Premier League leader Glen Durrant completed a clean sweep to triumph in Group 19 of the PDC Home Tour on Tuesday evening, defeating Vincent van der Meer, Justin Pipe and Maik Kuivenhoven to advance to the last 32.
Continue reading “PDC Home Tour: Durrant completes clean sweep”
Having opted to cross the darting divide and join the PDC in January last year, three-time world champion Glen Durrant has spoken of his sadness at the current plight of the British Darts Organisation.
Continue reading “Durrant saddened by current plight of the BDO”
The anticipation surrounding last year’s Qualifying School was unparalleled. Glen Durrant’s future had been a constant source of speculation, with fans and pundits alike eager to see the BDO’s all-conquering three-time world champion pit his wits against the PDC elite.
Continue reading “Durrant: “I put my reputation on the line””
The sixth episode of ‘The Bounce Out’ features an exclusive interview with three-time world champion Glen Durrant, as Josh Gorton is joined by regular co-hosts Jon Dean and Neil Conner to discuss the latest news in the darting world.
Continue reading “Josh’s Dartistry Darts Podcast – The Bounce Out Episode Six!”
Nathan Aspinall inflicted Michael van Gerwen’s first defeat of the Premier League season with a wonderful display in Cardiff, as debutant Glen Durrant moved top of the table after seeing off two-time world champion Gary Anderson on a dramatic night in the Welsh capital.
Continue reading “Van Gerwen and Anderson suffer defeat in Cardiff”
The latest instalment of Premier League action in Nottingham provided plenty of thrills and spills, as Fallon Sherrock stole the headlines on a dramatic evening to hold three-time BDO world champion Glen Durrant to a draw at the Motorpoint Arena.
Continue reading “Premier League Darts: Five talking points”
Fallon Sherrock stole the headlines on Night Two of the Premier League as she avoided defeat against three-time BDO world champion Glen Durrant, whilst defending champion Michael van Gerwen thrashed Daryl Gurney to secure top spot on a dramatic night in Nottingham.
Continue reading “Sherrock stars to deny Durrant in Nottingham”
Michael van Gerwen kicked off the defence of his Premier League crown with a thrilling victory over world champion Peter Wright, as Gary Anderson made a winning return to the competition and Nathan Aspinall and Glen Durrant enjoyed debut wins in Aberdeen.
Continue reading “2020 Premier League Darts: Night One Report!”
Glen Durrant will take on history-maker Fallon Sherrock in Week Two of this year’s Premier League in Nottingham and the three-time BDO world champion admits that whilst Sherrock is the weakest ‘challenger’ on paper, mentally it will provide one of the biggest tests of his career.
Continue reading “Durrant admits Sherrock ‘fear factor’”
Three-time BDO world champion Glen Durrant will make his Premier League Darts debut in 2020, whilst UK Open champion Nathan Aspinall will also make his bow in the sport’s biggest roadshow after the nine-player field was confirmed on Wednesday evening.
Continue reading “Premier League Darts 2020 line-up confirmed!”
Rob Cross, Daryl Gurney, Peter Wright, Glen Durrant and Ryan Harrington progressed through to the last 16 at the Grand Slam of Darts after Groups E-H came to a conclusion on a nervy night of action at the Aldersley Leisure Village in Wolverhampton.
Continue reading “Cross, Gurney, Wright and Durrant progress at Grand Slam!”
Michael Smith insists he has not been disrespectful towards Glen Durrant following comments he made regarding Durrant’s involvement in the Grand Slam of Darts as a BDO representative.
Continue reading “Smith denies Durrant disrespect!”
Glen Durrant sensationally knocked world number one Michael van Gerwen out of the Betfred World Matchplay on a thrilling Tuesday evening at the Winter Gardens, before hailing it as one of the best nights of his life.
Continue reading “Durrant: One of the best nights of my life!”
Steve Beaton defeated Raymond van Barneveld in a battle of the legends in Leverkusen, while Glen Durrant enjoyed a winning start on his European Tour debut on Friday night as the European Darts Open kicked off in style.
Continue reading “2019 European Darts Open – Day One Report!”
Steve Beaton, Stephen Bunting and Kyle Anderson were among eight players to secure a European Tour qualification double in Wigan on Friday, as Raymond van Barneveld and Glen Durrant also qualified for one event apiece.
Continue reading “Beaton, Barney & Durrant among European Tour qualifiers!”
