Author: chrism

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

James Wade and Raymond van Barneveld are gearing up for a shoot-out in the race for the McCoy’s Premier League semi-finals, as the league stage of the tournament concludes in Newcastle on Thursday Night.

The pair clash in an all-MODUS affair at the Metro Radio Arena, with a place in next week’s Play-Offs at stake.

Wade currently occupies the final Play-Off place but is tied on points with ‘Barney’.

Third placed Adrian Lewis also has twelve points, while Kevin Painter and Andy Hamilton, who also meet in Newcastle, are just a point behind, meaning five players are competing for two available places.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

A win for either ‘The Machine’ or van Barneveld would seal qualification, but a draw would leave their fates in the hands of other results.

“I don’t want to be relying on anybody else, and my aim is to beat Raymond to make sure I’m in the top four,” said 2009 champion Wade.

“It’s exciting that everything we’ve played for in the last three months is coming down to the final league game, and I’m looking forward to playing Raymond.”

Van Barneveld said: “It is exciting and I’ll be giving it my very best. I’m still in the competition but the leg difference could be important and I’m on -11, compared to -6 for James. It’s not always easy to play James. He’s always good against me and I’ve got my hands full.”

Simon Whitlock has already booked his semi-final place at London’s 02 next Thursday. ‘The Wizard’ wants to make sure he stays in second place with a win against Lewis.

He said: “I want to finish has high in the table as possible. It doesn’t really matter whether it’s second or third in terms of the Play-Offs, but I want to finish second and I’ll be going out to win.”

The other match of the night sees top meet bottom as Phil Taylor, who has already qualified, takes on last year’s winner Gary Anderson, who cannot reach the Play-Offs.

By Chris Murphy

League Table

Permutations for MODUS players

Simon Whitlock – Qualified, and needs a point in Newcastle to secure second place.

James Wade – Must win to be sure of Play-Off place, but would still qualify with a draw if Lewis is beaten OR if Hamilton v Painter is a draw.

Raymond van Barneveld – Must win to be sure of Play-Off place, but would still qualify with a draw if Lewis is beaten AND Hamilton v Painter is a draw.

See Simon Whitlock, James Wade and Raymond van Barneveld in action in Weston-Super-Mare on Saturday 2nd June. 

Simon Whitlock is delighted to be heading into the final night of the McCoy’s Premier League Darts league stage under no pressure, but insists he will still be vying for victory in Newcastle on Thursday.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

‘The Wizard’, along with Phil Taylor, has already qualified for the semi-finals at London’s O2 next week, leaving five players to battle it out for the two remaining spots.

But Whitlock, who faces Play-Off chasing Adrian Lewis, says that he is out for another two points to cement a second place finish.

He said: “The pressure is off for me on Thursday. It’s all on the other guys now but I would like to finish off with a win.

“I want to finish has high in the table as possible. It doesn’t really matter whether it’s second or third in terms of the Play-Offs, but I want to finish second and I’ll be going out to win.”

A win for ‘The Wizard’ in Newcastle would set up some semi-final confidence ahead of next week, when the world number five is aiming to clinch his first major title.

“Right from the beginning I was looking to make the semis,” said Whitlock. “I’ve done that now so the next job is to make the final and then win.

“The 8-0 defeat to James Wade was probably a big turning point for me because I bounced back from that and won three games in a row.

“I’ve changed something on my darts again; just the shafts and I feel really confident with them. They are landing at the right angles now.

“I feel like I can win it. I think I am playing well enough at the moment and I’m feeling really good within myself.”

By Chris Murphy

See Simon ‘The Wizard’ Whitlock in action in Grimsby on Friday 1st June / Weston-Super-Mare on Saturday 2nd June

Four of MODUS’ star players have hailed the role of sponsors The Money Shop, after a successful start to 2012.

James Wade, Simon Whitlock, Raymond van Barneveld and Paul Nicholson are all enjoying the support of UK’s number one instant cash provider, and have all spoken of their gratitude and pride in sporting the company’s logo.

The players have been repaying their sponsor for putting faith in them by proudly showing off the logo, as well as making personal appearances at various branches around the country.

Whitlock has enjoyed a particularly strong few months, having already qualified for the semi-finals of the McCoy’s Premier League. ‘The Wizard’ highlighted the importance of the partnership.

