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Raymond van Barneveld claimed victory in Saturday’s Speedy Services UK Open Qualifier Five at the Barnsley Metrodome, hitting a sensational nine-dart finish along the way.

Photo: PDC

The popular Dutchman beat Andy Smith 6-3 in the final to clinch his first Pro-Tour triumph since last September, earning himself £6000 in prize money for the win, plus a £400 bonus for his perfect leg.

That nine-darter, his ninth since joining the PDC, came in a third round success over Michael Barnard, after he had already seen off Sam Hill and Mareno Michels.

The five-time world champion then overcame the challenges of Simon Whitlock and Brendan Dolan in close encounters, winning both games 6-5 to progress to the semi-finals.

‘Barney’ beat Terry Jenkins 6-4 to reach the final, where he sealed victory over Smith with an impressive average of 102.74. The Dutchman ended a successful day in style by hitting a 117 checkout in the winning leg.

“I’m very happy with the win,” said van Barneveld. “It was a tough day and it was a good final against Andy.

“I had some tough games but I believed in myself today and I’m really pleased. I was 3-0 down against Simon Whitlock and came back to win, I had a marvellous game with Brendan Dolan and I was 4-3 down against Terry Jenkins and won.

“In January I said I was going to play more tournaments on the floor and these tournaments are really hard to win so I’m happy today. I’m really pleased with the nine-darter. I’m working hard and it’s paying off.”

By Chris Murphy

Current PDC Under-21 world champion Arron Monk will face Raymond van Barneveld in Austria later this month, after qualifying for the inaugural European Tour event.

Monk will travel to Wiener Neustadt to compete in the Austrian Darts Open, which starts on April 27^th, thanks to a successful evening at Barnsley Metrodome in the UK qualifier.

The 21 year old whitewashed Paul Barham 6-0 before beating Daniel Day 6-3 to book his place at the Arena Nova.

The £81,200 tournament will be played across three days in Austria and features 64 players, with the world’s top 32 joined by 32 players who have won through the UK, European and Home Nation Qualifiers.

As one of the qualifiers, Monk knew he would have to face one of seeded players from the top 32 in the order of merit. After sealing his place he was drawn against popular Dutchman van Barneveld, who he will face in the opening round on Friday 27^th April.

The schedule of play is likely to be announced on Monday.

By Chris Murphy

James Wade and Simon Whitlock both moved closer to sealing spots in the semi-finals of the McCoy’s Premier League with impressive victories in Sheffield.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

Wade saw off reigning championing Gary Anderson 8-3 to move up to third in the table, while Whitlock remains in second place after an 8-5 triumph against Kevin Painter at the Motorpoint Arena.

Raymond van Barneveld occupies the final top four place, despite suffering a defeat at the hands of runaway leader Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, meaning that all three MODUS stars are currently in line for semi-final appearances.

Wade’s sharp finishing proved too much for Anderson, as the ‘The Machine’ hit eight out of 15 attempts at doubles and averaged over 100 to claim the win.

“I enjoyed that game and I’m happy that the result went my way,” said the 2009 winner. “I’m not the greatest scorer in the world so my finishing needs to be good for me to win games, and it was tonight.”

Wade’s win takes him to ten points after as many weeks of action, two behind Simon Whitlock, who posted a ton-plus average for the second week running.

‘The Wizard’ produced a strong display against Painter, who had beaten him on week three, to put daylight between himself and the chasing pack.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

“I don’t think I’m in the Play-Offs after that win – I think I need 15 points at least – but it’s another step towards it,” said Whitlock who is currently second with 12 points.

“I had one really bad week when I had that horrific 8-0 loss to James Wade but I’ve bounced back well, and I’m showing how good I am at the moment.”

Anderson, who was playing twice in the absence of Adrian Lewis, drew the final match of the night with Andy Hamilton, after ‘Barney’ had been beaten by Taylor.

The tournament continues in Bournemouth next week, where van Barneveld and Whitlock will meet before Wade takes on Hamilton.

