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James Wade, Simon Whitlock and Raymond van Barneveld all got off to winning starts in the McCoy’s Premier League, while Robert Thornton and Michael van Gerwen both made impressive debuts at Belfast’s Odyssey Arena on Thursday evening.

Wade made Wes Newton pay for missed doubles as ‘The Machine’ took a commanding 7-4 triumph.

Whitlock’s superior finishing saw him defeat Adrian Lewis 7-3, while Thornton enjoyed a 7-5 win over Andy Hamilton.

van Barneveld posted the night’s highest average (102.02) in his 7-4 success over Gary Anderson.

van Gerwen looked like he might add his name to the winners list when he led Phil Taylor 6-4 but ‘The Power’ fought back to grab a draw.

Full reports available on the players’ official websites (click on names to be redirected).

By Chris Murphy

England retained their title by defeating Belgium in the final of the World Cup of Darts in Hamburg on Sunday.

Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis saw off Belgian brothers Kim and Ronny Huybrechts to win the exciting tournament in Germany.

The pair had earlier seen off Mark Webster’s Welsh team, who enjoyed another successful World Cup campaign.

Webster, who was partnered by Richie Burnett, has reached at least the last four stage in all three stagings of the PDC tournament.

And Wales almost prevented tournament favourites England from recapturing their crown but were denied a place in the final after surrendering a 3-1 lead in the pairs decider.

“It was gutting to go out when we needed just one leg from three,” said Webster, who is hoping to build on his encouraging form.

“England showed their class in the end and we’re not too downbeat on reflection.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the tournament and played well in patches. I’m looking forward to the rest of the year now.

“It was great to have Richie in my corner again. Full credit to Phil and Adrian and roll on the rest of 2013.”

By Chris Murphy

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Mark Webster led Wales into the semi-finals of the World Cup of Darts in Hamburg as he and Richie Burnett claimed a hard fought victory against Spain.

Webster produced finishes of 102, 94 and 76 in a 4-3 defeat of Antonio Alcinas but Burnett suffered a loss by the same score-line against Carlos Rodriguez.

The pair then sealed a 4-2 success in their doubles match to set up a semi-final clash against tournament favourites England.

“We’re relieved to get through,” admitted Webster, after sealing a place in the last four for a third consecutive time.

“It was a bit of a scrappy tie but we got the job done and that’s all that matters.

“Yesterday it was a bit like this in the afternoon but we kicked on in the evening so hopefully that’ll be the same tonight.”

Webster grabbed a break of throw in the opening leg of his singles game, hitting double top after 14 darts.

Alcinas responded by hitting the first maximum of the match as he broke back immediately.

He then edged ahead with a fine bull finish but Webster hit back with a brilliant checkout of 102.

The Spaniard pegged double twelve to move within a leg of victory before ‘Spider’ forced a deciding leg with a clinical finish of 94.

And the left hander stepped in to seal the win with another tidy finish, this time taking out 76 after Alcinas missed four match darts.

Burnett produced a sensational 156 finish in his singles match but was edged out 4-3 by Rodriguez, leaving the result to be settled in the pairs.

Spain moved in front when Rodriguez took out 96 but Burnett levelled on double five.

Alcinas took out 70 as Spain wrestled back the lead but Wales restored parity once again when Webster followed a Burnett maximum by pinning double 14.

Webster pegged double ten for a timely break of throw before sealing the victory for Wales on double 16.

Team Wales will face the English pair of Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis with a place in the final at stake.

By Chris Murphy

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