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James Wade and Michael van Gerwen produced some fantastic performances in the World Matchplay at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens before both being denied places in the final by Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis respectively.
Wade followed up his opening round defeat of John Part with a fine performance in seeing off Gary Anderson to reach the quarter-finals.
There, he edged out Simon Whitlock in a thrilling encounter before losing out in his semi-final clash against Taylor, who went on to win the title.
van Gerwen defeated Colin Lloyd in round one before producing a fabulous display to demolish Peter Wright 13-3.
He then saw off Dave Chisnall to reach the semi-final, where he suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of Lewis.
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN 16 – 11 Dave Chisnall
Michael van Gerwen moved into the last four of the World Matchplay with victory over Dave Chisnall at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens on Friday evening.
The world number two completed a line-up of the PDC’s four highest ranked players for Saturday’s semi-finals.
van Gerwen will face Adrian Lewis, who he lost out to at the same stage in the European Championship almost three weeks ago. (more…)
James Wade came out on top in an incredible quarter-final clash against Simon Whitlock to set up a World Matchplay semi-final with Phil Taylor in Blackpool.
Wade edged the Australian ace 18-16 in a tie-break after a sensational display of darts from both players on Thursday evening.
The pair both averaged just shy of 100 in a marvellous match, which saw the lead change hands seven times. (more…)
Simon Whitlock and James Wade will meet in the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay after the pair claimed second round victories at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.
Whitlock claimed a hard fought win against Kevin Painter, who he defeated 13-10 on Tuesday evening, before Wade saw off Gary Anderson 13-9.
Michael van Gerwen also won through to the last eight after he completing a 13-3 drubbing of Peter Wright on Wednesday.
Click below links for full match reports.
SIMON WHITLOCK 13-10 Kevin Painter
James Wade, Simon Whitlock, Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld all won through to the second round of the World Matchplay after an entertaining opening round in Blackpool.
Wade, who won the Blackpool tournament in 2007, defeated John Part 10-8, while Whitlock saw off Jelle Klaasen by the same scoreline and ‘Barney’ beat Mensur Suljovic 10-4 on Saturday.
van Gerwen joined them in the last 16 when he defeated Colin Lloyd on Sunday.
For full match reports click the links below.
SIMON WHITLOCK 10-8 Jelle Klaasen
The 20th staging of the World Matchplay gets underway at Blackpool’s Winter Garden’s on Saturday evening, with James Wade, Simon Whitlock and Raymond van Barneveld all in opening night action.
Wade returns to the seaside town having reached the final of the prestigious tournament five times in seven visits, including 2007 when he won his first major title.
Now a seven-time major winner, ‘The Machine’ begins his quest for further Matchplay success against John Part in round one.
“I know what John can do and he knows what I can do,” said Wade, the world number four.
“If we both do it then it should be a great game on Saturday and that is the only one I am thinking about right now.
“I have done well here so far and I think that is because I feel very comfortable. The venue is fantastic and so are the crowd. It is my favourite tournament.”
Whitlock takes on Dutchman Jelle Klaasen on Saturday night in round one.
The Australian reached the final of the European Championships in Germany a fortnight ago and is determined to take his good form to Blackpool.
“I have been playing very well recently,” said ‘The Wizard’, a former World Matchplay semi-finalist.
“It will be a tough game on Saturday but if I can play like I have been in the last few weeks then I’m confident of coming through it.”
van Barneveld takes on Austrian Mensur Suljovic.
Mark Webster is in action on the first of two sessions on Sunday, when he meets Justin Pipe in the afternoon.
Paul Nicholson takes on Dave Chisnall in the evening session, before world number two Michael van Gerwen plays Colin Lloyd.
Monday evening sees the conclusion of the first round matches as Robert Thornton faces Ian White.
By Chris Murphy
Andy Jenkins and James Hubbard will compete in the PDC’s seventh European Tour Event of the year after winning through qualifiers in Barnsley on Friday evening.
The pair will take part in September’s German Darts Masters after a successful night’s work in South Yorkshire.
Former World Championship semi-finalist Jenkins qualified for a European Tour event for the first time in 2013 with two fine performances, dropping just one leg in victories over Sam Hill (6-0) and Jim Walker (6-1).
“I played well tonight and I’m over the moon to have qualified,” said Jenkins.
“I’m looking forward to getting out to Germany and I’ll be working hard to put a run together. The European Tour is very important. It has a massive impact on rankings.
“I’m still enjoying my darts and I know I can still beat the best. So it’s onwards and upwards for me from now on.”
2012 World Youth Champion Hubbard also produced some encouraging performances, defeating Chris Aubrey 6-3 before edging out Prakash Jiwa in a last leg decider.
The Norfolk ace then sealed his spot in Sindelfingen with a 6-1 victory against Ricky Sudale.