Exclusive audio interviews with James Wade and Simon Whitlock (recorded immediately after their victories) are available to MODUS Elite customers only. Click here for details of how to become a MODUS Elite member.

By Chris Murphy

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SIMON WHITLOCK 8 – 5 Kevin Painter

Simon Whitlock moved a step closer to sealing a semi-final spot with victory over Kevin Painter on night ten of the McCoy’s Premier League in Sheffield.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

The Australian posted an average of over 100 for the second week running, as he exacted revenge for the defeat he suffered against Painter in Belfast on week three.

Despite moving onto twelve points with four weeks of the league stage to play, Whitlock doesn’t believe he has booked his place in the last four just yet.

“I’m definitely not there yet. I need 15 points at least in my head but there’s no reason why I won’t go on and get that,” said Whitlock, who is up against Raymond van Barneveld next week.

“I’m happy, I’m playing good darts and I’m looking forward to playing ‘Barney’. We have put on some good shows in the last few years and hopefully it will be another good one. I still think I need another couple of wins to qualify, hopefully I can get the first of those in Bournemouth.”

Painter won the first two legs before ‘The Wizard’ hit tops to pull a leg back. The Australian then broke his opponent’s throw to restore parity, hitting his first 180 in the process.

‘The Artist’ broke straight back to edge ahead again before ‘The Beard to be feared’ did the same, hitting another maximum before hitting double six, to go into the break with three legs apiece.

Whitlock hit his third 180 in the seventh leg, which he won by hitting double ten. ‘The Wizard’ then grabbed a break of throw with a neat 66 checkout, before holding to take a 6-3 lead.

Painter pulled a leg back but Whitlock responded in style with a brilliant eleven darter. ‘The Artist’ hit double top to keep the match alive but Whitlock got the job done, hitting double ten to move himself clear  of the chasing pack in second place.

By Chris Murphy

JAMES WADE 8 – 3 Gary Anderson

James Wade produced a solid performance to see off reigning McCoy’s Premier League champion Gary Anderson at Sheffield’s Motorpoint Arena.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

‘The Machine’ combined some heavy scoring with razor-sharp finishing to send down ‘The Flying Scotsman’ and move to ten points after ten weeks of action.

“It’s nice to win. I enjoyed myself out there although I did feel bad for Gary,” said Wade. “He had the crowd on his back, which was unfair, but after last week it was important to get a win.

“Everyone is so close this year, and we have all got a chance of qualifying so I need to keep finishing well and winning because anything could happen.”

Wade hit double top to take the opening leg, but just missed the bull for a stunning 170 checkout before Anderson stepped in to level up.

‘The Machine’ edged back in front, hitting double top again, before hitting his first maximum in leg four, which he won against the throw with a tidy 82 finish.

Anderson took out 64 to break back immediately but Wade ensured he would take a two leg lead into the break, hitting double top once more for another break of throw.

The world number three moved four legs clear of his opponent by winning the next two legs, hitting his second maximum in the process.

‘The Machine’ continued his sharp finishing, as he hit double top again to take a fourth consecutive leg and move into a 7-2 lead.

Anderson hit double twenty to stop the rot but Wade soon finished the job, punishing his opponent for missing four darts at a double, before once again hitting tops.

By Chris Murphy

Raymond van Barneveld is aiming to beat great rival Phil Taylor on TV for the first time since 2008 when the stars of the McCoy’s Premier League visit Sheffield on Thursday, with MODUS stars James Wade and Simon Whitlock also in action at the Motorpoint Arena.

Photo: Michael Cooper/PDC

‘Barney’ heads into his clash with ‘The Power’ fresh from a stunning display in Nottingham last week, where he recorded his highest ever televised average in his triumph over Kevin Painter.

“It’s a big achievement for me and I know now, with these darts, that in the future I can hit averages like this in every game,” said van Barneveld.

“I’m hoping to play well against Phil. Everything has to be right when you play him and you do always get chances, but you always have to hit them because he never seems to miss.

