Michael van Gerwen hit a sensational nine-dart finish in an incredible performance, which saw him defeat Steve Beaton 13-9 in round two of the Betfair World Matchplay.

The Dutchman powered past his opponent to reach the last eight for the first time at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, hitting six finishes of over 100 in an explosive triumph over the former World Champion.

“I was delighted with my performance,” said van Gerwen.

“Especially as I kicked on well after the nine-darter.

“That was a very special moment for me and I enjoyed playing in such a brilliant match because Steve played very well too.

“I’ve been playing really well recently on the floor, which has given me great confidence and it all came good tonight.”

The first six legs of the match went with the throw, with van Gerwen taking out finishes of 108 and 116.

But it was Beaton who grabbed the game’s first break of throw, taking out 90 before van Gerwen responded with a brilliant 128 out.

Then came the magical moment, with ‘Mighty Mike’ hitting back to back 180s before sealing his spectacular nine dart finish with a 141 checkout.

The 23-year-old followed that up with another briliant checkout, this time 116.

Beaton levelled before the former World Master reeled off four legs in a row to take a 10-6 lead.

‘The Adonis’ took the next two before van Gerwen produced another fantatsic finish, taking out 120 in a leg that included his sixth maximum.

Beaton pulled it back to 11-9 before van Gerwen closed the match out, adding another 180 to end with an average of 104.36 – the highest of the tournament so far.

By Chris Murphy

See some of the world’s top darts players in action at The Untouchables,Eastbourne on Friday 19 October.

JAMES HUBBARD will celebrate his 20th birthday by making his Betfair World Matchplay debut on Tuesday night – but opponent Wes Newton is determined that a celebratory cake is the only present he receives from their clash in Blackpool.

World Youth Champion Hubbard will continue his remarkable rise when he steps onto the Winter Gardens stage – having competed in an amateur tournament in Blackpool last summer.

Having turned professional in November, the 19-year-old has soared to stardom and recently qualified to play in the £400,000 World Matchplay.

“It’s a dream for me to be playing in this event,” said Hubbard. “Winning the World Youth Championship was special but I wasn’t a professional when I qualified for the final, so this is the biggest stepping stone of my career.

“This time last year I was here playing in an amateur tournament, and now I’ll be on stage in the second-biggest event in darts.

“It would be very special to win but there’s no pressure on me either because I never expected to qualify for this.

“To beat the world number five on television in his own backyard would be a great achievement, and I’ll be giving it my best shot on Tuesday.”

Former UK Open finalist Newton was a quarter-finalist in last year’s World Matchplay, and enters their clash as the heavy favourite.

However, the number five seed is taking nothing for granted, and admits: “I’ve known James since he was a cheeky kid and it’s great to see him in the World Matchplay.

“He used to play in youth tournaments around PDC events so I’ve seen him grow up, and for him to have qualified shows how far he’s come in such a short space of time.

“He’s got a birthday cake but I don’t want to be giving him any more presents on stage on Tuesday night! I’m there to do a job and I’m looking forward to the game – to be in the second round is the main aim.”

Story and images courtesy of PDC

Mark Webster progressed into the second round of the Betfair World Matchplay with a hard fought victory over Colin Lloyd.

The Welshman hit finishes of 116 and 110 to take crucial legs against the throw, as he completed a 10-6 win against the 2005 champion.

“It wasn’t pretty but I got the job done,” said Webster, who faces Andy Hamilton in the last 16.

“It was a battle but I held it together and I’m very pleased to get the win.

“That could be a big win for me and I’m looking forward another good battle in the next round.”

Mervyn King almost toppled defending champion Phil Taylor but eventually lost out 10-8 to ‘The Power’, who is chasing a 13th Matchplay triumph.

There was also disspointment for Dutchman Vincent van der Voort, who was defeated by an inspired performance from Ian White.

Tuesday evening sees the final four first round matches, with James Hubbard hoping to mark his 20th birthday with victory over Fleetwood’s Wes Newton

By Chris Murphy

See some of the world’s top darts players in action at The Untouchables,Eastbourne on Friday 19 October.

James Wade powered his way through to the second round of the Betfair World Matchplay with a comfortable victory over Richie Burnett in Blackpool.

‘The Machine’ brushed aside the challenge of the in form Welshman, triumphing 10-5 with a solid display.

“I was happy with my performance but it wasn’t my best,” admitted Wade, who won the title in 2007.

“Hopefully my best will come but tonight was all getting past Richie, who has been playing really well recently.

“I love the place, the tournament and the format and I can’t wait to play again on Wednesday.”

‘The Machine’, who has reached four finals in six visits to the Winter Gardens, will face Mark Walsh in the second round.

Michael van Gerwen also booked his place in round two.

The 23-year-old Dutchman reeled off five consecutive legs to seal a 10-6 victory over Simon Whitlock.

“I played well but Simon was not on top form,” said ‘Mighty Mike’, who will face Steve Beaton in round two.

“Once I was on fire he couldn’t stop me. I managed to relax and I’m proud of how I played.

