Defending champion Gerwyn Price remains on course to retain his World Grand Prix crown after sweeping aside Dave Chisnall in straight sets to advance to the semi-finals, and the Welshman had a defiant message for a jeering crowd at the Morningside Arena.
Continue reading “Price blasts ‘absolutely pathetic’ crowd after reaching World Grand Prix semis”
Stephen Bunting ended his five-year wait for a PDC title with victory at Players Championship 17 on Monday, defeating World Matchplay champion Dimitri Van den Bergh 8-4 in the final at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
Continue reading “Brilliant Bunting ends five-year wait for PDC title”
Adrian Lewis and Stephen Bunting will not feature in this year’s World Grand Prix, after the pair returned positive tests for Covid-19 ahead of this year’s event on Tuesday.
Continue reading “Lewis and Bunting forced out of World Grand Prix after positive Covid-19 tests”
Stephen Bunting admits that seeking the help of a sports psychologist has been the catalyst for his resurgence, as he insists he’s heading to Alexandra Palace believing he can lift the World Championship title on New Year’s Day.
Continue reading “Bunting credits sports psychologist for revival!”
In our first episode of ‘The Bounce Out’, co-hosts Josh Gorton and Jon Dean round-up the latest action at the Grand Slam of Darts and Players Championship Finals, before looking ahead to the World Championship -which begins in less than two weeks time.
Continue reading “Josh’s Dartistry Darts Podcast: The Bounce Out Episode 1!”
Jamie Hughes won his first senior PDC title at the inaugural Czech Darts Open in Prague on Sunday evening, to confirm a Betfred World Matchplay debut in the process.
Continue reading “Hughes wins first PDC title at Czech Darts Open!”
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!”
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!”
Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson breezed through to the last eight at the Players Championship Finals, as Stephen Bunting edged out Peter Wright in a thrilling last-leg decider on another dramatic day of darts in Minehead. Continue reading “Players Championship Finals – Day Two Report!”
Former Lakeside world champions Stephen Bunting and Mark Webster headlined the eight bwin Grand Slam of Darts Qualifiers on Monday night, as the field for the unique cross-code event in Wolverhampton was finalised. Continue reading “Grand Slam of Darts qualifiers confirmed!”
The 2018 BetVictor World Matchplay gets underway at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool in just under a fortnight’s time. Josh’s Dartistry picks out four of the most intriguing first-round ties and runs the rule over the respective tussles…. Continue reading “World Matchplay 2018: The Four Standout Ties!”
Adrian Lewis suffered a shock first-round exit against Yordi Meeuwisse on a dramatic opening day at the German Darts Grand Prix, as James Wade, Stephen Bunting and Chris Dobey all impressed in Munich on Saturday evening. Continue reading “German Darts Grand Prix: Day One 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!”
Phil Taylor survived a scare to begin his final professional tournament before retirement with a battling 3-1 victory over Chris Dobey, as Rob Cross and Dimitri van den Bergh produced ton-topping averages to triumph on an entertaining night of darts at the Alexandra Palace on Friday evening. Continue reading “PDC World Championship 2018: Day Two Report!”
The 2018 PDC World Darts Championship gets underway at the Alexandra Palace on Thursday evening. Michael van Gerwen is bidding to retain his crown and win a third world title, whilst Phil Taylor prepares to say farewell to the professional game. Josh’s Dartistry examines four potential outsiders for the title! Continue reading “PDC World Championship 2018: Four Outsiders!”
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!”
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!”
Peter Wright survived a major scare to edge out Jonny Clayton and set up a European Championship quarter-final showdown against World Grand Prix champion Daryl Gurney on a dramatic evening of darts in Hasselt on Saturday evening. Continue reading “European Championship: Day Three Report!”
Peter Wright kicked off his bid for a maiden European Championship title with an impressive win over World Masters champion Krzysztof Ratajski, as Rob Cross and Jonny Clayton produced ton-topping averages on a high-quality session of darts in Hasselt on Friday afternoon. Continue reading “European Championship Day Two: Afternoon Report!”
