Tag: Darts
Actor Daniel Radcliffe is a fan of seven-time PDC major winner James Wade, it was revealed this week.
The 23-year-old, who rose to super-stardom playing the title role in the Harry Potter film series, may have been a top ‘Quidditch’ player on screen but Radcliffe is actually a huge fan of darts.
And, though you might expect his favourite player to be ‘The Wizard’ Simon Whitlock, the esteemed film star is a secretly a fan of ‘The Machine’.
Radcliffe’s passion for darts and support for Wade was revealed by Irish pop group The Duckworth Lewis Method in a BBC Radio 2 interview.
Band members Neil Hannon and Thomas Walsh, who have worked with Radcliffe, mentioned on Monday’s Drivetime Show to host Simon Mayo that: “We worked with Stephen Fry, who is a big fan of darts. Incidentally, Daniel is a big fan of darts too. He is a James Wade fan.”
Wade welcomed the support of the film star, saying: “It is always nice to learn that someone of his profile and status appreciates what you do and he would be more welcome to attend a tournament as my guest.”
You can listen to The Duckworth Lewis Method in interview here.
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
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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
James Wade dropped just two legs in three matches on Thursday evening has he stormed through to the third round of the UK Open in Bolton, while Andy Jenkins and John Henderson also progressed.
Two-time champion Wade defeated former quarter-finalist Robbie Green 5-2 in a preliminary round tie before securing back-to-back whitewashes.
The 30-year-old swept past Matt Gallett 5-0 to reach the second round, where he saw off Wayne Jones by the same margin.
“It wasn’t as easy as it might look,” admitted Wade, who last won the title in 2011.
“I always believe I can win this but it can be a bit of a lottery on night’s like this so I’m glad I got the job done.”
Jenkins won through to the third round by defeating Nigel Heydon 5-4 and revealed his pride after the victory.
He said: “I love the game and I’m trying to get back to my best. It is hard and I have beaten a very good player tonight so it is a good step for me.”
Scotsman Henderson sealed his spot in round three with a 5-2 victory over Dave Place.
There was disappointment for former World Youth Champions James Hubbard and Arron Monk, however.
The pair both missed out at the second round stage after Hubbard had produced a strong showing in a 5-2 victory over John Scott to get there.
He was beaten 5-3 by Andy Smith, while Monk lost out to Gaz Cousins.
Dutch duo Vincent van der Voort and Co Stompe were both eliminated in round one.
Youngster Keegan Brown, who is sponsored by Simon Whitlock, performed brilliantly to reach round two.
He picked up wins against Keith Rooney and Shaun Griffiths but was denied a place in the hat for the third round draw by Joey Palfreyman.
Another promising youngster, Chris Aubrey, suffered a narrow defeat against Steve Farmer in the preliminary round.
The draw for the third round will be made at the end of Thursday’s play.
By Chris Murphy
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The PDC’s elite will compete in the inaugural Sydney Darts Masters in August, it has been announced today.
The Australian event is the second leg in the new World Series of Darts, which kicked off in Dubai last month.
The tournament will be held at Luna Park in Sydney from August 29-31.
The PDC’s top eight from the Order of Merit, including James Wade, Michael van Gerwen and Australia’s Simon Whitlock, will make up half of the 16-strong field for the three-day event.
Whitlock’s World Cup team-mate Paul Nicholson will also be on show along with the top three players from the DPA rankings, three home nation qualifiers and a qualifier from New Zealand.
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The visit of top PDC darts stars to Millwall Football Club has been moved to a new date.
Premier League Darts aces James Wade and Michael van Gerwen are still heading to do battle in Millwall, but will appear a couple of weeks later than originally planned.
The Millwall Masters will now take place on 12 September, and will feature world number two van Gerwen and Wade, who is ranked fourth, alongside three more top players.
Also on show are the charismatic trio of former World Champions Ted Hankey and Andy Fordham and former Players Champion Paul Nicholson.
Wade is the second most successful player in PDC history, having won seven major titles, while van Gerwen, the 2013 Premier League champion, is widely tipped to be a dominant force in darts for years to come.
The event will see four local qualifiers given the chance to take on the professionals. Details of how to qualify will be announced in due course.
World Grand Prix winner van Gerwen, who was a guest of honour at a Millwall home game last season, said: “I’m really looking forward to this event.
“I’m a big football fan and enjoyed visiting the club. I’m looking forward to coming back to show everyone what I do best in what is going to be a great night.
“The line-up for the event is fantastic. We are all players that would expect to meet in the quarters and semi-finals of major tournaments so fans are in for a treat.
