Tag: Darts Exhibition

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.

 


 

Former World Matchplay champion James Wade will begin his quest for further glory at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens with a first round clash against John Part, twice a runner-up in the prestigious tournament.

Wade, winner of seven major titles, has reached the final five times in his seven visits to the seaside town, including a narrow defeat at the hands of Phil Taylor in last year’s final.

Michael van Gerwen, who hit a nine-darter at the summer event last year, was drawn against 2005 winner Colin Lloyd.

Former European Champion Simon Whitlock, who was also a finalist in Germany last weekend, will resume his pursuit of a second major title when he takes on Jelle Klaasen in round one.

Robert Thornton will meet Ian White in Blackpool, while Paul Nicholson takes on Dave Chisnall and Mark Webster faces Justin Pipe.

2010 runner-up Raymond van Barneveld meets Mensur Suljovic in round one.

The tournament, which celebrates its 20th anniversary, takes place between July 20-28.

The schedule of play will be announced in due course.

BetVictor World Matchplay Draw Bracket
Phil Taylor (1) v Stuart Kellett
Terry Jenkins (16) v Andy Smith
Raymond van Barneveld (8) v Mensur Suljovic
Justin Pipe (9) v Mark Webster
Simon Whitlock (5) v Jelle Klaasen
Kevin Painter (12) v Jamie Lewis
James Wade (4) v John Part
Mervyn King (13) v Gary Anderson
Michael van Gerwen (2) v Colin Lloyd
Kim Huybrechts (15) v Peter Wright
Wes Newton (7) v Jamie Caven
Dave Chisnall (10) v Paul Nicholson
Andy Hamilton (6) v Ronnie Baxter
Robert Thornton (11) v Ian White
Adrian Lewis (3) v Ronny Huybrechts
Brendan Dolan (14) v Steve Beaton

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

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

Simon Whitlock begins the defence of his European Championship title on Thursday evening, when James Wade, Robert Thornton, Mark Webster and Vincent van der Voort are all also in first round action.

Whitlock won the £200,000 tournament last year, defeating Wez Newton in the final to clinch his maiden major title in the PDC.

The Australian ace faces Belgian star Kim Huybrechts on the opening night of the four-day event in Mulheim, Germany.

‘The Wizard’, who defeated Huybrechts in the semi-finals on his way to glory last year, has set his sites on repeating the feat but knows that he has a tough task on his hands.

“It’s a good feeling to be going back to a major tournament as the defending champion and hopefully it can inspire me to another great tournament,” said Whitlock, the world number five.

“Winning the European Championships last year was a very special and proud moment for me.

“Kim is a really dangerous player and I know I will have to be at my absolute best to get the right result. If I can come through with a victory against Kim, it’s the type of game which will set me up nicely for the rest of the tournament.

“The talent in darts at the moment is unbelievable but I will be doing everything I can to hold on to my title.”

World number four Wade will now face Webster after his a original opponent Gary Anderson had to withdraw through illness.

Welsh left-hander Webster is the automatic replacement as the highest ranked player who had not already qualified.

“Obviously I would like to have been there in normal circumstances,” admitted Webster.

“But this is a bonus for me and I will go to Germany with absolutely nothing to lose. I know the enormity of the task when I face one of the best players in the world on Thursday but I’m not putting any pressure on myself so we’ll see how it goes.”

2012 UK Open champion Thornton continues his hunt for a second PDC major title when he takes on Brendan Dolan, while van der Voort faces four time champion Phil Taylor.

Raymond van Barneveld is also in action on the opening night. The Dutch legend takes on Tomas Seyler.

Friday sees Michael van Gerwen and Paul Nicholson enter the fray with first round ties against Kurt van de Rijck and Max Hopp respectively.

The second round will be played across two sessions on Saturday, with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final taking place on Sunday.

By Chris Murphy

Fancy a Christmas party or just a good night out?  Enjoy the presence of top darts players in Weston-Super-Mare this Decemeber. Tickets on sale 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.

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

 

 

 

Raymond van Barneveld was denied a place in the UK Open final after losing a dramatic last-leg decider against Andy Hamilton, who was defeated in the final as Phil Taylor won the Bolton tournament for the fifth time.

James Wade and Michael van Gerwen had their title hopes ended in the quarter-finals on Sunday afternoon, losing out to Taylor and Hamilton respectively.

 

YOU CAN SEE PHIL TAYLOR, RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD, JAMES WADE AND MICHAEL VAN GERWEN IN CRAWLEY – TICKETS AVAILABLE AT WWW.DARTSHOP.TV

In-form Michael van Gerwen and two-time UK Open champion James Wade stormed into the last 16 with comfortable wins on Saturday afternoon, while Scottish pair Robert Thornton and John Henderson also reached the fifth round in Bolton.

Wade swept past Dave Chisnall, winning 9-2 to keep alive his hopes of winning a third UK Open title.