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!”
Peter Wright survived two match darts to edge past Stephen Bunting in a nail-biting first-round tussle in Dublin, as Steve West dumped out two-time Grand Prix winner James Wade on another dramatic evening of darts at the Citywest Hotel on Monday evening. Continue reading “World Grand Prix: Day Two Report!”
Mensur Suljovic continued his magnificent form to clinch his first ever Players Championship title with a 6-4 victory over Stephen Bunting at the Citywest Hotel, Dublin, on Saturday afternoon. Continue reading “Players Championship 20 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!”
Michael van Gerwen kicked off his bid for a third consecutive World Matchplay crown with a comprehensive win over former Lakeside world champion Stephen Bunting, as Adrian Lewis, Rob Cross and Simon Whitlock all recorded victories on the final night of first-round action at the Winter Gardens on Monday evening. Continue reading “2017 World Matchplay: Day Three 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!”
Michael van Gerwen regained the European Darts Matchplay title with a brilliant victory over third seed Mensur Suljovic in a high-quality final at the edel-optics.de Arena in Hamburg on Sunday evening. Continue reading “2017 European Darts Matchplay: Finals Day Report!”
Vincent van der Voort survived a valiant fightback from Adrian Lewis in a thrilling first-round tie in Hamburg, as Brendan Dolan, Max Hopp, Darren Webster and Christian Kist were all dumped out on an eventful opening day of action at the 2017 European Darts Matchplay. Continue reading “2017 European Darts Matchplay: Day One Report!”
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!”
Michael van Gerwen and Peter Wright safely progressed through to finals day at the German Darts Open, as Dave Chisnall and Jelle Klaasen both recorded brilliant whitewash wins to set up a tasty third-round clash, on a dramatic day of darts in Saabrucken on Saturday. Continue reading “German Darts Open: Day Two Report!”
Michael van Gerwen kicked off the defence of his German Darts Masters title with a sensational 110.12 average, as Peter Wright, Raymond van Barneveld and James Wade were amongst the other big names to triumph on a dramatic double-session of darts at the Sparkassen Arena in Jena on Sunday. Continue reading “German Darts Masters: Day Two Report!”
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!”
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!”
Five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld has returned to the world’s top ten on the PDC Order of Merit following his impressive run to the semi-finals of the William Hill World Darts Championship.
Barney was seeded 12th at the Ally Pally but risked falling to as low as 16th after this event, as he was defending prize money accrued from reaching the semi-finals two years ago. However, the legendary Dutchman produced a vintage showing; reaching his fourth World Championship semi-final within the last five years to climb the rankings once more.
The 49-year-old stormed through to the last 16 with whitewash victories over Robbie Green and Alan Norris, before dumping out the decorated Stoke duo of Adrian Lewis and Phil Taylor. Nevertheless, RvB finally succumbed to eventual winner Michael van Gerwen despite averaging 109.34- his highest ever average in a World Championship.
Van Barneveld netted £80,000 by virtue of reaching the last four, which parachutes him above Michael Smith and Robert Thornton on the Order of Merit. Smith and Thornton both competed in last year’s Premier League but their respective toils this year have seen them fall outside the world’s top ten and subsequently miss out on a Premier League wildcard. Continue reading “PDC Order of Merit Update: Barney back in world’s top ten; Taylor drops to sixth!”
Michael van Gerwen began his World Championship assault with an emphatic victory over Finnish qualifier Kim Viljanen, as Darren Webster and Cristo Reyes prevailed in thrilling last-set deciders against Stephen Bunting and Dimitri van den Bergh respectively in an incredible session of darts at the Alexandra Palace on Saturday evening.
Van Gerwen posted the highest average of the tournament thus far as he dropped just one leg en route to dismantling Viljanen. Viljanen set up his showdown with MvG after overcoming Canadian debutant Ross Snook in straight sets. The Finnish ace dropped just two legs; averaging 83.57 and converting 60% of his double attempts to progress.