Raymond van Barneveld will compete in his first European Tour event for almost two years in March after being amongst the qualifiers for the year’s opening two events, as three-time BDO world champion Glen Durrant produced a series of stunning displays in the first qualifier to seal his European Tour debut.
Continue reading “Van Barneveld secures European Tour return!”
The entries for the opening two European Tour events of the year have been confirmed ahead of the two UK Qualifiers and two West & South Europe Tour Card Holder Qualifiers at the Barnsley Metrodome on Friday February 22. Continue reading “European Tour 1 & 2 Qualifier Entries!”
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!”
Raymond van Barneveld produced a stirring fightback from 6-2 down to earn his first point of his final Premier League campaign against Gerwyn Price on Night Two at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow on Thursday evening. Continue reading “Premier League Darts 2019 – Night Two Report!”
The 2019 Unibet Premier League heads to Glasgow’s SSE Hydro for Night Two on Thursday evening, as three-time BDO world champion Glen Durrant makes his highly-anticipated Premier League debut. Continue reading “2019 Premier League Darts – Night Two Preview!”
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!”
Dave Chisnall ended his 18-month wait for a PDC title at Players Championship 2 with a dramatic 8-7 victory over three-time BDO world champion Glen Durrant, on a day which saw a record-breaking four nine-darters hit in Wigan on Sunday afternoon. Continue reading “2019 Players Championship 2 Report!”
Michael van Gerwen continued his unbeaten start to 2019 as he defeated his compatriot Jermaine Wattimena 8-4 to clinch the opening Players Championship event of the season in Wigan on Saturday afternoon. Continue reading “2019 Players Championship 1 Report!”
Nine new names will replace the injured Gary Anderson in the opening nine nights of the 2019 Unibet Premier League. Continue reading “NEWS: Nine ‘contenders’ replace injured Anderson in 2019 Premier League!”
In our eleventh episode of the Josh’s Dartistry Podcast, Josh Gorton is joined by co-hosts Jon Dean and Neil Conner as we reflect on a busy January in the world of darts. Continue reading “Josh’s Dartistry Darts Podcast – Episode 11!”
PDC Chairman Barry Hearn has expressed his delight at BDO world champion Glen Durrant securing his two-year PDC Tour Card at last weekend’s UK Qualifying School in Wigan. Continue reading “Hearn delighted by Durrant’s Q-School success!”
Three-time BDO world champion Glen Durrant was among 13 players to secure a PDC Tour Card on the final day of the 2019 PDC UK Qualifying School in Wigan on Sunday, as former World Championship finalist Kirk Shepherd also secured his return to the PDC Pro Tour.
Continue reading “UK Qualifying School 2019 – Day Four Report!”
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!”
Jamie Hughes and Harry Ward were the first two players to secure automatic PDC Tour Cards on a dramatic opening day at 2019 PDC Qualifying School on Thursday afternoon. Continue reading “2019 UK Qualifying School – Day One Report!”
Reigning BDO world champion Glen Durrant will be among the 397 players bidding to win a PDC Tour Card in Wigan from January 17-20, after the entries for 2019 PDC UK Qualifying School were confirmed on Tuesday afternoon. Continue reading “2019 PDC UK Qualifying School – Entries Confirmed!”
BDO world champion Glen Durrant fought back from 3-1 down to defeat Richard Veenstra and clinch his third Finder Darts Masters title on a dramatic day of action at the Hotel Zuiderduin on Sunday evening. Continue reading “Durrant and Ashton claim Finder Darts Masters glory!”
Adam Smith-Neale defeated two-time Lakeside world champion Glen Durrant 6-4 to secure the Winmau World Masters title on a thrilling day of darts in Bridlington on Sunday evening. Continue reading “Smith-Neale stuns Durrant to win World Masters crown!”
Reigning Lakeside world champion Glen Durrant produced some astonishing darts to reach the final of the Isle of Man Classic, where he will face Mark McGeeney in a repeat of January’s BDO World Championship Final on Sunday. Continue reading “Durrant posts incredible 133.60 average at the Isle of Man Classic!”
The list of high-profile stars departing the BDO in order to compete at this week’s PDC Qualifying School continues, with Jamie Hughes and Darryl Fitton joining the likes of Danny Noppert, Jeff Smith and Tony O’Shea in switching allegiances. Continue reading “Hughes, Fitton & O’Shea join growing list of BDO departures!”
Glen Durrant retained his Lakeside World Championship title after surviving two match darts to edge out BDO number one Mark McGeeney in an thrilling deciding-set tiebreak on Sunday evening. Continue reading “BDO World Championship 2018: Finals Day Report!”
