Tag: Mark Webster

The groups for the 2013 Championship League Darts have been announced, with James Wade, Michael van Gerwen and Simon Whitlock featuring in Group One, which takes place on Tuesday September 24.

The internet-streamed event will see play across nine days, with the eight individual Group Winners going on to contest the title in the Winners Group on Thursday October 24.

One of the world’s leading darters has taken the chance to brush up on his painting skills – after being inspired by having a colour named after him.

Ayrshire ace Robert Thornton is one of five oche favourites to feature on the ‘Colours of the Darts Scene’ colour card created by Leyland Paints along with Simon Whitlock, Mark Webster, Premier League champion Michael van Gerwen and James Wade. (more…)

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

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.


Play the Pro