Author: chrism

SIMON WHITLOCK 8 – 6 Andy Hamilton

Simon Whitlock hit a sensational nine-dart finish in an 8-6 victory over Andy Hamilton, as ‘The Wizard’ booked his place in the McCoy’s Premier League final and moved a step closer to clinching his first PDC major title.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

‘The Wizard’ was one nil down when he produced a perfect leg, hitting two maximums before taking out 141 with treble 20, treble 15, double 18.

The Australian ace went on to defeat Hamilton, despite trailing his opponent 4-1 after his nine-darter.

“That was a fantastic match. Andy has had a fantastic year,” said Whitlock, who was beaten by ‘The Hammer’ in the semi-finals of the World Championship in January.

“I’m over the moon to win the match. I had to throw a nine-darter to beat him; he’s always brilliant against me.

“I’m delighted to be in the final of what has probably been the best Premier League ever.”

Having won the bull in the practice room, ‘The Wizard’ threw first, but he was broken by a neat 130 checkout from Hamilton.

‘The Hammer’ opened the next leg with the first 180 of the match, before Whitlock responded in amazing style, breaking back with his spectacular nine-darter.

Hamilton hit double 16 to edge back in front, before holding for the first time to double his lead.

The 2012 Ladbrokes World Championship finalist then made it four out of four on the doubles, as he moved three legs in front.

‘The Wizard’ slotted in his third 180 before hitting double top for a crucial break of throw, as both players went into the break with a one hundred percent record on doubles.

The Australian hit double ten to win the seventh leg, but Hamilton held his throw to go 5-3 ahead.

Whitlock punished Hamilton for missed doubles, when he hit double six to take a crucial leg, reducing the deficit to a solitary leg once again.

‘The Hammer’ restored a two-leg cushion, with another tidy finish, this time taking out 110 in three darts.

Whitlock responded by quickly closing the gap once more, hitting his fourth maximum, before finishing 84 in audacious style, going bull and double 17.

‘The Wizard’ then hit double top to grab a vital break of throw and tie the match at six legs a piece.

Hamilton had two darts to retake the lead before Whitlock stepped in to hit double nine, and take the lead for the first time in the match.

The 2010 semi-finalist ensured he would go at least one step further this time, as he took out 76 to book his place in the final.

By Chris Murphy

James Wade could be crowned as McCoy’s Premier League Champion for the second time, while Simon Whitlock is chasing his first PDC major title, when the competition’s Play-Offs take place at London’s O2 Arena on Thursday evening.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

The MODUS pair could meet in the final of the prestigious tournament, but will have to overcome two tough competitors in the semis first.

Wade takes on Phil Taylor in a repeat of the historic 2010 final, when two nine-darters from ‘The Power’ were the deciding factor in the match.

The last-four clash sees the PDC’s two most successful players go head to head, with Wade gunning for an eighth televised title on the night.

“I’ve got to win two games now but it’s not as simple as that because I’m playing Phil in the semis,” said Wade, the world number three. “Hopefully I’ll win the first one and then we’ll see what happens.

“I think it’s quite clear that Phil does something special against me and prepares perhaps even a little bit differently.

“If I can beat him in the semi-finals then hopefully I’ll have a good game in the final – but I’ve got to try and beat Phil first. I’m being positive about it and not frightened by playing him.”

Preceding that game is a familiar semi-final pairing, as Whitlock faces the player who denied him a second Ladbrokes World Championship final appearance in January, Andy Hamilton.

‘The Wizard’ reached the semi-finals of the Premier League two years ago, and wants to go even further this time, after qualifying for the Play-Offs in second place.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

He said: “I set myself goals and I’ve achieved the first one, but the job’s not done yet – I want to make the final and win it.

“I was a bit unlucky when I lost in the semis two years ago; James (Wade) pulled out one big finish which hurt me, and I still haven’t forgotten that. Hopefully I can make up for that now.”

Both semi-finals will be the best of 15 legs, with the triumphant players preparing for a best of 19 battle in the final.

Sandwiched in between is a best of eleven legs shoot-out between MODUS pair Michael van Gerwen and James Hubbard, who are competing for the title of PDC Unicorn World Youth Champion.

The match will be 23-year old van Gerwen’s swansong on the Youth Tour. He said:  “Last year I lost in the final and I was very disappointed. It’s my last chance to win this title and I want to take it with both hands.”

19-year-old Hubbard, who recently qualified in the top 32 for the UK Open, believes he has proved that he has what it takes to take to the title.

He said: “My run to the quarter-final in Birmingham has given me a massive confidence boost. I’m looking forward to playing Michael, knowing that I’ve beaten players of the same calibre.”