Reigning world champion Glen Durrant defeated two-time winner Scott Waites to set up a showdown with second seed Mark McGeeney in the BDO World Championship final tomorrow afternoon, as Lisa Ashton defeated Anastasia Dobromyslova to secure her fourth world title on a memorable day of darts at the Lakeside. Continue reading “BDO World Championship 2018: Day Eight Report!”
Reigning BDO world champion Glen Durrant has confirmed that he’s now ‘a BDO player for life’, after producing an inspired fightback from 4-1 down to defeat Jim Williams in a pulsating quarter-final tussle at the Lakeside on Friday afternoon. Continue reading “Durrant: ‘I’m a BDO player for life now’”
Top seed Glen Durrant continued the defence of his BDO World Championship title with an impressive victory over Darryl Fitton, whilst Danny Noppert and Scott Mitchell became the latest big-name casualties to bite the dust on a dramatic day of action at the Lakeside on Wednesday. Continue reading “BDO World Championship 2018: Day Five Report!”
Top seed Glen Durrant began the defence of his BDO World Championship title with an impressive straight sets win over Gary Robson, whilst Welsh veteran Wayne Warren produced a fine display to dump out seventh seed Wesley Harms on another dramatic day of action at the Lakeside on Sunday evening. Continue reading “BDO World Championship 2018: Day Two Report!”
Gary Anderson and Peter Wright will clash in the semi-finals of the Grand Slam of Darts on Sunday, after the Scottish duo saw off Mensur Suljovic and Glen Durrant respectively on a dramatic night of darts at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Friday evening. Continue reading “Grand Slam of Darts: Day Seven Report!”
Reigning BDO world champion Glen Durrant has admitted that he would love to join the Professional Darts Corporation next year if he was offered a tour-card by PDC chairman Barry Hearn. Continue reading “Durrant issues tour-card plea to PDC chairman Barry Hearn!”
Gary Anderson produced a sublime comeback from 4-1 down against Michael Smith to set up a Grand Slam quarter-final against Mensur Suljovic, as Glen Durrant and Peter Wright also triumphed to set up a repeat of their group stage clash on a thrilling night at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Wednesday evening. Continue reading “Grand Slam of Darts: Day Five Report!”
Berry van Peer remarkably overcame his dartitis demons to secure a place in the last 16 of the Grand Slam of Darts, as Peter Wright survived one match dart to sneak through on a dramatic night of action at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall, which saw seven out of the eight matches go to deciding legs. Continue reading “Grand Slam of Darts: Day Three Report!”
Former champions Michael van Gerwen, Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld all fought back from 4-2 down to triumph on a thrilling day of Grand Slam action at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Sunday evening. Continue reading “Grand Slam of Darts: Day Two Report!”
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!”
World number one Michael van Gerwen is an odds-on favourite to retain his Grand Slam of Darts title next week, whilst Phil Taylor is an 8/1 shot to lift the title in his final competitive appearance at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall. Continue reading “Grand Slam of Darts 2017 Odds revealed!”
Glen Durrant, Danny Noppert and Scott Mitchell will return to compete in November’s Grand Slam of Darts after the eight BDO representatives for next month’s cross code event were confirmed, but there’s no place for legendary three-time world champion Martin Adams. Continue reading “BDO participants for the Grand Slam of Darts revealed!”
Australian qualifier Peter Machin was crowned 2017 BDO World Trophy champion after securing a dramatic 10-8 victory over home favourite Martin Phillips in Barry on Sunday evening. Machin avenged his loss in last year’s final to secure his first major televised title- becoming the first Australian winner of a BDO major since 2002. Continue reading “2017 BDO World Trophy: Finals Day!”
World champions Glen Durrant and Martin Adams continued their bids for a maiden World Trophy title, as the big names continued to tumble on another eventful session of darts in Barry on Sunday afternoon. Continue reading “BDO World Trophy: Day Three Report!”
Three-time world champion John Part and former Players Championship Finals winner Paul Nicholson will be among the field of nearly 450 players competing in the 2017 PDC Qualifying School which begins this Thursday, with 28 PDC Tour cards on offer across four days of action at the Robin Park Tennis Centre in Wigan.
The PDC Qualifying School gives any aspiring darts player aged 16 or over the opportunity to win a Tour Card in order to compete as a professional on the PDC ProTour; four players will win Tour Cards on each of the four days of competition in Wigan.
