Author: chrism
SIMON WHITLOCK 8 – 4 Adrian Lewis
Simon Whitlock hit eight 180’s on his way to an 8-4 victory over reigning world champion Adrian Lewis in Brighton, to end a run of back to back defeats.
Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC
‘The Wizard’ produced a fantastic performance on night five of the McCoy’s Premier League at the Brighton Centre, as he moved back into the playoff positions. Whitlock had dropped out of the top four after suffering defeat last week, thanks to a record breaking average from Phil Taylor.
He said: “To get a win tonight is fantastic for me. The crowd were behind me, which was great and I was pleased to win that. This is the greatest Premier League ever. I played well against Phil Taylor last week but you can’t beat him when he’s in that form so it was nice to get back to winning ways tonight. I’m pleased to be back in the playoff places because I hate being in that bottom four.”
Whitlock responded to early pressure from the world champion by taking out a brilliant 118 finish to hold his throw. ‘The Wizard’ hit his first maximum in the second leg but was unable to break his opponent. Whitlock hit double top to go back in front but back to back 180’s in the fourth leg were not enough to prevent Lewis holding again. The Australian held his throw once more before grabbing the first break of throw in the match to take a 4-2 lead.
‘Jackpot’ broke back immediately despite Whitlock hitting his fourth maximum, but ‘The Wizard’ restored his advantage when he took out 68 to win another leg against the throw. The world number five hit his fifth maximum in the ninth leg before hitting double top to open up a 6-3 lead. Another 180 followed for ‘The Wizard’ as he broke Lewis’ throw again to ensure he would take at least a point from the match.
Whitlock hit his seventh maximum in the next leg but Lewis responded in kind, hitting a seventh of his own on his way to grabbing a break of throw. ‘The Wizard’ went back in front on the maximum count before hitting double sixteen to seal the win and move up to fourth in the table.
By Chris Murphy
JAMES WADE 8 – 6 RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD
James Wade saw off a potential comeback from Raymond van Barneveld in a high quality all MODUS clash at the Brighton Centre on week five of the McCoy’s Premier League.
Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC
‘The Machine’ hit five 180’s and two ton-plus finishes as he sealed an 8-6 victory over the Dutchman. Wade had led 6-1 but ‘Barney ‘, who fought back from four legs down to win last week, pulled the score back to 6-5 and 7-6 before Wade won a last leg decider to grab his second successive win.
The 2009 Premier League champion admitted that he is yet to peak in this year’s competition but is pleased to have started to turn his form around, after losing his first three matches.
Wade said: “I did a job on Raymond early doors but I seemed to shut off later on. I’m glad to get the win, I’m slowly but surely getting there and I feel like I’m going in the right direction now. I’m still not playing my best though, but if I do play my best darts I know I will be in the top four come the end of the season.”
Wade sprung into life from the start, opening with a maximum and winning the first leg in eleven darts. ‘Barney’ replied by hitting his first 180 in leg two, which he claimed in the same number of darts. The Dutchman just missed the bull for a 161 finish before ‘The Machine’ hit double ten to edge back in front. Wade then grabbed the first break of throw by hitting double top. The left-hander increased his lead to 4-1 with a brilliant 110 checkout.
Van Barneveld looked like he might claw a leg back when he hit his second maximum but Wade took out a stunning 154 finish to go four legs up before the break. ‘The Machine’ hit his second 180, followed immediately by his third, on his way to winning the seventh leg. ‘Barney’ levelled the maximum count in the next leg before hitting double 16 to reduce Wade’s lead to 6-2.
The five-time world champion won the ninth leg against the throw before holding to make it three legs on the spin. Wade relieved the pressure by winning the eleventh leg to ensure he would claim at least a point, hitting his fourth maximum in the process. ‘Barney’ kept his hopes alive by hitting double two to reduce Wade’s lead to two legs. He then grabbed another break of throw to ensure that the match would go all the way, despite Wade hitting his fifth 180.
