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Michael van Gerwen and Robert Thornton both won UK Open qualifiers on a wonderful weekend for the Premier League pair in Wigan.
van Gerwen added Saturday’s title to the two he had previously won last month, before Thornton stopped his rampant run on Sunday and took the honours himself.
‘Mighty Mike’ saw off Michael Smith in Saturday’s final to clinch the £6,000 first prize after he had narrowly missed double twelve to nail a nine-dart-finish in an earlier round.
“It’s always nice to win a tournament like this and I’m delighted,” van Gerwen told PDC.tv
“I know I’m playing well and I’ve shown everyone again today.
“I was strong from the beginning but I played a lot of good players, like Simon Whitlock, Gary Anderson and Peter Wright. I’m full of confidence and I’m taking that into my games at the moment.”
The Dutch sensation looked set to continue is incredible run of success on the Pro Tour, having won UK Open qualifiers 1, 2 & 3 in addition to the final Players Championship event in 2012, before he ran into the brilliant Thornton in Sunday’s semi-finals.
Thornton, the reigning Speedy Services UK Open champion, claimed a 6-3 victory, before triumphing 6-4 against Jamie Caven in the final.
“I’m chuffed to bits to get the win,” said Thornton, who will be appearing alongside van Gerwen in the Portsmouth International Masters in June.
“It’s about time Michael let somebody else win!
“In all seriousness though it’s so tough now.
“The standard is incredible and it’s a proud day when you win one of these.
“It’s harder than winning your Premier League match on a Thursday night and in an odd way, playing in that tournament has prepared me for this!”
Both players will turn their attentions to night seven of the McCoy’s Premier League in Cardiff, where they are in action on Thursday.
There was also a strong showing from Paul Nicholson in both of the weekend’s events, with ‘The Asset’ reaching the quarter-finals on both days.
By Chris Murphy
Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC
Raymond van Barneveld and Robert Thornton shared a draw in Manchester on Thursday, while Michael van Gerwen and Simon Whitlock enjoyed victories on night six of the McCoy’s Premier League.
‘Barney’ stayed at the top of the table after taking a point from his 6-6 draw with ‘The Thorn’, who bounced back after suffering his first defeat in his debut season a week earlier.
van Barneveld looked set to take victory in a game that included five consecutive breaks of throw but, with the Dutchman leading 6-4, Thornton hit fine finishes of 78 and 100 to share the spoils.
Fantastic finishing was the theme in a thrilling game between Whitlock and James Wade, which went the way of ‘The Wizard’ despite sensational checkouts of 170 and 144 from ‘The Machine’.
Whitlock eventually triumphed 7-4 as both players hit three finishes over 100.
And the Australian ace was delighted to come out on top in such a great game.
“It was a brilliant match and an important win,” said the world number five.
“I knew that I’d have to play great darts to beat James and it proved to be the case.
“He produced some class finishes and I had to deal with that and take some decent shots out myself.
“I felt I had to get at least a point tonight so it’s a huge win and I’ll have to play my best game again next week to beat Andy Hamilton, but that’s the Premier League for you!”
van Gerwen produced another brilliant performance to see off Wes Newton with an average of over 100 as he put last weeks defeat to Adrian Lewis behind him.
Lewis and Gary Anderson reached stalemate, while Phil Taylor was beaten by Andy Hamilton in the evening’s other match.
By Chris Murphy
James Wade and Simon Whitlock will do battle at Manchester’s MEN Arena on Thursday evening, when table-topper Raymond van Barneveld will meet Robert Thornton on night six of the McCoy’s Premier League Darts season.
Wade, who sits second in the league table, is looking to build on an impressive run of form that has seen him take seven points from his five matches so far when he meets ‘The Wizard’, who also enjoyed victory in Nottingham last week. (more…)
FOLLOWING the announcement of the Professional Darts Corporation’s new contract with Sky Sports, the PDC have now confirmed the latest prize fund increase as Players Championship events move to £50,000 per tournament.
“The news of our new, five-year Sky Sports contract is a great boost to the PDC and is also a recognition of the excellence shown by our players and the brilliant entertainment they are providing huge audiences around the world.| Now | Was | |
| Winner | £10,000 | £6,000 |
| Runner-Up | £4,500 | £3,000 |
| Semi-Finalists | £3,000 | £2,000 |
| Quarter-Finalists | £1,250 | £1,000 |
| Last 16 Losers | £1,000 | £600 |
| Last 32 Losers | £500 | £400 |
| Last 64 Losers | £250 | £200 |
| Nine-Dart Finish Bonus | £500 | £400 |
| Total | £50,000 | £35,000 |
James Wade, Simon Whitlock and Raymond van Barneveld all claimed excellent victories on night five of the McCoy’s Premier League.
Wade produced a brilliant performance to see off Thornton with a 7-1 triumph, averaging over 105 and taking out two 121 finishes along the way.
“I felt really good up there and it showed in my performance,” said ‘The Machine’, who upped his points tally to seven.
“I keep saying it but the practise is really making all the difference and I feel that there’s more to come.
“In fact I know there is. I’m working harder than ever on my game and I’m delighted with the start I’ve made.”
