SIMON WHITLOCK 8 –2 Gary Anderson

Simon Whitlock moved to second in the McCoy’s Premier League table with a convincing victory over Gary Anderson in Nottingham.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

‘The Wizard’ averaged over 100 as he completed a double over the reigning champion at the Capital FM Arena, to banish the demons of the whitewash he suffered in Cardiff.

“It was very important to bounce back after last week,” said Whitlock, who now has ten points. “I showed a lot of character and I’m happy with how I played.

“I felt really comfortable with my darts tonight as I was using new flights, which hadn’t arrived last week, and when I feel comfortable, I’m always confident of winning.

“You have to throw hundred averages these days; if you don’t you can end up in trouble. It’s going to be a really close finish but I’m in a good position now and I’ll be delighted if I finish in the top four.”

Whitlock hit double 16 to win the opening leg before Anderson levelled up with a 143 checkout. ‘The Wizard’ took out 65 to restore his lead, which he doubled straight after by grabbing the first break of the match.

The Australian opened up a three leg lead when he hit double four to win leg five, hitting his first 180 along the way. He hit his second maximum with his first three darts of the next leg, which he won against the throw taking a 5-1 lead into the break.

‘The Wizard’ made it 6-1 when he neatly took out 64 to hold, before Anderson pulled a leg back. Whitlock hit his third 180 with his first three darts of the ninth leg, which he won in style with a ten-darter.

The world number five opened with three perfect darts once again, before finishing the job with a tidy 74 checkout.

Whitlock faces Kevin Painter in Sheffield next Thursday.

By Chris Murphy

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 8 – 6 Kevin Painter

Raymond van Barneveld produced his highest ever televised average to see off a late fight-back from Kevin Painter, as he clinched victory at Nottingham’s Capital FM Arena.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

The popular Dutchman averaged over 112 and hit an incredible 15 140’s in the triumph, which puts him on ten points after nine weeks of action.

“I played well, but I was still made to work for the win,” said van Barneveld, who faces Phil Taylor next week. “I had to hit that double ten at the end. That was more important than the average. The average is nice but was just a bonus.

“Everyone has a chance to qualify for the playoffs. It’s the closest Premier League we’ve ever had but I want to make sure that I’m one of the other three players that make it, along with Phil.”

‘Barney’ got the upper hand immediately, hitting double eight to take the first leg against the throw before doubling his advantage with a neat 84 checkout. Painter pulled a leg back before the Dutchman took out 81 in clinical fashion, to hold his throw and go 3-1 ahead.

Painter hit back again by winning the fifth leg, but van Barneveld responded with his first 180 before hitting double eighteen, as he headed into the break with a two leg lead.

The five-time world champion picked up where he left off after the interval, opening leg seven with his second maximum before taking out 100 in two darts to break his opponent’s throw.

Painter began to ask questions of ‘Barney’, breaking the throw for the first time to reduce the deficit to 5-3. Van Barneveld had the perfect reply though. He threw six perfect darts at treble twenty and broke straight back.

Van Barneveld just missed the double for a 149 checkout in the ninth leg, but won it nevertheless, tidying up double eight at the first attempt.

Painter kept the match alive by winning the next two legs despite ‘Barney’ upping his maximum count to five.  ‘The Artist’ then took out 120 to move within a leg of clinching a draw but van Barneveld crushed his opponents hopes, hitting double ten to wrap up the victory and take his points tally into double figures.

By Chris Murphy

James Wade, Simon Whitlock and Raymond van Barneveld head to Nottingham for night nine of the McCoy’s Premier League on Thursday, with the intention of winning their respective matches and keeping themselves planted firmly in the play-off places.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

Wade has turned his form around dramatically in recent weeks to move to second in the table. ‘The Machine’ is hoping to complete a Premier League double over Adrian Lewis at the Capital FM Arena.

“Adrian is a world class player and I’m looking forward to it,” said the 2009 champion. “He’s very flamboyant and very interesting to watch and it’s good for the sport that we’re chasing each other.

“He’s a world class player who’s won two World Championship titles. I’m chasing him on that front and I respect him for that.”

Whitlock is hoping to bounce back from the whitewash he suffered at the hands of Wade last week, when he takes on reigning champion Gary Anderson.

