A Milestone for Champions

• · The Money Shop celebrates 500^th store with Ronnie O’Sullivan, James Wade and Simon Whitlock

The Money Shop is preparing to give customers a sporting welcome during the opening of its 500^th UK store at 215 Telford Shopping Centre, in Thetford Chase, Telford, on Tuesday June 26, 2012.

Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Store staff will be joined by snooker world champion Ronnie “The Rocket” O’Sullivan and darts aces, world number three James Wade and world number six Simon Whitlock, to officially mark the opening of the financial services company’s 500^th store.

The players will be at the store from 2pm where members of the public will have the chance to meet Ronnie and play against Professional Darts Corporation players Simon and James in a challenge for the chance to win a set of branded darts.

To mark the 500^th store milestone, the first ten people to score a bullseye will receive a cash prize* and the highest scorer on the day will win £500.

Headed by store manager Kate Wall, the new Money Shop store will offer professional short-term financial solutions, including payday loans, pawnbroking, cash for gold, pre-paid cash cards and Western Union money transfers. The store will also offer a range of holiday money products and services including foreign exchange and holiday cash cards.

Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Kate said: “It’s a going to be a fantastic day with lots going on in-store and a great opportunity for our customers to meet some of the stars from the world of darts and snooker. We hope the celebrations will be a great opportunity to raise awareness about The Money Shop.”

Andrew Bryan, marketing director, UK, The Money Shop, said: “We are delighted to be opening our 500^th store in Telford. Reaching 500 stores is a huge milestone for us so it is fitting that we’re celebrating with not just one but three sporting pros and we hope that it will be a fun day for everyone.

“Managing finances is important at any time, but is especially hard in the current climate. The new store in Telford will offer a range of convenient short-term financial solutions including unsecured short-term loans, cheque cashing, secured pawnbroking loans, money transfer, foreign exchange, Titanium Cashplus prepaid Mastercard, and gold buying services.”

The Money Shop is a leading member of the Consumer Finance Association, which operates to maintain high standards of responsible lending across the short-term credit industry, and is licensed and regulated by the Office of Fair Trading.

The second European Tour event, which took place between Friday and Sunday in Berlin, saw plenty of highlights for MODUS before a brilliant Phil Taylor took victory in the German Darts Championship.

Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC

James Hubbard produced the shock of the weekend when he triumphed 6-4 over back-to-back World Champion Adrian Lewis in the first round on Friday.

The PDC Unicorn World Youth Champion went on to beat Peter Wright in round two, before missing out on a quarter-final spot when he was beaten by Mervyn King.

“The win against Adrian was the biggest of my professional career,” said Hubbard, who only joined the Pro-Tour in January.

“I had an excellent tournament and gave myself an outside chance of qualifying for the World Matchplay in Blackpool.

“I was pleased with how I played, apart from against Mervyn, but he is a great player and he has really helped my game so I don’t begrudge him the win.”

A last eight spot signalled a return to form for King, who enjoyed victories over Peter Hudson, Wayne Jones and Hubbard, before losing out to eventual runner-up Dave Chisnall.

Simon Whitlock put together a brilliant run to semi-finals, before being denied the chance to take on Taylor, in a repeat of the McCoy’s Premier League final, by Chisnall.

‘The Wizard’ began his campaign by whitewashing Daniel Starkey 6-0, before defeating Brendan Dolan in round two.

He then posted a brilliant average of 106.83 in a 6-2 third round success over Kevin Painter, before victory over Kim Huybrechts saw him reach the last four.

Raymond van Barneveld beat Mareno Michels, Alan Tabern and Mark Webster before meeting Taylor in the quarter-finals.

‘Barney’ ran ‘The Power’ closer than anyone, forcing a deciding leg in their quarter-final clash.

But Taylor snatched victory and left Berlin as a deserved winner, after posting multiple hundred-plus averages on the way to landing the £15,000 title.

By Chris Murphy

Fancy your chances against top PDC players? – Try your hand at the qualifiers for the Bournemouth Masters… http://fb.me/26JFOw24k

Simon Whitlock and Raymond van Barneveld won through to the quarter-finals of the second European Tour event with victories on Sunday afternoon, while James Hubbard’s impressive run in Berlin was ended by Mervyn King.

Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Whitlock produced a stunning display to reach the last eight of the German Darts Championship, averaging 106.83 in a 6-2 defeat of Kevin Painter.

“I’m really pleased with how I played there,” said ‘The Wizard’, who conjured up five 180s in his victory over the 2011 Players Champion.

“Kevin is a great player and always gives me a hard match so I’m pleased with the win and looking forward to my next game tonight.”

Whitlock will take on Kim Huybrechts in the quarter-finals on Sunday evening.

‘Barney’ set up a mouthwatering quarter-final against old rival Phil Taylor, after the Dutchman beat Mark Webster 6-3.

“I was happy with how I scored and I’ll go and prepare to play Phil now,” said van Barneveld. “Everything has to be right when you play against him but I am excited.”

King saw off the challenge of his practice partner Hubbard, triumphing 6-4 in a match that included seven breaks of throw.