He said: “Sponsorship is such a massive thing for darts players. When I hit the top a couple of years ago, I was struggling for sponsorship, so to have such a well known brand like The Money Shop onside is absolutely fantastic.

“I hope my performances are repaying their support and I am pleased that I will be showing them off on my shirt in the Premier League semi-finals.”

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

Wade and van Barneveld are both still in strong contention to reach the Premier League Play-offs and the pair both paid tribute to their sponsors, ahead of their crucial showdown on Thursday.

“The Money Shop has been brilliant,” said van Barneveld, who appeared at the Birmingham Store last week. “I am pleased to give something back when I visit them and meet their staff and also with my performances on TV.”

Wade added: “It will be a tough match next Thursday. Both Raymond and I are desperate for a place in the semis, not just for ourselves but everyone who supports us. Our sponsors put a huge amount of faith in us, and we want to do well for them too.”

Nicholson reached the final of the World Cup of Darts, when he and Whitlock represented Australia earlier this year. ‘The Asset’ is hoping that was just the start of a good year ahead in major tournaments.

“I really want to win a TV tournament this year,” said Nicholson, who is appearing at the Metrocentre store, Gateshead on Wednesday.

“Simon and I were so close in the World Cup but it wasn’t to be. But I’m getting closer and the brilliant backing from The Money Shop can only help me move forward. They believe in me as much as I believe in myself and I can’t thank them enough.”

By Chris Murphy

Andy Jenkins qualified for the Speedy Services UK Open Finals, despite not competing on the professional circuit for four months through injury.

Jenkins accumulated enough ranking prize-money to seal a spot at next month’s tournament in Bolton, by picking up some crucial victories in the only two events he was able to enter.

‘Rocky,’ who reached the semi-finals in 2004, made the second round of qualifier seven in Birmingham on Saturday, before a run to the fourth round at the NIA community hall in Sunday’s qualifier eight was enough to clinch his place.

“I’m delighted to be playing in the UK Open,” said Jenkins, who claimed impressive wins over ex-Premier League players Jelle Klassen and Mark Dudbridge en route to booking his place in the finals.

“It seemed a long way away when I was injured and not playing. So to come in on the final weekend of qualifying is a very good achievement for me. I am looking forward to playing on the big stage again. It’s where we all want to be.”

James Hubbard

James Hubbard also impressed at the weekend. The youngster prepared for his World Youth Final match against Michael van Gerwen next week with a brilliant run to his first professional quarter-final on Sunday.

He said: “Sunday helped me a lot. I played a lot of good darts and took out some good finishes under pressure.

“I am improving every week with these runs, and by playing on the youth tour. I am getting valuable experience for the final at 02.”

Hubbard sealed his last eight place in style, hitting a fabulous 157 checkout in the deciding leg of his game against Dennis Smith.

His success in Birmingham elevated the 19 year-old into the top 32 of the UK Open Order of Merit, meaning he bypasses the first two rounds in Bolton.

He added: “It means a lot. Not only to qualify, but to qualify as a seed and be through to the Friday is fantastic.

“My goal at the start of the year was to qualify for the UK Open, but to do it the way I did, by reaching a quarter-final on Sunday made it even better. I’m looking forward to the finals now.”

Hubbard will be joined in round three by van Gerwen, who won one of the qualifying events, and Raymond van Barneveld, who won two of the four that he entered.

Simon Whitlock, Vincent van der Voort and Robert Thornton will also enter the tournament on the second day of action.

Sixteen MODUS players have qualified for the televised event in total, including James Wade, Mark Webster and Paul Nicholson.

By Chris Murphy

MODUS Qualifiers

Raymond VAN BARNEVELD

Michael VAN GERWEN

Simon WHITLOCK

Vincent VAN DER VOORT

Robert THORNTON

James HUBBARD

James WADE

Mark WEBSTER

Mervyn KING

Co STOMPE

Arron MONK

Paul NICHOLSON

John HENDERSON

Adam SMITH-NEALE

Andy JENKINS

Antonio ALCINAS

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

Simon Whitlock qualified for the McCoy’s Premier League Play-Offs despite losing to Andy Hamilton at Birmingham’s NIA on Thursday, while James Wade and Raymond van Barneveld face a shoot-out next week for a place in the semi-finals.

Van Barneveld’s draw with Gary Anderson on the penultimate league night put the Dutchman on twelve points, level with Wade, who was beaten by Phil Taylor.

