Tag: James Wade
Reigning European Champion Simon Whitlock made a fine start to the defence of his title with a first round victory over Kim Huybrechts on Thursday, while there were also wins for James Wade, Robert Thornton and Raymond van Barneveld in Mulheim, Germany.
Whitlock fought off the challenge of Huybrechts in an entertaining affair, which saw the Australian ace race into a 4-1 lead before his opponent took three legs in a row to draw level.
But ‘The Wizard’ grabbed a crucial break of throw at four apiece and went on to see out the victory with a fine 110 finish.
“I’m extremely pleased to have come through that,” admitted Whitlock, who will face Colin Lloyd in round two on Saturday.
“I knew I was in for a real battle when the draw came out and that’s exactly what happened. But I won’t be giving up this title easily, it was the proudest moment of my career when I won here last year and I would love to defend it.
“That’s a long way away yet but I’ve got past an excellent opponent in Kim and I’ll go away and prepare for the next one.”
Wade defeated Mark Webster 6-2 after winning the first three legs and taking out finishes of 80 and 96.
“I’m happy I won but it was difficult to play a friend,” said Wade.
“But I had a job to do and fortunately I got it done. Now I can look forward to the next one and the rest of the tournament.”
Thornton and van Barneveld will meet each other in the last 16 after their respective successes against Brendan Dolan and Tomas Seyler.
Thornton swept past Dolan convincingly, winning 6-2 despite struggling with a pulled muscle in his back, while ‘Barney’ claimed a 6-1 triumph over Germany’s Seyler.
Friday night’s action will see Michael van Gerwen take on Kurt van de Rijck and Paul Nicholson up against Max Hopp
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.
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
Tickets are priced at £20 and are available from www.dartshop.tv / 08450 180 180
or 01403 210 223
Some of the world’s top darts players will take part in a charity fundraising night at Roffey Sports and Social Club, Horsham for the second consecutive year next week.
Premier League stars James Wade, Simon Whitlock, Michael van Gerwen and Robert Thornton are amongst a fantastic line-up for the event, which will take place on Friday 21 June in aid of two causes.
All proceeds from the night will be split between Bipolar UK and Bradbury Enhanced Care Service.
Joining the quartet of Premier League stars, will be 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.
Wade, winner of seven major titles, who has the condition of Bipolar, is delighted to support both charities.
He said: “I’m looking forward to the night. Both causes are so worthy and all of us players are pleased to be in a position to support them.
“My problems have been well-documented but help is out there and if it wasn’t for charities like these it wouldn’t be so accessible and people with the same condition as myself would be suffering horrendously.
“I hope we can raise a lot of money for both charities and have a lot of fun doing so.”
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.
Jason Thame of promoters MODUS Darts said: “The event here last year was so successful and we raised a lot of money for Bradbury Enhanced Care so we are delighted to be able to put on another night, this time to raise money for two great causes.”
Fans will be given the chance to take on the arrows aces before the professionals compete in an exclusive tournament.
Photograph and autograph opportunities will be available on the night as some of stars of top professional sport and fans come together in aid of two fantastic charities.
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.
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
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
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
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
SEE FOUR TOP DARTS STARS AT THE NORTH WALES MASTERS ON JUNE 14 – TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE
Robert Thornton is preparing to defend the title that reignited his career twelve months ago, while 2008 and 2011 champion James Wade is chasing a trio of UK Open triumphs when the tournament dubbed ‘the FA Cup of darts’ gets underway on Thursday evening in Bolton.
Thornton provided the magic in 2012 as he ended 18 months of turmoil by clinching his first PDC major, despite entering the tournament as a 250-1 outsider.
The Scotsman had been recovering from a broken hand and a devastating bout of pneumonia before producing a string of fantastic performances to knock out a whole host of tournament favourites, culminating in a sensational final victory over Phil Taylor.
And Thornton, who has been in fantastic form ever since, admitted it was a special weekend for him.
“It is a time I will never forget,” said Thornton, who is now eleventh in the PDC Order of Merit and was selected for the 2013 Premier League.
“To have even been in that tournament after the previous 18 months was an achievement but to go and win it was a dream come true.
“It started up my career again and I’m looking forward to going back. I’ve got fabulous memories but more importantly, a title to defend.”
Thornton will begin his defence of the £40,000 first prize in Friday’s third round, having being amongst the top 32 qualifiers alongside Simon Whitlock, Michael van Gerwen, Paul Nicholson, Mark Webster and Raymond van Barneveld.
Wade is in action on Thursday after being drawn in a preliminary round clash against Robbie Green in the tournament’s curtain raiser.
Major titles have been elusive for the 30-year-old since his Bolton success in 2011 but ‘The Machine’ believes that the wait could be over.
He said: Winning it a couple of years ago is a great memory for me. I’ve been getting closer to my best over the last few months. I’m in a good place and I feel like it is a matter of when I start winning tournaments again, not if.
SEE FOUR TOP DARTS STARS IN ACTION IN NORTH WALES ON JUNE 14 – TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE
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