Ranking points will be allocated to other players based on their finishing position; this sees a further 12 Tour Cards allocated from the Q School Order of Merit following the culmination of the Qualifying School on Sunday. Two of the high-profile stars in action include John Part and Paul Nicholson.
Part, who won his third world title back in 2008, has endured a disappointing run of form over the last couple of years which has seen him slip outside the world’s top 64. ‘Darth Maple’ is now an ever-present member of Sky Sports’ commentary and punditry team, but the Canadian still harbours ambitions of returning to the circuit full-time. Continue reading “2017 PDC Qualifying School Entries!”
Newly crowned Lakeside world champion Glen Durrant will remain a BDO player for at least the next twelve months, after confirming that he will aim to defend his World Championship title in January 2018.
The 46-year-old has dominated the BDO circuit for the last 18 months, having won successive World Masters crowns and twelve ranking titles in 2016. However, he finally achieved “the culmination of his dream” by defeating Dutch debutant Danny Noppert 7-3 to win his maiden world title at the Lakeside Country Club on Sunday evening.
Speculation was rife that Durrant would join up with his stablemates at the Sportsman Management Company, which includes the Premier League duo of Jelle Klaasen and Kim Huybrechts, as well as world number eight Mensur Suljovic, all of whom are managed by Mac Elkin.
Yet ‘Duzza’ put an end to speculation, confirming to local tv: “I’m delighted to say I’m going to stay on the BDO tour and I’ll be back at Lakeside next year to try and retain the title. I’m going to take a bit of time out now. If I was a car, I’d be running on empty. I need to recharge the batteries, whether that’s a month or three months out of the game, just whatever it takes.” Continue reading “Durrant opts to reject PDC switch but set for up to three month lay-off!”
World number one Glen Durrant won the 40th staging of the BDO World Championship with a 7-3 victory over Dutch debutant, Danny Noppert,, on a memorable night of action at the Lakeside Country Club on Sunday evening.
Durrant had dominated the BDO circuit throughout 2016 and was under massive pressure to deliver this week after his previous World Championship heartbreak at the Lakeside. However, ‘Duzza’ held his nerve magnificently in Sunday’s final to clinch his maiden world title and the £100,000 winner’s cheque.
The 46-year-old Teessider averaged 93.48, landed thirteen maximums and posted 87 ton-plus scores to crown the greatest night of his darting life. Noppert battled valiantly and performed magnificently on his Lakeside debut, but he was convincingly beaten despite averaging 93.30 and also landing thirteen maximums.
The final began in blistering fashion, with Durrant registering seven perfect darts in the very first leg. The top seed then endured double-trouble but eventually pegged D1 with his eighth attempt at double to draw first blood. Continue reading “2017 BDO World Championship: Finals Day!”
Tournament favourite Glen Durrant will take on third seed and Lakeside debutant Danny Noppert in Sunday’s BDO World Championship Final after the pair defeated Jamie Hughes and Darryl Fitton respectively in the last four, whilst Lisa Ashton won the women’s world title for a third time at the Lakeside Country Club on Saturday.
Top seed Glen Durrant stormed into his maiden World Championship Final with a comprehensive 6-1 victory over Jamie Hughes on Saturday evening. After some nervous recent displays, ‘Duzza’ was back to his clinical best against the fourth seed, averaging 96.27, landing seven maximums and taking out a magical 170 to prevail.
Hughes enjoyed the perfect start; breaking Durrant’s throw with a confident 80 checkout. However, ‘Duzza’ pinned D8 to break straight back, before hitting D5 to lead. Hughes defied Durrant’s first maximum to hold throw with a 75 finish to round off a 14-darter, but the top seed held his nerve to clinch the opening set with a commanding 13-dart leg.
The second set was a case of missed opportunities for ‘Yozza’. He spurned four darts to hold in the opening leg, before missing D8 for a 136 kill as Durrant extended his cushion with a 14-darter on tops. Hughes landed his second maximum and registered a 13-darter to fightback, but ‘Duzza’ dispatched a clean 72 kill on tops to double his lead. Continue reading “2017 BDO World Championship: Day Eight Report!”
Danny Noppert and Glen Durrant completed the men’s semi-final line up after dumping out Scott Waites and Darius Labanauskas respectively, as Corrine Hammond sprung a surprise to dump out three-time world champion Anastasia Dobromyslova in an intriguing night of action at the Lakeside Country Club on Friday evening.