“I’m happy with how I played,” said the 20-year-old.
“It was probably the best I have played in a long time. If I’m honest, I’ve had a bad year so far so it is pleasing to come into a little bit of form. Hopefully, qualifying for this can be the start of a better second half of the year.”
By Chris Murphy
Former World Matchplay champion James Wade will begin his quest for further glory at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens with a first round clash against John Part, twice a runner-up in the prestigious tournament.
Wade, winner of seven major titles, has reached the final five times in his seven visits to the seaside town, including a narrow defeat at the hands of Phil Taylor in last year’s final.
Michael van Gerwen, who hit a nine-darter at the summer event last year, was drawn against 2005 winner Colin Lloyd.
Former European Champion Simon Whitlock, who was also a finalist in Germany last weekend, will resume his pursuit of a second major title when he takes on Jelle Klaasen in round one.
Robert Thornton will meet Ian White in Blackpool, while Paul Nicholson takes on Dave Chisnall and Mark Webster faces Justin Pipe.
2010 runner-up Raymond van Barneveld meets Mensur Suljovic in round one.
The tournament, which celebrates its 20th anniversary, takes place between July 20-28.
The schedule of play will be announced in due course.
BetVictor World Matchplay Draw Bracket
Phil Taylor (1) v Stuart Kellett
Terry Jenkins (16) v Andy Smith
Raymond van Barneveld (8) v Mensur Suljovic
Justin Pipe (9) v Mark Webster
Simon Whitlock (5) v Jelle Klaasen
Kevin Painter (12) v Jamie Lewis
James Wade (4) v John Part
Mervyn King (13) v Gary Anderson
Michael van Gerwen (2) v Colin Lloyd
Kim Huybrechts (15) v Peter Wright
Wes Newton (7) v Jamie Caven
Dave Chisnall (10) v Paul Nicholson
Andy Hamilton (6) v Ronnie Baxter
Robert Thornton (11) v Ian White
Adrian Lewis (3) v Ronny Huybrechts
Brendan Dolan (14) v Steve Beaton
Bronze tickets are still available to see van Gerwen, Whitlock, Wade, van Barneveld, Priestley, Huybrechts and Winstanley at OVER THE TOP in Barnsley on September 27 – GET YOURS HERE
Simon Whitlock came close to successfully defending his European Championship title but lost out to Adrian Lewis in the final on Sunday.
‘The Wizard’ produced a fantastic run to the tournament decider, defeating Kim Huybrechts and Colin Lloyd before a sensational fightback in his quarter-final.
Whitlock trailed Jamie Caven 9-3 in the last eight but hit back, incredibly taking seven straight legs to seal a 10-9 victory, which he completed with a brilliant 146 finish.
He then saw off Ronny Huybrechts in the semi-finals but ran into a classy display from world number three Lewis, who took the title with a 10-6 victory.
Lewis also ended the hopes of Michael van Gerwen, who bowed out after a brilliant semi-final clash, in which the Dutch star hit nine 180s and took out a 150 finish.
van Gerwen had produced a majestic display in Sunday afternoon’s quarter-final, averaging 105 in his victory over Jelle Klaasen.
Robert Thornton missed out on a place in the last four when he lost a last leg decider against Ronny Huybrechts.
Simon Whitlock and Michael van Gerwen progressed into the semi-finals of the European Darts Championship with sensational victories in Mulheim on Sunday afternoon.
Whitlock produced an amazing comeback fron 9-3 down to defeat Jamie Caven 10-9, winning the deciding leg with a sublime 146 checkout when his opponent was waiting on 56.
“That came from the heart,” said defending champion Whitlock, who will face Ronny Huybrechts this evening.
“I was thinking about when Andy Hamilton did it to me at the World Matchplay a couple of years ago and I just hung in there and weathered the storm.
“Jamie lost his way a bit when I started coming back and I do feel for him but I am the defending champion and I don’t want to let this title go.”
van Gerwen averaged 105 as he defeated Jelle Klaasen with a brilliant performance, which included seven 180s and a 136 finish for the world number two.
“I really wanted to win this game and I’m very happy to have won it,” said van Gerwen, who takes on Adrian Lewis in the last four.
“It was a quality game and I’m very pleased to be through to the semi-finals.
“I’m looking forward to tonight because I know I can play even better than this so hopefully I can keep on improving in this tournament.
“I think I am the favourite but that means nothing and I’ll make sure I’m prepared for a tough opponent.”
Robert Thornton was denied a semi-final spot after losing out in a last leg decider to Huybrechts.
Lewis defeated Andy Hamilton in the afternoon’s other match.
By Chris Murphy
Bronze tickets are still available to see van Gerwen, Whitlock, Wade, van Barneveld, Priestley, Huybrechts and Winstanley at OVER THE TOP in Barnsley on September 27 – GET YOURS HERE
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