“We will put on a good show and I hope the qualifiers will be ready because we will all be out to win!”
The date change is due to unforeseen professional commitments. Customers that have already purchased tickets are advised to contact MODUS Sports Management on 08450 180 180 or original place of purchase.
Tickets for the Millwall Masters are available from www.dartshop.tv / 08450 180 180 or from the box office 0207 740 0504.
Paul Nicholson led the MODUS charge in Wigan by reaching the final of the third Players Championship event of the year on Saturday.
Premier League star Robert Thornton also enjoyed a good run before bowing out at the semi-final stage at Robin Park Tennis Centre.
Both were denied potential glory by eventual winner Jamie Caven.
Nicholson won through to his second Pro Tour final of the year, kicking off with wins against promising youngster Chris Aubrey and Germany’s Jerry Hendriks.
The Australian ace then swept past three experienced opponents in Steve Beaton, Mervyn King and Mark Walsh, before defeating Michael Mansell to reach the last four.
There, he recorded an impressive victory over world number ten Justin Pipe but was edged out by Caven in the final.
Thornton began his campaign for a third title in Wigan this year with early successes against Jason Marriot, Darron Brown and Darren Webster.
The Scotsman defeated Andy Smith to reach the quarter-finals, where he saw off the great Dennis Priestley.
Thornton, who was denied a final spot by Caven, will be looking to continue his strong form on Sunday as he bids to grace the top ten in the PDC Order of Merit for the first time.
By Chris Murphy
SEE PAUL NICHOLSON AND ROBERT THORNTON IN ACTION IN PORTSMOUTH NEXT MONTH – CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Michael van Gerwen won the first ever Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters, completing an amazing week with an excellent 11-7 final victory over Raymond van Barneveld on Thursday evening.
‘Mighty Mike’, who has also triumphed in the Premier League and European Masters in the last eight days, produced stunning finishes of 164 and 170 to cap a fine string of performances.
The Dutch ace had defeated Wes Newton and Andy Hamilton to set up a last two clash with compatriot van Barneveld.
“There was a little payback there because Raymond beat me in the Grand Slam, but I always enjoy playing him and it was a great final,” van Gerwen told the PDC’s official website.
“I think, with all the conditions, I played very well and put in some great averages and hit the 170 finish and 164 finish at good moments in the final so that was important to make me the champion.”
James Wade had become the first PDC player to win a professional game outdoors when he defeated Simon Whitlock in a thrilling quarter-final match on Thursday.
But ‘The Machine’ was denied a place in the final by ‘Barney’.
PDC Chairman Barry Hearn has revealed that the tournament will return to Dubai in 2014.
He said: “We’re looking forward to building on this because the crowd have created a fantastic atmosphere.
“We’ve had over 5,000 fans visit the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium for the tournament and millions watching around the world, and I’m sure we can sell out next year’s event.”
By Chris Murphy
THE STARS OF WORLD DARTS ARE HEADING TO NORTH WALES NEXT MONTH – CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Michael van Gerwen’s sensational run of success continued on Sunday evening as he won the European Darts Open in Dusseldorf with a 6-2 final victory over Simon Whitlock.
The 24-year-old Dutch star, who was crowned as Premier League Darts Champion on Thursday, followed it up by claiming his eight PDC title of 2013.
‘Mighty Mike’ defeated Andre Welge, Wayne Jones, Terry Jenkins, Gary Anderson and Peter Wright to reach the final, where he saw off ‘The Wizard’ to clinch the £20,000 first prize.
“It’s been a brilliant few days,” van Gerwen told the PDC’s official website.
“I’m a bit tired at the moment but winning is the most important thing, and I’m very glad I saved my best game for the final.
“Simon beat me the last time we played in a final and I knew I needed to play a proper game to beat him, and I think I showed my class with a very good performance tonight.”
The highlight of Whitlock’s charge to the final was a dazzling display in his last eight triumph over Justin Pipe, when the Australian hit eight 180s and took out a 170 finish.
van Gerwen and Whitlock will join the likes of James Wade and Raymond van Barneveld in Dubai next week as the top eight player in world darts compete in the inaugural Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters.
By Chris Murphy
Darts Event Tickets – Dartshop.tv – Darts Tickets, Darts Clothing and Accessories
- A Night at the Darts Edinburgh 30th November 2024 – O2 Academy11 New Market Rd Edinburgh
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- Cheltenham Darts Masters – 31st May 2024
- A Night at the Darts Portsmouth 30th November 2024
- A Night At the Darts – Northampton 2nd November 2024
- Derby – Face Off 2024
- York – 6th April 2024 – The Power and The Glory
