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Arron Monk finished top of the 2012 PDC Unicorn Youth Tour Order of Merit, after winning six of the 20 tournaments staged during the year.

The former World Youth Champion claimed £4,900 throughout the year, as he saw off the challenge of five-time winner Michael Smith, who picked up £3,925 in prize money.

Monk’s success, which he sealed by completing a brilliant double in Crawley at the weekend, means he has grabbed the final qualifying spot for the Grand Slam of Darts, which kicks off in Wolverhampton next weekend.

The 22-year-old defeated Chris Aubrey in Saturday’s final, when his ranking lead became unassailable, and Matthew Dennant 24 hours later to end the Youth Tour season in style.

The top 32 players from the final PDC Unicorn Youth Tour Order of Merit will qualify automatically for the last 64 of the PDC Unicorn World Youth Championship next spring.

Reigning World Youth Champion James Hubbard finished the year third in the rankings, while Aubrey was placed fifth in the final Order of Merit.

By Chris Murphy

Book tickets to see some of the world’s top darts players in action at The Carlsberg Masters, Birmingham on Friday December 7.

Image courtesy of PDC

Final PDC Unicorn Youth Tour Order of Merit

Simon Whitlock and Michael van Gerwen each won a Players Championship in Crawley, while Arron Monk sealed a sensational Youth Tour double at the K2 Centre.

Whitlock defeated Dennis Priestley in Saturday’s final to claim his fourth PDC title in less than two months.

“It feels fantastic,” said the reigning European Champion.

“I’m looking forward to every single time I play at the moment. I love winning and I’ve got to keep trying to win more and more.”

‘The Wizard’, who was also runner-up in Championship League Darts on Thursday, went on to reach the semi-finals of Sunday’s event, which was won by van Gerwen.

The Dutch ace, who had reached the last four on Saturday, came back from 4-0 down to defeat Ian White 6-5 in the final, clinching his sixth Pro Tour success of 2012.

“It’s amazing for me and it’s probably the most difficult Pro Tour event I’ve won,” said van Gerwen, who recently won his first PDC major at the World Grand Prix.

“This will give me even more confidence for the Grand Slam of Darts next week and I’m looking forward to Wolverhampton. I’m playing very well and I want to continue this.”

Monk finished top of the PDC Unicorn Youth Tour Order of Merit by winning the final two events of the year.

Saturday’s final victory against Chris Aubrey saw the 22-year-old star seal his place at next week’s Grand Slam of Darts, as his lead at the top of the rankings became unassailable.

The former Under-21 World Champion went on to take his sixth Youth Tour title of 2012, defeating Matthew Dennant 4-0 in Sunday’s final, in a tournament which saw him whitewash three more opponents, including Michael Smith, who finished second to Monk in the Order of Merit.

“It feels amazing,” said Monk.

“Thanks to the PDC Unicorn Youth Tour, I’ve now qualified for the Grand Slam of Darts and made sure of my World Championship place, so I’ve got a good couple of months ahead of me.”

Whitlock, van Gerwen and Monk will all compete in the Grand Slam of Darts which kicks off next weekend in Wolverhampton.

By Chris Murphy

Book tickets to see some of the world’s top darts players in action at The Carlsberg Masters, Birmingham on Friday December 7.

Images courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Arron Monk sealed his place at the Grand Slam of Darts in style, winning Saturday’s PDC Unicorn Youth Tour Event in Crawley to ensure that he will top this year’s Order of Merit.

The 22-year-old ace defeated Chris Aubrey 4-1 in the final to claim his fifth Youth Tour victory of 2012.

The youngster had lead Michael Smith by just £50 at the top of the rankings ahead of this weekend’s events, the final two of the year.

But Monk’s latest success gives him an unassailable lead before Sunday’s event, with a place at the prestigious Grand Slam his reward.

“It feels amazing,” Monk told the PDC’s official website after his triumph, which also guarantees him a place in the World Championships.

“It’s been a great year on the Youth Tour and at one stage I was quite a way ahead of Michael Smith but then he won £1,200 in Wigan and caught me right up.

“Luckily enough I’ve done the business this weekend and it would be a great bonus to win Sunday’s event too.

“Michael van Gerwen has said that his success on the Youth Tour last year helped his confidence and it’s brought my confidence along as well this year.”

“Thanks to the PDC Unicorn Youth Tour, I’ve now qualified for the Grand Slam of Darts and made sure of my World Championship place, so I’ve got a good couple of months ahead of me.

“The Grand Slam’s taught me a lot in the last two years because it’s a short format and I need to start off well this time. In the last two years I’ve not done that, but this could be my year.”

Monk had also defeated Scott Pearson, Cain Unwin, Ryan Harrington, Jake Patchett and Matthew Dicken before seeing off Aubrey in the decider to clinch the £500 first prize.