However, the world number one was in merciless mood as he began his campaign in confident fashion. Van Gerwen averaged 103.34, landed five maximums and converted 45% of his doubles to breeze through to round-two, hitting two ton-plus finishes in the process.
Van Gerwen stormed to the opening set without reply, landing three maximums and averaging 110, as Viljanen failed to register a dart at double after posting just one score of over 100.
‘The Green Machine’ secured his fourth straight leg with a clinical 76 finish but Viljanen opened his account on D10 having narrowly missed a 160 outshot in the preceding visit. MvG was unphased however; he hit his fourth 180 and took out 101 to regain the lead, before sealing the second set on D4 after overcoming some double-trouble.
The world number one continued his procession to the finishing line with a classy 78 checkout, before moving to the cusp of victory with an impressive 118 finish. Viljanen posted his second maximum as he attempted to double his tally, but Van Gerwen responded with his fifth 180, before pinning D10 to complete a comprehensive triumph.
Darren Webster survived SEVEN match darts as he dumped out former Lakeside world champion Stephen Bunting in another five-set thriller at the Ally Pally. Bunting led throughout but failed to cross the finishing line, as Webster prevailed with a 94.46 average, eight maximums and 43% on doubles.
Bunting edged a cracking first-set which saw Webster average almost 100. The opening two legs went against throw, before ‘The Bullet’ fired in a 118 finish to hold. Webster responded with a stunning 140 outshot of his own, but he was left to rue one missed set dart in the following leg, as Bunting converted 79 on tops to secure the lead.
The topsy-turvy nature of this contest continued as the first three legs of set two all went against throw. ‘The Demolition Man’ had chances in all three legs but was left to rue a multitude of missed doubles, yet he recovered to pin D8 for the fourth consecutive break, before clinching the set on D9 to draw level at one set apiece.
Bunting seized control by winning the opening two legs in set three, but Webster landed his third maximum and crashed in a stunning 157 checkout before defying Bunting’s second maximum to land tops and stay alive. However, Bunting had the throw in the set decider and maintained his composure by taking out 84 on the bull to regain his lead.
Webster remained undeterred and responded magnificently to clinch the fourth set without reply. He kicked off the set with a 14-dart leg, before converting an 81 finish to round-off a 12-darter after the pair had exchanged maximums. ‘The Bullet’ threatened a break back, but the Norfolk ace cleaned up the set by virtue of a majestic 147 checkout.
Bunting seized the initiative in the final set by holding throw, before breaking Webster with a stunning 11-darter. However, the former world champion then fired in a poor leg as Webster broke back on D16, before Bunting spurned two match darts on D16. Webster gratefully capitalised on this reprieve by taking out a classy two-dart 75 combination.
The sixteenth seed hit D10 with his last dart in hand to regain the lead, before leaving D8 after just 9 darts to close in on victory. However incredibly, Bunting missed a further five match darts and ‘The Bullet’ was unable to recover from this setback, as the Norfolk ace wrapped up a stunning triumph with an 11-dart break followed by a fine 66 finish.
Webster has enjoyed a fine run of form over recent months but admitted he’s been working to address some technical flaws in his game. “I’ve been practicing for the last two weeks and watching videos from the Grand Slam and Players Championship. I noticed I was rushing my last dart, so I’ve been working in the last two weeks on composure and control.
“I know I can beat these people; I do it on tour. It’s about self-control and I’m now learning on that big stage to control myself, and when I do I’m up there with the rest of them. I’m like a dog with a bone me, and when they’re up there, I’m after them,” the 48-year-old added.
Cristo Reyes defied NINE maximums from Belgian starlet Dimitri van den Bergh to prevail in the match of the tournament so far. Van den Bergh averaged 99.11 and fired in nine 180’s, but Reyes averaged 95.54, landed four maximums and converted 12 of his 19 double attempts to edge through in a five-set thriller.
