Author: chrism
Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC
James Wade, Mark Webster and Paul Nicholson all won last leg deciders to book their places in round three of the Speedy Services UK Open, while Arron Monk and Mervyn King produced impressive displays at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium on Thursday.
Wade had to fight off a strong challenge from the impressive Stephen Bunting. ‘The Machine’ won the last two legs to keep his title defence on course.
Webster needed to win the final three legs to overcome the challenge of Johnny Haines.
The Welshman trailed 3-1 after missing doubles earlier in the match but found his form in time to ensure he would be staying in Bolton for at least another day.
Nicholson beat Harry Miles 4-2 in round one, and then edged out Tony Cooper in the second round.
King produced one of the performances of the night with a 4-1 triumph over Ted Hankey, who had built up some momentum with two wins before closing the action on the main stage.
Former under-21 World Champion Arron Monk did brilliantly to win three matches, including an impressive 4-1 second round success over Adam Hunt.
Monk’s reward is a third round tie against Premier League star Kevin Painter.
Wade will face Colin Lloyd in round three on Friday evening, when Webster takes on Robert Thornton.
Nicholson takes on Michael Mansell, while King faces Gareth Cousins.
Adam Smith-Neale won two matches on Thursday before eventually losing out to Dan Stuart.
Andy Jenkins lost out to Hankey after beating Gus Santana in the preliminary round, while John Henderson won his first round tie but was denied a place in round three by Colin Osborne.
Premier League finalist Simon Whitlock, five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld and PDC Unicorn World Youth Champion James Hubbard enter the tournament on Friday.
‘The Wizard’ has drawn Terry Temple in round three, while ‘Barney’ and Hubbard face Jelle Klaasen and Terry Jenkins respectively.
Vincent van der Voort, also enters on Friday. He plays Paul Amos, while his compatriot Michael van Gerwen faces William O’Connor.
By Chris Murphy
The Speedy Services UK Open gets underway on Thursday evening, with James Wade preparing to begin his defence of the £40,000 title.
Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC
‘The Machine’, who is bidding for his third UK Open triumph and eighth major title, will start his campaign in round two, where he will face one of four potential qualifiers, after the preliminary and first rounds have taken place.
“I know people say they only take one game at a time but that’s literally all you can do because you’ve no idea who you’ll play in the next round if you get through,” said the world number three.
“I’m fortunate enough to have won twice in Bolton and it would be fantastic to do it again, but I know I’ll have a tough weekend ahead of me.”
Paul Nicholson, who was one of the stars of the tournament last year, will need to win two matches on Thursday to be part of the third round draw at the end of the evening.
‘The Asset’, who beat Phil Taylor and Gary Anderson during a blistering run to last year’s quarter-finals, starts in round one against one of two amateur qualifiers.
“I’m going to try and keep a slightly lower profile and then, if the fight warrants it, I’ll try and lift the profile by making some fireworks go off,” said Nicholson, who is known by many for his ‘bad boy’ image.
“That will only happen if it suits me though, I’m not going to do it for SKY or the crowd this year. I’m going to do it for myself and try and gain some confidence by playing good darts instead of doing it in other ways.”
Last year’s semi-finalist Mark Webster is also in action on the opening night. He enter’s in the second round, where he faces Johnny Haines.
Mervyn King enters the tournament at the same stage as ‘Spider’, where he could face a high-profile clash with Ted Hankey.
“There’s no guarantee that Ted will make it,” said King. “Whether it is him or one of the other players, I’ll give it my best shot. I know I have the game to beat anybody on my day. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.”
One of King’s potential opponents is Andy Jenkins, who would meet Hankey in round one if both players make it through their preliminary games.
“I’ve known Ted for over 20 years,” said Jenkins, who made the cut for the tournament after competing in just two qualifying events.
“We are good friends and I probably taught him most of the tricks he knows.”
Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC
“It would be great to play him on TV in his first major tournament since coming over from the BDO, but I’m not looking that far in front. We both have games to win before that can happen.”
Also in first night action are young guns Arron Monk and Adam Smith-Neale, as are Co Stompe and John Henderson, who faces amateur qualifier Lee Bryant in the preliminary round.
“It doesn’t really matter who I play, getting to the Friday would be an achievement for me,” added Henderson.
