Category: Darts Events

Michael van Gerwen won his twelfth title of an amazing year so far when he claimed victory in the sixth Players Championship event of 2013 at Crawley’s K2 on Sunday.

The world number two defeated Andy Hamilton 6-1 in the final, after missing out at the semi-final stage on Saturday, when he was defeated by Wez Newton.

But the Dutch sensation stormed back in Sunday’s event, which he kicked off with wins against Kevin Dowling and Richie Burnett, before claiming a 6-0 whitewash over Ronny Huybrechts to reach the quarter-finals.

There, he saw off Andy Smith before hitting back from 5-2 down to defeat Brendan Dolan 6-5 in the last four, where he also missed double twelve for a nine-darter.

And his final victory over Hamilton saw him pass the £100,000 mark in prize money from from Pro Tour events alone this year.

 

 

Darts fans packed out Roffey Sports and Social Club, Horsham on Friday night as over £5,000 was raised for charity.

Premier League darts stars James Wade, Simon Whitlock, Michael van Gerwen and Robert Thornton were joined by fellow professionals Mark Webster, Paul Nicholson, Vincent van der Voort and Co Stompe for a night of top quality arrows, hosted by legendary commentator John Gwynne.

The total amount raised from ticket sales, raffle, auction and donations was £5,250, with all proceeds being split between Bipolar UK and Bradbury Enhanced Care Service.

Bipolar UK is the national charity dedicated to supporting individuals with the much misunderstood and devastating condition of Bipolar, while Bradbury Enhanced Care Service provides crucial support for young adults with complex health needs, physical disabilities and life limiting conditions.

All players and staff gave their time freely for what was a wonderful night for two worthy causes.

World number four Wade, who gave a speech about his experience with Bipolar disorder, said: “I want to thank all the players for giving up there time to support the two causes.

“But most of all I want to thank everyone for turning up and raising a lot of money, which I hope can make a real difference.”

Donations can still be made online via this page for Bipolar UK or text the amount you would like to donate & Dart52 to 70070 OR click here for Bradbury Enhanced care or text the amount you would like to donate & Dart54 to 70070

Tickets are priced at £20 and are available from www.dartshop.tv / 08450 180 180
or 01403 210 223

Some of the world’s top darts players will take part in a charity fundraising night at Roffey Sports and Social Club, Horsham for the second consecutive year next week.

Premier League stars James Wade, Simon Whitlock, Michael van Gerwen and Robert Thornton are amongst a fantastic line-up for the event, which will take place on Friday 21 June in aid of two causes.

All proceeds from the night will be split between Bipolar UK and Bradbury Enhanced Care Service.

Joining the quartet of Premier League stars, will be former Players Champion Paul Nicholson, former World Champions Mark Webster and Andy Fordham and the Dutch duo of Vincent van der Voort and Co Stompe.

Wade, winner of seven major titles, who has the condition of Bipolar, is delighted to support both charities.

He said: “I’m looking forward to the night. Both causes are so worthy and all of us players are pleased to be in a position to support them.

“My problems have been well-documented but help is out there and if it wasn’t for charities like these it wouldn’t be so accessible and people with the same condition as myself would be suffering horrendously.

“I hope we can raise a lot of money for both charities and have a lot of fun doing so.”

Bipolar UK is the national charity dedicated to supporting individuals with the much misunderstood and devastating condition of Bipolar, while Bradbury Enhanced Care Service provides crucial support for young adults with complex health needs, physical disabilities and life limiting conditions.

Jason Thame of promoters MODUS Darts said: “The event here last year was so successful and we raised a lot of money for Bradbury Enhanced Care so we are delighted to be able to put on another night, this time to raise money for two great causes.”

Fans will be given the chance to take on the arrows aces before the professionals compete in an exclusive tournament.

Photograph and autograph opportunities will be available on the night as some of stars of top professional sport and fans come together in aid of two fantastic charities.

Tickets are priced at £20 and are available here or by calling MODUS on 08450 180 180.

Attendees are reminded that all proceeds will be split between the two causes, with further fund-raising activities taking place on the evening.

Donations can also be made via this page for Bipolar UK or text the amount you would like to donate & Dart52 to 70070 OR click here for Bradbury Enhanced care or text the amount you would like to donate & Dart54 to 70070

Actor Daniel Radcliffe is a fan of seven-time PDC major winner James Wade, it was revealed this week.

The 23-year-old, who rose to super-stardom playing the title role in the Harry Potter film series, may have been a top ‘Quidditch’ player on screen but Radcliffe is actually a huge fan of darts.

And, though you might expect his favourite player to be ‘The Wizard’ Simon Whitlock, the esteemed film star is a secretly a fan of ‘The Machine’.