The evening will also see a special performance of the charity single ‘Got My Ticket For The Darts’, written by Chas Hodges and released this week to raise money for Haven House Children’s Hospice, priced at 99p and available from iTunes.

By Chris Murphy

Watch the video for the ‘Got My Ticket To The Darts’ charity single now at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFBSwgOQJ3c

See Simon Whitlock and James Wade in action in Grimsby on Friday 1st June / Weston-Super-Mare on Saturday 2nd June

Michael van Gerwen is determined to be crowned PDC Unicorn World Youth Champion when he takes on James Hubbard in the final on Thursday evening.

The Dutchman, who lost out to Arron Monk in the Under-21 final last year, believes his experience could hold the key to success.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

Van Gerwen and Hubbard are set to do battle in front of a PDC record crowd of over 10,000, when they meet at London’s O2 Arena before the final of the McCoy’s Premier League.

“I’ve been getting a lot of practice in to prepare for Thursday,” said van Gerwen, whose final appearance will be his last ever game on the youth tour.

“Last year I lost in the final and I was very disappointed. It’s my last chance to win this title and I want to take it with both hands.

“It will be very difficult to play in front of a massive crowd of over 10,000 people. That’s a new thing for me, but I like to play in front of big crowds so it is something I am very much looking forward to.”

‘Mighty Mike’ has already tasted major professional success. He became the youngest player to win a major tournament when he won the Winmau World Masters in 2006, aged just 17.

The Dutchman believes that he if can perform at his best, then he will triumph once again.

“James has less experience than me in big tournaments, so I think he is the underdog in the game but he knows that, and it could work to the advantage of either player,” said van Gerwen, who is now 23.

“I have to play my own game and not make the mistakes I did last year. If I do that, I am sure I will win, but I have to go out there and do it before I talk about it.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

“I’ve never played James before, but he is a very good player. He has done well in the last few tournaments so I know not to take him lightly, but for me it’s about playing good darts and not worrying about what he throws. I just need to win leg by leg.”

Van Gerwen has been in good form so far this year. He won a UK Open qualifier in Crawley and hit a nine-dart finish.

Fellow Dutchman Vincent van der Voort believes that his compatriot has what it takes to win on Thursday night and go on to claim bigger successes in the future.

He said: “I know he is determined to win and I think he will. I have never seen anybody with as much natural talent as Michael.

“He will be a top ten player soon. He has no fear and he is growing in confidence. You look at him and you don’t think of him as a youth player. He has been around for a few years now and that experience will definitely help him win.”

Despite his success on the professional tour, van Gerwen is focusing purely on winning his next match and being crowned as World Youth Champion.

He added: “I’m getting better step by step. It would mean a lot to me to win. Everyone knows how important I think this is. I want to win. It’s my last chance to do it and I want to make sure I do.”

By Chris Murphy

James Hubbard insists that he has nothing to fear ahead of the PDC Unicorn World Youth Championship Final on Thursday.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

The 19-year-old takes on Michael van Gerwen at London’s O2 in front of an expected record-breaking crowd of over 10,000, before the final of the McCoy’s Premier League.

The youngster has been enjoying some good form on the professional tour, and is confident that he can take that onto the big stage.

“I’ve proved recently that I can hold my own in professional events,” said Hubbard who reached his first professional quarter-final at the recent UK Open qualifier.

“My run to the quarter-final in Birmingham has given me a massive confidence boost. I’m looking forward to playing Michael, knowing that I’ve beaten players of the same calibre.

“I went to the Premier League in Newcastle last week to get a feel for the competition, and the crowd were amazing. There’s going to be at least twice as many people at the O2.

“Not every darts player gets the chance to play in front of that kind of crowd. I’m a lucky guy and hopefully I’ll be able to make the most of the opportunity I’ve got.”

Hubbard’s run in Birmingham helped him secure a place at his second major televised tournament next month, when he joins the UK Open in round three as one of the top 32 qualifiers.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

One stand-out game included a brilliant 157 checkout from Hubbard, in a deciding leg against Dennis Smith. The youngster believes that he may need to repeat this kind of sharp finishing under pressure to overcome a more experienced opponent in 23-year-old van Gerwen.

Hubbard said: “I won’t do anything out of the ordinary in preparation for the final. I’ll just stick to my usual practise routines.  My scoring has been brilliant for about a year now so I am focusing more on finishing.

“I think the pressure is more on Michael because he has more experience. He lost in the final last year as well so that could be playing on his mind.

“I have seen a lot more of him than he has of me, so I think I can use that to my advantage. I know I’ll get my chances, so I won’t panic if he puts a few really good legs in.”