“I’m very happy to win this game. It is a massive result for me.”

Monday night sees Mark Webster, Mervyn King and Vincent van der Voort all take to the Blackpool stage.

Webster faces Colin Lloyd, King is up against Phil Taylor and van der Voort plays Ian White.

By Chris Murphy

See some of the world’s top darts players in action at The Untouchables,Eastbourne on Friday 19 October.

Raymond van Barneveld began his quest for glory at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens with a convincing victory over Michael Smith.

The popular Dutchman coasted to a 10-4 triumph over the St Helens youngster to set up a tasty second round clash with Terry Jenkins, after the world number ten launched a remarkable comeback to beat Belgian ace Kim Huybrechts.

“Terry and I always have great battles so I am looking forward to playing him,” said van Barneveld, who is enjoying a rich vein of form.

“I won the European tournament in Dusseldorf two weeks ago and I won an event in the Shetlands last week, so I am really pleased with how I am playing.

“The belief is back now and I honestly believe I can win this.”

‘Barney’ will lock horns with ‘The Bull’ on Wednesday evening, as he bids to claim a quarter-final spot.

There was disappointment for Paul Nicholson however, ‘The Asset’ suffered an early exit at the hands of Andy Smith, while UK Open winner Robert Thornton was beaten by World Champion Adrian Lewis.

Tuesday evening sees 2007 winner James Wade return the venue where he has reached four finals.

‘The Machine’ takes on Richie Burnett before Simon Whitlock and Michael van Gerwen go head to head for a place in round two.

By Chris Murphy

Enjoy at night at the darts in style at the VIP EXPERIENCE,Tonbridge Oct 20.

James Hubbard admits that qualifying for the Betfair World Matchplay exceeded even his own expectations in is debut season as professional darts player.

But Hubbard, who takes on Fleetwood ace Wes Newton at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens on Tuesday, has an added incentive to make it an extra special occasion.

The Norfolk youngster turns 20 on the day of his first round clash with ‘The Warrior’ and is aiming to make it a night to remember.

“I was delighted when I saw that the PDC had scheduled me in to play on my birthday,” said Hubbard, who is set to reveal his new nickname ahead of Tuesday’s match.

“It will be one that I will always remember, but if i don’t win then it won’t be my greatest birthday ever.

“I’ve just got to remember that I never expected to be in the Matchplay, take any unnecessary pressure off myself and enjoy it.

“If I win then that will be a bonus but I also know that anything can happen in a tournament and that anyone who is in it has the chance to win it. So I will go in with that attitude.

“I’ve never played Wes before but I have known him since I was really young so it will be nice to play him there, although it might be a hostile crowd as he is from the area, which will be a new experience for me.”

Hubbard qualified for the prestigious £400,000 tournament after a remarkable start to his professional career.

After appearing at last year’s Grand Slam of Darts, Hubbard turned professional in January and has enjoyed a string of successes since.

He beat Michael van Gerwen to be crowned as PDC World Youth Champion in front of 10,000 fans at London’s O2 Arena in May.

And Hubbard says that his victory over the enigmatic Dutchman has helped to prepare him for playing on the big stage.

He said: “Winning the youth final was massive for me. Not just in terms of winning the game itself but the way it has prepared me for things to come.

“There was a massive emphasis on that match and it helped me to learn how to play under pressure, which is hopefully showing in my results.”

The 19-year-old has coped well with his rapid rise to relative fame, after taking the title live on Sky Sports.

“My life has changed massively since turning pro and even more so since winning the youth World Championship,” said Hubbard.

“I’ve done a lot better since January than I ever thought I would.

“My first target was to break into the top 80 in the order of merit and qualify for the UK Open.

“I did both those things in the first six months and I should be in the top 64 after the Matchplay and should qualify for the World Championships and maybe even the Grand Prix, so I’ve already surpassed everything that I set out to achieve.

“It’s not just in darts though. Things have changed enormously in other areas of my life. I’m a lot more comfortable financially, more confident and everything is going well.

“I have good people around me, who are helping me keep my feet on the ground and I’m not letting things go to my head.”

Hubbard has been particularly impressive in the European Tour events, where he has claimed notable victories over World Championship winner Adrian Lewis and runner-up Andy Hamilton, before sealing his place in the Matchplay with a good run in Dusseldorf.

“I had said to a few people that I felt I needed to beat one of the very top players and that came against Lewis,” said Hubbard.

“Winning that match just seemed to settle me down for whoever I was playing.

“To beat the World Champion on stage in front of a few thousand people was pretty special and it is an achievement that I am very proud of.

“I was the outsider to qualify for the Matchplay so I didn’t feel like I was under any pressure in Germany.

“I had a good game against Hamilton but I rode my luck against Steve Brown, who missed about six darts to beat me.

“I played really well against Mark Walsh though and it was nice when that winning double went in.

“The German crowd were all on their feet cheering for me. It was a special moment in my life.”

