last 32 clash against Kim Huybrechts.
Former European Tour finalist John Henderson came through an extremely scrappy tussle against veteran Wayne Jones, who incredibly spurned 11 match darts to defeat the Scotsman. ‘Big John’ will now meet his fellow Scot; World Grand-Prix champion Robert Thornton.
Home favourite Dyson Parody also capitalised on profligacy from his opponent, as he defeated Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-3. Van Duijvenbode trailed 3-0 having astonishingly missed his first 22 attempts at double, and he was unable to rectify matters as Parody claimed a morale-boosting win.
Elsewhere, Antonio Alcinas will lock horns with Ian White in round-two, after the Spaniard thrashed Stuart Kellett 6-1. Nick Fulwell and Joe Murnan also secured their places in Saturday’s second-round, with routine 6-2 wins against Antony Lopez and Ross Smith respectively.
The full list of results and the schedule of play for Saturday’s double-session can be found below:
Peperami Gibraltar Darts Trophy
Friday May 6
Afternoon Session (1pm-5pm local time, 12pm-4pm BST)
Ross Smith 2-6 Joe Murnan
Michael Rasztovits 6-4 Steve Beaton
Nick Fullwell 6-2 Antony Lopez
Justin Pipe 6-0 Jamie Lewis
Antonio Alcinas 6-1 Stuart Kellett
John Henderson 6-5 Wayne Jones
Dirk van Duijvenbode 3-6 Dyson Parody
Daryl Gurney 6-3 David Pallett
Evening Session (7pm-11pm local time, 6pm-10pm BST)
Andy Hamilton 4-6 Max Hopp
Christian Kist 6-1 Cristo Reyes
Gerwyn Price 6-0 David Francis
Rowby-John Rodriguez 2-6 Jermaine Wattimena
Joe Cullen 6-5 Kevin Painter
Mark Walsh 1-6 Stephen Bunting
George Federico 1-6 Alan Norris
Kyle Anderson v Steve West
Saturday May 7
Afternoon Session (1pm-5pm local time, 12pm-4pm BST)
Robert Thornton v John Henderson
Mervyn King v Christian Kist
Simon Whitlock v Gerwyn Price
Terry Jenkins v Joe Murnan
Mensur Suljovic v Jermaine Wattimena
Jelle Klaasen v Dyson Parody
Ian White v Antonio Alcinas
Evening Session (7pm-11pm local time, 6pm-10pm BST)
Kim Huybrechts v Michael Rasztovits
James Wade v Justin Pipe
Benito van de Pas v Stephen Bunting
Gary Anderson v Alan Norris
Michael van Gerwen v Nick Fullwell
Dave Chisnall v K Anderson/West
Peter Wright v Daryl Gurney
Michael Smith v Joe Cullen
Michael van Gerwen will begin the defence of his Gibraltar Darts Trophy title against either Nick Fulwell or home-favourite Antony Lopez on Saturday, whilst world-champion Gary Anderson could face in-form Alan Norris, after the draw for the tournament was made on Thursday.
The field for the Peperami Gibraltar Darts Trophy was finalised on Thursday evening at the Host Nation Qualifier, where David Francis, George Federico, Dyson Parody and Antony Lopez were the four men to win spots in front of their home crowd on The Rock.
Adrian Lewis could face fellow Stoke star Andy Hamilton in round-two, in a repeat of their 2012 World Championship final meeting. However, ‘The Hammer’ must firstly overcome World-Youth champion Max Hopp before contemplating a clash against Jackpot.
The first-round matches will take place across a double-session on Friday and the stand-out opening round tie is a clash between young stars Daryl Gurney and David Pallett. The winner of this contest will face world number five Peter Wright in round-two.
Michael van Gerwen won his eighth PDC title of 2016 after beating his Dutch compatriot Benito van de Pas 6-3 in the final of Players Championship three at the Barnsley Metrodome on Friday afternoon.
Van Gerwen, who suffered a 6-4 defeat against van de Pas in the pair’s last meeting, made a tremendous start to the final as he forged into a commanding 4-0 advantage. However, van de Pas responded superbly and reeled off three consecutive legs to reduce the arrears to 4-3.
Nevertheless, Benito was unable to complete the comeback, as the world number one regained his focus to close out a 6-3 victory and scoop the £10,000 winner’s cheque. MvG has now won eight titles already this calendar year, as he aims to eclipse last year’s tally of 17. However, van de Pas will also take great encouragement from another fine display.