Third seed Danny Noppert continued his dream Lakeside debut as he survived a valiant fightback from Scott Waites to dump out the reigning champion in an enthralling quarter-final tussle. The Dutchman averaged 95.58, landed eight maximums and produced some stunning finishes to set up a tasty semi-final clash against Darryl Fitton.
Noppert clinched an attritional opening set. The pair exchanged early breaks, before Waites defied Noppert’s first maximum to hold via D10. The Dutchman forced a set decider after hitting D2 with his eighth attempt at double, before drawing first blood with a clinical 104 outshot after the defending champion missed a set dart at D18.
This was a bitter pill for the Yorkshireman to swallow, but Waites responded strongly from this setback. ‘Scotty 2 Hotty’ claimed an instant break via D4, before completing his second straight 14-darter with a clinical 76 checkout to gain control. Continue reading “2017 BDO World Championship Day Seven: Evening Report!”
Glen Durrant survived four match darts as he produced an inspired comeback from 3-0 down to defeat the veteran Paul Hogan in an absorbing clash, as Jamie Hughes and Darryl Fitton also booked their spots in the World Championship quarter-finals on a dramatic night of darts at the Lakeside Country Club on Wednesday evening.
However, the biggest story of the night saw number one seed Glen Durrant produce a dramatic comeback from 3-0 down to defeat Paul Hogan and secure his spot in the quarter-finals. Hogan stormed into a three set lead but spurned four darts for a whitewash victory, as the Teessider showed admirable resolve to complete an unlikely turnaround.
Durrant was shell-shocked after losing nine of the opening eleven legs but he maintained his composure to reel off four successive sets to keep alive his hopes of winning a maiden world title. The 46-year-old averaged 89.85 and landed five maximums en route to victory, as Hogan was dumped out after averaging 92.01 and hitting 72 ton-plus scores.
Hogan made a blistering start to seal the opening set without reply. ‘Crocodile Dundee’ opened his account with a regulation 52 checkout, before Durrant responded with his first maximum. However, ‘Duzza’ missed three darts to hold and Hogan broke with a sensational 140 outshot, before clinching the set with a clinical two-dart 70 kill. Continue reading “2017 BDO World Championship Day Five: Evening Report!”
Number one seed Glen Durrant began his assault for a maiden World Championship title in impressive fashion, as Darryl Fitton, Ryan Joyce and ten-time women’s world champion Trina Gulliver also tasted victory on the opening session of action at the 2017 BDO World Championship at the Lakeside Country Club on Saturday afternoon.
Glen Durrant kicked off the 2017 BDO World Championship in style with a high-quality victory against impressive Lakeside debutant Nick Kenny. Durrant prevailed after posting an excellent 96.95 average and landing three maximums, as Kenny was dumped out despite averaging 92.64 and crashing in six maximums.
The contest began in spectacular fashion, as Durrant clinched the opening leg of the tournament with a majestic 167 checkout to break throw. Kenny responded superbly however; landing his first maximum and taking out 56 for a 12-darter and an instant break back.
‘Duzza’ missed tops for a 111 outshot and a third successive break moments later, as Kenny nailed D18 to complete a 56 kill for the second straight leg. The Welshman was oozing confidence and crashed in his second maximum, before converting a two-dart 80 finish for a 14-darter to clinch the opening set. Continue reading “2017 BDO World Championship Day One: Afternoon Report!”
BDO world number one Glen Durrant regained his Finder Darts Masters title with a hard-fought 5-3 victory over former winner Jamie Hughes, as three-time world champion Anastasia Dobromyslova edged out home favourite Aileen de Graaf to claim glory in the Ladies event at the Hotel Zuiderduin on Sunday afternoon.
Durrant was in imperious form throughout finals day and controlled the match against ‘Yozza’, who battled resiliently and took out some crucial finishes to remain in contention. However, Glen monopolised the final in the scoring department; posting ten maximums and averaging 97.33, compared to Hughes’ 89.53.
Durrant opened up proceedings with a 19-dart hold, before doubling his lead with a clinical 111 finish. Hughes was struggling for consistency and the world number one rounded off a first set whitewash with a solid 16-darter culminating on tops.
Durrant levelled up proceedings with a 15-darter, before Hughes regained the initiative in the set with a stunning 157 outshot. ‘Duzza’ forced a fifth and decisive leg in the set after following up a maximum with a 63 kill, but ‘Yozza’ held his nerve, restoring parity at one set apiece with a 14-dart hold after the pair had traded maximums. Continue reading “Finder Darts Masters- Finals Day Report!”
