January 2014

Leading trade paint brand Leyland Paints has hit the bullseye by linking up with newly-crowned World Champion Michael van Gerwen.

Leyland has been at the heart of the UK’s fastest growing sport for the last two years, sponsoring world class stars Simon Whitlock and Mark Webster.

The backing of the pair will continue in 2014, and van Gerwen, the hottest property in darts, has now been added as another ambassador to further boost ‘Team Leyland.’ (more…)

Michael van Gerwen is no stranger to trebles and the newly crowned World Champion collected three honours at the PDC Awards Dinner on Monday Evening, while Simon Whitlock also scooped a prize.

World number one van Gerwen was awarded Pro Tour Player of the Year, Fans Player of the Year and the prestigious PDC Player of the Year title.

“It’s been an amazing year for me and I’d like to thank everyone who has made this happen, because this is a fantastic moment for me to be named as Player of the Year,” said van Gerwen, who won the the Premier League, Dubai Masters and Players Championship Finals before lifting the World Championship trophy on New Year’s Day.

“I’ve worked so hard for this and to be World Champion and number one in the world is amazing. I know what it’s like to be ranked number 35 in the world and I’ve put a lot of work in to get to where I am now.

“I want to stay here but I know it will be very difficult this year.”

Australian ace Whitlock, who is now ranked third on the Order of Merit, won the award for the PDC Televised Performance of the Year for his amazing comeback win against Jamie Caven in the European Championship.

It was also a special evening for legendary darts commentator John Gwynne, who was inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame.

By Chris Murphy

Antonio Alcinas retained his PDC ProTour status by winning a tour card on day one of Qualifying School in Wigan on Wednesday.

The Spanish star, who had to compete in the 340-strong field of hopefuls after falling out of the top 64 on the Order of Merit, was one of four players to pick up a two-year tour card on the opening day. (more…)

Four of the biggest names in professional darts will be on show in Sunderland in 2014 as the Benfield Nissan Darts Masters returns for its second staging.

The stars, including the newly-crowned World Champion and world number one Michael van Gerwen, will compete at the Nissan Sports and Leisure complex on Saturday 5 April. (more…)

Michael van Gerwen is the 2014 World Darts Champion and the new world number one.

van Gerwen fulfilled his darting destiny by defeating Peter Wright 7-4 in the World Championship final at London’s Alexandra Palace on New Year’s Day. (more…)


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