Hubbard is being backed by former World Champion Mark Webster, who sponsors the 19-year-old.

“James can definitely win it and he can take a lot from what will be a fantastic experience,” said Webster, who took part in 2011 Premier League.

“He’s got the game to win. He just needs to relax and play his darts like he would anywhere else. Michael is probably the most experienced 23-year-old darts player there is but I think James will be fine.”

Hubbard, who made his TV debut at the 2011 Grand Slam of Darts, hopes to emulate the success of his friend Arron Monk, who beat van Gerwen to lift the Under-21 title last year.

He added: “Winning would mean everything to me. When you first pick up a dart you dream of being a World Champion.

“To be a World Champion at any level is a fantastic achievement and it really would be a dream come true for me.”

By Chris Murphy

MODUS are delighted to welcome an exciting new sponsorship deal with Burghley Sports, for emerging youth talents Arron Monk, James Hubbard, Chris Aubrey and Adam Smith-Neale.

Burghley Sports have an excellent reputation for producing quality and innovative promotional material, merchandise and clothing for a range of clients, including the PDC.

Current Under-21 World Champion Monk and Hubbard, who is competing in the World Youth Final on Thursday, will benefit from the support of Burghley Sports, along with the promising pair of Aubrey and Smith-Neale.

All of the players are delighted with the faith that is been put in them by such an established and highly regarded company.

Burghley Sports owner Dee Smith is equally pleased with the partnership, after choosing the four potential stars for her company’s first ever sponsorship deal.

She said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring four young and exciting darts players, who present a positive image, which we are proud to be associated with.

“We specialise in helping brands get noticed with logos and merchandise so this is a nice way for us to get our brand out there.

“This is an investment for the future. We have chosen these particular players because of we believe they will have a good future in the game and will benefit from the sponsorship.

“I have been involved in producing a variety of merchandise for the last fourteen years, up and down the country. This includes everything from personalised items for stag and hen dos to professional uniforms for major companies, as well as a wide range of merchandise for the PDC.

“We also design products, so we will design unique shirts for each of the players, which we will work closely with the players on regarding fabric, logo’s and identity. We hope this is the first step to a long and successful partnership with some of the brightest young talents in professional darts.”

To find out more about Burghley Sports, please visit their website www.burghleysports.com

By Chris Murphy

Summer is heating up at Rileys Darts Zones across the country with a host of darts events to get you hot under the collar.

Kicking off this month, Rileys Sports Bar is bringing darts to the people in style, with the help of some of the finest legends in darts.

Committed to propelling darts to new heights in the UK, big names such as Paul Nicholson, Mark Webster, Tony O’Shea, Robert Thornton and John Henderson will make up a list of not-to-be-missed events throughout the Summer, where lucky competition winners will get the opportunity to go up against these legends.  They will also take the time to answer questions from the crowd, as well as signing autographs.

Maurice Kelly, Chief Executive of Rileys Sports Bars, said: “We are delighted to have so many big names visit our clubs this summer, proving that we have always been serious about our darts.  Darts is a great social sport that gets everyone involved but it has been difficult for people to find high quality facilities to play, as pubs across the country are closing daily.”

Rileys will also be hosting Phil Taylor as the Rileys UK Roadshow hits the Darts Zones this month.  The Roadshow will be touching down at Darts Zones in Wolverhampton, Solihull, Burton and to launch the new Darts Zone in Nottingham.

Following the success of existing Darts Zones clubs, former professional player Wayne ‘Hawaii 501’ will also be heading up several of the launch events for new Darts Zones across the country.
Events will be taking place at the following clubs:

• Wolverhampton (01942 233 248) – Phil Taylor – 7^th May
• South Benfleet (01268 792 233) – Mark Webster – 14^th May
• Notthingham (0115 947 0620) – Phil Taylor – 14^th May
• Colchester (01206 368 026) – Mark Webster – 15^th May
• Taunton (01823 254 627) – Mark Webster – 16^th May
• Chesterfield (01246 207 211) – Paul Nicholson – 21^st May
• Solihull (0121 742 6068) – Phil Taylor – 21^st May
• Lincoln, Silver St (01522 546 883) – Paul Nicholson – 22^nd May
• Burton-On-Trent (01283 569 518) – Phil Taylor – 22^nd May
• Leicester Rileys (0116 254 9944) – Paul Nicholson – 23^rd May
• Plymouth (01752 222 836) – Tony O’Shea – 27^th May
• Torquay (01803 295 529) – Tony O’Shea – 28^th May
• Aberdeen (01224 591 542) – Thorton & Henderson – 28^th May
• Stirling (01786 446 363) – Thornton & Henderson – 29^th May
• Northampton (01604 662 766) – Wayne Mardle – 30^th May
• Scunthorpe (01724 852 593) – Mark Webster – 31^st May
• Moseley (0121 449 9388) – Wayne Mardle – 6^th June
• Hastings (01424 421 607) – Wayne Mardle – 13^th June
• Lincoln, Crofton Rd (01522 548 635) – Wayne Mardle – 28^th June
• Cannock (01543 504 220) – Wayne Mardle – 5^th July
• Crewe (01270 213 253) – Wayne Mardle – 11^th July
• Erdington (0121 730 302) – Wayne Mardle – 13^th July
• Harlow (01279 430 302) – Wayne Mardle – 8^th August
• Altrincham (0161 928 7053) – Wayne Mardle – 18^th August
• Derby, Babington Lane (01332 347 307) – Wayne Mardle – 19^th August
• Leicester Q Bar (0116 253 9624) – Wayne Mardle – 20^th August

