October 2012
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN 3 – 2 Andy Hamilton
Michael van Gerwen won through to his first PDC major semi-final, after seeing off Andy Hamilton in a dramatic last leg decider at the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix in Dublin on Friday.
The Dutch sensation, who has won four Pro Tour titles this year, remains on course to win his first televised title since he triumphed in the World Masters six years ago, aged just 17. 
van Gerwen hit some impressive shots when under extreme pressure from the world number seven, but twice missed four match darts before finally sealing his place in the last four by breaking Hamilton’s throw in the decider.
‘Mighty Mike’ broke the throw immediately but three missed darts at double top allowed ‘The Hammer’ to level.
Hamilton took out 86 on the bull to edge ahead but van Gerwen squared up proceedings once more, with the aid of his first maximum.
The Dutchman punished his opponent for a missed dart a double 16, taking out 88 to win the first set.
Hamilton took the first two legs in the second set before van Gerwen posted double eight to reduce the deficit.
He then went off with a 160, as he levelled up with a break.
A second 180 from ‘Mighty Mike’ wasn’t enough to prevent Hamilton levelling the set count.
van Gerwen grabbed a break of throw in the opening leg of set three and he doubled his lead on double top.
‘The Hammer’ pulled a leg back but van Gerwen took the set with a 52 checkout.
The Dutch star’s third maximum helped him level the fourth set, after Hamilton had broken his throw.
The 2006 World Master just missed double 12 for a 141 finish, but edged back in front, and a leg away from victory, by posting double six.
Hamilton levelled the set and then kept the match alive with a stunning 160 finish, after van Gerwen had missed four darts to take the win.
The World Championship runner-up moved ahead in the deciding set but van Gerwen cleaned up 66 under pressure.
The 23-year-old then showed incredible composure to take out 115 for a timely break of throw.
van Gerwen, throwing for the match for the second time, once again missed four darts for a semi-final spot, as Hamilton stepped in to force a dramatic deciding leg.
But ‘Mighty Mike’ was not be denied, as he slotted in a 180 before hitting double two to book his place in the semi-finals.
The Dutchman will take on Wez Newton on Saturday, after ‘The Warrior’ came back from two sets down to defeat Paul Nicholson.
Mervyn King also progressed after he swept past Robert Thornton with a straight sets victory.
‘The King’ takes on Brendan Dolan in the last four.
By Chris Murphy
Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC
Michael van Gerwen and Paul Nicholson progressed in to the quarter-finals of the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix, after both claimed impressive wins at Dublin’s Citywest Hotel on Thursday.
van Gerwen eliminated bookies favourite Adrian Lewis with a 3-1 victory over the world number two, while Nicholson triumphed over Colin Osborne by the same scoreline. 
‘Mighty Mike’ produced a mature performance to see off the below par Lewis, following on from his first round success over Colin Lloyd.
The Dutch ace, whose excellent form in 2012 has seen him clinch four Pro Tour titles, will take on Andy Hamilton on Friday evening for a place in the semi-finals.
“This is a massive step for me,” admitted van Gerwen, who has been installed as the favourite to win his first PDC major title.
“I am over the moon to beat the World Champion and to reach another TV quarter-final.
“I have been practising hard and playing a lot of games. My wins on the Pro Tour have given me a lot of confidence and if I keep up my form, I could win this.”
Nicholson will face Wez Newton in the last eight, after ‘the Asset’ cruised to a comfortable victory over Colin Osborne.
The 2010 Players Championship Finals winner, who had seen off Michael Mansell in the first round, put on another solid display as he reached his first televised quarter-final since the World Cup back in February.
Friday evening sees the four quarter-finals take place, with UK Open winner Robert Thornton and Mervyn King, who progressed on Wednesday evening, going head to head as they bid to reach the last four.
