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James Hubbard insists that he has nothing to fear ahead of the PDC Unicorn World Youth Championship Final on Thursday.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

The 19-year-old takes on Michael van Gerwen at London’s O2 in front of an expected record-breaking crowd of over 10,000, before the final of the McCoy’s Premier League.

The youngster has been enjoying some good form on the professional tour, and is confident that he can take that onto the big stage.

“I’ve proved recently that I can hold my own in professional events,” said Hubbard who reached his first professional quarter-final at the recent UK Open qualifier.

“My run to the quarter-final in Birmingham has given me a massive confidence boost. I’m looking forward to playing Michael, knowing that I’ve beaten players of the same calibre.

“I went to the Premier League in Newcastle last week to get a feel for the competition, and the crowd were amazing. There’s going to be at least twice as many people at the O2.

“Not every darts player gets the chance to play in front of that kind of crowd. I’m a lucky guy and hopefully I’ll be able to make the most of the opportunity I’ve got.”

Hubbard’s run in Birmingham helped him secure a place at his second major televised tournament next month, when he joins the UK Open in round three as one of the top 32 qualifiers.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

One stand-out game included a brilliant 157 checkout from Hubbard, in a deciding leg against Dennis Smith. The youngster believes that he may need to repeat this kind of sharp finishing under pressure to overcome a more experienced opponent in 23-year-old van Gerwen.

Hubbard said: “I won’t do anything out of the ordinary in preparation for the final. I’ll just stick to my usual practise routines.  My scoring has been brilliant for about a year now so I am focusing more on finishing.

“I think the pressure is more on Michael because he has more experience. He lost in the final last year as well so that could be playing on his mind.

“I have seen a lot more of him than he has of me, so I think I can use that to my advantage. I know I’ll get my chances, so I won’t panic if he puts a few really good legs in.”

Hubbard is being backed by former World Champion Mark Webster, who sponsors the 19-year-old.

“James can definitely win it and he can take a lot from what will be a fantastic experience,” said Webster, who took part in 2011 Premier League.

“He’s got the game to win. He just needs to relax and play his darts like he would anywhere else. Michael is probably the most experienced 23-year-old darts player there is but I think James will be fine.”

Hubbard, who made his TV debut at the 2011 Grand Slam of Darts, hopes to emulate the success of his friend Arron Monk, who beat van Gerwen to lift the Under-21 title last year.

He added: “Winning would mean everything to me. When you first pick up a dart you dream of being a World Champion.

“To be a World Champion at any level is a fantastic achievement and it really would be a dream come true for me.”

By Chris Murphy

MODUS are delighted to welcome an exciting new sponsorship deal with Burghley Sports, for emerging youth talents Arron Monk, James Hubbard, Chris Aubrey and Adam Smith-Neale.

Burghley Sports have an excellent reputation for producing quality and innovative promotional material, merchandise and clothing for a range of clients, including the PDC.

Current Under-21 World Champion Monk and Hubbard, who is competing in the World Youth Final on Thursday, will benefit from the support of Burghley Sports, along with the promising pair of Aubrey and Smith-Neale.

All of the players are delighted with the faith that is been put in them by such an established and highly regarded company.

Burghley Sports owner Dee Smith is equally pleased with the partnership, after choosing the four potential stars for her company’s first ever sponsorship deal.

She said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring four young and exciting darts players, who present a positive image, which we are proud to be associated with.

“We specialise in helping brands get noticed with logos and merchandise so this is a nice way for us to get our brand out there.

“This is an investment for the future. We have chosen these particular players because of we believe they will have a good future in the game and will benefit from the sponsorship.

“I have been involved in producing a variety of merchandise for the last fourteen years, up and down the country. This includes everything from personalised items for stag and hen dos to professional uniforms for major companies, as well as a wide range of merchandise for the PDC.

“We also design products, so we will design unique shirts for each of the players, which we will work closely with the players on regarding fabric, logo’s and identity. We hope this is the first step to a long and successful partnership with some of the brightest young talents in professional darts.”

To find out more about Burghley Sports, please visit their website www.burghleysports.com

By Chris Murphy

Summer is heating up at Rileys Darts Zones across the country with a host of darts events to get you hot under the collar.

Kicking off this month, Rileys Sports Bar is bringing darts to the people in style, with the help of some of the finest legends in darts.