Glen Durrant retained his Winmau World Masters crown with victory over Mark McGeeney, whilst Trina Gulliver clinched her sixth World Masters title after beating her old rival Deta Hedman at the Lakeside Country Club on Sunday.
Durrant became only the fifth player in the history of the World Masters to defend his title, following in the footsteps of Eric Bristow, Bob Anderson, Martin Adams and Stephen Bunting. McGeeney performed superbly to reach his maiden BDO major final, although he was unable to overcome the BDO world number one.
The final began in rather scrappy circumstances, as Durrant coasted into a 2-0 lead in sets despite his best leg coming in 18 darts. Nevertheless, ‘Duzza’ grew into the contest and clinched the third set with consecutive 13-dart legs.
Durrant hit his third consecutive 13-darter to seize the initiative in the fourth set, but McGeeney won his first leg of the final to send the fourth set into a decider. However, the world number one showed his class, converting an 87 kill to complete a 12-darter to establish a commanding 4-0 cushion. Continue reading “Winmau World Masters- Finals Day!”
Reigning champion Glen Durrant began his Winmau World Masters defence with a comprehensive straight-sets victory, as Martin Adams and Danny Noppert suffered surprise first-round exits at the Lakeside Country Club on Friday afternoon.
Glen Durrant began the defence of his Winmau World Masters title with a comprehensive straight sets victory over Maltese qualifier Norbert Attard. ‘Duzza’ wasn’t at his vintage best; averaging just 87.78. However, he was always in control and sealed his progression to the last 16 with a clinical 133 checkout.
Irish qualifier John O’Shea dumped out three-time champion Martin Adams in an extremely topsy-turvy first-round contest. All five sets went against throw, as Adams was punished for converting just four of his nineteen attempts at double, allowing O’Shea to progress with a modest 80.58 average.
Another shock saw Canadian qualifier Kiley Edmunds knock out world number three Danny Noppert in a thrilling five-setter. Noppert fired in five maximums but was profligate in the finishing department, hitting just 25% of his double attempts. Edmunds took full advantage, averaging 89.90 to record a brilliant 3-2 triumph. Continue reading “Winmau World Masters Day One Report!”
BDO world number one and reigning champion Glen Durrant will begin the defence of his Winmau World Masters title against Malta’s Norbert Attard at the Lakeside tomorrow, after the final 16 qualifiers for this year’s event were confirmed earlier today.
Durrant will kick off the televised coverage of this year’s event on Premier Sports at noon tomorrow, when he faces Attard in the last 32. Current world champion Scott Waites is in action against David Copley, whilst three-time World Masters winner Martin Adams meets Irish qualifier John O’Shea.
Another former World Masters champion Martin Phillips faces Belgian Davy van Baelen, who also qualified for the 2017 BDO World Championships just 24 hours earlier, as BDO World Trophy winner Darryl Fitton meets Welsh Open semi-finalist Dave Parletti
Former world champion Scott Mitchell will contest the final game of the first-round when he takes on Swedish qualifier Oskar Lukasiak, who last appeared at the World Masters in 2009. Elsewhere, BDO number three and German Open winner Danny Noppert plays Canada’s Kiley Edmunds. Continue reading “2016 Winmau World Masters Draw!”
Gary Anderson and Raymond van Barneveld will collide in the quarter-finals of the Grand Slam of Darts, whilst James Wade and Chris Dobey also sealed their spots in the last eight on a dramatic night at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Thursday evening.
Anderson survived a major scare as he overcame BDO world number three Danny Noppert in a pulsating last-leg decider. In arguably the match of the tournament, Anderson averaged 101.12 to prevail, as Noppert agonisingly lost out despite averaging 100.1 and converting 69% of his attempts at double.
The first five legs all went with throw as ‘The Flying Scotsman’ headed into the first interval with a 3-2 advantage. Nevertheless, Noppert enjoyed an extraordinary purple patch after the break. He levelled up proceedings with a magnificent 10-darter, before securing the first break of throw with a stunning 164 kill.
‘Noppie’ maintained his impeccable success rate on the doubles as he won his third consecutive leg with a classy 13-darter, but Anderson stopped the rot with a 13-darter of his own. The world champion then missed the bull for a 12-darter as he attempted to break back, but Noppert cleaned up 42 in two-darts to restore his two-leg cushion. Continue reading “Grand Slam of Darts Day Six Report!”