Radcliffe’s passion for darts and support for Wade was revealed by Irish pop group The Duckworth Lewis Method in a BBC Radio 2 interview.

Band members Neil Hannon and Thomas Walsh, who have worked with Radcliffe, mentioned on Monday’s Drivetime Show to host Simon Mayo that: “We worked with Stephen Fry, who is a big fan of darts. Incidentally, Daniel is a big fan of darts too. He is a James Wade fan.”

Wade welcomed the support of the film star, saying: “It is always nice to learn that someone of his profile and status appreciates what you do and he would be more welcome to attend a tournament as my guest.”

You can listen to The Duckworth Lewis Method in interview here.

By Chris Murphy

Raymond van Barneveld was denied a place in the UK Open final after losing a dramatic last-leg decider against Andy Hamilton, who was defeated in the final as Phil Taylor won the Bolton tournament for the fifth time.

James Wade and Michael van Gerwen had their title hopes ended in the quarter-finals on Sunday afternoon, losing out to Taylor and Hamilton respectively.

 

YOU CAN SEE PHIL TAYLOR, RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD, JAMES WADE AND MICHAEL VAN GERWEN IN CRAWLEY – TICKETS AVAILABLE AT WWW.DARTSHOP.TV

Michael van Gerwen, James Wade and Raymond van Barneveld all moved into the last eight of the UK Open with wins on Saturday evening.

van Gerwen will meet Phil Taylor after defeating Terry Jenkins in Bolton.

The Dutchman saw off Jenkins 9-3 before being drawn against world number one Taylor in a repeat of the World Championship and Premier League finals.

I am happy to play anyone,” said van Gerwen, who won has recently won the Premier League, Dubai Darts Masters and a European Tour Event.

“I am used to winning at the moment and I am feeling confident ahead of the final day.”

Wade cruised past John Henderson to set up a sixth round clash with Andy Hamilton.

‘The Machine’ triumphed 9-4 against the Scotsman as he bids to win the tournament for a third time.

“I wasn’t at my best and it was lucky for me that John wasn’t either,” said Wade, the 2008 and 2011 winner.

“There is massive strength in depth in the PDC at the moment so it is a huge achievement for me to be in the quarter-finals.

“I’ve just been taking one game at a time and that is all I can continue to do.”

van Barneveld saw off defending champion Robert Thornton in a thrilling last 16 battle.

The Dutchman won 9-7, averaging over 100 in the process.

“I’m very happy,” said van Barneveld. “The way Robert has being playing, I knew I would have to hit that kind of average to beat him and it was a massive relief when that last dart went in.

“I’m in the quarters again so that is the most important thing. I’ll go and rest and to be ready for what will hopefully be a long day tomorrow.”

The draw for the semi-finals will take place following the quarters on Sunday afternoon.

By Chris Murphy

SEE JAMES WADE, RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD, SIMON WHITLOCK AND TED HANKEY LIVE IN SUNDERLAND ON JUNE 15 – TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

In-form Michael van Gerwen and two-time UK Open champion James Wade stormed into the last 16 with comfortable wins on Saturday afternoon, while Scottish pair Robert Thornton and John Henderson also reached the fifth round in Bolton.

Wade swept past Dave Chisnall, winning 9-2 to keep alive his hopes of winning a third UK Open title.

But the 2008 and 2011 winner, who has won five games to reach the last 16, insisted he is not thinking that far ahead.

He said: “I’m looking forward to my next game, whoever it is against, and that is all I’m going to concentrate on at the moment.

“It’s not about this tournament or any individual tournament for me. It is all about getting things right for a good future in the modern era of darts.

“I’m happy with my results so far and if I step my performance levels up a little bit I can beat anyone.”

Wade will take on Henderson in the evening session for a place in Sunday’s quarter-finals after the Scotsman fought back from 8-6 down to defeat Kevin McDine in a deciding leg.

“It’s a massive win for me,” said Henderson.

“It was very tense at the end and we both missed darts for the match but I was over moon when the last one went in.

“I’m really enjoying this tournament and it is onwards an upwards for me now.”

van Gerwen will face Terry Jenkins in round five after the Dutchman saw off Northern Ireland’s Michael Mansell 9-3.

And the world number two is targeting an improved performance.

“I’m not too happy with how I played in the first two games,” said van Gerwen, who had beaten Mervyn King on Friday.

“I have to concentrate better tonight. Terry is a great player and hopefully that will bring out the best in me.”

Defending champion Robert Thornton won the last four legs to claim a 9-5 win over Kirk Shepherd.

The Premier League star, who will face Raymond van Barneveld on Saturday night admitted he had to work hard for the win.