For more information on all events, visit www.rileys.co.uk

James Wade sealed a semi-final spot on a dramatic night of McCoy’s Premier League Darts in Newcastle, while Simon Whitlock clinched second place with a win on the final night of the league stage.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

Wade grabbed the last available Play-Off place after winning a crucial last leg against Raymond van Barneveld.

‘The Machine’ needed a draw to book his place at London’s O2 next Thursday, but trailed the Dutchman 7-6, meaning the winner of the final leg would qualify.

Wade held his nerve under pressure to get the draw he required from a tense but terrific tie, in which ‘Barney’ produced a fabulous 161 finish.

“It was a hard game and Raymond played well, so there’s a massive sense of satisfaction to be in the Play-Offs again,” said Wade.

“I know what I’ve got to do next week in the Play-Offs; to win two games. I’ve done it before and I’m just glad to be there, because a couple of weeks ago it was looking bad for me and seven weeks ago it was looking even worse.”

Wade will take on Phil Taylor in the semi-final, while Whitlock’s victory over Adrian Lewis set up a last four clash against Andy Hamilton, who qualified in third place after beating Kevin Painter.

‘The Wizard’ produced a brilliant fight back from 5-2 down to beat the World Champion 8-6, hitting five 180’s and two ton-plus finishes in the process.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

“I was already in the semi-finals but I wanted to win tonight to make sure that I avoided Phil Taylor in the semi-finals, so I’m over the moon to have done that,” said Whitlock.

“Adrian was fantastic early on but I hung in there and when I was 5-2 down it took a lot of bottle to come back from there. I dug deep and the darts went in for me.

“The McCoy’s Premier League this year has been the hardest ever, so I’m delighted to have finished second but I’ve got two steps left now; to reach the final and then go on and win it.”

Last year’s champion Gary Anderson ended his season by claiming a draw against table-topping Taylor.

By Chris Murphy

Final League Table

See Simon Whitlock, James Wade and Raymond van Barneveld in action in Grimsby on Friday 1st June / Weston-Super-Mare on Saturday 2nd June

The draw for the first two rounds of the Speedy Services UK Open on was made on Thursday, with reigning champion James Wade facing one of four qualifiers as he begins the defence of his title on the evening of Thursday 7^th June.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

Wade, who won the UK Open for a second time last year, enters in the second round and will play Mark Lawrence, Jamie Robinson, Glen Durrant or the Rileys Bolton Qualifier.

Also entering in round two is last year’s semi-finalist, Mark Webster, he takes on Johnny Haines, while Co Stompe faces Alan Tabern and Antonio Alcinas plays Jim Walker.

Paul Nicholson, who knocked both Phil Taylor and Gary Anderson out of last year’s tournament, will play the Rileys Basildon Qualifier or Andy Melling in round one.

The £250,000 tournament, nicknamed ‘The FA Cup of Darts’ due to the open draw format which can see leading players drawn together at any stage, will feature a mixture of the top professionals alongside 64 amateur qualifiers from June 7-10 in Bolton.