Van den Bergh made a storming start to win the opening set. The Belgian kicked off the contest with a maximum before breaking in 13 darts. Dimitri doubled his lead with a clinical 98 kill, but Reyes opened his account with a 130 checkout on the bull. However, Van den Bergh held his nerve to clinch the set on D4, with a set average of 103.71.
The Belgian took the opening leg of set two on D16 but Reyes found the same target to complete a 14-darter. The Spaniard continued his revival by converting a two-dart 64 kill, before levelling up proceedings at one-set apiece with his third straight 14-dart leg, after Van den Bergh had posted visits of 180 and 170 to leave D16 after just 12 darts.
Reyes secured the lead for the first time after nailing a two-dart 90 kill for his fourth leg on the spin, but the Antwerp ace found D16 to stop the rot. The next two legs were shared as the third set went to a decider, but it went in the favour of the Spaniard, who produced a majestic 124 checkout (T20, T16, D8) for a 12-darter to move within a set of victory.
Dimitri seized the initiative early in set four with a 64 kill, but Reyes continued his fabulous finishing by pinning D4 at the first attempt. The next two legs were shared with Reyes on the cusp of victory, but ‘The Dream-Maker’ held his nerve magnificently, firing in his seventh maximum before taking out 88 for an 11-darter to force a fifth set.
Reyes drew first blood in the final set, but Dimitri drew level on D2 after ‘The Spartan’ wired D11 for a 124 outshot. The pair traded maximums in a high-quality third leg which culminated in a Reyes 14-darter, but after Van den Bergh missed two darts at D8 moments later, the Spanish star sealed a memorable triumph with a nerveless 75 kill.
It was a fantastic contest and Reyes was unsurprisingly thrilled with his performance. “It’s all about practice. Last year here I was very bad, so I’m very happy with the way I played today. My objective next year is to stay in the top 32, but in darts you have to look up, not down.”
Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC
William Hill World Darts Championship
Saturday December 17
Evening Session (7pm)
Ross Snook 0-2 Kim Viljanen (P)
Cristo Reyes (32) 3-2 Dimitri Van den Bergh
Stephen Bunting (16) 2-3 Darren Webster
Michael van Gerwen (1) 3-0 Kim Viljanen
Defending champion Michael van Gerwen survived a match dart in a thrilling tie against Simon Whitlock, as world champion Gary Anderson was whitewashed by James Wade in the opening-round of the European Championship in Hasselt, Belgium, on Friday evening.
However, the match of the night saw Michael van Gerwen come back from 5-3 down to edge out the rejuvenated Australian in a barnstormer. Van Gerwen endured a nightmare in the finishing department in the early stages, hitting just two of his 19 double attempts as Whitlock took out a stunning 170 outshot to lead 4-2.
Nevertheless, the world number one showed his class, landing four maximums, two 177’s and a 171 to instigate the fightback. MvG then spurned two match darts with Whitlock sat on 150 and ‘The Wizard’ found the requisite trebles, before wiring his match dart at D15. MvG returned to pin D8 to avoid a shock first-round exit.
Elsewhere, world champion Gary Anderson endured a horror show in Hasselt, as he was whitewashed 6-0 by James Wade. ‘The Machine’ averaged 94.93 and converted 75% of his doubles to secure his first ranking TV victory for ten months, after the world champion averaged a miserly 77 and had just two shots at double in the entire match. Continue reading “European Championship Day One Report: The world champ is whitewashed in Hasselt!”
Five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld produced the performance of the tournament thus far as he whitewashed Adrian Lewis in round-two of the World Grand Prix, as world champion Gary Anderson safely progressed to the last eight at the Citywest Hotel, Dublin, on Tuesday evening.
However, the story of the night was Raymond van Barneveld, who reached his first Grand Prix quarter-final since 2010 after dismantling two-time world champion Adrian Lewis in straight sets. Van Barneveld was superb, hitting D16 with unrelenting precision, averaging 97.21 and converting 53% of his attempts at double.
The opening set was a topsy-turvy affair which went to a fifth and deciding leg after the pair traded breaks. Lewis had the advantage of throw but he squandered five set darts at D18 and D9 respectively, and Van Barneveld pinned D4 with his last dart in hand to steal the set, which sparked a passionate roar from the legendary Dutchman.