Friday October 12 (7pm-11pm)
Quarter-Finals – (MODUS associated players in bold)
Justin Pipe v Brendan Dolan
Wes Newton v Paul Nicholson
Michael van Gerwen v Andy Hamilton
Robert Thornton v Mervyn King
Click here for the full match report on Paul Nicholson’s second round victory over Colin Osborne.
Click her for the full match report on Michael van Gerwen’s second round victory over Adrian Lewis.
By Chris Murphy
Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN 3 – 1 Adrian Lewis
Michael van Gerwen claimed an impressive victory over two-time and reigning World Champion Adrian Lewis, as he progressed into the quarter-finals of the World Grand Prix in Dublin.
The young Dutch star kept his hopes of collecting his first PDC major title alive, with a terrific triumph over tournament favourite ‘Jackpot’ in their first ever televised meeting. 
“I’m very happy to beat the World Champion,” said van Gerwen, who has won four floor events this year.
“It is a big step for me and I’m over the moon to be in another TV quarter-final.
“Winning the Pro Tour events has given me a lot of confidence and I’m starting to take my form to the stage.
“This is the most difficult tournament of the year but if I continue my game, I hope I can win it.”
van Gerwen took the first leg, before almost producing a party piece on the way to doubling his lead.
The Dutch sensation hit two bullseyes but just missed double 16 in an audacious attempt at a 132 checkout.
He cleaned up the remaining 16 though, and wrapped up the set on double top in the following leg.
Lewis then quickly took three legs on the spin to level the set count at one apiece.
‘Mighty Mike’ hit double nine to take the first leg of the third set.
He then went off with a 160, but it wasn’t enough to break the Lewis throw.
van Gerwen took out 64 to edge back in front before grabbing a crucial break, bedding double four to take a two sets to one lead.
The World Champion pulled of a show-stopping 170 finish in the opening leg of the fourth set.
‘Mighty Mike’ responded with a neat 90 checkout but Lewis posted double 16 to move ahead in the set.
van Gerwen took out 60 to level and then took the set and the match on double 16.
The 23-year-old, who has now been installed as the favourite for the £100,000 title, takes on Andy Hamilton on Friday for a place in the last four.
By Chris Murphy
Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC
James Wade has issued a message of thanks for the outpouring of support he has received in the last 48 hours.
The world number three, whose mental health issues have been well documented in recent years, was visibly unsettled during his World Grand Prix defeat against Colin Osborne on Tuesday evening.
Wade, who immediately flew back to the UK, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, clinical depression and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder when he was admitted to The Priory Clinic in 2010.
He has continued to receive the necessary treatment to combat his illnesses ever since.
“I want to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to all of my fans and everyone who has supported me, especially since Tuesday,” said Wade, after online fan pages and social media sites were flooded with messages of concern and support.
“I am home now and getting the right help so I can focus on getting myself right for the remainder of the season.”
Michael van Gerwen believes that Thursday’s PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix match against Adrian Lewis could be ‘something special’.
The in-form Dutch star has produced some electrifying performances in 2012, including a sensational nine-dart finish at the World Matchplay in July. 
After seeing off seeing off Colin Lloyd on Monday evening, van Gerwen faces two-time and reigning World Champion Lewis for a place in the quarter-finals of the Dublin tournament, with the fast-throwing pair meeting for the first time on TV.
“I’m really looking forward to playing Adrian,” said ‘Mighty Mike’, whose impressive form has seen him win four PDC Pro Tour titles this year.
“I’ve never played him on stage before but it’s an exciting prospect.
“He is a fast player and I am too. If we both take our best game up there then it could be really special for the crowd and for TV.
“He is a top player. You do not become World Champion twice without being a brilliant dart player but my form is good and I’m feeling confident.”
van Gerwen and ‘Jackpot’ are expected to be on stage at around 9.30pm, with the winner taking on either Andy Hamilton or Steve Beaton in Friday’s quarter-finals.
By Chris Murphy
Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC
Robert Thornton triumphed in a sensational PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix battle with ten-time winner Phil Taylor at Dublin’s Citywest Hotel on Wednesday.