SPEEDY SERVICES UK OPEN DRAW

(Matches involving MODUS players)

Preliminary Round
Arron Monk v Paul Boulton
Adam Smith-Neale v Rob Hawker
Gus Santana v Andy Jenkins
Rileys Taunton Qualifier v John Henderson
First Round
Johnson/Daniels v Smith-Neale/Hawker
Hankey/Dutson v Santana/A Jenkins
Rileys Taunton Qualifier/Henderson v Palfreyman/Gregory
Monk/Boulton v Pallett/Hendriks
Paul Nicholson v Rileys Basildon Qualifier/Melling

Second Round
Rileys Taunton Qualifier/Henderson/Palfreyman/Gregory v Colin Osborne
Parsons/Stewart/Scott/Woods v Johnson/Daniels/Smith-Neale/Hawker
Monk/Boulton/Pallett/Hendriks v Maish/Solly/Hunt
Mark Hylton v Antonio Alcinas
Nicholson/Rileys Basildon Qualifier/Melling v Miller/Frost/Rileys Brighton Qualifier/Cooper
Mark Webster v Johnny Haines
Co Stompe v Alan Tabern
Mervyn King v Hankey/Dutson/Santana/A Jenkins
James Wade v Lawrence/Robinson/Durrant/Rileys Bolton Qualifier

Raymond van Barneveld, Simon Whitlock, Michael van Gerwen, Vincent van der Voort, James Hubbard and Robert Thornton will all enter the tournament in Round Three.

By Chris Murphy

JAMES WADE 7 – 7 RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD

James Wade booked his place in the semi-finals of the McCoy’s Premier League, after a dramatic last leg shoot-out with Raymond van Barneveld in Newcastle.

‘Barney’, who needed to win to take the final Play-Off spot, led 7-6 against ‘The Machine’, who was in need of a draw to qualify.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

Wade produced a great leg under pressure to ensure it would be him who made it through, hitting 60, 180, 140 and 81, before hitting double top to set up a semi-final clash with Phil Taylor at London’s O2 next Thursday.

“It was such a hard game, with the crowd against me,” said Wade, who won the tournament in 2009.

“The eight players this year have been brilliant. I have been lucky at times over the last 14 weeks, but you have to be. I’m delighted to be in the semi-finals.”

Barney hit his first 180 in the opening leg, which he won on double 16. ‘The Machine’ responded with a clinical 95 checkout, before van Barneveld hit double ten to go back in front.

The Dutchman applied the pressure with his second 180, before grabbing a break of throw in a tense fourth leg, in which both players missed doubles.

Wade broke back immediately to reduce the deficit but van Barneveld did the same, to take a 4-2 lead into the break.

‘The Machine’ grabbed the fourth consecutive leg against the throw, hitting his first maximum in the process.

The world number three then hit double eight to hold his throw and level the match at four legs apiece.

Wade took the lead for the first time, hitting double twelve for another break of throw, before taking out 80 to go 6-4 ahead and in need of one more leg for a Play-Off place.

‘Barney’ produced a sensational 161 checkout to keep the match alive, and he finished on the bull again to restore parity.

Both players missed shots at the bull in the 13^th leg, before van Barneveld hit double sixteen, but Wade held his nerve and his throw in the final leg, to book his place in the semi-finals.

By Chris Murphy

SIMON WHITLOCK 8 – 6 Adrian Lewis

Simon Whitlock clinched second place in the McCoy’s Premier League after a brilliant fight back in Newcastle, which eliminated World Champion Adrian Lewis, ahead of next week’s Play-Offs.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

‘The Wizard’, who trailed 5-2 at one point, produced some brilliant darts, including five 180’s and two ton-plus finishes, on his way to an 8-6 triumph at the Metro Radio Arena.

“When I was 5-2 down it took a lot of bottle to come back,” said Whitlock.  “It’s very important to finish second because nobody really wants to play Phil Taylor in the semi-final.

“The McCoy’s Premier League this year has been the hardest ever so I am delighted to be part of, and very proud to be in the semi-finals. The next step is to win it.”

Lewis held his throw in the opening leg and ‘The Wizard’ responded in style, hitting his first 180 before taking out 92.

Whitlock missed double 16 for a 112 checkout in attempt to break the throw, allowing ‘Jackpot’ to regain the lead.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

The Australian ace slotted in his second maximum in leg four, but Lewis hit the bullseye to double his advantage.

Lewis held his throw again to go 4-1 up, before ‘The Wizard’ took out a brilliant 130 finish on the bull to pull a leg back before break.

Lewis restored his three leg lead with an 81 checkout in the seventh leg, and looked set to win the eighth before Whitlock rescued it by hitting his third 180, followed by a two dart 77 checkout.

That proved to be a real turning point in the match, as the world number six grabbed a crucial break back to reduce Lewis’ lead to 5-4.

‘The Wizard’ then restored parity, hitting his fourth maximum in the process, before ‘Jackpot’ hit double top to edge back in front.

Whitlock’s fifth maximum helped him on his way to clinching the twelfth leg, before grabbing a break of throw with a magnificent 140 checkout.

That stunning finish meant Whitlock would take at least a point off the World Champion, confirming a second place finish in the league, but ‘The Wizard’ wasn’t finished there and claimed the victory on double 16.

By Chris Murphy