Committed to propelling darts to new heights in the UK, big names such as Paul Nicholson, Mark Webster, Tony O’Shea, Robert Thornton and John Henderson will make up a list of not-to-be-missed events throughout the Summer, where lucky competition winners will get the opportunity to go up against these legends.  They will also take the time to answer questions from the crowd, as well as signing autographs.

Maurice Kelly, Chief Executive of Rileys Sports Bars, said: “We are delighted to have so many big names visit our clubs this summer, proving that we have always been serious about our darts.  Darts is a great social sport that gets everyone involved but it has been difficult for people to find high quality facilities to play, as pubs across the country are closing daily.”

Rileys will also be hosting Phil Taylor as the Rileys UK Roadshow hits the Darts Zones this month.  The Roadshow will be touching down at Darts Zones in Wolverhampton, Solihull, Burton and to launch the new Darts Zone in Nottingham.

Following the success of existing Darts Zones clubs, former professional player Wayne ‘Hawaii 501’ will also be heading up several of the launch events for new Darts Zones across the country.
Events will be taking place at the following clubs:

• Wolverhampton (01942 233 248) – Phil Taylor – 7^th May
• South Benfleet (01268 792 233) – Mark Webster – 14^th May
• Notthingham (0115 947 0620) – Phil Taylor – 14^th May
• Colchester (01206 368 026) – Mark Webster – 15^th May
• Taunton (01823 254 627) – Mark Webster – 16^th May
• Chesterfield (01246 207 211) – Paul Nicholson – 21^st May
• Solihull (0121 742 6068) – Phil Taylor – 21^st May
• Lincoln, Silver St (01522 546 883) – Paul Nicholson – 22^nd May
• Burton-On-Trent (01283 569 518) – Phil Taylor – 22^nd May
• Leicester Rileys (0116 254 9944) – Paul Nicholson – 23^rd May
• Plymouth (01752 222 836) – Tony O’Shea – 27^th May
• Torquay (01803 295 529) – Tony O’Shea – 28^th May
• Aberdeen (01224 591 542) – Thorton & Henderson – 28^th May
• Stirling (01786 446 363) – Thornton & Henderson – 29^th May
• Northampton (01604 662 766) – Wayne Mardle – 30^th May
• Scunthorpe (01724 852 593) – Mark Webster – 31^st May
• Moseley (0121 449 9388) – Wayne Mardle – 6^th June
• Hastings (01424 421 607) – Wayne Mardle – 13^th June
• Lincoln, Crofton Rd (01522 548 635) – Wayne Mardle – 28^th June
• Cannock (01543 504 220) – Wayne Mardle – 5^th July
• Crewe (01270 213 253) – Wayne Mardle – 11^th July
• Erdington (0121 730 302) – Wayne Mardle – 13^th July
• Harlow (01279 430 302) – Wayne Mardle – 8^th August
• Altrincham (0161 928 7053) – Wayne Mardle – 18^th August
• Derby, Babington Lane (01332 347 307) – Wayne Mardle – 19^th August
• Leicester Q Bar (0116 253 9624) – Wayne Mardle – 20^th August

For more information on all events, visit www.rileys.co.uk

James Wade sealed a semi-final spot on a dramatic night of McCoy’s Premier League Darts in Newcastle, while Simon Whitlock clinched second place with a win on the final night of the league stage.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

Wade grabbed the last available Play-Off place after winning a crucial last leg against Raymond van Barneveld.

‘The Machine’ needed a draw to book his place at London’s O2 next Thursday, but trailed the Dutchman 7-6, meaning the winner of the final leg would qualify.

Wade held his nerve under pressure to get the draw he required from a tense but terrific tie, in which ‘Barney’ produced a fabulous 161 finish.

“It was a hard game and Raymond played well, so there’s a massive sense of satisfaction to be in the Play-Offs again,” said Wade.

“I know what I’ve got to do next week in the Play-Offs; to win two games. I’ve done it before and I’m just glad to be there, because a couple of weeks ago it was looking bad for me and seven weeks ago it was looking even worse.”

Wade will take on Phil Taylor in the semi-final, while Whitlock’s victory over Adrian Lewis set up a last four clash against Andy Hamilton, who qualified in third place after beating Kevin Painter.

