Judgement Night Elimination Battle

 

WES NEWTON, Dave Chisnall and Robert Thornton are competing to avoid elimination from the Betway Premier League Darts on Judgement Night at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff on Thursday.

The trio will be bidding to escape joining Simon Whitlock, the Premier League’s bottom player, in dropping out of the tournament following the ninth league night of this year’s event.

All three contenders enter Judgement Night in Cardiff on six league points, with Chisnall and Newton facing each other before Thornton takes on Phil Taylor – the six-time Premier League champion who only secured his own survival last week.

Newton, who had been eliminated alongside Gary Anderson on Judgement Night 12 months ago, is in the most precarious position with Leg Difference of -13.

Chisnall has Leg Difference of -5, with Thornton -1 going into his ninth league game.

That means that Chisnall will be safe with a win or a draw against Newton, who knows that he has to win to secure safety, with a draw leaving him hoping for a Thornton defeat.

A defeat for Newton means that he would be eliminated regardless of Thornton’s result, while a loss Chisnall would Leg Difference, and possibly Legs Won Against Thrown, into play should Thornton also be defeated.

Should any players be tied for League Points, Leg Difference and Legs Won Against Throw, the final determining factor would be Tournament Average.

Betway Premier League Darts
Elimination Scenario
Robert Thornton
Is safe with a win or a draw.
Would be safe if Chisnall wins by any score, or if Newton wins 7-3 or better.

Dave Chisnall
Is safe with a win or a draw.
If he loses 7-5, he would need Thornton to lose 7-0 to have worse Leg Difference, other results could mean Legs Won Against Throw come into play.

Wes Newton
Is safe with a win.
If he draws, needs Thornton to lose to survive.
Is eliminated with a defeat.

Betway Elimination Odds
7/10 Wes Newton
7/4 Dave Chisnall
11/2 Robert Thornton

Latest League Table

After Week Eight	P	W	D	L	Legs +/-	LWAT	Pts
Michael van Gerwen	8	6	1	1	+20	20	13
Peter Wright	8	4	3	1	+15	18	11
Raymond van Barneveld	8	3	4	1	+8	15	10
Adrian Lewis	8	3	3	2	+1	18	9
Gary Anderson	8	4	0	4	-1	16	8
Phil Taylor	8	3	1	4	-4	15	7
Robert Thornton	8	1	4	3	-1	15	6
Dave Chisnall	8	1	4	3	-5	14	6
Wes Newton	8	2	2	4	-13	13	6
Simon Whitlock (E)	8	1	2	5	-20	10	4

Betway Premier League Darts
Week Nine – Judgement Night
April 3, Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff
Gary Anderson v Peter Wright
Michael van Gerwen v Simon Whitlock
Adrian Lewis v Raymond van Barneveld
Wes Newton v Dave Chisnall
Phil Taylor v Robert Thornton
Tickets: SOLD OUT

Betway Premier League Darts Week Eight

 

SIMON WHITLOCK was eliminated from the Betway Premier League Darts with a draw against Wes Newton in Dublin on Thursday, as Phil Taylor secured survival at The O2 and Michael van Gerwen ended Peter Wright’s unbeaten run in the event.

Australian ace Whitlock, the 2012 finalist, went into his eighth league match needing to claim victory to keep alive his hopes of survival into next week’s Judgement Night.

But despite hitting five 180s, Whitlock was only able to pick up a draw as Newton claimed up a point which could be key to his own survival going into Week Nine.

Earlier, Newton had lost 7-3 to Gary Anderson as the 2011 Premier League Darts champion ensured his own passage into the final weeks of the event, where he will now set his sights on claiming a Play-Off place.

Anderson continued his strong form as he picked up the victory – despite being on tenterhooks with partner Rachel at home in Somerset and due to give birth on Thursday.

“I’ve been waiting for the phone call from home all day to be honest but the PDC’s been great with my situation,” said Anderson. “If I’d got a call then I’d have been on the next flight home and I’ve been on edge, so it’s good to get the win.

“I’m enjoying the season and I can look ahead now to trying to get back into the Play-Offs. The hard work I’ve done in practice is paying off and my doubles are going in well, and it was great to give the fans plenty to cheer.

“Dublin’s always been one of the best venues for me and the fans gave me a great reception.”

Newton now faces a huge clash with Dave Chisnall in Cardiff next week, after being joined on six points in the league table by the World Grand Prix finalist after his draw with Adrian Lewis.

“It’s a massive game against Dave now, and with Robert Thornton on six points too it’s shaping up to be a really big night in Cardiff,” said Newton, who played two matches in Dublin after missing the earlier league night in Exeter through illness.