“I know I’m capable of beating anyone on my day, so hopefully I can win three tough games on Thursday and take it from there.
“I won’t be taking anything or anyone for granted because a lot of the qualifiers will be very good players. I’ll just go out there and do my best and hopefully it’s good enough.”
On completion of the prelims and first two rounds, the top 32 qualifiers join the second round winners in the open draw for round three.
Amongst the players entering in the third round are Raymond van Barneveld, Simon Whitlock, Michael van Gerwen, Vincent van der Voort, Robert Thornton and World Youth Champion James Hubbard.
By Chris Murphy
John Henderson believes that he has got the game to do well at the Speedy Services UK Open, but insists that he won’t be taking anything for granted in Bolton on Thursday.
Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC
‘Highlander’, who faces Riley’s qualifier Lee Bryant in the preliminary round, is pleased with the way he is playing going into to his first televised tournament of 2012.
He said: “My preparations are going quite well. I’m practising a lot more at the moment. I struggled a little bit at the beginning of the year with a couple of injuries.
“I had a good weekend in Crawley at the last Pro-Tour events. I had two good wins against Simon Whitlock and Gino Vos and gave Mervyn King a great game so my confidence is up just at the right time.”
Henderson must win three games on Thursday, including a potential second round tie against Colin Osborne, to go into the draw for Friday, when the top 32 qualifiers join the competition.
“It doesn’t really matter who I play, getting to the Friday would be an achievement for me,” added Henderson.
“I know I’m capable of beating anyone on my day, so hopefully I can win three tough games on Thursday and take it from there.
“I won’t be taking anything or anyone for granted because a lot of the qualifiers will be very good players. I’ll just go out there and do my best and hopefully it’s good enough.”
By Chris Murphy
Adam Smith-Neale and Chris Aubrey both claimed their first PDC Unicorn Youth Tour victories on Saturday, as they both triumphed in Germany.
The MODUS pair won an event each at the Ramada Hotel in Cologne.
Smith-Neale took the glory in the first event of the day, beating Josh Payne 4-2 in the final to seal the £500 first prize.
He also defeated Brandonn Monk, Jamie Lewis, Michael Smith, Wouter Vaes and Ryan de Vreede on the way to claiming his maiden Youth Tour victory.
Aubrey won the second event by beating John de Kruijf, Keegan Brown, Oliver Stell and Ben Songhurst, before seeing off Lewis with a 4-3 win in the final.
Arron Monk remains top of the order of merit after reaching the final on Sunday, where he was defeated by Lewis.
The next PDC Unicorn Youth Tour weekend will be held on July 14-15 at the Barnsley Metrodome.
By Chris Murphy
Generous darts fans turned out in force to for a special fundraising night on Friday, as nine of the world’s best players put on a show in aid of Bradbury Enhanced Care Service.
Over 250 people attended the sell-out Untouchables event at Roffey Social and Sports Club in Horsham for an enjoyable evening of fun and top quality darts, which raised an incredible £8582 for a wonderful cause.
Premier League stars James Wade, Simon Whitlock and Raymond van Barneveld were joined by Mark Webster, Paul Nicholson, Vincent van der Voort, Co Stompe, Michael van Gerwen and Terry Jenkins, who shaved off his moustache for the first time in 33 years.
Photo: Craig Lace Photography Ltd
That momentous occasion proved to be particularly popular, raising a huge chunk of the money thanks to the combined kindness of fans, players and the event’s sponsors Unicorn.
The opportunity to give Jenkins the new look was auctioned off, and there was no shortage of offers, with members of the crowd eventually being outbid by a collective effort from the players, who nominated Wade to carry out the act. ‘The Machine’ produced typical precision and razor-sharp finishing to get the job done.
Unicorn bosses Edward and Richard Lowy then kindly pledged to match the winning bid, meaning Jenkins’ moustache was worth well over £1000.
“We were only too pleased to donate for such a worthy cause,” said Richard Lowy. “There is something about darts that you just wouldn’t get in a lot of other sports. The players are in touch with reality and the fans can connect with them.
“That was shown by the tremendous gesture of them putting on a show like this, especially Terry for what he did. It shows the respect they have for the cause, and everyone involved knows how much it meant and how privileged we are to lead the lives we do.”
All of the money raised through the event went to Bradbury Enhanced Care Service, which provides crucial support for young adults with complex health needs, physical disabilities and life limiting conditions.