Barney then whitewashed Lewis in the opening leg of set two after Lewis failed to pin a starting double within 12 darts. Jackpot was badly affected by his missed doubles in the opening set and the 49-year-old Den Haag ace was in uncompromising mood, extending his lead to 2-0, winning the set without reply.
Lewis fired in a maximum in the opening leg of set three but Barney was unperturbed, converting 72 on tops for a precious break of throw. The Stoke ace landed his fifth maximum in the following leg but then spurned three darts at D18,and Van Barneveld pinned D10 to win his sixth straight leg and move within a leg of victory. Continue reading “World Grand Prix Day Three: Brilliant Barney whitewashes Lewis!”
Reigning champion Robert Thornton and former winner James Wade were both dumped out on the opening night of the World Grand Prix, as Gary Anderson, Adrian Lewis and Raymond van Barneveld all progressed to round-two at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin on Sunday evening.
Thornton’s hopes of defending his title were quashed by former world champion Stephen Bunting, who held his nerve to prevail in an exciting affair. ‘The Bullet’ won the opening leg, but Thornton rallied and clinched the opening set with successive finishes of 125, 62 and 67.
However Bunting responded strongly, breaking Thornton early in set two with a clinical 105 kill. The St Helen’s star doubled his lead moments later, and whilst the Scot fired back with a 12-darter, Bunting levelled up proceedings at one set apiece with a 12-darter of his own.
‘The Bullet’ hit tops to take the lead early in set three, but Thornton replied by pinning D10. Bunting then moved to within a leg of victory, following up his fourth maximum by hitting D8. Thornton kicked off the fourth leg with five perfect darts, but missed a multitude of darts at double to force a decider, as Bunting secured the win via D4.
World champion Gary Anderson kicked off his campaign with an emphatic 2-0 victory over Jamie Caven. ‘The Flying Scotsman’ breezed to the first set without reply as ‘Jabba’ struggled for consistency. The second set was a much more competitive affair, but finishes of 112, 124 and 86 sealed victory for the world number two. Continue reading “World Grand Prix- Day One Report!”
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!”
Michael van Gerwen continued his dominance on the European Tour as he produced a stunning display to ease past second seed Peter Wright 6-2 in the HappyBet European Darts Grand Prix at the Glaspalast in Sindelfingen on Sunday evening.
Van Gerwen averaged 105.38 and landed five maximums to scoop the £25,000 winner’s cheque, also securing an unprecedented sixth European Tour title of the year- his 14th in total. Wright once again fell at the final hurdle against MvG, although he battled admirably; averaging 102.36 in defeat.
Van Gerwen started the final strongly, holding throw by virtue of a commanding 14-darter despite a fine scoring leg from Wright. The Dutchman doubled his lead moments later, pinning D8 with his final dart to break the throw, despite Snakebite posting his first maximum of the contest.
‘Mighty Mike’ extended his cushion to 3-0 with a solid 14-darter, before a high-quality fourth leg ensued. The pair traded maximums and Wright left 24 after 12 darts as he appeared poised to open his account. However he was denied by an inspired MvG, who fired in an incredible 164 checkout on the bullseye.
Continue reading “Van Gerwen eases past Wright to reign supreme in Sindelfingen!”
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!”
Michael van Gerwen clinched the HappyBet European Darts Open title with a thrilling deciding leg victory over Peter Wright on Sunday evening in Dusseldorf. Van Gerwen averaged 104.06 and fired in an incredible seven maximums to edge past Snakebite, who averaged over 100 himself.
Van Gerwen kicked off the final with five perfect darts and converted tops for a 13-darter to win the opening leg. However, Wright responded strongly, hitting his first maximum and completing an 84 checkout for a classy 12-darter.
MvG regained the lead after pinning D6 with his last dart in hand for a 15-dart hold, before he doubled his advantage in the fourth leg. Wright wired the bull for a 167 finish, before two further misses allowed the Dutchman to post D8 to break through.
