James Wade moved into the semi-finals of the World Grand Prix in Dublin after defeating Simon Whitlock in a thrilling match on Friday evening.
The two-time winner of the double-start tournament took out a brilliant 101 finish to win a last leg decider, edging an exciting encounter to progress to the last four.
Wade continues his pursuit of an eighth major title when he meets Phil Taylor in the semi-finals on Saturday.
James Wade and Simon Whitlock will meet in the quarter-finals of the World Grand Prix after the pair claimed second round victories at Dublin’s Citywest Hotel on Wednesday.
Wade defeated Ireland’s Connie Finnan by three sets to two, while Whitlock swept past Ronnie Baxter in straight sets.
They will now go head to head on Friday for a place in the semi-finals. (more…)
James Wade and Simon Whitlock both claimed dramatic deciding leg victories in round one of of the World Grand Prix in Dublin, where Paul Nicholson produced one of the top performances of the opening night.
Two-time champion Wade and Australian star Whitlock were both taken to last-leg deciders by Steve Beaton and Michael Mansell respectively, with both surviving missed match-darts by their opponents before winning through to the second round.
Nicholson produced what he went on to describe as his ‘best ever performance on TV’ to defeat Robert Thornton, as ‘The Asset’ averaged just under 100 in a 2-1 sucess. (more…)
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