BDO stars Glen Durrant & Darryl Fitton secured qualification to the knockout stages of the Grand Slam of Darts at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Monday evening on a night which saw Phil Taylor whitewashed by the already eliminated Darren Webster.
Defending champion Michael van Gerwen maintained his 100% group-stage record with a thumping 5-1 victory against World-Youth finalist Max Hopp. ‘The Green Machine’ wasn’t at his brilliant best, but still posted four maximums and averaged 95.93 to top Group A in emphatic fashion.
Elsewhere in Group A, Martin Adams’ Grand Slam campaign ended as he was was beaten 5-3 by Brendan Dolan, who came through an attritional tussle to secure his place in the last 16. Adams landed two maximums but only converted 17% of his double attempts as Dolan won through to join MvG in the last 16, despite averaging just 80.
‘Wolfie’ was unable to replicate the form he displayed last year which is entirely understandable given his well-documented health problems. However, he’s conducted himself superbly and played with refreshing enjoyment throughout the week; hopefully he’ll return to next year’s event in better health. Continue reading “Grand Slam Day Three: Durrant & Fitton progress, Adams bows out whilst Taylor is whitewashed!”
Phil Taylor, Gary Anderson, James Wade, Peter Wright & Benito van de Pas sealed their spots in the knockout phase of the Grand Slam of Darts, whilst Raymond van Barneveld continued his rampant form in an eventful double-session of action at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Sunday.
Defending champion Michael van Gerwen is all but through to the second round after easing past Brendan Dolan 5-1 on Sunday evening. ‘The Green Machine’ was in sparkling form and averaged 104.5 to dismantle ‘The Historymaker’, and MvG requires just one leg against Max Hopp to confirm his place in the knockout phase.
Six-time Grand Slam winner Phil Taylor secured his place in the knockout phase with an emphatic 5-1 victory over an off-colour Ian White. Taylor was far from his best, averaging a miserly 92.94 by his incredibly high standards. Yet White was extremely poor, averaging just 84 and converting 20% of his double attempts.
World champion Gary Anderson is through to the last 16 of the Grand Slam after whitewashing Nathan Derry on Sunday evening. Derry was unable to replicate the performance that saw him defeat Alan Norris, as Anderson eased to a 5-0 victory despite averaging just 89.5 and hitting 23% of his double attempts. Continue reading “Grand Slam of Darts Day Two: Wright, Hughes & Barney impress!”
The 2016 Grand Slam of Darts begins in Wolverhampton on Saturday afternoon and the anticipation and excitement surrounding the event is tangible. It’s the only tournament on the darting calendar where the two darting codes, the PDC and BDO, lock horns.
This year arguably sees the strongest line-up of BDO stars in the competition’s history, which will only add to the spectacle. Josh’s Dartistry gives his lowdown on five potential outsiders for this year’s crown.
Glen Durrant – 50/1
Glen Durrant is not typically considered as an ‘outsider’. ‘Duzza’, world number one in the BDO, has enjoyed tremendous success in 2016, winning eight BDO ranking events. He qualified for the Grand Slam by virtue of winning last year’s World Masters and he’s relishing the prospect of rubbing shoulders with the PDC’s elite.
Durrant has been pitted alongside world champion Gary Anderson, German Darts Champion Alan Norris & PDC qualifier Nathan Derry in Group E. It’s a very tough group and the best of nine format adds to the unpredictability, but Durrant is more than capable of progressing. Continue reading “2016 Grand Slam of Darts Preview: Five Outsiders!”
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!”
Three-time Lakeside world champion Martin Adams will make a highly-anticipated return to the Grand Slam of Darts in 2016, whilst Glen Durrant, Jeff Smith, Jamie Hughes and Danny Noppert will all make their Wolves Civic debuts after being confirmed as BDO qualifiers for the cross-code event in November.
The Grand Slam of Darts, televised live on Sky Sports, features eight BDO representatives competing against 24 of the PDC’s biggest stars, from November 12-20.
However, the biggest story is the return of Martin Adams. ‘Wolfie’ lit up the Civic Hall on his debut last year, winning his three group games against Ian White, Jelle Klaasen and Steve Beaton respectively, before losing to Kim Huybrechts in a thrilling last-leg decider in the last 16.
Nevertheless, it wasn’t just Adams’ performances which were memorable. There were question-marks about how he’d combat the more boisterous PDC crowds but he relished the atmosphere and played with a refreshing exuberance.