Thornton said: “Kirk is one of those players who will throw a brilliant leg and then a bad leg so when he puts a run together you can be in trouble.

“I dug in and got the job done though. I played fairly well and I’m happy to be through.

“My game is there and so is my confidence and I’m actually playing better than I did when I won it last year.”

van Barneveld won his fourth round match comfortably, defeating Joey Palfreyman 9-3.

 

By Chris Murphy

SEE JAMES WADE, RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD, SIMON WHITLOCK AND TED HANKEY LIVE IN SUNDERLAND ON JUNE 15 – TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

Former champions James Wade and Robert Thornton progressed to round four of the UK Open on Friday evening in Bolton, with Dutch duo Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld joining them in the last 32.

Wade survived a late fight-back from Jamie Caven to eventually win 9-7 after he had led 8-4.

The two-time champion averaged over 100 in what was already his fourth win of the tournament so far, taking out a 141 finish and 85 to seal the victory.

“I played okay,” said Wade, who won the title in 2008 and 2011.

“Jamie’s form has picked up recently and there had been a few people tipping him to do well but I felt confident that I would win.

“I’m still going and it doesn’t matter at all to me who I play in the next round. I’ll take each game as it comes.”

Defending champion Thornton also averaged over 100 in his 9-7 success over Matthew Edgar despite trailing 6-4 at one stage.

“I knew Matt was a good player,” said Thornton, the world number eleven.

“I didn’t find out I was playing him until this morning because I was asleep and I’ll be doing the same while the draw is on tonight.

“I can’t get a run as hard as last year and I won it then so I’m not bothered about who I get. This tournament is there for anybody to win and if it is me holding the trophy again on Sunday, I’ll be a very happy man.”

Bookies favourite van Gerwen hit six 180s in an impressive 9-5 victory against Mervyn King and immediately set his sights on the £40,000 first prize.

“I really want to win this,” said the Premier League Champion, who has already won ten PDC titles in 2013.

“I didn’t play my best but I won and that is they way it has been going for me recently. In a way it gives me even more confidence.

“I’m on a great run and I want to keep that up for as long as I can. It was tough to take on Mervyn first but that is the way this tournament is and I am happy to play whoever I come up against because you have to beat good players to win things.”

van Barneveld missed double twelve for a nine-dart finish in his thrilling match against Michael Smith, which the Dutchman edged 9-8.

Scotsman John Henderson reached the fourth round for the first time in his career with a 9-7 victory against Scott Rand.

Henderson, who had never previously defeated Rand, had trailed 4-1 and didn’t take the lead until leg 15 but went on to secure an impressive win.

“I’m over the moon with that,” admitted the 40-year-old. “It is a personal achievement for me and emotion took over when the winning double went in.

“I’m not one to celebrate but I couldn’t stop myself then. Scott is a great player and it was a fantastic win for me.

“I take a lot of inspiration from what Robert Thornton did hear last year. I’m not saying that I’m going to do that but I’m delighted tonight and it is a huge confidence boost.”

There was disappointment for Australian pair Simon Whitlock and Paul Nicholson, however. ‘The Wizard’ lost out to Wes Newton while ‘The Asset’ suffered defeat at the hands of John Bowles.

Andy Jenkins was beaten by Stephen Bunting, while Mark Webster was knocked out by Welsh World Cup team-mate Richie Burnett.

The draw for the fourth round will take place on the completion of Friday’s play.

By Chris Murphy

SEE JAMES WADE, RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD, SIMON WHITLOCK AND TED HANKEY LIVE IN SUNDERLAND ON JUNE 15 – TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

James Wade will meet Jamie Caven in the third round of the UK Open in Bolton after winning three matches on Thursday evening.

Wade, who has won the tournament twice, dropped just two legs in victories over Robbie Green, Matt Gallett and Wayne Jones to reach Friday’s last 64.

‘The Machine’ will face an in-form Caven, who recently won back-to-back Pro Tour events, while defending champion Robert Thornton will take on Matt Edgar.

Andy Jenkins’ reward for defeating Nigel Heydon 5-4 is a third round showdown with BDO number one Stephen Bunting, while John Henderson, who also took victory on Thursday, will face Scott Rand.

The draw threw up some tasty clashes between players who had both qualified straight through to the third round, including a repeat of the 2012 World Matchplay final between Michael van Gerwen and Mervyn King.

Australian ace Simon Whitlock is set to take on fellow Premier League star Wez Newton, while Mark Webster faces World Cup team-mate Richie Burnett.

Paul Nicholson was drawn against John Bowles and Raymond van Barneveld will take on reigning World Youth Champion Michael Smith.

The third round will take place on Friday with the victorious 32 players going into the draw for Saturday’s fourth round.

 

 

 


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