He will compete in the final Youth Tour event on Sunday before the Grand Slam of Darts kicks off in Wolverhampton next weekend.

By Chris Murphy

Book tickets to see some of the world’s top darts players in action at The Carlsberg Masters, Birmingham on Friday December 7.

Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Simon Whitlock won the PDC’s fifth and final European Tour event of 2012, defeating Australian World Cup teammate Paul Nicholson in the final of the Dutch Darts Masters on Sunday evening.

‘The Wizard’, who recently won his first major title when he was crowned European Champion in Germany, triumphed 6-1 against Nicholson to clinch the £15,000 first prize.

The world number six, who had seen off Per Laursen and Alan Tabern to reach Sunday’s last 16, began the day with a 6-1 victory over Ian White.

He then saw off Johnny Haines 6-2, before producing a brilliant semi-final performance to beat Kim Huybrechts 6-1.

Whitlock then made sure he claimed his third PDC title in less than two months, when he defeated ‘The Asset’ by the same scoreline.
“It feels fantastic and I’m over the moon to win,” Whitlock told the PDC’s official website.

“It’s brilliant for two Australians to be in the final and Paul’s done really well this weekend.

“I seem to perform well on the Continent and to follow up the European Championship win with this is great.

“I can’t wait for the World Championship now and hopefully I’ll be holding the trophy at the end of that too!

“Paul’s a very good friend of mine and we’re World Cup pairs partners, so it was tough playing him and I’m just happy to get the win.”

Nicholson, who was competing in the final day of a European Tour event for the first time, kicked off his Sunday with a 6-1 success over Max Hopp in the last 16, having beaten Ross Smith and Michael van Gerwen to reach that stage.

The 2010 Players Championship Finals winner saw off Arron Monk, who reached his first European Tour quarter-final, before producing a fabulous display to defeat Wayne Jones in the semis, with the aid of a 101.02 average.

Nicholson said: “It’s been a huge weekend for me. This year has been up and down but this weekend has proved to me that all the hard work really has been worth it.

“I’ve had some really tough games and played some great darts. By the time the final came around I was shattered and ran out of steam but Simon’s been used to getting this far in tournaments this year and I haven’t. He’s had a bit more darts fitness than me and I give him all the credit.

“I’m so privileged to have been part of the first all-Aussie final on the Pro Tour and I’m proud of myself to have got this far. Before this week, nobody had any expectation of me and I’m thrilled to have been in the final.”

By Chris Murphy

Book tickets to see some of the world’s top darts players in action at The Carlsberg Masters, Birmingham on Friday December 7.

Images courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Arron Monk reached his first European Tour quarter-final with an impressive win over Andy Hamilton, while Australian pair Paul Nicholson and Simon Whitlock also won through to the last eight of the Dutch Darts Masters on Sunday afternoon.

Monk, the former under-21 World Champion, claimed a 6-4 victory against the world number seven in Nuland, setting up a quarter-final clash with Nicholson.

‘The Asset’ ended the run of German teenager Max Hopp with a 6-1 success, while Whitlock defeated Ian White by the same scoreline, posting a 102.5 average in a brilliant performance.

Sunday evening sees the £82,100 tournament reach its conclusion, with the remaining eight players competing for the £15,000 first prize.

Quarter-Finals
Phil Taylor v Wayne Jones
Paul Nicholson v Arron Monk
Simon Whitlock v Johnny Haines
Kim Huybrechts v Mark Walsh

Semi-Finals

Taylor/Jones v Nicholson/Monk

Whitlock/Haines v Huybrechts/Walsh

By Chris Murphy

Book tickets to see some of the world’s top darts players in action at The Carlsberg Masters, Birmingham on Friday December 7.

Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Paul Nicholson hailed the influence of Michael van Gerwen’s recent rise to form after defeating the home favourite in the second round of the Dutch Darts Masters in Nuland, while Simon Whitlock, Arron Monk and Andy Jenkins also won through to the last 16 on Saturday.

Nicholson triumphed 6-4 against the newly-crowned World Grand Prix champion, who has won six PDC events in total so far this year, setting up a third round clash with German teenager Max Hopp on Sunday afternoon.

“I’m delighted to have won because this is the first time in the five European Tour events this year that I’ve made it to the Sunday,” Nicholson told the PDC’s official website.

“I came into the game with no pressure because Michael is in such great form and I relaxed and enjoyed the match.

“Michael is inspiring people to play better at the moment, including me, and he’s also taking Dutch darts forward. He’s a great example for all young players coming into the game.

“It will be the other way around when I play Max because all the pressure is on me, but Max is what German darts has been looking for now for a number of years, a future superstar, and I’m excited to be playing him.”

Hampshire youngster Monk will face Andy Hamilton in the last 16 after the former under-21 World Champion defeated Vincent van der Voort 6-5, producing a 13 dart finish in the deciding leg.