‘Barney’ hit a sensational 170 checkout as well as a 120 finish, but a resurgent Anderson made sure that the points were shared.

“I had a few great finishes tonight and I can’t complain about that, but I wasn’t great on his throw,” said van Barneveld. “The 170 was great but it was only one leg, and now the players don’t care and they hit you back.

“Gary is the holder and even though he’s in eighth I knew he would play well, and he did that tonight. I’ll go and prepare myself now for next week in Newcastle because James is a quality player and I know what I’ve got to do against him.

“He always plays well against me and I know I’ll have my hands full, but I’ll get my chances and I must take them next week.”

Wade can seal qualification for finals night with a win against van Barneveld at the Metro Radio Arena next Thursday.

A win for ‘The Machine’ would eliminate ‘Barney’ from the competition however.

Whitlock plays third-placed Adrian Lewis, who is in need of a result to book his place in the Play-Offs.

‘The Wizard’ was beaten by Hamilton in Birmingham but other results meant that his semi-final spot was confirmed.

Kevin Painter kept his Play-Off hopes alive with an 8-3 victory over Lewis in the other match of a dramatic evening.

By Chris Murphy
Latest League Table

Simon Whitlock qualified for the McCoy’s Premier League Playoffs with fourteen points, despite suffering defeat at the hands of Andy Hamilton at Birmingham’s NIA.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

‘The Wizard’ was rewarded for a good season when other results meant he officially qualified with a week to spare.

Whitlock had picked up six victories and two draws before Thursday’s setback against ‘The Hammer’, and fourteen points proved to be enough to seal a semi-final spot.

The Australian ace drew his first match against Raymond van Barneveld in Manchester, before an 8-4 triumph over James Wade in Aberdeen put him top of the table.

Back to back defeats against Kevin Painter and Phil Taylor knocked him off the league’s summit, but the ‘Beard to be feared’ bounced back by beating World Champion Adrian Lewis 8-4 in Brighton on night five.

‘The Wizard’ followed that win up with another success when he beat reigning Premier League champion Gary Anderson 8-6 in Glasgow.

He picked up another point when he drew with Hamilton in Dublin, and then put defeat against Wade in Cardiff behind him by claiming three consecutive victories.

Whitlock saw off Anderson, Painter and van Barneveld to reach the magic fourteen point mark, meaning defeats against Taylor and Hamilton had no bearing on him reaching the last four.

‘The Wizard’ faces Lewis on the final night of the league stage in Newcastle next Thursday, before joining Taylor and two others on finals night at London’s O2 Arena on May 17^th.

By Chris Murphy

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 7 – 7 Gary Anderson

Raymond van Barneveld took the race for the Play-Offs into the final week, after he earned a draw against reigning McCoy’s Premier League champion Gary Anderson in Birmingham.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

Van Barneveld hit a stunning maximum checkout of 170 in a high quality encounter against the world number three, as he grabbed a share of the spoils at the NIA.

“Big finishes are great but at the end of the day they are only in one leg,” said van Barneveld, who also took out 120 in the match.

“I had a couple of them but I didn’t play well enough on Gary’s throw. Next week I will give my very best.

“People at the beginning of the Premier League thought I was finished but I feel I have proved them wrong whatever happens.”

‘Barney’ started in style, producing a brilliant 138 checkout against the throw to win the first leg.  He just missed the bull for a sensational 161 finish in leg two, allowing Anderson to level up on double top.

‘The Flying Scotsman’ held his throw to edge in front, before breaking despite van Barneveld hitting his first 180.

The Dutchman’s second maximum came in the fifth leg, as he broke back and reduced the deficit to one leg.

‘Barney’ squared up the match before the break, throwing five perfect darts at treble twenty before hitting double 14 to win leg six.

Van Barneveld grabbed a crucial break of throw in the seventh leg, before increasing his lead to 5-3 with a roof-raising 170 checkout.

Anderson took out 60 and 70 in the next two legs to restore parity, before a neat 64 checkout gave the Scotsman a 6-5 lead.

‘Barney’ hit a brilliant 120 finish to level up before Anderson held his throw to deny The Dutchman a victory.

The five-time World Champion secured a draw though, taking out 60 to keep his Play-Off hopes alive.