“It was horrible,” said ‘The Wizard’. “Nothing went right for me and I don’t ever want that to happen to me again. I’ve been practising hard and I want to put it right when I play Gary.”

Whitlock and Wade are both tied on eight points, as is van Barneveld, who is up against Kevin Painter.

It’s a battle of the Stokies in the nights other match, as runaway league leader Phil Taylor faces 2012 World Championship finalist Andy Hamilton.

By Chris Murphy

League Table

Four Nations Masters

Wade – van Barneveld – Webster – Whitlock

Sunday 2nd June 2012

Doors open 6pm – Main Event 7:45pm
 

The Winter Gardens

Royal Parade

Weston-Super-Mare

BS23 1AJ

Normal Tickets £30 + £2 booking fee
VIP Tickets £60 + £2 booking fee

VIP Includes:
Player meet ‘n’ greet and VIP Table Seating

Click HERE to book tickets

Amateur darts players from Brighton and Dartford are being urged to throw themselves a sporting chance of a lifetime, by attempting to qualify for the Speedy Services UK Open – with the help of a hugely popular world champion.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

The first two qualifiers for the Speedy Services UK Open – “the FA Cup of darts” – will feature 2008 world champion, Mark Webster, who is the official ambassador of Speedy’s qualifying events.

Players hoping to realise a lifelong dream and play on one of the world’s most famous oches can now take their first steps by clicking on http://sports.speedyservices.com and registering for the qualifying events, taking place in Brighton and Dartford on Wednesday and Thursday.

The first two of six Speedy qualifiers will take place at the Speedy Services Depot on Newtown Road, Hove on Wednesday April 4 and the Questor Industrial Estate in Buttely Avenue, Dartford, on Thursday April 5, with the first arrows being thrown at 12pm prompt.

Once registered, players will be able to rub shoulders with Mark who will be offering coaching tips, before embarking on the 15 dart challenge with the highest 8 scores then playing a game of 501.

Speedy, the UK’s leading provider of equipment and support services to construction, manufacturing, industrial, rail and related industries, enjoyed a highly successful sponsorship of last year’s UK Open in Bolton.

Budding throwers will be given 15 darts at the board, with the highest four scores overall at each event winning a place at the Speedy ServicesUK Open at the Reebok Stadium in June.

Speedy’s group marketing director Steve McIntyre said: “Existing Speedy customers are encouraged to enter along with dart enthusiasts who are also interested in finding out more about Speedy’s product and service offering.

“No other sporting event can offer an incentive like this, where fans can actually qualify to play their heroes, in front of millions of TV viewers across the world.

“With all this in mind, we couldn’t be more excited about our sponsorship and hope as many people will attend the events as possible.”

For more information about Speedy and its six qualifying events, visit http://sports.speedyservices.com

MODUS’ star players are making their mark with the POSCA pens they use to sign photographs and merchandise.

The unique POSCA water-based paint marker, supplied by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., is ideal for the world’s top darts professionals to personalise products with an autograph.

Photo: Craig Lace/MODUS

The multi-use marker pens are perfect for the likes of James Wade, Simon Whitlock, Raymond van Barneveld and Paul Nicholson to sign anything from dartboards to clothing.

“It can be really frustrating when you want to sign something for your fans and only have a pen that is no good for use on anything other than paper,” said Nicholson (pictured).

“It’s important to be confident that you can sign anything for your fans. POSCA marker pens work on any surface or material, so me and the other players can always oblige and not leave our fans disappointed.”

Jason Thame, MODUS managing director, added: “The players which we represent have to sign hundreds of autographs on a whole host of memorabilia. It is therefore important to have a pen which delivers consistent results.

“POSCA are great for autograph signings due to their vibrant colours and consistency. The silver bullet tip POSCA works particularly well for signed photographs as it really stands out on the image.”

For more information on the POSCA marker and other products, visit their website.

By Chris Murphy

Photo: Craig Lace/MODUS

James Wade was the star of the show at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on Thursday, as ‘The Machine’ completed only the third whitewash in McCoy’s Premier League history, with an 8-0 victory over Simon Whitlock.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

Raymond van Barneveld suffered defeat at the hands of Adrian Lewis, but all three MODUS stars now occupy the play-off spots and are in strong positions to reach the semi-finals.