Australian star Whitlock, the reigning European Champion, eased through with a 6-2 win over Alan Tabern, while Jenkins continued to make his mark on the £82,100 tournament with a 6-4 success over James Hubbard.

‘The Wizard’ will take on Ian White in the last 16, while Jenkins faces Wayne Jones.

Dutch pair Raymond van Barneveld and Co Stompe were eliminated from the tournament though, despite the latter hitting a maximum 170 checkout against world number one Phil Taylor.

The remaining 16 players will battle it our for the £15,000 first prize over two sessions on Sunday, with the third round taking place in the afternoon before the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final are played out in the evening.

Sunday October 28
Afternoon Session (1pm-5pm)
Third Round
Phil Taylor v Andy Smith
Andy Jenkins v Wayne Jones
Max Hopp v Paul Nicholson
Andy Hamilton v Arron Monk
Simon Whitlock v Ian White
Johnny Haines v Jamie Caven
Kim Huybrechts v Colin Osborne
Steve Brown v Mark Walsh

Evening Session (7pm-11pm)
Quarter-Finals

Taylor/Smith v Jenkins/Jones

Hopp/Nicholson v Hamilton/Monk

Whitlock/White v Haines/Caven

Huybrechts/Osborne v Brown/Walsh

Semi-Finals
Final

By Chris Murphy

Book tickets to see some of the world’s top darts players in action at The Carlsberg Masters, Birmingham on Friday December 7.

Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld, Vincent van der Voort and Co Stompe all delighted their home crowd with victories in the first round of the Dutch Darts Masters on Friday.

Mervyn King, Andy Jenkins, Paul Nicholson, Simon Whitlock, James Hubbard and Arron Monk all also progressed to the last 32 of the PDC’s fifth and final European Tour event of the year in Nuland.

van Gerwen, who won his first PDC major title at the World Grand Prix a fortnight ago, enjoyed a 6-4 triumph over Peter Hudson.

The world number eight will face Paul Nicholson on Saturday after ‘The Asset’ saw off Ross Smith 6-3.

“It was a difficult game because this is my first tournament in Holland for a year and there was a bit more pressure than normal on me,”  van Gerwen told the PDC’s official website.

“I wasn’t nervous but I wanted to show everyone in Holland what I can do and how well I’ve been playing in the last few weeks.

“I’m happy to win the game but it wasn’t easy because Peter is a good player. I wasn’t brilliant in every leg, but a win is a win and I’m looking forward to playing against Paul.

“I know him very well and he’s a very good guy, but tomorrow he’s my enemy! If I can go all the way and win this weekend too it would be fantastic and my confidence is high at the moment but I will just play my game and take each game one at a time.”

van Barneveld came back from 3-1 down to record a 6-3 victory against Mick Todd.

The five-time World Champion will take on Johnny Haines on Saturday evening.

van der Voort faces Monk after the ‘Dutch Destroyer’ whitewashed Bernd Roith, while Monk claimed an impressive triumph over John Part, defeating the three-time World Champion 6-4.

Stompe set up a second round clash against world number one Phil Taylor, after a 6-2 win against Terry Temple on Friday afternoon.

King, who will play Ian White on Saturday, stormed past Ronny Huybrechts with a 6-1 victory, while Jenkins claimed a notable success over Justin Pipe, beating the world number eleven 6-2.

‘Rocky’ will face Hubbard in the last 32, after the World Youth Champion defeated Denis Ovens by the same scoreline.

European Champion Whitlock was a 6-4 victor against Denmark’s Per Laursen. ‘The Wizard’ faces Alan Tabern in the second round.

Saturday sees round two take place over two sessions, as the field chasing the £15,000 first prize is reduced to 16.

By Chris Murphy

Book tickets to see some of the world’s top darts players in action at The Carlsberg Masters, Birmingham on Friday December 7.

Images courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Tickets are on sale to see some of the best darts players on the planet, including five major champions, at an exclusive non-televised professional event in Birmingham on December 7.

The stars, including world number three James Wade, winner of seven major titles, and five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld, will be showing their skills at The Birmingham Ballroom in the inaugural Carlsberg Masters.

They will be joined by reigning European Champion Simon Whitlock, recently-crowned World Grand Prix Champion Michael van Gerwen and another former World Champion, Mark Webster.

Quick-fire Dutchman Vincent van der Voort will also be competing on the night, as will Belgian ace Kim Huybrechts.

Completing the star-studded line up will be former under-21 World Champion Arron Monk, alongside two local qualifiers, who will be attempting to topple the professionals.

Sky Sports’ Rod Harrington will also be in attendance as a VIP host, as top class darts heads to Birmingham.

George Noble of  MODUS darts said: “This really is an incredible line-up and will be the best darts event Birmingham has seen since the Premier League.