Despite his rise to professional prominence, Hubbard still recognises the importance of the Youth Tour and has claimed victory on three occasions so far in 2012.

“I find the Youth Tour events really help with my form,” said Hubbard, who is ranked second in the Youth Tour order of merit.

“If you’re going through a bad patch it can help you find a bit of form and regain some confidence.

“On the flip-side, if you are playing well then it is another tournament to keep some momentum going.

“I wouldn’t be in the position I am without the Youth Tour and the standard is so good that it is not far off the Pro Tour anyway.”

Hubbard’s fantastic form has forced him to revise his ambitions for the rest of the year, but he is determined not to let the hype affect his future in the sport.

“I want to try and be in the top 50 in the world next year. That is my target.

“I have to stay grounded though and make sure I fulfil my potential because there are plenty of players who don’t.”

He can also rely on the support of world number nine Mark Webster, who sponsors the youngster.

The former World Champion believes that birthday-boy Hubbard will have many happy returns to the big stage whatever happens on Tuesday night.

Webster said: “It is a massive achievement for him to qualify for the second biggest tournament of the year and he definitely has the ability to cause an upset or two.

“He has a huge future in darts.”

By Chris Murphy

See some of the world’s top players at THE UNTOUCHABLES, Eastbourne, Friday October 19.

Tickets are on sale for The VIP Experience, where some of the best darts players on the planet will be on show at an exclusive non-televised professional event in Tonbridge on Saturday 20 October.

The stars, including five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld and world number three James Wade, will be showing their skills at The River Centre for a special VIP night.

‘Barney’ and ‘The Machine’ will be joined by Terry ‘The Bull’ Jenkins, Tony ‘Silverback’ O’Shea and Vincent van der Voort as well as  former World Champion Dennis ‘The Menace’ Priestley.

Another former World Champion, Andy ‘The Viking’ Fordham will be appearing as a VIP host alongside Sky Sports’ Rod Harrington.

Fans will enjoy the special experience of a top quality darts event VIP style, with a waitress service, buffet, meet and greet with the players and an exclusive after party, which will follow the main event.

Two local amateur players will get their chance to take on the stars of world darts on the night. Details of how to qualify will be released in due course.

Tickets for this unique sporting spectacle are available by calling 08450 180 180 or online via www.dartshop.tv

BUY TICKETS

Tickets are on sale for The Untouchables event in Eastbourne, where six of the world’s best professional darts players will be on show at the Winter Garden.

The superstars, including five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld and seven-time major winner James Wade, will go head to head on Friday 19 October.

Fans favourite Terry ‘The Bull’ Jenkins and the world’s fastest player Vincent van der Voort will be joined by former World Champion Dennis Priestley and ‘Silverback’ Tony O’Shea.

As well as playing against each other, the darting elite will also pit their skills against two local qualifiers, who will be gunning for glory.

Former World Champion Andy Fordham will also be in attendance as a VIP host.

Tickets are expected to sell out very quickly in what promises to be a high-quality, entertaining evening.

BUY TICKETS

There was more success for MODUS’ youth stars over the weekend, with James Hubbard and Arron Monk both winning PDC Unicorn Youth Tour titles in Barnsley.

2011 Under-21 World Champion Monk took victory in Saturday’s second event, beating Samuel Head 4-2 in the final.

Hubbard, who is the reigning World Youth Champion, won the twelfth event of the year when he whitewashed Sam Hill in Sunday’s final.

Hubbard, who heads to Blackpool next week to compete in the Betfair World Matchplay, defeated Josh Payne, Joshua Carter and Chris Aubrey, before victories over Matthew Dennant, Monk and Hill saw him claim his second Youth Tour triumph of 2012.

Monk remains top of the Youth Order of Merit after another successful weekend, in which he added £800 to his prize money for the year.

The Hampshire star has collected £3,025 so far, having won a third of the events that have taken place this year, with Hubbard £700 behind him in second place.

The weekend’s success means that MODUS’ youngsters have taken 8 wins out of 12 events in 2012, with four victories for Monk, two for Hubbard and one apiece for Aubrey and Adam Smith-Neale.

The next PDC Unicorn Youth Tour events will be held at the Moorways Centre in Derby on August 4 & 5, when three £3,000 tournaments will be held.

By Chris Murphy

Arron Monk continued his fabulous run of form on the PDC Unicorn Youth Tour by claiming his fourth victory of 2012, when he triumphed at Barnsley Metrodome on Saturday.

The Hamsphire ace lost out to World Youth Champion James Hubbard in the quarter-finals of the weekend’s first event. But he stormed back to win the second.

Monk, who is sitting pretty at the top of the Youth Order of Merit, beat Samuel Head 4-2 in the final to clinch the £500 first prize.

He kicked off the event with wins over Jack Twedell and Martin Heneghan, before taking 4-1 triumphs against Martin Walker and Sam Hill.

He then whitewashed Matthew Dicken to reach the last four, where he defeated Lewis Veynes 4-2 before claiming the title with victory over Head.

By Chris Murphy