The world number three almost won the match in sensational style but just missed the bull for a fabulous 161 finish. He sealed the victory nonetheless, hitting his trademark double ten to add to two more points to his total, having claimed his first with victory over Kevin Painter last week.
By Chris Murphy
Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC
MODUS stars James Wade, Simon Whitlock and Raymond van Barneveld and the rest of the McCoy’s Premier League line-up have recorded a charity single with Chas Hodges and his band.
The single, called ‘Got My Tickets For The Darts’, is to be released in May. Hodges, of ‘Chas and Dave’ fame, and his band teamed up with the eight Premier League players and walk-on girl Jacqui Adams to record the video for the single, which he decided to make to celebrate the recent surge in popularity and success in the sport.
The song will be released exclusively on iTunes on Friday May 18 after being premiered at the McCoy’s Premier League Darts Play-Offs at The O2 in London the previous night.
Proceeds from the single will be donated to the Haven House Children’s Hospice, which cares for youngsters aged 19 and under in north and east London and Essex who have life-limiting illnesses, as well as providing support for their families. For more information, visit www.havenhouse.org.uk.
The McCoy’s Premier League continues tonight in Brighton, where 2009 winner James Wade takes on Raymond van Barneveld in an all MODUS clash, before Simon Whitlock does battle with world champion Adrian Lewis.
Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC
Wade is chasing a second successive victory after beating Kevin Painter in Exeter last week; to claim his first win of this campaign. He said: “I didn’t put any pressure on myself last week and went out to enjoy the game. I did enough to win last week but playing Raymond will be a good test for me.”
Standing in Wade’s way is a rejuvenated ‘Barney’. He fought back from 6-4 down to claim victory over Andy Hamilton last Thursday, and currently sits fourth in the league table. Van Barneveld and ‘The Machine’ lock horns in the penultimate game of the evening.
‘The Wizard’ takes on ‘Jackpot’ in the final match, as Whitlock hopes to bounce back from two successive defeats. The Australian had started well, claiming a victory over Wade and a draw with ‘Barney’ to put himself top of the table. He has since suffered defeats at the hands of Kevin Painter and the record-breaking Phil Taylor though, and while he is looking forward to his next match, he knows it could be just as hard.
He said: “I love playing against the best players in the world and that’s why the McCoy’s Premier League this year is absolutely brilliant, because it’s the eight best players in the world and all the games are tough. If I can play like I did last week though, I should get a result.”
In the night’s other matches, Painter takes on Hamilton before Taylor goes head to head with defending champion Gary Anderson.
Tonight’s matches (involving MODUS players)
JAMES WADE v RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD (Game three)
SIMON WHITLOCK v Adrian Lewis (Game four)
By Chris Murphy
Some of the world’s best professional darts players will be on show at a charity fundraising night for Bradbury Enhanced Care Service, which is part of Chailey Heritage Clinical Services run by Sussex Community NHS Trust.
Premier League stars James Wade, Simon Whitlock and five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld will be joined by a whole host of top professionals for the star studded event at Roffey Social and Sports Club, Horsham on May 25th.
All proceeds from the event will go to Bradbury Enhanced Care Service, which provides crucial support for young adults with complex health needs, physical disabilities and life limiting conditions.
The night provides the chance for you to play against some of the best PDC professionals, whilst contributing to an excellent cause.
Terry ‘The Bull’ Jenkins will be shaving off his famous moustache for the first time in 33 years. There will also be auctions, as well as photo and autograph opportunities with all of the players, in what it guaranteed to be a fun packed evening.
Other star players taking part in the event include Mark Webster, Paul Nicholson, Vincent van der Voort, Co Stompe and Michael van Gerwen.
MODUS, Unicorn, Holsten and all the professional players and officials feel privileged to be able to lend their support to such a worthwhile cause.
Bradbury Enhanced Care Service is a small four bedded unit in the heart of the Sussex countryside, within the grounds of Chailey Heritage School. The service provides a high standard of clinical care with the emphasis of being a ‘home from home’ for patients and their families.