‘The Wizard’ produced a brilliant fight back from 5-2 down to beat the World Champion 8-6, hitting five 180’s and two ton-plus finishes in the process.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

“I was already in the semi-finals but I wanted to win tonight to make sure that I avoided Phil Taylor in the semi-finals, so I’m over the moon to have done that,” said Whitlock.

“Adrian was fantastic early on but I hung in there and when I was 5-2 down it took a lot of bottle to come back from there. I dug deep and the darts went in for me.

“The McCoy’s Premier League this year has been the hardest ever, so I’m delighted to have finished second but I’ve got two steps left now; to reach the final and then go on and win it.”

Last year’s champion Gary Anderson ended his season by claiming a draw against table-topping Taylor.

By Chris Murphy

Final League Table

See Simon Whitlock, James Wade and Raymond van Barneveld in action in Grimsby on Friday 1st June / Weston-Super-Mare on Saturday 2nd June

The draw for the first two rounds of the Speedy Services UK Open on was made on Thursday, with reigning champion James Wade facing one of four qualifiers as he begins the defence of his title on the evening of Thursday 7^th June.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

Wade, who won the UK Open for a second time last year, enters in the second round and will play Mark Lawrence, Jamie Robinson, Glen Durrant or the Rileys Bolton Qualifier.

Also entering in round two is last year’s semi-finalist, Mark Webster, he takes on Johnny Haines, while Co Stompe faces Alan Tabern and Antonio Alcinas plays Jim Walker.

Paul Nicholson, who knocked both Phil Taylor and Gary Anderson out of last year’s tournament, will play the Rileys Basildon Qualifier or Andy Melling in round one.

The £250,000 tournament, nicknamed ‘The FA Cup of Darts’ due to the open draw format which can see leading players drawn together at any stage, will feature a mixture of the top professionals alongside 64 amateur qualifiers from June 7-10 in Bolton.

SPEEDY SERVICES UK OPEN DRAW

(Matches involving MODUS players)

Preliminary Round
Arron Monk v Paul Boulton
Adam Smith-Neale v Rob Hawker
Gus Santana v Andy Jenkins
Rileys Taunton Qualifier v John Henderson
First Round
Johnson/Daniels v Smith-Neale/Hawker
Hankey/Dutson v Santana/A Jenkins
Rileys Taunton Qualifier/Henderson v Palfreyman/Gregory
Monk/Boulton v Pallett/Hendriks
Paul Nicholson v Rileys Basildon Qualifier/Melling

Second Round
Rileys Taunton Qualifier/Henderson/Palfreyman/Gregory v Colin Osborne
Parsons/Stewart/Scott/Woods v Johnson/Daniels/Smith-Neale/Hawker
Monk/Boulton/Pallett/Hendriks v Maish/Solly/Hunt
Mark Hylton v Antonio Alcinas
Nicholson/Rileys Basildon Qualifier/Melling v Miller/Frost/Rileys Brighton Qualifier/Cooper
Mark Webster v Johnny Haines
Co Stompe v Alan Tabern
Mervyn King v Hankey/Dutson/Santana/A Jenkins
James Wade v Lawrence/Robinson/Durrant/Rileys Bolton Qualifier

Raymond van Barneveld, Simon Whitlock, Michael van Gerwen, Vincent van der Voort, James Hubbard and Robert Thornton will all enter the tournament in Round Three.

By Chris Murphy

JAMES WADE 7 – 7 RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD

James Wade booked his place in the semi-finals of the McCoy’s Premier League, after a dramatic last leg shoot-out with Raymond van Barneveld in Newcastle.

‘Barney’, who needed to win to take the final Play-Off spot, led 7-6 against ‘The Machine’, who was in need of a draw to qualify.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

Wade produced a great leg under pressure to ensure it would be him who made it through, hitting 60, 180, 140 and 81, before hitting double top to set up a semi-final clash with Phil Taylor at London’s O2 next Thursday.

“It was such a hard game, with the crowd against me,” said Wade, who won the tournament in 2009.

“The eight players this year have been brilliant. I have been lucky at times over the last 14 weeks, but you have to be. I’m delighted to be in the semi-finals.”

Barney hit his first 180 in the opening leg, which he won on double 16. ‘The Machine’ responded with a clinical 95 checkout, before van Barneveld hit double ten to go back in front.