The pair both produced top quality performances in a classic dual, which saw Thornton prevail in a dramatic deciding leg.
The Scotsman, who also inflicted defeat on the world number one last time they met – in the final of the UK Open in June – shocked ‘The Power’ again, as he progressed into the quarter-finals. 
‘The Thorn’ hit an incredible eight 180s on his way to a three sets to two triumph over the 15-time World Champion.
Both players averaged above 95, which is remarkably high in the unique double-start format, but it was Thornton who once again eliminated tournament favourite Taylor, who was punished for missing five match darts.
“Phil missed a few doubles but I never gave in,” said Thornton, who has now won 15 out of 16 matches in Dublin since Saturday, after reaching both finals of the weekend’s Pro Tour events, winning one.
“I’m playing really well at the moment and it’s all down to practice.
“I’m really focused and I have had great belief in myself since winning the UK Open.”
Thornton, who clinched his first PDC major title with his Bolton victory earlier this year, now faces Mervyn King in his quest for a second televised triumph.
King stormed past Dave Chisnall with an impressive display, in which he was particularly sharp on his starting doubles.
‘The King’ fired in four 180s on the way to a 3-1 success over Chisnall, to set up a last eight clash with Thornton, which will take place on Friday evening.
“It’s nice to be playing well again and I’m getting closer to my best game,” said King.
“I’ve been hitting my best in practice in the last few days, along with a couple of nine-darters.
“Robert has got back to his best during this year and maybe I’ll get there this week because it’s been a long while since I’ve been in a major quarter-final.”
Vincent van der Voort was unable to progress further than the last 16 stage, however, the Dutchman lost out to 2011 runner-up Brendan Dolan.
Thursday night sees the completion of the second round with Paul Nicholson taking on Colin Osborne and Michael van Gerwen facing two-time and reigning World Champion Adrian Lewis.
By Chris Murphy
Read the full match report on Robert Thornton’s sensational victory over Phil Taylor here.
Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC
Michael van Gerwen made a strong start to his PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix campaign in Dublin, where Paul Nicholson also progressed into the last 16 on Tuesday evening.
van Gerwen booked his place in round two after producing an impressive fightback against 2004 winner Colin Lloyd.
The Dutch star, who fell a set behind, threatened a nine-darter at one point, hitting six perfect darts in the leg that won him the second set.
He then won all three legs in the decider, taking out 101 to seal the victory.
van Gerwen now faces the mouthwatering prospect of a dual with World Champion Adrian Lewis on Thursday evening.
“I am pleased to get through the first game as Colin was always going to be a tough opponent,” said ‘Mighty Mike’.
“I can’t ever remember playing Adrian on TV but I am on form and he is a top player and we are both fast players.
“If we both bring our best games it will be great news for the crowd and viewers.”
Nicholson swept past Michael Mansell with a straight sets triumph.
‘The Asset’ produced a authoratitive display, showing real sharpness on doubles at both the beginning and end of most legs.
The Australian, who reached the final of the World Cup earlier in 2012, faces Colin Osborne on Thursday for a place in the quarter-finals.
Mark Webster suffered a first round defeat at the hands of Andy Hamilton, while James Wade and Raymond van Barneveld were also condemned to early exits.
Wade lost out to Osborne, before ‘Barney’ was beaten by the impressive Ian White.
By Chris Murphy
Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC
Robert Thornton set up a last 16 showdown with Phil Taylor, while Mervyn King and Vincent van der Voort also claimed victories on the opening night of the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix in Dublin.
Thornton continued his impressive form at the Citywest Hotel, as he progressed into the second round with a commanding victory over Mark Walsh. 
The Scotsman, who won a Players Championship event on Sunday, hit back from a set down to triumph, winning six legs in a row.
Thornton will now face ten-time winner Taylor in a repeat of June’s UK Open final, which saw ‘The Thorn’ clinch his first PDC major title.