Wade, who won the tournament in 2009, moved up to second in the table with a clinical performance, and greeted his victory with admirable humility.

“I’m really pleased with how I played but it’s not nice as a professional to beat another player 8-0,” said the world number three. “I could see Simon was struggling but I had to get the job done.

“It’s not nice to beat anyone by that score and I really hope it never happens again. Simon is one of my best friends in darts.

“I’m probably not as ruthless as other players but that’s not in my nature. It’s a good win for me though and it could be important when we get to the play-offs.”

Whitlock now occupies fourth spot, while van Barneveld is third after losing out to Lewis. ‘The Wizard’, ‘Barney’ and ‘The Machine’ are all tied on eight points after eight nights of action.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

Lewis, who was playing twice in the absence of Gary Anderson, had lost to Andy Hamilton in the night’s opening match. Runaway leader Phil Taylor extended his unbeaten run with victory over Kevin Painter.

The evening had begun with a moving tribute to the late Jocky Wilson, as the players joined the Cardiff crowd in a minute’s applause for the two-time world champion, who passed away last week.

The darting elite head to Nottingham next Thursday, where Wade takes on Lewis, Whitlock faces Anderson and van Barneveld is up against Painter.

By Chris Murphy

Latest League Table

MODUS stars James Wade and Simon Whitlock go head to head in the McCoy’s Premier League on Thursday at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena, where Raymond van Barneveld takes on Adrian Lewis.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

Whitlock, who is third in the table, heads to the Welsh capital on course for a playoff place. ‘The Wizard’, who is sat on eight points at the season’s half way stage, is happy with his form in the competition.

He said: “Eight points is a great total for the first half; I think you’re going to need 14 to get through to the playoffs. It’s been 14 I think every year I’ve played in it so I’m slightly in front at the minute.

“My scoring’s there; I’ve got to hit some more doubles. Consistency is the key, to be consistent on hitting your scores and then hitting your doubles.

“I know James really well but I’ll approach it like every other week. I’ll go up there and try and be aggressive on the board and go for the win.”

A victory for ‘The Machine’ would put him on level points with his opponent.

Van Barneveld is second in the table, ahead of Whitlock on legs difference. The Dutchman enjoyed his best performance so far in Dublin last week, when he averaged over 107 in his victory over Gary Anderson.

‘Barney’ faces world champion Adrian Lewis in front of another sell-out crowd in Cardiff, and says he his loving every minute of life in the McCoy’s Premier League.

“When I got the Wildcard I was over the moon, and I said that I want to prove a few people wrong who said that I was finished,” said van Barneveld, who has reached the playoffs five times.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

“To be second in the league after seven games proves I can still play the game, and I’m looking forward to the next seven weeks. I’m aiming to be in the top four, and playing the final and winning this tournament would be a dream.”

The match against ‘Barney’ will be Lewis’ second of the night; he also takes on Andy Hamilton in the opener, due to Anderson attending his father’s funeral in Scotland.

League leader Phil Taylor is up against Kevin Painter in the other match of the evening.

The action will be preceded by a minute’s applause in memory of the late Jocky Wilson, who passed away on Saturday night.

By Chris Murphy

Matches involving MODUS players

JAMES WADE v SIMON WHITLOCK (Game two)

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD V ADRIAN LEWIS (Game four)

Latest League Table

He is the second most successful player in PDC history and still just 28 years old. The future is set to be bright for James Wade, who is taking steps away from the oche to ensure that he continues to achieve more on it.

‘The Machine’, who has won seven televised titles, is sure he will add to his impressive collection of major trophies, but is not putting himself under any unnecessary pressure to do so, as he knows that he has time on his side.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

“This is the laid back year for me,” said the world number three. “I am not setting myself any targets at all this year. I’ve got a few other things on my mind, which isn’t an excuse, but I’m not expecting too much. I know that I have got a lot, in terms of ability though, so who knows what might or might not happen.

“Having things sorted at home is massively important for me. At the moment I’m concentrating on doing that. I’ve started off a little car mechanics venture with my father, which is something I enjoy, and I’m having some building work done at home.

“Part of that is for me to have practise room for the first time ever. I know that’s what I need to do to keep improving and I’m happy to be getting things sorted out.”