Whitlock had to fight back from 4-1 down to take a 7-5 triumph against Wes Newton and was delighted to claim his second win of the season.
He said: “That could be a very important win.
“I have been playing well for the last few weeks but not getting the results so I’m thrilled to win tonight.
“Every game is so competitive that you’ve got to be happy with every good result.”
van Barneveld went top of the table with his 7-5 success against Andy Hamilton, as six 180s and an average of over 100 gave the Dutchman his fourth win of the season.
“Every opponent is tough in the league so I’m really delighted to have got four wins already,” said ‘Barney’ who faces Thornton next Thursday.
“I’m a confident person now and maybe that’s what got me through in the last leg. I was relaxed and I believed in myself.
“That’s so important in this game and I will have to do it all over again next week against Robert, who has been amazing in his first season.”
Michael van Gerwen suffered defeat at the hands of a rejuvenated Adrian Lewis, while Gary Anderson beat Phil Taylor in the evening’s other matches.
By Chris Murphy
SKY SPORTS will take its partnership with the Professional Darts Corporation into a 25th year thanks to a new five-year broadcast deal.
The agreement offers Sky Sports viewers over 50 days of live and exclusive darts throughout the year including the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship each Christmas until 2018.
As part of the deal, Sky Sports viewers will also enjoy live coverage of the McCoy’s Premier League, PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix, William Hill Grand Slam of Darts, Betfair World Cup of Darts and the Betfair World Matchplay, which celebrates its 20th staging this summer.
The partnership between Sky Sports and the PDC extends back to the organisation’s formation two decades ago, beginning with the 1994 World Championship.
Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports, said: “Sky Sports has worked with the PDC since the early 1990s, helping to build the sport from working men’s clubs to some of the biggest arenas in the UK and Ireland.”
He added: “This is a real success story and an excellent long term partnership. Our live coverage and promotion of darts is unique and Sky Sports viewers can enjoy the fantastic atmosphere that these events generate for a further five years.”
Since the PDC’s formation, live televised darts has grown from just a few hundred fans at venues such as the Circus Tavern and Salford’s Willows Variety Centre, to over 10,000 fans at the O2 Arena for the Premier League.
The World Championship offers £1 million in prize money – over 15 times the prize fund for the PDC’s first World Championship back in 1994 – while over £5 million prize money is now paid out annually on the PDC circuit.
PDC chairman Barry Hearn said: “We’ve just celebrated our 20th World Championship with the best tournament ever staged, and both that event and the current McCoy’s Premier League Darts show how far the sport has come in the past two decades.
“Sky Sports has played an integral part in the growth of darts, with its innovative and high quality broadcasts and fundamental support of the PDC, and we are delighted to sign this new broadcast contract.
“This deal is not only great for the PDC but also for our players, who will be playing in huge events live on Sky Sports in the coming years.”
This announcement continues a series of strong major rights deals for Sky Sports over the twelve months, including: Barclays Premier League, England & Wales cricket, British & Irish Lions, Heineken Cup, European Tour, Ryder Cup, NBA, NFL, plus many more.
ive darts coverage is also available via Sky Go, which offers Sky customers access to live and on demand programmes and films from up to 43 channels on a wide range of internet-connected devices including laptops, smartphones, tablets and games consoles.
Watch the McCoy’s Premier League Darts live on Sky Sports, with the current season running through until the Play-Offs on Thursday May 16.
See tonight’s Week Five action live from 7pm on Sky Sports HD2 from the Capital FM Arena in Nottingham.
From www.pdc.tv
Images courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC
James Wade produced an excellent performance in Exeter to share a draw with Phil Taylor, while Robert Thornton and Michael van Gerwen extended their unbeaten starts in the McCoy’s Premier League to four matches on Thursday evening.
Wade averaged over 100 for the second consecutive week as he moved onto five points after sharing the spoils with the world number one.
‘The Machine’ took out six combination finishes and fought back from being a break down for most of the match, by winning against Taylor’s throw in the final leg to earn a point.
“I’m pleased with a point against Phil – even if I would have preferred two,” admitted Wade, the 2009 winner.
“I have been working hard on my game. I’ve realised that you have to put in the practise if you are going to stay at the top of this game and I’ve got my head down and done exactly that.
“It is finally starting to show in my performances. I am my own worst critic but I’ve played quite well over the last couple of weeks and I hope to keep that going.”
Thornton recorded the highest average of the tournament so far with his spectacular success over compatriot Gary Anderson.
The Scottish ace averaged over 109 in a 7-2 victory as he moved onto six points and into the play-off places after a fantastic start to his debut season.
“I enjoyed myself,” said Thornton, who also beat Anderson on his way to winning the UK Open last June.
“Everything seemed to go in. I’m honoured to be here but I’m not just here to make up the numbers.
“It’s amazing to play like that in front of the crowd. I’m delighted with it.
“Gary is a great player so I knew I’d have to hit the ground running. I think I sprinted!”
van Gerwen also reached six points after a resounding 7-2 defeat of Andy Hamilton.