By Chris Murphy

Witness this historic moment when Terry ‘the bull’ Jenkins shaves his moustache for the first time in 33 years on 25^th May 2012 @ The Untouchables Charity event in aid of Bradbury Enhanced Care Unit.

Please feel free to donate to this very worthwhile cause and to see Terry clean shaven…………….. What will he look like? !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please donate at www.justgiving.com/teams/terry-thebull-jenkins

Remember to tick the GIFT AID box.

Click to enlarge

Many thanks to you all for your kind support.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

Simon Whitlock is on the verge of sealing a McCoy’s Premier League Play-Off place, while James Wade and Raymond van Barneveld remain in strong contention for a top four finish when the tournament reaches Birmingham’s NIA on Thursday.

Whitlock, who is in second place, has 14 points so far and needs just one more against Andy Hamilton to secure a semi-final spot. ‘The Wizard’ could still be guaranteed a place even if he suffers defeat, but the Australian ace is out to ensure that it doesn’t come to that.

He said: “14 points might be enough in the end but I don’t want to find out. I’ve got two more games left and I want to be getting another two points at the least. I’ve put myself in great position to reach the Play-Offs. Now I need to make sure I finish the job.”

Wade, who won the tournament in 2009, sits behind Whitlock in third place, with twelve points to his name. ‘The Machine’ faces runaway leader Phil Taylor, who has already qualified for finals night, on the penultimate week of the league stage.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

“I’ve had good results against Phil in the Premier League before and I’m looking forward to playing him on Thursday,” said Wade, who reached the final of the weekend’s Austrian Open in Wiener Neustadt.

“I’m feeling good and I’m fairly happy with my form. I’ve won one and drawn two of my last three games and maybe if I’d turned those draws into wins I’d be safe now, but I’ll give it my best on Thursday.”

Van Barneveld is up against reigning champion Gary Anderson, as the Dutchman bids to take the Play-Off race down to the final week with a positive result against ‘The Flying Scotsman’.

Kevin Painter takes on Adrian Lewis in the other match of the evening.

By Chris Murphy

Latest League Table

MODUS Player permutations

SIMON WHITLOCK – Qualifies for Play-Offs with a draw or win. Can still secure his place in Play-Offs if he loses, if either Wade or van Barneveld also suffer defeat.

JAMES WADE – Can qualify for Play-Offs if he wins and van Barneveld loses. If he draws, he would need at least a draw against van Barneveld on final week. If he is beaten, he would need to avoid defeat against van Barneveld in Newcastle.

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD – Needs to avoid defeat as he would be eliminated if both Wade and Lewis win. A draw or victory for ‘Barney’ means he would take the Play-Off race to the final week.

The PDC’s inaugural European Tour event provided many highlights for some of MODUS’ top stars, including James Wade’s run to the final and a Simon Whitlock nine-darter in the Austrian Darts Open.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

Wade was denied victory by Justin Pipe at the Arena Nova in Wiener Neustadt, as ‘The Machine’ lost out in a high-quality final on Sunday evening, despite posting an impressive average of 105.56

Wade, who had seen off Kim Huybrechts on Sunday afternoon, also beat Wes Newton and Dave Chisnall before eventually succumbing to Pipe in the final, in which ‘The Machine’ hit a ten-darter.

The world number three takes home £7500 in prize money as runner up, along with a confidence boosting run ahead of his McCoy’s Premier League showdown with Phil Taylor on Thursday.

Raymond van Barneveld also enjoyed a good run in Austria. The Dutchman reached the semi-finals, where he produced a sensational 170 checkout, only to be denied by Pipe.

‘Barney’ had beaten Welsh pair Mark Webster and Richie Burnett on his way to the last four. His attention also turns to Birmingham, where he faces Gary Anderson in the Premier League on Thursday.

Simon Whitlock provided one of the best moments of the weekend when he produced a perfect nine-dart leg in his last 32 defeat to Joe Cullen. ‘The Wizard’ goes into his Premier League match at the NIA, needing just a point against Andy Hamilton to secure a semi-final spot.

Michael van Gerwen posted  two ton-plus averages before being edged out by a single leg in the last 16, while Webster grabbed two wins, including a 6-0 whitewash in round two, before being stopped by ‘Barney’.

Credit must also go to young Arron Monk for running van Barneveld close in their first round match. The 2011 PDC under-21 World Champion was narrowly beaten 6-4 by the Dutch darting legend.

By Chris Murphy