There were doubts about whether he would compete in this year’s competition after it was revealed last week that he was undergoing treatment for prostrate cancer, but the 60-year-old has been cleared to compete. Continue reading “BDO participants for the Grand Slam of Darts revealed!”
Former champion Scott Waites, will make his Singha Beer Grand Slam of Darts return at Wolverhampton in November, as he heads the BDO’s list of eight representatives. BDO world number one Glen Durrant is also set to make his Wolverhampton debut, alongside World Championship runner-up Jeff Smith.
The Grand Slam of Darts is the most unique tournament on the darting calendar, as the cross-code format sees representatives from the PDC and BDO lock horns. The 24 PDC representatives will include major tournament finalists from the past 12 months and eight PDC Qualifiers, with a further eight players coming from the BDO system.
Two-time Lakeside champion Waites will make his return to the Grand Slam in 2016, hoping to replicate his memorable 2010 triumph, when he produced an astonishing comeback from 8-0 down to defeat eight-time major winner James Wade 16-12 in the final.
Waites will be joined by Canada’s Jeff Smith, who was runner up in January’s Lakeside world championship. The 2015 World Masters winner, Glen Durrant, will be making his bow at the Civic Hall, whilst 2008 quarter-finalist Darryl Fitton will return to Wolverhampton, having claimed victory in May’s BDO World Trophy.
Lisa Ashton posted the highest ever televised ladies average in the quarter-finals of the BDO World Trophy, whilst Glen Durrant, Scott Mitchell and Martin Adams were all beaten in the last 16 of the men’s draw, on an eventful day of action at the Lakeside on Sunday.
Ashton was in tremendous form as she thrashed Corrine Hammond 5-1. The two-time world champion averaged 98.44, hitting 45% of her doubles and producing legs of 12, 15, 17, 14 and 15 darts. The Lancashire ace subsequently broke the previous record average of 97.56, which Trina Gulliver had held for an astonishing 17-years.
Ashton’s reward for her record-breaking display is a last-four showdown against three-time world champion Anastasia Dobromyslova. The Russian was in clinical form as she dispatched talented Dutch ace Aileen de Graaf by a 5-2 scoreline in the quarter-finals.
Deta Hedman avenged this year’s World Championship final loss to Trina Gulliver by dismantling the ten-time world champion 5-1. Gulliver was way below par, but Hedman was clinical, taking out finishes of 86, 92, 105 and 122 to set up a semi-final meeting with Rhian Griffiths, who comfortably saw off Lorraine Winstanley 5-2.
Nevertheless, in the men’s draw, BDO world number one Glen Durrant suffered a shock 7-3 defeat to Lithuania’s Darius Labanauskas, despite averaging 104.55. Labanauskas stormed into a 3-0 lead with an average in excess of 110, but Duzza reduced the arrears to 4-2 heading into the interval.
With the brief hiatus in the darting calendar, Josh’s Dartistry has made his 10 darting predictions for 2016. Have a read and see if you agree!
1. Phil Taylor to end his major drought with Matchplay glory.
Phil Taylor’s last major TV title came 14 months ago, at the 2014 Grand Slam of Darts. This is Taylor’s longest drought since winning his first World title 21 years ago, and this period without silverware would have been simply unfathomable just a few years ago.
However, Taylor has fallen to fourth in the world following Adrian Lewis’ run to the World Championship final, and ‘The Power’ faces a defining year in 2016, which may ultimately determine whether he still has the tools to compete consistently at the very highest-level.
However, the statistics illustrate that Taylor is still performing at an extremely high-level. He averaged 108 in departing the UK Open quarter-finals to Peter Wright, 103 in losing to James Wade at the World Matchplay semi-finals and 106 in losing to Adrian Lewis in the European Championship quarter-finals.
Former World finalists Peter Manley, Mark Dudbridge and Kirk Shepherd, as well as former BDO world number 3 Jeffrey De Graaf, will be among the field of 400 players competing to secure a PDC tour card at Q-School; after the full list of entries were confirmed on Monday evening.
The four day event, which takes place at the Robin Park Tennis Centre in Wigan from January 13th-16th, offers 16 automatic two-year tour cards, with the final four players remaining on each day securing a card.
Ranking points are awarded throughout the four days based on the overall finishing positions, and further tour cards are subsequently awarded based on the final standings on the Q-School Order of Merit.
Players who secure a tour card will be eligible to compete in all Players Championship events throughout the year. They will also be able to participate in UK Open qualifiers and European Tour qualifiers, with the potential incentive of qualifying for major TV events.