Some of the staff and residents of the unit attended the event, which was brilliantly hosted by ‘Little’ Richard Ashdown.
Donations are still open via Terry Jenkins just giving page http://www.justgiving.com/Bradbury-Enhanced-Care-Service
All at MODUS would like to extend a massive thank you to Carlsberg, Unicorn, all of the players and most importantly everyone that attended on a special night and helped support a truly worthy cause.
By Chris Murphy
Photo: Craig Lace Photography Ltd
Witness the historic moment when James Wade shaved off Terry Jenkins moustache here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhH2VKKjX0I&list=UURvCwDp_1DwOlOpnlJf9iYw&index=1&feature=plcp
Andy Jenkins and James Hubbard both qualified for the PDC’s second European Tour Event, The German Darts Championship, which takes place in Berlin next month.
The pair were amongst the 20 UK qualifiers that progressed from a field of 63 professionals at Crawley’s K2 Centre on Friday evening.
Hubbard triumphed 6-3 over Andrew Gilding and Kevin Dowling, as he continued the brilliant run of form which saw him crowned PDC Unicorn World Youth Champion on McCoy’s Premier League finals night.
“I’m really pleased with how I’ve been playing recently,” said 19-year-old Hubbard. “I want to play in every professional event, so this is another big step for me and I’m looking forward to another fantastic experience.”
Jenkins whitewashed Ryan Harrington to book his place on the plane to Berlin, after receiving a bye in round one.
By Chris Murphy
James Hubbard hailed his PDC Unicorn World Youth Final victory as ‘a dream come true’, after the 19-year-old beat Michael van Gerwen at the O2 Arena in London on Thursday.
Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC
The Norfolk youngster put on a highly impressive display to overcome his 23-year-old opponent in front of 10,000 people, ahead of the final of the McCoy’s Premier League.
Hubbard banished any fears of nerves on the big stage when he opened the match with a brilliant eleven dart leg, before going on to take the match 6-3.
“It feels amazing,” said the former painter and decorator, who only turned professional in January. “When you start playing darts, this is the stuff that dreams are made off.
“To play and win in front of 10,000 people at the O2 is just a dream come true and to come away as World Champion is amazing.”
Hubbard, who took the first three legs before van Gerwen replied, admitted that he was nervous ahead of the match.
He said: “I settled down as soon as I got on stage to be honest. I was nervous before hand but Simon Whitlock helped me brilliantly and gave me some great advice. That was a massive help and the start I made was terrific.”
‘Mighty Mike’ refused to beaten easily and Hubbard knew that he had his work cut out when the Dutchman reduced his lead to 4-3 with a fantastic 102 checkout.
“I did get quite nervous when Michael launched a comeback because he is a quality player,” said Hubbard.
“I missed a few darts a double four to go 5-1 up and then I thought about it for a leg, but I managed to clear my head and get the job done.”
Hubbard won the final two legs of the match to become World Youth Champion, and the youngster declared his gratitude for the support he has received.
“It was the best feeling in the world when that double top went in to win. I’ve come into form recently on the Pro-Tour & I’m over the moon to be in the UK Open next month,” added Hubbard, who heads to Bolton as a top 32 seed after reaching the quarter-finals of a recent qualifier.
“I’ve been helped all the way by the people around me at MODUS. Mark Webster, Paul Nicholson and Simon (Whitlock) have been brilliant. Mark sponsors me and I always want to impress him and repay the faith he has put in me.
“The same goes for everyone involved. Mervyn King will be delighted for me as well. This is for him too. I practise with him a couple of times a week and he drives me to the Pro-Tours. He is like a second dad to me and he has given me so much advice.
“I’m happy for those guys as much as I am for myself because without their support I wouldn’t be here.”
By Chris Murphy
Simon Whitlock was denied a double comeback in the McCoy’s Premier League Play-offs, after the Australian, who hit a nine-dart finish in his semi-final triumph over Andy Hamilton, was denied victory by Phil Taylor in the final.
Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC
‘The Wizard’ came back from 4-1 down to win 8-6 in his last four clash with ‘The Hammer’, in which he produced a moment of pure magic, when he achieved the fabulous feat of a perfect leg, sending the O2 Arena’s 10,000 strong crowd into raptures.