“I’m happy to get through but disappointed for James because we practice and travel together,” said ‘The King’, who faces Dave Chisnall in the last eight.

“He’s a player to watch in years to come. He has so much talent and you’ll see much more of him in the future.”

That result brought an end to a memorable weekend for 19-year-old Hubbard, with the World Youth Champion claiming a shock victory over World Champion Adrian Lewis in the first round.

Hubbard, who only turned professional in January, also defeated Peter Wright before losing out to King.

Co Stompe also missed out on place in the last eight, after a 6-4 defeat at the hands of Austrian Open winner Justin Pipe.

Sunday evening sees the remaining eight players compete in the quarter-finals of the £82,100 tournament, with the semis and final also being played out on the night.

By Chris Murphy

See four of the world’s top professional darts players go head to head in the Charlton Masters on Thursday 19 July.

Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Simon Whitlock secured a hard-fought victory over Brendan Dolan in the second round of the second European Tour Event in Berlin, as he hit three ton-plus finishes, including a 170, in a 6-5 triumph on Saturday.

James Hubbard, Mark Webster, Raymond van Barneveld, Meryvn King and Co Stompe also progressed to the last 16 of the German Darts Championship.

Whitlock had to break Dolan in a tense last-leg decider to win a high quality match, in which ‘The Wizard’ also produced checkouts of 128 and 106.

“That was a great game. Brendan was fantastic,” said Whitlock, who will now face Kevin Painter on Sunday afternoon.

“I’ve always said that you need a little bit of luck and I had it there. I’m excited about Sunday now, Kevin is a fantastic player and I’ll be ready for a good match.”

Hubbard, who continues to impress on the professional tour, added a 6-3 triumph over Peter Wright to Friday’s defeat of World Champion Adrian Lewis.

The 19-year-old will face Mervyn King in the last 16 on Sunday afternoon after King progressed with a 6-3 triumph over Wayne Jones.

“Peter missed a few doubles and you’ve got to ride your luck sometimes if you’re going to win tournaments like this,” said the World Youth Champion, who only turned professional in January.

“Hopefully I can continue this tomorrow against Mervyn. I’ve known him for a long time and he’s been good to me and helped bring my game on.”

Webster beat Colin Osborne 6-4 to book his place in the last 16.

“We both missed chances and I’m just glad to be through,” said Webster, who faces van Barneveld on Sunday afternoon, after the Dutchman completed a 6-3 victory over Alan Tabern, with ‘Barney’ posting an average of 103.12 in his second round win.

Fellow Dutchman Stompe will play Justin Pipe in the last 16, after defeating Michael Barnard 6-5.

He said: “It’s important for my rankings to do well in this tournament so I’m delighted to come through a tough match like that.”

Paul Nicholson and Vincent van der Voort both missed out on last 16 spots, after Nicholson suffered defeat at the hands of an in-form Colin Lloyd, while van der Voort was beaten by Ronnie Baxter in a last-leg decider.

By Chris Murphy

Fancy your chances against top PDC players? – Try your hand at the qualifiers for the Bournemouth Masters… http://fb.me/26JFOw24k

James Hubbard produced a major shock in the PDC’s second European Tour Event with a 6-4 defeat of back to back World Champion Adrian Lewis.

Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC

The 19-year-old, who won the PDC Unicorn World Youth Championship last month, showed his class by breaking the world number two twice, as he progressed to round two with 96.11 average.

Australian pair Simon Whitlock and Paul Nicholson enjoyed first round victories, while Raymond van Barneveld and Mark Webster also booked their places in round two of the German Darts Championship.

They are joined in Saturday’s second round by Mervyn King, Vincent van der Voort and Co Stompe after a high-quality opening day, which saw Colin Lloyd hit a nine-dart finish.

Whitlock progressed with a 6-0 whitewash over Daniel Starkey, while Nicholson beat Andre Welge 6-3 with a brilliant three-dart average of 104.36.

‘Barney’ cruised to a 6-1 victory over Mareno Michels, while Webster saw off his namesake Darren with a 6-4 success, setting up a second round clash against Colin Osborne.

Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Dutch duo Stompe and van der Voort defeated Sam Hill 6-2 and Jim Walker 6-5 respectively, while Mervyn King triumphed 6-3 over Peter Hudson.

Michael van Gerwen suffered an early exit though, with defeat at the hands of Justin Pipe in a thrilling first round encounter, in which both players averaged around the 100 mark.

Andy Jenkins was unfortunate to have been edged out 6-5 by Ronnie Baxter, after leading until the penultimate leg.

James Wade also suffered defeat in a last leg decider, losing out to Austrian opponent Mensur Suljovic.

The second round takes place over two sessions on Saturday, with Whitlock taking on Brendan Dolan in the afternoon session, which also sees King face Wayne Jones, Nicholson take on nine-dart hero Lloyd and van der Voort versus Baxter.

Hubbard faces Peter Wright on Saturday evening, when Stompe takes on Michael Barnard and van Barneveld plays Alan Tabern.

By Chris Murphy

See four of the world’s top professional darts players go head to head in the Charlton Masters on Thursday 19 July.