Nevertheless, Snakebite hit his second 180 and secured an instant break back on D1, having earlier missed six darts at double to close out the leg. Moments later, the second seed restored parity at three apiece with a commanding 14-darter culminating on D6.
Despite this, ‘The Green Machine’ seized the initiative once more, with back-to-back 13-dart legs. He kicked off the seventh leg with his fifth maximum and hit tops for 4-3, before following his sixth 180 with D16 in leg eight.
Continue reading “Majestic MvG sinks Snakebite to secure more European Tour glory!”
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.
Phil Taylor enjoyed a dream return to European Tour action by defeating Michael Smith 6-4 to win the 2016 Austrian Darts Open at the Multiversum in Vienna on Sunday evening. ‘The Power’ averaged 97.34 and hit seven maximums to seal the fourth European Tour title of his illustrious career.
Smith, a three-time European Tour winner himself, battled valiantly but was unable to produce his best darts, averaging 92.82 in Sunday’s curtain-raiser. Despite this, ‘Bully-Boy’ started the final strongly, with a commanding 13-dart hold.
Smith hit his first maximum in the second leg, but was unable to register a dart at double for an 80 outshot, allowing Taylor to post D16 for 1-1. Taylor opened up the third leg with a maximum of his own, before missing three darts at double. Nevertheless, this error wasn’t punished, and Taylor eventually broke after Smith failed to convert a 75 checkout.
However, Smith responded fantastically in the fourth leg to secure an immediate break back. The former World-Youth champion registered successive 140’s, before nailing D12 to break throw inside 13-darts.
The pair traded maximums in the fifth leg and both missed one dart at double for 84 and 74 checkouts respectively, but it was Taylor who converted D4 for a third consecutive break of throw to wrestle back the initiative.
Continue reading “Taylor edges out Smith to win Austrian Darts Open!”
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, 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
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.
Stephen Bunting marked his return to form in stunning style as he defeated the Premier League quartet of Robert Thornton, Adrian Lewis, Peter Wright and Michael van Gerwen to win Players Championship 2 at the Barnsley Metrodome, on Sunday afternoon.
Bunting performed tremendously throughout the day and defeated 9-dart hero and world-number one Michael van Gerwen 6-4 in the final. Van Gerwen had posted a spectacular 9-darter in his quarter-final rout of Ian White, but he was unable to overcome ‘The Bullet’ in the afternoon’s curtain-raiser.
The St Helen’s star began his campaign with a comprehensive 6-1 win against Johnny Haines, before beating his good friend and former BDO colleague Robbie Green in round-two. Bunting then defeated Robert Thornton 6-5 in the last 32, before sealing his quarter-final berth by virtue of another deciding leg victory, this time against Adrian Lewis.
The former Lakeside champion eased through to the last four with an emphatic 6-1 victory against Andrew Gilding, before beating Saturday’s victor Peter Wright, in his third last-leg shoot-out of the day. Michael van Gerwen awaited in the final, but Bunting delivered, to scoop the £10,000 winner’s cheque; sealing his second PDC ranking title in the process.
Continue reading “Bunting stuns 9-dart Van Gerwen to win Players Championship 2!”
New-Look Simon Whitlock began his Dutch Darts Masters campaign with a comfortable 6-2 victory over exciting Belgian star Mike De Decker, as ‘The Wizard’ sported glasses on the big stage for the very first time in Venray.
Whitlock, who won this title back in 2012, averaged 90.55 as he took advantage of a nervous De Decker, to set up a thrilling second-round tie against world number 12 Ian White tomorrow.
Whitlock showed glimpses of real quality, but struggled to sustain a high-level throughout. However, the Australian grew in confidence as he closed in on victory and sealed his progression to round-two with a superb 12-darter, rounded off with a clinical 102 checkout.