But the 2008 and 2011 winner, who has won five games to reach the last 16, insisted he is not thinking that far ahead.

He said: “I’m looking forward to my next game, whoever it is against, and that is all I’m going to concentrate on at the moment.

“It’s not about this tournament or any individual tournament for me. It is all about getting things right for a good future in the modern era of darts.

“I’m happy with my results so far and if I step my performance levels up a little bit I can beat anyone.”

Wade will take on Henderson in the evening session for a place in Sunday’s quarter-finals after the Scotsman fought back from 8-6 down to defeat Kevin McDine in a deciding leg.

“It’s a massive win for me,” said Henderson.

“It was very tense at the end and we both missed darts for the match but I was over moon when the last one went in.

“I’m really enjoying this tournament and it is onwards an upwards for me now.”

van Gerwen will face Terry Jenkins in round five after the Dutchman saw off Northern Ireland’s Michael Mansell 9-3.

And the world number two is targeting an improved performance.

“I’m not too happy with how I played in the first two games,” said van Gerwen, who had beaten Mervyn King on Friday.

“I have to concentrate better tonight. Terry is a great player and hopefully that will bring out the best in me.”

Defending champion Robert Thornton won the last four legs to claim a 9-5 win over Kirk Shepherd.

The Premier League star, who will face Raymond van Barneveld on Saturday night admitted he had to work hard for the win.

Thornton said: “Kirk is one of those players who will throw a brilliant leg and then a bad leg so when he puts a run together you can be in trouble.

“I dug in and got the job done though. I played fairly well and I’m happy to be through.

“My game is there and so is my confidence and I’m actually playing better than I did when I won it last year.”

van Barneveld won his fourth round match comfortably, defeating Joey Palfreyman 9-3.

 

By Chris Murphy

SEE JAMES WADE, RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD, SIMON WHITLOCK AND TED HANKEY LIVE IN SUNDERLAND ON JUNE 15 – TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

Former champions James Wade and Robert Thornton progressed to round four of the UK Open on Friday evening in Bolton, with Dutch duo Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld joining them in the last 32.

Wade survived a late fight-back from Jamie Caven to eventually win 9-7 after he had led 8-4.

The two-time champion averaged over 100 in what was already his fourth win of the tournament so far, taking out a 141 finish and 85 to seal the victory.

“I played okay,” said Wade, who won the title in 2008 and 2011.

“Jamie’s form has picked up recently and there had been a few people tipping him to do well but I felt confident that I would win.

“I’m still going and it doesn’t matter at all to me who I play in the next round. I’ll take each game as it comes.”

Defending champion Thornton also averaged over 100 in his 9-7 success over Matthew Edgar despite trailing 6-4 at one stage.

“I knew Matt was a good player,” said Thornton, the world number eleven.

“I didn’t find out I was playing him until this morning because I was asleep and I’ll be doing the same while the draw is on tonight.

“I can’t get a run as hard as last year and I won it then so I’m not bothered about who I get. This tournament is there for anybody to win and if it is me holding the trophy again on Sunday, I’ll be a very happy man.”

Bookies favourite van Gerwen hit six 180s in an impressive 9-5 victory against Mervyn King and immediately set his sights on the £40,000 first prize.

“I really want to win this,” said the Premier League Champion, who has already won ten PDC titles in 2013.

“I didn’t play my best but I won and that is they way it has been going for me recently. In a way it gives me even more confidence.

“I’m on a great run and I want to keep that up for as long as I can. It was tough to take on Mervyn first but that is the way this tournament is and I am happy to play whoever I come up against because you have to beat good players to win things.”

van Barneveld missed double twelve for a nine-dart finish in his thrilling match against Michael Smith, which the Dutchman edged 9-8.

Scotsman John Henderson reached the fourth round for the first time in his career with a 9-7 victory against Scott Rand.

Henderson, who had never previously defeated Rand, had trailed 4-1 and didn’t take the lead until leg 15 but went on to secure an impressive win.

“I’m over the moon with that,” admitted the 40-year-old. “It is a personal achievement for me and emotion took over when the winning double went in.

“I’m not one to celebrate but I couldn’t stop myself then. Scott is a great player and it was a fantastic win for me.

“I take a lot of inspiration from what Robert Thornton did hear last year. I’m not saying that I’m going to do that but I’m delighted tonight and it is a huge confidence boost.”

There was disappointment for Australian pair Simon Whitlock and Paul Nicholson, however. ‘The Wizard’ lost out to Wes Newton while ‘The Asset’ suffered defeat at the hands of John Bowles.

Andy Jenkins was beaten by Stephen Bunting, while Mark Webster was knocked out by Welsh World Cup team-mate Richie Burnett.

The draw for the fourth round will take place on the completion of Friday’s play.

By Chris Murphy

SEE JAMES WADE, RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD, SIMON WHITLOCK AND TED HANKEY LIVE IN SUNDERLAND ON JUNE 15 – TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE


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