Tag: Modus Darts

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

 

 

 

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

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

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.

 “I was disappointed that I couldn’t find my game in the semi-finals of the Premier League but that is gone now and there are three major tournaments up for grabs in the next couple of months and I hope I can take at least one of them.
“My target for this year is to win a couple of tournaments but if I am going to have a chance of making this the first of them then I will have to start firing straight away. There is no growing into the tournament at the UK Open because of the draw so you have to be ready and I will be.”
Wade will have to win three games to go into the hat for the third round draw, where the 32 second round winners will join the top 32 qualifiers.
Also in opening night action is Dutch ace Vincent van der Voort, who faces Scottish qualifier Andy Murray in a preliminary round match on the main stage.
Youngster Chris Aubrey takes on Steve Farmer for a place in the first round proper, while Keegan Brown, who is sponsored by Whitlock, faces Keith Rooney.
Aubrey could meet Arron Monk in round two.
Andy Jenkins and John Henderson have both also qualified for the second round, with the former facing Nigel Heydon.
Scotsman Henderson, who could meet any one of three potential opponents on Thursday night is hoping that a good run can set him on the way to achieving a personal target.
He said: “The last twelve months have been very difficult. I spent the earlier part of last year recovering from injury and I struggled to get any results.
“My confidence was very low but I feel like I’m getting there now. I had a bit of a break and I think that did me the world of good.
“My goal is to get into the top 32 this year and I take a lot of inspiration from Robert Thornton.”
The 2013 Speedy Services UK Open will run from Thursday June 6 to Sunday June 9.
The open draw for the third round will be made following Thursday night’s play.
By Chris Murphy

 SEE FOUR TOP DARTS STARS IN ACTION IN NORTH WALES ON JUNE 14 – TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

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.

TOO SEE TOP DARTS STARS A LITTLE CLOSER TO HOME CHECK OUT THE BENFIELD NISSAN MASTERS, SUNDERLAND – JUNE 15 – TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

 

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


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