“He’s already qualified and I want to be one of the three players alongside him in the Play-Offs.

“It’s so close in the league season and that’s what we want. I think that even in week 14 there will be players needing to win to get into the Play-Offs.”

The popular Dutchman sits in joint second in the McCoy’s Premier League table with Whitlock, who faces Painter in the steel city.

‘The Wizard’ also heads to Yorkshire on the back of a brilliant performance, after demolishing Gary Anderson last week.

“You have to hit a 100 average to win these days – if you don’t you’re in trouble,” said the Australian. “Anything over 95 is good, but if you throw over 100 you’ll win a lot of games.

“The way the McCoy’s Premier League season is going at the moment it’s going to be a very tight finish. The for and against is important and as long as I’m in the top four I’ll be very happy.

“My goal is to make the top four and then see where I can go from there, and I’m on course for that at the moment.”

Wade faces reigning champion Anderson in the opening match of the evening. ‘The Machine’ will be hoping to bounce back from his controversial defeat at the hands of Adrian Lewis last week.

That match is one of two for Anderson as fixtures are rebalanced after his absence a fortnight ago. The Scotsman faces Andy Hamilton in the final match of the night, while Lewis has a week off, having already played ten matches.

Audio interviews with the victorious players will be available exclusively to MODUS elite members. Click here for details of how to subscribe.

By Chris Murphy

Raymond van Barneveld and Simon Whitlock lit up Nottingham’s Capital FM Arena with stunning victories on night nine of the McCoy’s Premier League.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

‘Barney’ posted his highest ever televised average in an 8-6 victory over Kevin Painter, while ‘The Wizard’ demolished Gary Anderson 8-2, leaving both of the victorious players tied on ten points in the table.

Van Barneveld, who averaged 112.28, saw off a late fight back from Painter, to keep himself in the play-off places. The Dutchman hopes to take this kind of form to Sheffield next week, where a showdown with his Premier League nemesis Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor awaits.

“I know what I can do and that’s what I keep saying to myself now,” said the five-time world champion. “You can’t send a message to Phil, he’s too good. I’m just proud of what I’ve done tonight but I hope I can play this well against him next week.

“Everything has to be right next week. I will have to take my chances because he will always be on a finish ready to pounce. Every player is so close and we’ve all got a chance to make the playoffs. That is great though, it’s what we want to see.”

Whitlock completed an impressive double over reigning Premier League champion Anderson. The Australian swept past his Scottish opponent in clinical fashion, to bounce back from his nightmare 8-0 defeat last week.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

“To get an 8-0 flogging wasn’t real good, but I showed a lot of character tonight,” said ‘The Wizard’, who is now second in the table.

“I went out there with a positive mind and put last week to bed by playing my best tonight. You have to throw a 100 average to win nowadays, and if you do that you’re going to win a lot of games.

“I’m back up to second but I’ll be happy to be in the top four – the McCoy’s Premier League is going to be a very tight finish but I’m in a good position.”

James Wade was replaced in the top four by Adrian Lewis, after the world champion came out on top in their duel. ‘The Machine remains in strong contention for a semi-final spot, however, as he is just a point behind ‘Jackpot’ with a game in hand.

The other match of the evening saw Phil Taylor seal his place in the play-offs with a narrow 8-6 win over Andy Hamilton.

By Chris Murphy

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SIMON WHITLOCK 8 –2 Gary Anderson

Simon Whitlock moved to second in the McCoy’s Premier League table with a convincing victory over Gary Anderson in Nottingham.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

‘The Wizard’ averaged over 100 as he completed a double over the reigning champion at the Capital FM Arena, to banish the demons of the whitewash he suffered in Cardiff.

“It was very important to bounce back after last week,” said Whitlock, who now has ten points. “I showed a lot of character and I’m happy with how I played.

“I felt really comfortable with my darts tonight as I was using new flights, which hadn’t arrived last week, and when I feel comfortable, I’m always confident of winning.

