The PDC’s second most successful player James Wade has agreed a new three-year-deal with leading darts manufacturers Unicorn.
The announcement follows Wade’s recent runs to the semi-finals of the World Championship, Premier League and World Matchplay.
And the seven-time major title winner hopes that the extension of his fruitful partnership with the big name in darts will help him continue his success. (more…)
James Wade and Michael van Gerwen produced some fantastic performances in the World Matchplay at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens before both being denied places in the final by Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis respectively.
Wade followed up his opening round defeat of John Part with a fine performance in seeing off Gary Anderson to reach the quarter-finals.
There, he edged out Simon Whitlock in a thrilling encounter before losing out in his semi-final clash against Taylor, who went on to win the title.
van Gerwen defeated Colin Lloyd in round one before producing a fabulous display to demolish Peter Wright 13-3.
He then saw off Dave Chisnall to reach the semi-final, where he suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of Lewis.
Simon Whitlock and Michael van Gerwen progressed into the semi-finals of the European Darts Championship with sensational victories in Mulheim on Sunday afternoon.
Whitlock produced an amazing comeback fron 9-3 down to defeat Jamie Caven 10-9, winning the deciding leg with a sublime 146 checkout when his opponent was waiting on 56.
“That came from the heart,” said defending champion Whitlock, who will face Ronny Huybrechts this evening.
“I was thinking about when Andy Hamilton did it to me at the World Matchplay a couple of years ago and I just hung in there and weathered the storm.
“Jamie lost his way a bit when I started coming back and I do feel for him but I am the defending champion and I don’t want to let this title go.”
van Gerwen averaged 105 as he defeated Jelle Klaasen with a brilliant performance, which included seven 180s and a 136 finish for the world number two.
“I really wanted to win this game and I’m very happy to have won it,” said van Gerwen, who takes on Adrian Lewis in the last four.
“It was a quality game and I’m very pleased to be through to the semi-finals.
“I’m looking forward to tonight because I know I can play even better than this so hopefully I can keep on improving in this tournament.
“I think I am the favourite but that means nothing and I’ll make sure I’m prepared for a tough opponent.”
Robert Thornton was denied a semi-final spot after losing out in a last leg decider to Huybrechts.
Lewis defeated Andy Hamilton in the afternoon’s other match.
By Chris Murphy
Bronze tickets are still available to see van Gerwen, Whitlock, Wade, van Barneveld, Priestley, Huybrechts and Winstanley at OVER THE TOP in Barnsley on September 27 – GET YOURS HERE
Michael van Gerwen, Simon Whitlock and Robert Thornton all won through to the quarter-finals of the European Championship with impressive victories on Saturday in Mulheim, Germany.
van Gerwen claimed a commanding win against Mervyn King, Whitlock saw off Colin Lloyd and Thornton completed his first ever success over Raymond van Barneveld.
Dutch star van Gerwen was in imperious form in his 10-3 triumph over King.
The reigning Premier League champion took out four finishes of over 100 and averaged 105 as he set up a last eight tie against Jelle Klaasen.
“I’m really pleased with the win and the performance,” said van Gerwen, the world number two.
“I was glad to improve on yesterday but I had to against Mervyn.
“I hope I can take this form into tomorrow and it could turn out to be a very good day for me.”
Whitlock moved a step closer to a successful defence of his first major title with a 10-6 triumph over Lloyd, which included six 180s for the Australian.
‘The Wizard’, who won the tournament last year, will take on Jamie Caven in Sunday afternoon’s quarter-finals.
“I’m over the moon as I took the couple of chances I had there,” said Whitlock.
“I don’t want to let this title go. I’m like a dog with a bone.
“Colin played very well but I found the shots I needed when I needed them and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
Thornton came out on top in an absolute thriller against ‘Barney’, with the Scotsman winning a dramatic last leg decider.
The Scotsman had looked in control when he led 9-7 but van Barneveld forced the last leg shootout, in which both players missed darts to win.
“I thought i had him when i went 9-7 up,” said former UK Open champion Thornton, who faces Ronny Huybrects in the last eight.
“I always do it the hard way but his comeback got into my head a bit so I’m delighted to be through.
“I’m happy going into Sunday after that and I’m looking forward to another great battle.”
James Wade missed out on a quarter-final spot after suffering defeat at the hands of Jamie Caven, while Paul Nicholson was beaten narrowly by Andy Hamilton.
Meanwhile, Huybrechts won through to meet Thornton after knocking out Phil Taylor in a shock victory for the Belgian.
Sunday sees the conclusion of the £200,000 tournament, with the quarter-finals being played out in the afternoon before the semi-finals and final take place in the evening.
By Chris Murphy
Bronze tickets are still available to see van Gerwen, Whitlock, Wade, van Barneveld, Priestley, Huybrechts and Winstanley at OVER THE TOP in Barnsley on September 27 – GET YOURS HERE
Stephen Fry has backed the upcoming Untouchables charity darts night by tweeting about the event.
Fry, who is an avid darts fan, mentioned the event on his official twitter page in a huge boost for potential fundraising for the two charities it is being held in aid of – Bipolar UK and Bradbury Enhanced Care Service.
Wade, MvG & more top #Darts players on show in fundraiser for @bipolaruk All the info here: bit.ly/14gNE7A thanks to @modusdarts180
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) June 13, 2013
The fundraiser, which will take place on the evening of Friday 21 June, will see some of the world’s top professional darts players perform at Roffey Sports and Social Club, Horsham.
Premier League stars James Wade, Simon Whitlock, Michael van Gerwen and Robert Thornton are amongst a fantastic line-up for the event.
They will be joined by 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.
Tickets are priced at £20 and are available from www.dartshop.tv / 08450 180 180
or 01403 210 223
All funds raised from the event will be split directly between the two charities.
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.
Fry, the famous actor, comedian and presenter, has been diagnosed with Bipolar disorder and is a patron of Bipolar UK.
His tweet is a huge boost for both charities as it raises awareness of the event to his millions of twitter followers.
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.
Items have already been donated for auction by World Snooker, Matchroom Sport and Unicorn Darts.
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.
By Chris Murphy