The Dutchman applied the pressure with his second 180, before grabbing a break of throw in a tense fourth leg, in which both players missed doubles.

Wade broke back immediately to reduce the deficit but van Barneveld did the same, to take a 4-2 lead into the break.

‘The Machine’ grabbed the fourth consecutive leg against the throw, hitting his first maximum in the process.

The world number three then hit double eight to hold his throw and level the match at four legs apiece.

Wade took the lead for the first time, hitting double twelve for another break of throw, before taking out 80 to go 6-4 ahead and in need of one more leg for a Play-Off place.

‘Barney’ produced a sensational 161 checkout to keep the match alive, and he finished on the bull again to restore parity.

Both players missed shots at the bull in the 13^th leg, before van Barneveld hit double sixteen, but Wade held his nerve and his throw in the final leg, to book his place in the semi-finals.

By Chris Murphy

SIMON WHITLOCK 8 – 6 Adrian Lewis

Simon Whitlock clinched second place in the McCoy’s Premier League after a brilliant fight back in Newcastle, which eliminated World Champion Adrian Lewis, ahead of next week’s Play-Offs.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

‘The Wizard’, who trailed 5-2 at one point, produced some brilliant darts, including five 180’s and two ton-plus finishes, on his way to an 8-6 triumph at the Metro Radio Arena.

“When I was 5-2 down it took a lot of bottle to come back,” said Whitlock.  “It’s very important to finish second because nobody really wants to play Phil Taylor in the semi-final.

“The McCoy’s Premier League this year has been the hardest ever so I am delighted to be part of, and very proud to be in the semi-finals. The next step is to win it.”

Lewis held his throw in the opening leg and ‘The Wizard’ responded in style, hitting his first 180 before taking out 92.

Whitlock missed double 16 for a 112 checkout in attempt to break the throw, allowing ‘Jackpot’ to regain the lead.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

The Australian ace slotted in his second maximum in leg four, but Lewis hit the bullseye to double his advantage.

Lewis held his throw again to go 4-1 up, before ‘The Wizard’ took out a brilliant 130 finish on the bull to pull a leg back before break.

Lewis restored his three leg lead with an 81 checkout in the seventh leg, and looked set to win the eighth before Whitlock rescued it by hitting his third 180, followed by a two dart 77 checkout.

That proved to be a real turning point in the match, as the world number six grabbed a crucial break back to reduce Lewis’ lead to 5-4.

‘The Wizard’ then restored parity, hitting his fourth maximum in the process, before ‘Jackpot’ hit double top to edge back in front.

Whitlock’s fifth maximum helped him on his way to clinching the twelfth leg, before grabbing a break of throw with a magnificent 140 checkout.

That stunning finish meant Whitlock would take at least a point off the World Champion, confirming a second place finish in the league, but ‘The Wizard’ wasn’t finished there and claimed the victory on double 16.

By Chris Murphy

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

James Wade and Raymond van Barneveld are gearing up for a shoot-out in the race for the McCoy’s Premier League semi-finals, as the league stage of the tournament concludes in Newcastle on Thursday Night.

The pair clash in an all-MODUS affair at the Metro Radio Arena, with a place in next week’s Play-Offs at stake.

Wade currently occupies the final Play-Off place but is tied on points with ‘Barney’.

Third placed Adrian Lewis also has twelve points, while Kevin Painter and Andy Hamilton, who also meet in Newcastle, are just a point behind, meaning five players are competing for two available places.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

A win for either ‘The Machine’ or van Barneveld would seal qualification, but a draw would leave their fates in the hands of other results.

“I don’t want to be relying on anybody else, and my aim is to beat Raymond to make sure I’m in the top four,” said 2009 champion Wade.

“It’s exciting that everything we’ve played for in the last three months is coming down to the final league game, and I’m looking forward to playing Raymond.”

Van Barneveld said: “It is exciting and I’ll be giving it my very best. I’m still in the competition but the leg difference could be important and I’m on -11, compared to -6 for James. It’s not always easy to play James. He’s always good against me and I’ve got my hands full.”

Simon Whitlock has already booked his semi-final place at London’s 02 next Thursday. ‘The Wizard’ wants to make sure he stays in second place with a win against Lewis.