Michael van Gerwen is hoping to continue his good form when he competes in the German Darts Championship European Tour event this weekend.

Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC

‘Mighty Mike’ stormed to victory in Birmingham on Sunday, claiming his second Pro-Tour victory of 2012 with a string of impressive performances.

One of his most notable wins en route to his Players Championship triumph was a 6-1 success over Justin Pipe, who he meets in the first round the Berlin tournament on Friday.

“I was delighted with the win at the weekend after playing excellent darts,” said van Gerwen, who averaged almost 109 in his defeat of Pipe.

“I was very pleased with the way I performed against Justin because it proved that I can play well against slower players.

“I had already beaten Dennis Priestley and Mark Walsh, which gave me confidence going into the game against Justin.

“Winning the way I did gives me confidence for playing him in Germany.”

A good run for the young Dutchman in Berlin would help speed up van Gerwen’s charge into the world’s top 32.

“I am on course to get into the top 32 this year,” said the 23-year-old, who is currently ranked at number 35.

“I am focused on that now because I am too old for the youth tour and it is time for me to become an established player.

“I know that I can beat anyone when I play well and I am playing well more regularly. I am feeling very good and looking forward to a good weekend in Germany.”

By Chris Murphy

See four of the world’s top professional darts players go head to head in the Charlton Masters on Thursday 19 July.

PDC Unicorn World Youth Champion James Hubbard returned to his former school earlier this week with new sponsor Smart Darts 4 Kids.

Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Hubbard, who was joined by Smart Darts inventor and owner Steve Mottershead, introduced Smart Darts to children at Ashleigh Infant and Nursery School at Wymondham on Monday.

The innovative game features a dartboard with different numbers, an empty bullseye and a set of darts which stick to the board.

Children can then throw the darts at the numbers and say the answer to the sum depending on where the darts land, while the bullseye circle can be used by the teachers to write on their own equations.

Mr Mottershead said he came up with the idea for the course through his work as an announcer, which he said had improved his own maths skills.

He said: “I spent many years calling darts scores in exhibitions and events. I noticed that my maths improved dramatically without me even trying.

“That is what Smart Darts 4 Kids is all about. The children will be engaging in a game whilst improving their maths, without realising they are actually learning. It is fun but also very successful.”

Hubbard, who was impressed with the course, added:  “I think it is perfect for helping children to count, which is fantastic.”

For more information on Smart Darts 4 Kids or to order the game visit  www.smartdarts4kids.co.uk

You can buy the game for £27.99 plus £1.99 p + p via the website or by emailing orders@smartdarts4kids.co.uk stating the quantity you wish to order.

The VIP Experience

The River Centre, Medway Wharf Road, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1RE

Saturday 20th October 2012

includes:

James Wade
Raymond Van Barneveld
Terry Jenkins
Vincent Van Der Voort
Dennis Priestly
Tony O’Shea
Andy Fordham

with:

‘Sky Sports’ Rod Harrington

plus 2 local qualifiers

Tickets £60*

 BUY TICKETS

Michael van Gerwen powered to victory at Sunday’s Players Championship in Birmingham, as he hit form to claim his second Pro-Tour triumph of 2012.

Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC

The Dutchman, who won a UK Open qualifier in Crawley in February, produced brilliant darts to clinch the £6,000 prize, culminating in a 6-1 victory over Simon Whitlock in the final.

He had already beaten John Bowles, Jamie Lewis, Mark Walsh and Dennis Priestley before posting an enormous 108.94 average in his quarter-final against Justin Pipe, which the 23-year-old won 6-1.

van Gerwen saw off Speedy Services UK Open winner Robert Thornton 6-2 in the semi-final, before defeating ‘The Wizard’ in the final.

“It feels great,” said van Gerwen, who lost only four legs in his last three matches combined. “It’s the third Pro-Tour event I’ve won since I joined the PDC and I played some good darts today.

“I’m very happy to have won and it should help me qualify for the World Grand Prix as well as the World Matchplay, which is great.

“I showed that I can play against slower players like Justin Pipe, Mark Walsh and Dennis Priestley and that will give me a lot of confidence.”

Whitlock continued the form that has seen him reach two of the three televised finals since the World Championship, beating Roland Scholten, Mark Dudbridge, Andy Hamilton and Andy Smith to reach the quarter-finals.

The Australian ace then swept past Mervyn King and Wes Newton, as he reached the final and claimed £3,000 in prize money.

Thornton boosted his hopes of qualifying for the World Matchplay with a run to the semi-finals, which included wins over Gary Anderson, Steve Beaton and a 6-0 whitewash over Richie Burnett.

By Chris Murphy

Fancy your chances against top PDC players? – Try your hand at the qualifiers for the Bournemouth Masters… http://fb.me/26JFOw24k

28th September 2012 – Nation Cup

29th September 2012 – Borders Masters

James Wade
Adrian Lewis
SImon Whitlock
John Henderson
Mark Webster
Raymond Van Barneveld
Phil Taylor
Gary Anderson
Paul Nicholson
Robert Thornton

Tickets

28th – £30

29th – £50
(Weekend Pass – £70)

Call 07958 642751 or 07872 078175