“You don’t get this opportunity in any other sport. We are bringing some of the top players on the planet to more intimate surroundings, for the entertainment of local darts fans.

“All of the players will be determined to hit top form here as it is their warm-up for the World Championship.

“And, with the calibre of players on show, it has the makings of a truly special night.”

A range of tickets (starting at £20) for this unique sporting spectacle are set to sell out very quickly and are available by calling 08450 180 180 or via www.dartshop.tv

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW.

The PDC’s fifth and final European Tour Event of 2012, the Dutch Darts Masters, takes place in Nuland this weekend.

The first round of the £82,100 tournament is spread over two sessions on Friday.

The afternoon session sees World Grand Prix runner-up Mervyn King take on Ronny Huybrechts on the main stage, before Andy Jenkins faces Justin Pipe.

Home favourite Co Stompe is up against Terry Temple, also on the main stage, while PDC Unicorn World Youth Champion James Hubbard plays Denis Ovens on stage two.

Former Players Champion Paul Nicholson completes the afternoon’s action on stage two when he faces 23-year-old prospect Ross Smith.

The evening session sees European Champion Simon Whitlock take to the main stage. ‘The Wizard’ takes on Denmark’s Per Laursen, before former PDC Under-21 World Champion Arron Monk plays Canadian ace John Part, the three-times World Champion.

Dutch trio Vincent van der Voort, Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld are all in action on the main stage on Friday evening.

van der Voort is up against Bernd Roith, while newly-crowned World Grand Prix champion van Gerwen takes on Peter Hudson.

Five-time World Champion van Barneveld faces Mick Todd.

Meanwhile, Welsh star Mark Webster takes on Mark Jones on stage two.

UK Open winner Robert Thornton has been forced to withdraw from the event due to a chest infection, which has prevented him from travelling.

The second round will take place over two sessions on Saturday, with the remainder of the tournament being played on Sunday.

Dutch Darts Masters – European Tour Event 5
Schedule of Play (MODUS associated players in bold)
Friday October 26
First Round
Afternoon Session (1pm-5pm)
Main Stage
Dave Chisnall v Gino Vos
Mervyn King v Ronny Huybrechts
Justin Pipe v Andy Jenkins
Colin Lloyd v Scott Rand
Kevin Painter v Brian Woods
Co Stompe v Terry Temple
Ronnie Baxter v Roland Scholten
Wes Newton v Jyhan Artut

Stage Two
Alan Tabern v Michael Smith
Wayne Jones v Dave Ladley
Terry Jenkins v Max Hopp
Jamie Caven v Kevin Munch
Denis Ovens v James Hubbard
Andy Smith v Dennis Priestley
Paul Nicholson v Ross Smith

Evening Session (7pm-11pm)
Main Stage
Andy Hamilton v Dennis Smith
Simon Whitlock v Per Laursen
John Part v Arron Monk
Vincent van der Voort v Bernd Roith
Michael van Gerwen v Peter Hudson
Phil Taylor v Steve Hine
Raymond van Barneveld v Mick Todd
Kim Huybrechts v Tomas Seyler

Stage Two
Mark Hylton v Davyd Venken
Peter Wright v Johnny Haines
Mark Webster v Mark Jones
Steve Beaton v Dean Winstanley
Colin Osborne v Toon Greebe
Steve Brown v Dick van Dijk
Mark Walsh v Jim Walker
Brendan Dolan v Tony West

By Chris Murphy

Book tickets to see some of the world’s top darts players in action at The Carlsberg Masters, Birmingham on Friday December 7.

Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Michael van Gerwen continued his brilliant form by taking his fifth Pro Tour title of 2012 with victory in the John McEvoy Gold Dart Classic Players Championship on Sunday.

The 23-year-old Dutch sensation, who won his first PDC major title in Dublin last Sunday, defeated Nick Fullwell 6-3 in the final in Killarney.

The newly-crowned World Grand Prix champion claimed victories over Bernd Roith, Mick Todd, Roland Scholten and Colin Lloyd to reach the quarter-finals, where he saw off Kevin Mcdine.

‘Mighty Mike’ then defeated Jamie Caven 6-3, with the aid of a stunning 113.09 average, before triumphing over Fullwell by the same margin, to clinch the £6,000 first prize.

Saturday’s event saw Robert Thornton add to his impressive run of form, with the UK Open winner reaching his third consecutive Pro Tour final.

‘The Thorn’ disposed of Stuart Kellet, Prakash Jiwa, Damien O’Driscoll, Jamie Caven, Andy Smith and Darren Webster, before being denied victory by an on song Wright.

By Chris Murphy

See Michael van Gerwen in action alongside Whitlock, Barney, Wade, Webster, van der Voort & Monk at THE CARLSBERG MASTERS, Birmingham on Friday December 7.