After winning both UK Open events last weekend, the Dutchman has now not tasted defeat for an incredible 20 competitive matches.
“It’s been a good period for me,” said ‘Mighty Mike’, the World Championship runner-up.
“I played 18 games this week and won them all so that makes me very proud and very happy.
“I love that the crowd are behind me in the Premier League.
“They give me so much energy and confidence and if I keep my confidence, I’ll keep winning!”
Raymond van Barneveld joined van Gerwen and Thornton on six points with victory over Simon Whitlock, while Wes Newton grabbed his first victory at the expense of Adrian Lewis.
By Chris Murphy
Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC
Get tickets to see some of the stars of Premier League Darts in an exclusive professional event near you.
James Wade is aiming to build on the form he showed last week as bids to be first player to conquer Phil Taylor in the 2013 McCoy’s Premier League when the pair meet in Exeter this evening, while newcomers Michael van Gerwen and Robert Thornton are looking to extend their unbeaten starts.
Wade averaged over 100 in a dominant display to see off Adrian Lewis in Bournemouth but doesn’t believe that averages are the key to cutting ‘The Power’.
“I was pleased with the way I played last week because I have been putting the work in,” said ‘The Machine’, who has collected four points from his three matches so far.
“I hope that is a sign of things to come because I had been a little frustrated. I’ve been practising hard but putting in below par performances. I have been getting decent results though, which shows that averages aren’t everything.
“What I have to do to beat Phil is take out the right shots at the right times. If I do that then I can win the match.”
van Gerwen takes on Andy Hamilton after a enjoying a fantastic victory over Raymond van Barneveld last Thursday.
The Dutch sensation followed that up with an incredible run of 16 consecutive victories, which saw him take both of the opening UK Open qualifier titles in Crawley at the weekend.
‘Mighty Mike’ is in a confident mood as he looks to increase his current points tally of four.
He said: “I’m very happy with my game at the moment and I know I can keep it going.”
“I am very proud of what I am doing right now. It was a great achievement to win both events in Crawley and I would love to go on a run in the Premier League now.
“Every game is difficult though and I won’t be taking Andy for granted. I want to win and will have to bring my best game to do that.”
Thornton will compete in the first ever all Scottish encounter in the nine year history of the televised tournament.
‘The Thorn’ who has also amassed four points with a win and two draws, takes on Gary Anderson.
“It’s absolutely brilliant for Scottish darts,” said Thornton, the wild-card pick who won the UK Open last June.
“Since we joined the PDC, Gary and I have had some humdingers of matches. We wind each other up and spur each other on, and it’s a bit of friendly banter. We know at the end of the night we’ll be mates and it’s all in good fun.”
van Barneveld and Simon Whitlock are in action against each other in Exeter, while Adrian Lewis takes on Wes Newton in the other match of the evening.
By Chris Murphy
Tickets are selling fast for an exciting summer darts event at The Pyramids featuring two of the stars of this year’s hugely popular Premier League.
Michael van Gerwen and Robert Thornton, who shared a draw in a thrilling match when they met in week two of the televised tournament, are the star attractions at the Portsmouth International Masters, which takes place on 20 June.
Joining Thornton and van Gerwen, who won the sold out Untouchables events at the same venue before Christmas, will be two more high profile stars in the form of charismatic duo Paul Nicholson and Ted Hankey.
Local professionals Andy Jenkins and Les Wallace will complete the line-up for what is set to be another fantastic night of top quality darts.
And Scotsman Thornton, the reigning UK Open Champion urged fans to make sure they don’t miss out.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to this one and I’ve heard it’s selling well so people wanting to attend should get in there quick.
“I didn’t play in the last event at the venue but have been told fantastic things from the players that did.
“It was sold-out and the crowd were fantastic by all accounts. I can wait to be part of something similar and I’ll be out to stop Michael (van Gerwen) taking the title this time!”
Tickets are still available by calling the box office on 08450 180 180 or via www.dartshop.tv or www.pyramids-live.co.uk
Premier League Darts star Simon Whitlock has announced a deal to sponsor promising 20-year-old Keegan Brown.
Brown, who started 2013 ranked 86 in the PDC Order of Merit, is to be sponsored by ‘The Wizard’ with immediate effect.
The youngster has shown flashes of his ability since winning a tour card at the 2012 Qualifying School, winning a Youth Tour event and, perhaps more impressively, reaching the semi-finals of a Pro Tour event in the last twelve months.
Whitlock, the world number five, believes that Brown has the potential to become one of the sport’s top players in years to come.
“I am delighted to be in a position to sponsor such a promising young player,” said Whitlock, the reigning European Champion.
“Keegan has huge potential and is a great lad. He was the perfect fit for what I wanted to do.
“I know how important sponsorship is for a dart player so I wanted to help out and make sure Keegan is given every chance to achieve what I know he is capable of.
“I hope that my experience can help him become a full professional and go on to fulfil his ambitions in darts.”
Brown became the youngest ever male to play county darts when he made his debut for the Isle of Wight back in 2006.
He went on to play on the BDO circuit, qualifying for the Winmau World Masters, before going on to progress from Q-School comfortably.
By Chris Murphy
Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC
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