King progressed to round two after coming out on top in a thrilling match against Terry Jenkins, which went to a last leg decider.
‘The King’ will take on Dave Chisnall on Wednesday evening for a place in the quarter-finals.
van der Voort also triumphed in a final leg shootout. The Dutchman saw off the valiant challenge of home favourite William O’Connor, to set up a last 16 tie against 2011 runner-up Brendan Dolan.
Recently-crowned European Champion Simon Whitlock had to put his quest for another major title on hold. ‘The Wizard’ suffered a 2-1 reverse at the hands of Justin Pipe.
Tuesday evening sees the completion of the first round, with James Wade beginning his bid to win the prestigious title for a third time.
‘The Machine’, who lifted the trophy in 2007 and 2010, faces Colin Osborne, while in-form Michael van Gerwen plays 2004 winner Colin Lloyd.
Mark Webster is up against 2012 World Championship runner-up Andy Hamilton, with Raymond van Barneveld and Paul Nicholson taking on Ian White and Michael Mansell respectively.
By Chris Murphy
Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC
Robert Thornton completed a brilliant weekend by taking victory in Sunday’s Players Championship 14 in Dublin, having been runner-up in Saturday’s event.
The reigning UK Open champion defeated fellow Scotsman Gary Anderson 6-5 in the final to clinch the £6,000 first prize at the Citywest Hotel, averaging over 103 in a high quality battle. 
‘The Thorn’, who had been edged out by Michael van Gerwen in a last leg decider 24 hours earlier, is hoping to continue his good form when he faces Mark Walsh in the first round of the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix on Monday evening.
He told the Official PDC Website: “I felt I was due a win as I’ve been there or thereabouts a fair few times recently.
“I’m over the moon. I was beaten yesterday against probably the most in-form player at the moment, but I should have won so I’m chuffed to bits to put it right today.
“I’m looking forward to my match tomorrow night. I’m definitely going to enjoy it up on that big stage again.”
Thornton began his route to victory with wins against Darren Johnson, Vincent van der voort and Scott Rand.
He then defeated Mervyn King 6-3 in the quarter-finals, before hitting six 180s in his last four success against Wez Newton.
The Scotsman then saw off Anderson in the final, which went to a deciding leg for the second consecutive day.
By Chris Murphy
Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC
Michael van Gerwen clinched his fourth Pro Tour title of 2012, as he defeated Robert Thornton in the final of Players Championship 13 at Dublin’s Citywest Hotel on Saturday.
‘Mighty Mike’ continued his impressive form to claim the £6,000 first prize, edging past Thornton in an exciting deciding leg.
The Dutch youngster, who faces Colin Lloyd in the first round of the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix on Tuesday evening, kicked off with victories over Andrew Gilding and Dennis Smith, before defeating Paul Nicholson.
He then beat Joe Cullen in the quarter-finals before seeing off Arron Monk in the last four, producing a 170 checkout in the process.
van Gerwen came back from 4-1 and 5-3 down to snatch victory from Thornton in the final.
‘The Thorn’, who sensationally won the UK Open in June, had seen off Kevin McDine, Mike Veitch and Mervyn King to reach the last 16.
There he defeated Ian White 6-1 before hitting back from 5-2 down to triumph 6-5 against Denis Ovens.
The Scotsman again found himself 5-2 behind in the semi-final, but launched another brilliant comeback to reach the final at the expense of Scott Rand.
Former Under-21 World Champion Monk enjoyed his best Pro Tour performance to date, with a run to the last four.
The Hampshire youngster defeated Dennis Priestley and Mark Webster on his way to the semi-finals, where he lost out to eventual winner van Gerwen.
Webster enjoyed a run to the quarter-finals ahead of his World Grand Prix first round clash against Andy Hamilton on Tuesday evening.
Sunday sees the 14th Players Championship event take place at the Citywest Hotel, with the £350,000 World Grand Prix commencing on Monday.
By Chris Murphy
Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC
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