He said: “I want to finish has high in the table as possible. It doesn’t really matter whether it’s second or third in terms of the Play-Offs, but I want to finish second and I’ll be going out to win.”

The other match of the night sees top meet bottom as Phil Taylor, who has already qualified, takes on last year’s winner Gary Anderson, who cannot reach the Play-Offs.

By Chris Murphy

League Table

Permutations for MODUS players

Simon Whitlock – Qualified, and needs a point in Newcastle to secure second place.

James Wade – Must win to be sure of Play-Off place, but would still qualify with a draw if Lewis is beaten OR if Hamilton v Painter is a draw.

Raymond van Barneveld – Must win to be sure of Play-Off place, but would still qualify with a draw if Lewis is beaten AND Hamilton v Painter is a draw.

See Simon Whitlock, James Wade and Raymond van Barneveld in action in Weston-Super-Mare on Saturday 2nd June. 

Simon Whitlock is delighted to be heading into the final night of the McCoy’s Premier League Darts league stage under no pressure, but insists he will still be vying for victory in Newcastle on Thursday.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

‘The Wizard’, along with Phil Taylor, has already qualified for the semi-finals at London’s O2 next week, leaving five players to battle it out for the two remaining spots.

But Whitlock, who faces Play-Off chasing Adrian Lewis, says that he is out for another two points to cement a second place finish.

He said: “The pressure is off for me on Thursday. It’s all on the other guys now but I would like to finish off with a win.

“I want to finish has high in the table as possible. It doesn’t really matter whether it’s second or third in terms of the Play-Offs, but I want to finish second and I’ll be going out to win.”

A win for ‘The Wizard’ in Newcastle would set up some semi-final confidence ahead of next week, when the world number five is aiming to clinch his first major title.

“Right from the beginning I was looking to make the semis,” said Whitlock. “I’ve done that now so the next job is to make the final and then win.

“The 8-0 defeat to James Wade was probably a big turning point for me because I bounced back from that and won three games in a row.

“I’ve changed something on my darts again; just the shafts and I feel really confident with them. They are landing at the right angles now.

“I feel like I can win it. I think I am playing well enough at the moment and I’m feeling really good within myself.”

By Chris Murphy

See Simon ‘The Wizard’ Whitlock in action in Grimsby on Friday 1st June / Weston-Super-Mare on Saturday 2nd June

Four of MODUS’ star players have hailed the role of sponsors The Money Shop, after a successful start to 2012.

James Wade, Simon Whitlock, Raymond van Barneveld and Paul Nicholson are all enjoying the support of UK’s number one instant cash provider, and have all spoken of their gratitude and pride in sporting the company’s logo.

The players have been repaying their sponsor for putting faith in them by proudly showing off the logo, as well as making personal appearances at various branches around the country.

Whitlock has enjoyed a particularly strong few months, having already qualified for the semi-finals of the McCoy’s Premier League. ‘The Wizard’ highlighted the importance of the partnership.

He said: “Sponsorship is such a massive thing for darts players. When I hit the top a couple of years ago, I was struggling for sponsorship, so to have such a well known brand like The Money Shop onside is absolutely fantastic.

“I hope my performances are repaying their support and I am pleased that I will be showing them off on my shirt in the Premier League semi-finals.”

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

Wade and van Barneveld are both still in strong contention to reach the Premier League Play-offs and the pair both paid tribute to their sponsors, ahead of their crucial showdown on Thursday.

“The Money Shop has been brilliant,” said van Barneveld, who appeared at the Birmingham Store last week. “I am pleased to give something back when I visit them and meet their staff and also with my performances on TV.”

Wade added: “It will be a tough match next Thursday. Both Raymond and I are desperate for a place in the semis, not just for ourselves but everyone who supports us. Our sponsors put a huge amount of faith in us, and we want to do well for them too.”

Nicholson reached the final of the World Cup of Darts, when he and Whitlock represented Australia earlier this year. ‘The Asset’ is hoping that was just the start of a good year ahead in major tournaments.

“I really want to win a TV tournament this year,” said Nicholson, who is appearing at the Metrocentre store, Gateshead on Wednesday.

“Simon and I were so close in the World Cup but it wasn’t to be. But I’m getting closer and the brilliant backing from The Money Shop can only help me move forward. They believe in me as much as I believe in myself and I can’t thank them enough.”

By Chris Murphy