Wade lost his first three matches of the 2012 McCoy’s Premier League season, prompting him to be written off in some quarters, but he bounced back with three consecutive victories to put himself into strong contention for a playoff place.

Despite suffering defeat at the hands of Phil Taylor last Thursday, Wade, who won the competition in 2009, is in no doubt that has the ability to go all the way once again.

He said: “I know I can win it, it’s whether I will or not that I’m not sure about it. I made it tough for myself again and that’s my own fault, but I’m back in the running now and it’s going to be a case of which James turns up every week.

“Then if I get to the finals, it’s which James turns up in that. But I’m happy to let people talk about their favourite forces. I’ll just do my job and hopefully I can upset a few people with good results.”

‘The Machine’ doesn’t believe that his early season form was caused by a hangover from his World Championship semi-final defeat at the hands of Adrian Lewis, who battled back from four sets down to win amid bizarre circumstances at the Alexandra Palace.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

Wade remains confident that he will be crowned world champion at some stage in his career and insists that he is more than happy with his achievements so far.

“To be honest I don’t think that my form in the World Championship was that great,” said Wade, whose last four showdown was blighted by a draught on stage and late finish.

“I have to look back and laugh at the fact that I lost to Adrian in that semi-final. It is annoying that I haven’t been a world champion yet. It’s bugging me but I will win the tournament. It’s a case of when rather than if.

“I would love win it, but in all honesty, I wouldn’t swap a couple of World Championship titles for everything I’ve won. No way. I wouldn’t want to have two, or even three at the expense of the seven titles I’ve got. Of course I want to win it. If I don’t then I don’t, but I know I will.”

Despite that confident statement, the Premier League star admitted that self belief is something that he has found more and more difficult to have as his career has progressed.

He said: “My two happiest times, in terms of my career, were winning my first two major titles in 2007. I realised that I was good enough to be a successful professional player when I won the World Matchplay.

“Then when I went into the World Grand Prix, which became my second TV title, I knew I was going to win it before the tournament had even started. That was a really nice feeling. Unfortunately I have struggled to replicate that kind of confidence since then.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

“It is my own fault and it’s largely down to commitment towards the game, but I’m getting that commitment back right now and hopefully I can get back to where I want to be.”

Where Wade wants to be is undoubtedly at the very top of Europe’s fastest growing sport, a sport which he feels should get the press coverage that its audience demands.

He added: “I’m sure people would happy to see some other sports have a little bit less coverage in newspapers to give darts half a page a week. Unfortunately, the people who make those decisions seem to be scared to try something new for whatever reason.

“It may be that they have an old fashioned attitude towards darts, but that fact that it is SKY’s most second watched sport is a little bit of an indication that there is a market for it in the written press too.

“If they actually went and asked ‘Joe public’ in the street, they would realise that they are missing out on quite a bit of exciting writing that people would love to read.”

‘The Machine’ is back in action on Thursday night when he takes on Simon Whitlock in the McCoy’s Premier League in Cardiff.

By Chris Murphy

Raymond van Barneveld produced a fantastic performance to beat Gary Anderson in front of a PDC record crowd of 9,000 at Dublin’s O2 in the McCoy’s Premier League.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

The five-time world champion moved up to second in the table on level points with Simon Whitlock, after the Australian drew with Andy Hamilton.

‘Barney’ sent the Irish crowd into raptures as he beat the defending championing in a breathtaking affair. The five-time World Champion, who averaged over 107, was delighted with his performance.

He said: “To hit an average like that this week is brilliant. I’m delighted to get the win in front of a brilliant crowd, who were fantastic to me. It was a real buzz. I’m really happy to be second in the table, and to be proving people wrong.”

Whitlock earned a hard fought draw against Hamilton earlier in the evening, delighting the Irish crowd with a fabulous 152 checkout in the process.

He said: “It was a brilliant feeling when that went in. When I’m on stage in the Premier League I feel like I’m in the best place in the world, and the crowd were really behind me here. It was fantastic.”

James Wade was beaten by runaway league leader Phil Taylor, while Adrian Lewis beat Kevin Painter in the night’s other match.

Wade and Whitlock face each other next week in Cardiff, where van Barneveld takes on Lewis.

By Chris Murphy