Whitlock looked like he might produce an even more remarkable turnaround when he won five consecutive legs, to draw level with ‘The Power’ after trailing 7-2 in the final. But Taylor halted Whitlock’s charge and won the last three legs to take the coveted crown.
“It’s a bit disappointing in the end,” said Whitlock, who will now turn his attentions to next month’s UK Open in his quest for a first PDC major title.
“I had a shot to go 8-7 up but Phil deserved to win. I’ve had a fantastic Premier League season. Phil is a worthy champion.”
Taylor, who was crowned Premier League champion for the sixth time, hailed the performance of his opponent.
He said: “Simon came back at me. He’s a real fighter. I hit him has hard as I could but he kept coming back and hitting me harder. It was a very hard final to win.”
James Wade had earlier given ‘The Power’ an almighty scare, when he ran Taylor agonisingly close in the semi-final.
‘The Machine’ was undone by a brilliant 149 checkout from the world number one, when the pair where tied at 6-6, with Wade on throw in the race to eight.
Whitlock almost produced the exact same finish in the final, but just missed double 16 to take an 8-7 lead.
James Hubbard came away from London’s O2 a happy man, after beating Michael van Gerwen to be crowned PDC Unicorn World Youth Champion.
The 19-year-old produced an impressive performance to take the title and £10,000 prize money.
By Chris Murphy
See Simon Whitlock and James Wade in action in Grimsby on Friday 1st June / Weston-Super-Mare on Saturday 2nd June
JAMES HUBBARD 6 – 3 MICHAEL VAN GERWEN
James Hubbard showed maturity beyond his years to win the PDC Unicorn World Youth Championship, with a classy performance in the final against Michael van Gerwen at London’s O2.
Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC
The youngster, appearing on TV for just the second time, oozed quality in a match where both players played fantastic darts.
The match, which preceded the final of the McCoy’s Premier League, more than befitted the occasion and delighted the 10,000-strong crowd.
Hubbard showed no sign of nerves in the early exchanges, producing a stunning eleven dart leg to hold his throw.
Van Gerwen levelled up the maximum count in the second leg, but Hubbard doubled his lead by taking out 32, after a fabulous 171 setup.
The 19-year-old’s sharp shooting continued, as he took out 81 in two darts to extend his advantage to three nil.
‘Mighty Mike’ produced a clinical finish of his own, taking out 76 for a 14-dart leg, before Hubbard regained his three leg lead.
Van Gerwen took out 48 to hold his throw in the sixth leg, before grabbing his first break of throw, thanks to his second 180 and a brilliant 102 finish.
But Hubbard broke straight back, hitting double top to leave himself throwing for the match, and he hit the same double to become World Youth Champion.
By Chris Murphy
JAMES WADE 6 – 8 Phil Taylor
James Wade produced a fantastic performance, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Phil Taylor reaching the McCoy’s Premier League final.
Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC
Wade gave ‘The Power’ an almighty scare, pushing his opponent all the way, but a brilliant 149 checkout against the throw in the penultimate leg of the match was effectively the difference, in a high quality affair at London’s O2.
Wade settled in quickly, as he held his throw with a twelve-dart leg, but ‘The Power’ took out 112 to level up.
‘The Machine’ edged back in front by taking out 104 in ruthless fashion, before Taylor hit double eight to restore parity.
Wade hit his first 180 in the fifth leg and Taylor responded in kind. ‘The Machine’ then narrowly missed the bullseye for a 161 checkout, but tidied up the remaining 25 to restore his lead.
The world number three grabbed a potentially crucial break of throw before the break, hitting his second maximum in the process.
Taylor broke back immediately after the interval, before holding to tie the match at four legs each.
Wade missed double 18 by no more than the width of the wire, before the world number one hit double five to break.
With Taylor leading for the first time in the match, Wade piled on the pressure by hitting another maximum against the throw, but Taylor managed to hold after both players missed darts at their double.
‘The Machine’ hammered home his fourth 180 in leg eleven, before hitting double twelve to cut the deficit to a single leg.
Wade just missed the bull again, this time for a spectacular 164 checkout, but he hit trusty double ten to grab what looked like being a vital break of throw.
Taylor took out a brilliant 149 finish on Wade’s throw to leave himself throwing for the match, before hitting double top to progress to the final.
By Chris Murphy