The friendly team of health professionals include experienced nurses and fully trained care support workers, who provide round the clock care, as well as a 24 hour ‘on call’ consultant.
All fundraising donations are currently being earmarked to provide an adapted vehicle, to enable the young people within Bradbury Enhanced Care Service to have the freedom and flexibility to be able to enjoy outings in their own vehicle, which is something they have never had before.
Tickets for the event are available for just £20 for table seating or £12.50 for standing, and can be purchased by calling 01403 210223 or 08450 180 180 or online at www.dartshop.tv
The event will be held at Roffey Social and Sports Club, Spooners Road, Roffey, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 4DY on 25th May 2012.
Rising star Chris Aubrey was rewarded for a promising breakthrough year by being named Young Sportsman of the Year at the Swindon Advertiser Sports Awards.
The 20 year old announced his arrival on the PDC circuit in style in 2011, with wins against world champion Adrian Lewis and former world number one Colin Lloyd. The Swindon youngster also reached three semi-finals on the PDC youth tour, and recently received the backing of Premier League star James Wade in the form of a sponsorship deal.
Aubrey was delighted to be recognised by his local community, he said: “For me 2011 was a superb year and it is great to have been given an award. I am used to winning trophies for actually playing darts so to get something like this is great.”
The youngster is aiming to add to his early success by qualifying for more senior tournaments in 2012, he added: “I got to the UK Open last year and I really want to do that again, then from there I would like to think I can make a real go of getting to the World Championships after I was not far off getting there last year.”
By Chris Murphy
James Wade and Raymond van Barneveld both fought hard to grab their first wins of the 2012 McCoy’s Premier League season at the Westpoint Arena in Exeter.
Wade took out three ton-plus finishes in an 8-6 victory over Kevin Painter whilst ‘Barney’ recovered from being 6-4 down to beat Andy Hamilton.
Simon Whitlock posted his highest average so far but was beaten by an in-form Phil Taylor, who broke his own record for the highest average in the competition with a staggering 117.35.
Wade took out 118 and 117 twice in his victory over ‘The Artist’ to get his first two points on the board. ‘The Machine’ was delighted to get the win after three successive defeats. He said: “It’s such a relief to win a game, the standard is so high. It has been frustrating for me because I know I have the ability, but I’ve always been a fighter and hopefully I’ll win a few more matches now.”
Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC
Van Barneveld continued his strong start to the season when he produced a brilliant fight-back to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. The popular Dutchman won the last four legs to complete a courageous comeback against Hamilton. ‘Barney’ said: “It was a really good game and I’m very happy to come out with the win. Andy was finishing well but I still believe that I can do great things and I’m fighting hard. I have a great team around me, who believe in me and I believe in myself.”
Whitlock put in a strong performance, averaging 105, but could do little to prevent Taylor from powering to an 8-4 victory. The 15-time world champion’s imperious three dart average of 117.35 was not only the highest in Premier League history, but also the second highest ever seen on television.
In the night’s other match, reigning Premier League champion Gary Anderson beat world champion Adrian Lewis 8-1.
Wade and van Barneveld face each other in Brighton next week, where Whitlock will take on Lewis.
By Chris Murphy
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 8–6 Andy Hamilton
Raymond van Barneveld produced a stunning fight-back to claim an 8-6 victory over Andy Hamilton in Exeter. ‘Barney’ won the last four legs consecutively to seal the win, hitting five 180’s in the process.
Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC
The Dutchman has been in fine form in the first few weeks of the McCoy’s Premier League season and is delighted to be silencing his critics.
He said: “Since I got the wildcard for the Premier League I wanted to prove those people who said I didn’t deserve it wrong. I changed my attitude, I’ve got a good team around me who believe in me and I believe in myself. Andy played well; his finishing was fantastic so I’m happy with my first win.”
