Michael van Gerwen answered some of the questions sent in by his twitter followers at the charity night in Horsham last week.
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
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
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.