Van Gerwen began his campaign with an emphatic 6-1 victory over Paul Nicholson, before overcoming a tenacious Mark Walsh 6-3 to reach the last 32. MvG then recorded consecutive 6-2 victories against Jeffrey de Graaf and Simon Whitlock respectively to storm into the quarter-finals, where he whitewashed former world champ Mark Webster.
Continue reading “Two 9-darters in Barnsley, as MvG defeats Van de Pas to reign again!”
Kevin Painter, Stephen Bunting, Daryl Gurney, James Wilson and home-favourite Reine Eidams were among the players to reach the second-round of the German Darts Masters, as Alan Norris and Andrew Gilding suffered surprise exits at the Ballhausforum, Dolce Hotel, Munich, on Saturday.
However, the performance of the day was produced by former world finalist Kevin Painter, who eased into the last 32 with a stunning 6-1 victory against Stuart Kellett. ‘The Artist’averaged 101.7 and boasted an impressive 55% on the doubles, although ‘KO’ almost stole the headlines, missing D12 for a 9-darter in leg four.
Stephen Bunting prevailed 6-4 against Steve Beaton in a battle of the world champions in the penultimate game of Saturday’s double-session. Beaton delivered an inspired 161 checkout to go 4-3 up, but ‘The Bullet’ fired back superbly, and clinched victory with an excellent 110 finish, to set up a tasty second-round tie against Peter Wright.
World Championship quarter-finalist Alan Norris suffered a surprise exit at the hands of Jermaine Wattimena in a topsy-turvy contest. There were five successive breaks in the opening stages, before Wattimena missed 11 match darts. Yet, the quick-fire Dutchman wasn’t to be denied, and managed to close out a morale-boosting 6-4 victory.
Continue reading “German Darts Masters- Day 1 Report & Results!”
World number one Michael van Gerwen could begin the defence of his German Darts Masters title against home favourite Reine Eidams, in a repeat of their classic first-round World Championship clash last year, after the draw for this weekend’s event in Munich was made on Friday evening.
However, Eidams must firstly overcome ‘The Rock’ Peter Hudson in round-one on Saturday. Van Gerwen, who defeated John Henderson to win last year’s event, will be hoping for a repeat performance in 2016.
World champion Gary Anderson could take on Daryl Gurney in round-two, in a repeat of their World Championship clash in December. However, Gurney, who reached the final of the Dutch Darts Masters last month, must defeat young Belgian star Dimitri van den Bergh before even contemplating a showdown with ‘The Flying Scotsman’.
Adrian Lewis, who won the inaugural staging of the German Darts Masters back in 2012, will take on either John Bowles or Fabian Herz. Elsewhere, fourth seed James Wade will either meet Raymond van Barneveld’s protege Mike Zuydwijk, or the in-form Joe Cullen, who reached his first major TV quarter-final at the UK Open three weeks ago.
Three-Time European Tour winner Michael Smith could meet former BDO man Jeffrey de Graaf in the last 32, if the talented Dutchman can overcome Darren Johnson on Friday. Dave Chisnall, who along with Smith is facing the prospect of Premier League elimination next week, faces a tough tie against either Alan Norris or Jermaine Wattimena.
Daryl Gurney, Kevin Painter, Alan Norris, John Henderson, Joe Cullen and Joe Murnan enjoyed double-qualification success by sealing their spots in the Gibraltar Darts Trophy and European Darts Matchplay on Friday evening, whilst Phil Taylor only managed to seal his spot in Hamburg, after failing to secure a place in Gibraltar.
This qualification double-header took place at the Barnsley Metrodome ahead of this weekend’s opening Players Championship events. There were a host of big names vying to seal their spots in Gibraltar and Hamburg, and Taylor will be competing in his first European Tour event for 18 months having qualified for the European Darts Matchplay.
However, Taylor, a former Gibraltar Darts Trophy winner back in 2013, will not be able to repeat the feat this year, after he was defeated 6-4 in the final game of the opening night’s qualifier by Ross Smith.
Nevertheless, the 16-time world champion exacted revenge in the night’s second European Tour qualifier, edging out Smith 6-5 before whitewashing Lee Palfreyman 6-0 to seal his place in Germany.
Continue reading “European Tours 3-4: UK Qualifiers Report & Results”
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.
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!”
Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson shared the spoils as they were crowned joint PDC players of the year, as the PDC’s Annual Awards Dinner took place at the Dorchester on Thursday evening.
van Gerwen, who won a staggering 18 titles in 2015, and Anderson, who retained his World Championship crown, whilst also winning the Premier League for the second time, could not be separated, and after an unprecedented split decision they shared the trophy.
This was one of three awards collected by van Gerwen in London last night. The world number one also scooped the ‘PDPA Players’ Player of the Year’ award, as well as the ‘Pro Tour Player of the Year’ title.
Michael performed superbly well throughout the year, winning the Unibet Masters, Coral UK Open, World Matchplay, European Championships, Grand Slam of Darts, World Series of Darts Finals and the Players Championship Finals, to complete his stunning haul of major PDC titles.
Continue reading “PDC Awards Dinner 2016: Van Gerwen and Anderson share the spoils!”
Raymond van Barneveld has returned to the world’s top ten on the PDC Order of Merit, following his phenomenal run to the semi-finals at last week’s William Hill World Championships.
The five-time world champion was 18th in the world prior to November’s Grand Slam of Darts, but his run to the semi-final there, where he defeated the likes of James Wade and Mark Webster, saw the Dutchman regain his top 16 spot.
As a consequence, Van Barneveld was seeded 16th for this year’s World Championship, but victories over Stephen Bunting, Michael Smith and world number one Michael van Gerwen, saw Barney reach the World Championship semis for the third time in the last-four years.
Continue reading “PDC Order of Merit: Barney back in World’s Top 10, as Lewis overtakes Taylor!”
Raymond van Barneveld produced a magnificent comeback from 3-0 down against world number 8 Michael Smith, to reach his third World Championship semi-final in the last four years, at the Alexandra Palace.
On the anniversary of van Barneveld’s iconic 2007 World Final victory against Phil Taylor at the Circus Tavern, where he also trailed 3-0, Raymond repeated the feat to secure a nail-biting 5-4 triumph in an enthralling tussle at the Palace.
Smith made a blistering start to the contest, winning nine of the opening twelve legs to establish a commanding advantage, but the Five-Time World Champion showed his class to complete a masterful recovery, just 72 hours after his heroics against his compatriot Michael van Gerwen.
The contest began at a rip-roaring pace. Raymond van Barneveld took out 121 on the bullseye for a crucial break of throw in the third leg, but Smith delivered an instant riposte, taking out 97 in unorthodox fashion; D19 D20, with Barney sat on D20 to clinch the set.
Smith had the advantage of throw in the fifth leg and kicked off proceedings with a maximum, missing two darts at D20 for an 11-darter. However, van Barneveld missed the bull for a magnificent maximum 170 finish, before ‘Bully Boy’ returned to claim the opener in 13-darts.
Jelle Klaasen produced an inspired display to defeat 16-Time World Champion Phil Taylor in the last 16 of the World Darts Championships at Alexandra Palace, on a dramatic Wednesday evening in North London.
Klaasen averaged over 102 and hit fifteen maximums to secure one of his biggest victories since joining the PDC in 2008. Taylor himself averaged 100, but he failed to produce the goods when it really mattered, to compound a miserable 2015 for the greatest dart player of all-time.
Elsewhere, 2014 World finalist Peter Wright edged past Dave Chisnall in a thrilling tussle, whilst 2014 Lakeside finalist Alan Norris reached the quarter-finals on his PDC World Championship debut, with a comprehensive 4-1 victory against Mark Webster.
Nevertheless, the big story was Taylor’s departure, particularly given Michael van Gerwen’s surprise exit just 24 hours earlier. This was being touted as Taylor’s most realistic chance of winning another World title, but those hopes were destroyed by the imperious Dutchman.
Continue reading “Klaasen turns off The Power at Ally Pally!”
Benito van de Pas produced an extraordinary display of finishing as he thrashed eight-times major winner James Wade 10-3 to reach his first PDC major quarter-final at the Players Championship Finals, in Minehead.
van de Pas averaged 105.39 and hit 66% on his doubles en route to dismantling the Machine. Benito replicated the finishing he produced in yesterday’s win over Stephen Bunting, although his overall performance today, was far more impressive.
van de Pas stormed into a 1-0 lead by taking out 72 in just two-darts for an instant break of throw. The 22-year-old doubled his advantage moments later, taking out 79 in two-darts for another 14-dart leg.
Continue reading “Brilliant Benito dispatches Wade with phenomenal finishing!”