De Decker struggled for fluency, averaging just 83 in a disappointing afternoon. His young compatriot Dimitri van den Bergh also endured a frustrating afternoon, as he missed four match darts to defeat John Henderson in a scrappy contest. van den Bergh led 3-0 at one stage, but missed darts at D20 and D10 in the decider, enabling the Scot to sneak through.
Continue reading “Dutch Darts Masters: Round One Report & Results”
Raymond van Barneveld defied a staggering fifteen maximums from Stephen Bunting to prevail in an epic World Championship second-round contest at the Alexandra Palace on Sunday evening.
Van Barneveld, who became a grandfather to Mason in the early hours of Sunday morning, produced five sensational ton-plus checkouts to defeat Bunting at the Ally Pally for the second year in succession. This victory sets up a tantalising last 16 clash against World Number 1 Michael van Gerwen.
However, the Five-Time World Champion didn’t enjoy an ideal start, as he was plagued by double-trouble in the opening set. Van Barneveld converted just one double from ten attempts, enabling ‘The Bullet’ to clinch the first set.
Continue reading “Brilliant Barney beats Bunting in epic battle!”
Five-Time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld kicked off his World Championship campaign with an emphatic 3-0 victory over his compatriot and close friend Dirk van Duijvenbode at the Alexandra Palace on Sunday evening.
Ironically, it was van Barneveld who encouraged van Duijvenbode to take up darts professionally, and Raymond was key to the youngster gaining sponsorship from Unicorn. However, the master prevailed against the apprentice on this occasion.
Barney edged through in a tight opening set. There was a significant disparity in the averages, but this wasn’t reflected in the scoreline. Raymond was averaging 13 points higher than his opponent, but Van Duijvenbode took out 100, and then 110 to force a fifth and deciding leg, but van Barneveld held comfortably to clinch the set.
Continue reading “Barney breezes through to World Championship second-round!”
There were a number of big-name casualties in the opening session of the Players Championship finals today, with Kim Huybrechts, Terry Jenkins, Jelle Klaasen, Stephen Bunting and Mervyn King among the seeds to tumble in Minehead.
The performance of the afternoon was undoubtedly delivered by Daryl Gurney, who produced his best ever TV performance in thrashing Kim Huybrechts 6-2.
Gurney averaged 101. 38 and hit 46% on the doubles en route to stunning the Belgian, who was seeded fifth in Minehead. The Northern Irishman has always possessed immense natural ability and perhaps now he will showcase that talent more regularly on the big stage.
Continue reading “Big names tumble in Minehead, as Gurney shows his class!”
The inaugural staging of the World Series of Darts finals begins in Glasgow tomorrow afternoon, with Michael van Gerwen aiming to continue his phenomenal form.
The tournament consists of 24 players. The eight seeded players, who participated in the World Series events in Dubai, Japan, Australia and New Zealand have all received byes to the last 16.
The PDC have invited a further 12 players who they view as international prospects, whilst a further four sealed their spot in this tournament via a qualifying event. These 16 stars will battle for the right to take on the eight seeds on Saturday evening.
World Grand-Prix Champion Robert Thornton was sent packing at the first-round stage of the European Championships in Hasselt, as he was beaten 6-4 by fellow Scot John Henderson.
The Thorn, who secured his second PDC major in Dublin just three weeks ago, struggled for consistency throughout and Henderson took full advantage to progress through to the Last 16.
Continue reading “World-Grand Prix Champ Thornton suffers first-round defeat in Hasselt!”
The 2015 European Championship gets underway in Hasselt tomorrow, with World Number 1 Michael van Gerwen looking to defend his title. Van Gerwen thrashed Terry Jenkins 11-4 in last year’s final and will be hoping for a repeat success.
However, there are a number of form-horses who will be confident of claiming the crown. Here, I run the rule over the potential dark horses, as well as the players under pressure to produce a good showing in Belgium.
Continue reading “European Championship Preview- Outsiders and Players under Pressure!”
Five-Time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld will meet Australia’s Number 1 Simon Whitlock in the ‘stand out’ tie of the first round of the Perth Darts Masters which begins on Friday.
