Tag: PDC

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…)

Michael van Gerwen and Robert Thornton both won UK Open qualifiers on a wonderful weekend for the Premier League pair in Wigan.

van Gerwen added Saturday’s title to the two he had previously won last month, before Thornton stopped his rampant run on Sunday and took the honours himself.

‘Mighty Mike’ saw off Michael Smith in Saturday’s final to clinch the £6,000 first prize after he had narrowly missed double twelve to nail a nine-dart-finish in an earlier round.

“It’s always nice to win a tournament like this and I’m delighted,” van Gerwen told PDC.tv

“I know I’m playing well and I’ve shown everyone again today.

“I was strong from the beginning but I played a lot of good players, like Simon Whitlock, Gary Anderson and Peter Wright. I’m full of confidence and I’m taking that into my games at the moment.”

The Dutch sensation looked set to continue is incredible run of success on the Pro Tour, having won UK Open qualifiers 1, 2 & 3 in addition to the final Players Championship event in 2012, before he ran into the brilliant Thornton in Sunday’s semi-finals.

Thornton, the reigning Speedy Services UK Open champion, claimed a 6-3 victory, before triumphing 6-4 against Jamie Caven in the final.

“I’m chuffed to bits to get the win,” said Thornton, who will be appearing alongside van Gerwen in the Portsmouth International Masters in June.

“It’s about time Michael let somebody else win!

“In all seriousness though it’s so tough now.

“The standard is incredible and it’s a proud day when you win one of these.

“It’s harder than winning your Premier League match on a Thursday night and in an odd way, playing in that tournament has prepared me for this!”

Both players will turn their attentions to night seven of the McCoy’s Premier League in Cardiff, where they are in action on Thursday.

There was also a strong showing from Paul Nicholson in both of the weekend’s events, with ‘The Asset’ reaching the quarter-finals on both days.

By Chris Murphy

Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Some of the best darts players on the planet will be on show at The River Centre, Tonbridge for a special VIP night on Saturday 20 October.

Fans will enjoy the special experience of a top quality darts event VIP style, with a waitress service, buffet, meet and greet with the players and an exclusive after party, which will follow the main event.

The world-class stars on show include world number three James Wade, who has won seven major PDC titles, five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld and two-time World Champion Dennis Priestley.

They will be joined by former Premier League star Terry Jenkins, quick-fire Dutchman Vincent van der Voort and two-time Lakeside finalist Tony O’Shea.

Qualifiers Ben Songhurst and Rob Prince will be competing against the professionals on what will be a night to remember for the local pair.

Lewis Jones of MODUS said: “This is a really unique event. Not only will fans get to see some of the best darts players on the planet compete, but they will get the VIP treatment too.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to watch a darts event in a completely new and exciting way. It will be a special experience.”

VIP tickets for The Money Shop VIP Experience are priced at £60 and are available calling 08450 180 180 or online via www.dartshop.tv

For fans who wish to see the show without the VIP benefits, standard tickets have now been made available from £20 per person.

Doors open at 6.30pm for the VIP reception, with the main event starting at 8pm. VIP guests are invited to stay on for the after party from 11pm.

Simon Whitlock took victory in Sunday’s Players Championship 12 at Barnsley Metrodome, defeating Andy Hamilton 6-4 in the final.

‘The Wizard’ finally got rewarded for his solid form this year, as he claimed his first ranking title since 2010.

“I’m delighted to get the win,” said Whitlock, who will now turn his attention to the televised European Championships next week.

“It has been a while but I’ve been playing well. My form has been good so I always felt I would win one soon.

“I’ve been putting the practise in and I’m looking forward to going to Germany now, with this win under my belt.”

The Australian star, who had reached the quarter-finals in Saturday’s event, began Sunday’s tournament with a 6-2 defeat of Tony Littleton.

He followed that up with wins over Scott Rand and Kim Huybrechts, before seeing off the challenge of Steve Maish in the quarter-finals.

‘The Wizard’ halted the charge of former World Champion Dennis Priestley in the last four, triumphing 6-2 over the Yorkshire-man before beating Hamilton to clinch the £6,000 title.

Whitlock trailed ‘The Hammer’ by two legs in the final but hit back to tie the match at 2-2.

The next four legs all went with the throw before Whitlock grabbed a crucial break, hitting double eight to take the lead before posting double 16 to triumph.

Michael van Gerwen, who won Saturday’s event, was denied the chance to make it a double success.

The Dutchman was defeated by Hamilton in the semi-finals, with ‘Mighty Mike’ missing double twelve for a nine-darter.

van Gerwen defeated Kevin McDine, Jamie Caven, Terry Jenkins and Prakash Jiwa en route to the last four.

By Chris Murphy

See some of the world’s top darts players in action at The Untouchables,Eastbourne on Friday 19 October.

Images courtesy of Lawrenc Lustig/PDC

 

 


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