“I’m disappointed to only come away with one point but Gary played well in the first game, and I had a lot of pressure in the second game, so I’m happy with the point and it’s better than two points lost.

“Two points next week will keep me in the competition, so I’ve got to put this behind me and bring my best game to Cardiff.”

Chisnall and Lewis shared ten 180s and four ton-plus checkouts in a thrilling contest, with the Stoke ace taking out 134, 124 and 100 only to see the World Grand Prix runner-up follow an earlier 158 finish by landing double 18 to snatch a draw in the deciding leg.

“I’m happy with that and it was good entertainment for the crowd,” said Chisnall.“Adrian had a few chances but it’s swings and roundabouts, and at the end he let me in and I took my chance.

“I wanted to try and get at least a point this week and it means there’s a big game ahead against Wes next week. I know that a draw will keep me in the competition, but I’ll be going for a win and hopefully I can hit my doubles like I did tonight.”

Lewis said: “Dave ground out a draw at the end there but we both hit some good finishes and plenty of 180s, and it’s a good point for me.

“I’ve got seven or eight weeks now to fight to get into the top four and I’m looking forward to the rest of the tournament now.”

While Chisnall, Newton and Thornton – who sat out the Dublin night after previously doubling up in Exeter in Newton’s absence – will all be battling to avoid elimination alongside Whitlock next week, six-time Premier League Darts champion Phil Taylor pulled himself out of the struggle with a draw against Raymond van Barneveld.

Taylor had found himself in the midst of the battle at the foot of the table after losing his opening three games, but secured survival as he came from 5-3 down to claim a point against his great rival.

“In some ways this felt like a win because I’ve qualified for the second half of the season and I can relax now and get ready for the next six or seven weeks,”said Taylor.

“I know I can play better than I did here, but it’s been very difficult this season and this game was no different because Raymond produced some fantastic darts and finished well.

“We had a lot of nerves out there but for me it’s all about moving on now and trying to get into the top four.”

Van Barneveld’s point meant that he had to settle for a draw for a fourth successive week, although he remains in third place in the league table.

“It was a great battle and there’s no disappointment,” said van Barneveld. “After being 5-3 up and 6-4 down I thought I’d blown it but I’m happy with a point against the best player in the world.

“I’ve had four draws in the past four weeks and am the only player to have beaten Michael van Gerwen so far and I’m third in the table, so I’m very pleased.”

Away from the tension of the games involving players at the lower end of the league table, top two Michael van Gerwen and Peter Wright clashed as the Dutchman ended his rival’s unbeaten start to the year in their rematch of January’s World Championship final.

Showman Wright’s attempt to play to the crowd when needing the bullseye to complete a 161 finish at two-all backfired as he missed and van Gerwen reeled off four successive legs.

The Scot hit back to 6-5, but van Gerwen secured victory with a brilliant 128 checkout in the game’s deciding leg to move two points clear of his rival in the table.

“He did a couple of things and I didn’t like them,” said van Gerwen. “Peter’s a good player anyway but I didn’t think he needed to do that, you should just play normal darts like Phil, Adrian or Raymond.

“There are a lot of people that like it, but I don’t and that’s my opinion. He doesn’t need to do that, and he knew that I didn’t like it and I’m very glad that I hit the 128 at the end and won the game.”

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Betway Premier League Darts
Week Eight
The O2, Dublin
Gary Anderson 7-3 Wes Newton
Adrian Lewis 6-6 Dave Chisnall
Wes Newton 6-6 Simon Whitlock
Michael van Gerwen 7-5 Peter Wright
Phil Taylor 6-6 Raymond van Barneveld
All games are the best of 12 legs – first to seven, or six-all draw.

League Table

After Week Eight	P	W	D	L	Legs +/-	Pts
Michael van Gerwen	8	6	1	1	+20	13
Peter Wright	8	4	3	1	+15	11
Raymond van Barneveld	8	3	4	1	+8	10
Adrian Lewis	8	3	3	2	+1	9
Gary Anderson	8	4	0	4	-1	8
Phil Taylor	8	3	1	4	-4	7
Robert Thornton	8	1	4	3	-1	6
Dave Chisnall	8	1	4	3	-5	6
Wes Newton	8	2	2	4	-13	6
Simon Whitlock (R)	8	1	2	5	-20	4