“You have to throw hundred averages these days; if you don’t you can end up in trouble. It’s going to be a really close finish but I’m in a good position now and I’ll be delighted if I finish in the top four.”

Whitlock hit double 16 to win the opening leg before Anderson levelled up with a 143 checkout. ‘The Wizard’ took out 65 to restore his lead, which he doubled straight after by grabbing the first break of the match.

The Australian opened up a three leg lead when he hit double four to win leg five, hitting his first 180 along the way. He hit his second maximum with his first three darts of the next leg, which he won against the throw taking a 5-1 lead into the break.

‘The Wizard’ made it 6-1 when he neatly took out 64 to hold, before Anderson pulled a leg back. Whitlock hit his third 180 with his first three darts of the ninth leg, which he won in style with a ten-darter.

The world number five opened with three perfect darts once again, before finishing the job with a tidy 74 checkout.

Whitlock faces Kevin Painter in Sheffield next Thursday.

By Chris Murphy

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 8 – 6 Kevin Painter

Raymond van Barneveld produced his highest ever televised average to see off a late fight-back from Kevin Painter, as he clinched victory at Nottingham’s Capital FM Arena.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

The popular Dutchman averaged over 112 and hit an incredible 15 140’s in the triumph, which puts him on ten points after nine weeks of action.

“I played well, but I was still made to work for the win,” said van Barneveld, who faces Phil Taylor next week. “I had to hit that double ten at the end. That was more important than the average. The average is nice but was just a bonus.

“Everyone has a chance to qualify for the playoffs. It’s the closest Premier League we’ve ever had but I want to make sure that I’m one of the other three players that make it, along with Phil.”

‘Barney’ got the upper hand immediately, hitting double eight to take the first leg against the throw before doubling his advantage with a neat 84 checkout. Painter pulled a leg back before the Dutchman took out 81 in clinical fashion, to hold his throw and go 3-1 ahead.

Painter hit back again by winning the fifth leg, but van Barneveld responded with his first 180 before hitting double eighteen, as he headed into the break with a two leg lead.

The five-time world champion picked up where he left off after the interval, opening leg seven with his second maximum before taking out 100 in two darts to break his opponent’s throw.

Painter began to ask questions of ‘Barney’, breaking the throw for the first time to reduce the deficit to 5-3. Van Barneveld had the perfect reply though. He threw six perfect darts at treble twenty and broke straight back.

Van Barneveld just missed the double for a 149 checkout in the ninth leg, but won it nevertheless, tidying up double eight at the first attempt.

Painter kept the match alive by winning the next two legs despite ‘Barney’ upping his maximum count to five.  ‘The Artist’ then took out 120 to move within a leg of clinching a draw but van Barneveld crushed his opponents hopes, hitting double ten to wrap up the victory and take his points tally into double figures.

By Chris Murphy

James Wade, Simon Whitlock and Raymond van Barneveld head to Nottingham for night nine of the McCoy’s Premier League on Thursday, with the intention of winning their respective matches and keeping themselves planted firmly in the play-off places.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

Wade has turned his form around dramatically in recent weeks to move to second in the table. ‘The Machine’ is hoping to complete a Premier League double over Adrian Lewis at the Capital FM Arena.

“Adrian is a world class player and I’m looking forward to it,” said the 2009 champion. “He’s very flamboyant and very interesting to watch and it’s good for the sport that we’re chasing each other.

“He’s a world class player who’s won two World Championship titles. I’m chasing him on that front and I respect him for that.”

Whitlock is hoping to bounce back from the whitewash he suffered at the hands of Wade last week, when he takes on reigning champion Gary Anderson.

“It was horrible,” said ‘The Wizard’. “Nothing went right for me and I don’t ever want that to happen to me again. I’ve been practising hard and I want to put it right when I play Gary.”

Whitlock and Wade are both tied on eight points, as is van Barneveld, who is up against Kevin Painter.

It’s a battle of the Stokies in the nights other match, as runaway league leader Phil Taylor faces 2012 World Championship finalist Andy Hamilton.

By Chris Murphy

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