‘Barney’ hit his first 180 in the opening leg, which he won before Hamilton levelled. ‘The Hammer’ then broke the Dutchman’s throw and promptly took a 3-1 lead. Van Barneveld held his throw before Hamilton did the same, despite ‘Barney’ hitting his second maximum.
The five-time world champion hit double eight in the first leg after the break, to reduce Hamilton’s lead to 4-3. ‘The Hammer’ restored his two leg advantage by holding his throw before ‘Barney’ hit double ten to stay in touch. The 2012 World Championship finalist hit double top to edge further in front once more. ‘Barney’ then threw five perfect darts at treble twenty for the second time in the match, before hitting bull then double 16 for a sensational eleven darter.
Still needing a break, at 6-5 down, van Barneveld turned up the heat on his opponent. The Dutchman hit his fourth 180 before hitting double nine to reach parity. He then held his throw to seal at least a point, hitting his fifth maximum in the process. ‘Barney’ completed the comeback by hitting double eighteen to break again, and grab his first win of the season.
By Chris Murphy
JAMES WADE 8 – 6 Kevin Painter
James Wade grabbed his first points of the 2012 McCoy’s Premier League season with a well-earned victory over Kevin Painter at the Westpoint Arena in Exeter.
The world number three out-scored his opponent throughout, and took out three ton plus finishes on his way to an 8-6 victory.
Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC
Wade, who suffered defeats in each of the first three weeks, feels that his relatively slow start is a familiar scenario and hopes this victory will be a catalyst for improvement.
He said: “It’s the same as every year; it takes me a while to get my first win. The players are brilliant in this competition; there is no weak link, so it’s such a relief to win a game. I’ll keep going and keep fighting, I’ve always been a scrapper and hopefully I can kick on from here and win a few more.”
Wade opted to split six, hitting two then double two, to level up after Painter had won the first leg. ‘The Machine’ then produced a brilliant 118 checkout for a break of throw, before increasing his lead with a thirteen dart leg. Painter won the next leg on the bull but Wade took out another stunning finish, this time 117, to go into the break with a 4-2 lead.
‘The Artist’ pulled a leg back before the 2009 champion hit double ten to restore his advantage. Painter then took out 118 and Wade responded in style, taking out 117 for the second time in the match. ‘The Machine’ had his lead reduced to 6-5 when Painter hit double 16. Wade then held his throw to ensure he would claim his first point of the season at the very least.
Painter took out 68 to take the match to a fourteenth and final leg, which Wade won with a clinical 78 checkout.
By Chris Murphy
James Wade will attempt to claim his first points of the McCoy’s Premier League Darts season when he takes on Kevin Painter in Exeter this evening.
The world number three, who won the tournament in 2009, has enjoyed success in recent years even though he has been a slow starter in the competition.
Photo - Lawrence Lustig/PDC
‘The Machine’ reached the final in 2010 and only missed out on the play-offs by a single point last year, despite being bottom after eight weeks. A win against an in-form Painter could kick-start Wade’s 2012 campaign.
He faces ‘The Artist’ in the opening match of the night before Raymond van Barneveld takes to the stage in pursuit of his first victory.
The Dutchman has been playing fantastic darts of late, so will be confident ahead of his clash with World Championship finalist Andy Hamilton.
‘Barney’ has been involved in three thrilling encounters in the opening three weeks of the competition. The five-time world champion claimed draws against Simon Whitlock and Adrian Lewis before losing out to Phil Taylor, despite posting a brilliant 106 three dart average last week.
Whitlock faces Taylor in the night’s penultimate match. ‘The Wizard’ claimed a win and a draw before tasting defeat last week and will hope to bounce back against the ‘The Power’, who currently sits top of the table.
The evening draws to a close when Gary Anderson takes on Lewis in a repeat of last year’s final.
By Chris Murphy
Tonight’s fixtures
(Involving MODUS players)
JAMES WADE v Kevin Painter – (game one)
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD v Andy Hamilton – (game two)
SIMON WHITLOCK v Phil Taylor – (game three)
