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Simon Whitlock qualified for the McCoy’s Premier League Play-Offs despite losing to Andy Hamilton at Birmingham’s NIA on Thursday, while James Wade and Raymond van Barneveld face a shoot-out next week for a place in the semi-finals.

Van Barneveld’s draw with Gary Anderson on the penultimate league night put the Dutchman on twelve points, level with Wade, who was beaten by Phil Taylor.

‘Barney’ hit a sensational 170 checkout as well as a 120 finish, but a resurgent Anderson made sure that the points were shared.

“I had a few great finishes tonight and I can’t complain about that, but I wasn’t great on his throw,” said van Barneveld. “The 170 was great but it was only one leg, and now the players don’t care and they hit you back.

“Gary is the holder and even though he’s in eighth I knew he would play well, and he did that tonight. I’ll go and prepare myself now for next week in Newcastle because James is a quality player and I know what I’ve got to do against him.

“He always plays well against me and I know I’ll have my hands full, but I’ll get my chances and I must take them next week.”

Wade can seal qualification for finals night with a win against van Barneveld at the Metro Radio Arena next Thursday.

A win for ‘The Machine’ would eliminate ‘Barney’ from the competition however.

Whitlock plays third-placed Adrian Lewis, who is in need of a result to book his place in the Play-Offs.

‘The Wizard’ was beaten by Hamilton in Birmingham but other results meant that his semi-final spot was confirmed.

Kevin Painter kept his Play-Off hopes alive with an 8-3 victory over Lewis in the other match of a dramatic evening.

By Chris Murphy
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