The draw took place on Wednesday afternoon, as the eight seeded players were drawn against the eight Oceanic representatives, including Paul Nicholson and Kyle Anderson.
Continue reading “Barney and Whitlock to face off in Perth!”
Michael van Gerwen powered to a third successive Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters title, after producing a fine comeback to defeat Phil Taylor 11-8 in a pulsating final. Van Gerwen trailed for long periods against Taylor, but as he did against Raymond van Barneveld and Adrian Lewis in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively, he showed great tenacity to fight back in adversity to continue his impeccable record in the United Arab Emirates.
Michael van Gerwen and Dave Chisnall played out a pulsating draw in the final match of the Premier League phase in Brighton, meaning van Gerwen has now finished top in the last three years of the Premier League. The 25-year old will now meet his compatriot Raymond van Barneveld in a repeat of last year’s final, which van Barneveld won 10-6.
The 5-time World Champion ended his league campaign in fine style, beating Stephen Bunting 7-4 with an 102 average. The other semi-final will be contested between Chisnall and World Champion Gary Anderson, who clinched top spot with a comprehensive 7-3 triumph over a slightly erratic Adrian Lewis.
Continue reading “MvG Clinches Top Spot to Set Up Dutch Derby With RvB!”
As we head into the final week of group phase action in this year’s Premier League Darts, the Top 4 places have been decided following last week’s results. Michael van Gerwen, Dave Chisnall, Raymond van Barneveld and Gary Anderson will all be present at the O2, vying for the coveted Premier League crown. However, van Gerwen and Chisnall are battling for 1st place, whilst Anderson and van Barneveld are still fighting for 3rd spot, so this week’s fixtures still have real significance.
Phil Taylor v James Wade
In 2010, this was the Premier League Final; now Taylor & Wade are sitting 6th and 7th in the table respectively. That just underlines the strength in depth within the game at present; it has been a fiercely competitive league this season. Notably, this is the first time in 11 years of the competition’s history that Taylor has failed to qualify for the Top 4; in fact, he’s never finished lower than 3rd in the league phase previously. Despite this, it would be rather naïve and dismissive to claim this is indicative of Taylor’s imminent decline.
With just four weeks remaining until finals night at the O2 Arena, we really are at the ‘business end ‘ of the Premier League season. Michael van Gerwen is assured of a finals spot, whilst Dave Chisnall is also virtually a certainty. Gary Anderson faces an extremely significant night in Cardiff, as he plays both Stephen Bunting and Michael van Gerwen. Two wins will guarantee the World Champion a play-off spot, but two defeats could put his hopes of another Premier League title in serious jeopardy.
Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis face off in a clash that will have major repercussions for their respective top 4 challenges, whilst Raymond van Barneveld attempts to continue his fantastic form as he faces Dave Chisnall. Michael van Gerwen also doubles up in the Welsh Isles, as he takes on James Wade and Gary Anderson. The Green Machine will be determined to return to winning ways after he suffered his first defeat of the season at the hands of his compatriot van Barneveld.
After Peter Wright and Kim Huybrechts were eliminated on a dramatic Judgement Night, the focus now switches to the play-off battle; with the remaining 8 players fighting for 4 spots. There is a slight gap emerging between the top 3 and the rest of the field. Gary Anderson, 3rd place, sits on 13pts, 4pts above 4th place James Wade. Nevertheless, Raymond van Barneveld and Adrian Lewis, who narrowly avoided elimination in Manchester, are just 3pts and 2pts, respectively, off the coveted play-off places. Therefore, it’s all to play for as the Premier League roadshow heads to Sheffield, where Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld clash in the highlight of Thursday’s matches.
Adrian Lewis and Raymond van Barneveld were the high profile survivors on Judgement Night, after Peter Wright and Kim Huybrechts were eliminated. Lewis defeated Wright 7-4 in an attritional contest; whilst van Barneveld secured the point he needed against World Champion Gary Anderson, to condemn Snakebite to the drop.
Continue reading “Premier League Darts- Judgement Night Review”