MATCH INFORMATION
Gary Anderson v Wes Newton
0-1 – Newton lands the game’s opening 180 only to initially miss two darts to finish 85, but when Anderson is off-target on tops to take out 76, the Fleetwood ace returns to pin double five to break throw immediately.
1-1 – Anderson this time lands tops for a 76 finish to level with a break back.
2-1 – Anderson fires in a 180 to leave 42, and posts double eight to move ahead.
3-1 – Anderson takes out 82 with a bulleye, double 16 combination.
3-2 – The pair trade 180s before Newton breaks back by finishing 58 on tops, after Anderson missed double top and ten to extend his lead.
4-2 – Anderson breaks back again, hitting a 180 to be the first to a double before returning from a missed bullseye to finish double eight.
4-3 – Double ten sees Newton move back to within a leg of the 2011 champion.
5-3 – Anderson lands a 168 score during the leg, and when Newton misses double 16 to finish 70, he steps in to post tops in moving to the brink of a point.
6-3 – Anderson takes out 96 on double top to earn a minimum of a draw.
7-3 – Newton pays the price for further missed doubles as Anderson takes out 72 on tops to secure the win.

Match Stats

Gary Anderson	7-3	Wes Newton
12	100+	16
9	140+	4
0	170+	0
3	180	2
97.41	Average	91.45
96	High Finish	58
5	Breaks of Throw	3
7/14 – 50%	Checkout %	3/12 – 25%

Adrian Lewis v Dave Chisnall
0-1 – Lewis misses double ten for a 140 finish, allowing Chisnall back in from a miss to break in the opening leg.
1-1 – Lewis opens with a 180, and though Chisnall fires in two maximums of his own, the St Helens ace can only watch as he waits on 32 as Lewis pins the bull for a 124 finish.
2-1 – Lewis takes out 79 on double 11 to move ahead.
2-2 – Chisnall lands double 18 to level the game.
2-3 – Chisnall regains the lead with a sparkling 11-darter, opening with a 180 before taking out 86 in two darts to break.
3-3 – Lewis takes out a 134 finish with a showpiece finish of treble 18 and two double tops to level again.
4-3 – Lewis opens with a 180 and finishes 80 on tops to move back ahead as the lead changes hands again.
4-4 – Chisnall levels with a sensational 158 checkout, hitting two treble 20s and double 19.
5-4 – Lewis takes out 70 on tops to move back ahead.
5-5 – Lewis lands a fourth maximum of the game, but misses double 12 and Chisnall steps in to finish 85 on the bull to level the game.
6-5 – Lewis earns a minimum of a point by hitting a 180 and a 100 finish.
6-6 – Both players open the deciding leg with a maximum, before Chisnall takes out double 18 to claim a draw.

Match Stats

Adrian Lewis	6-6	Dave Chisnall
9	100+	17
7	140+	8
0	170+	0
6	180	4
99.14	Average	101.22
134	High Finish	158
2	Breaks of Throw	2
6/8 – 75%	Checkout %	6/7 – 86%

Wes Newton v Simon Whitlock
0-1 – Whitlock makes an ideal start with a break of throw.
1-1 – Newton hits two 180s as he levels with a break.
2-1 – Whitlock fires in a maximumbut Newton moves ahead.
2-2 – Double one sees the Australian level.
3-2 – Double six edges Newton back ahead.
3-3 – Whitlock lands a 180 before finishing double four to square the game.
4-3 – The Australian misses tops and the same double sees Newton hold throw.
4-4 – Whitlock hits two 180s to Newton’s one in the leg, and double eight sees the Australian level.
5-4 – Double ten moves Newton back in front.
5-5 – Whitlock finishes 65 on tops to level the game – but he needs to take the game’s final two legs to keep alive his hopes of avoiding elimination.
6-5 – Newton fires in a 140 at a crucial time to leave 64, and takes out the finish in two darts to claim a point – ensuring that Whitlock will drop out of the tournament next week following Judgement Night.
6-6 – Newton leaves 81 after nine darts, but misses double 13 to claim the win as Whitlock follows a 168 score by landing double eight for a 13-darter to snatch a point.

Match Stats

Wes Newton	6-6	Simon Whitlock
17	100+	12
6	140+	8
0	170+	0
4	180	5
92.82	Average	91.89
64	High Finish	80
1	Breaks of Throw	1
6/13 – 46%	Checkout %	6/16 – 38%

Michael van Gerwen v Peter Wright
1-0 – van Gerwen takes out 97 in two darts for a 14-darter to open the game.
1-1 – Double eight sees Wright level.
2-1 – van Gerwen finishes 130 on double eight to move back ahead.
2-2 – Wright levels once more by finishing double 16.
3-2 – Wright misses the bull for a 161 finish – having encouraged the crowd to cheer on his attempt at the bullseye – to allow van Gerwen in to finish 84.
4-2 – van Gerwen breaks by finishing 68.
5-2 – van Gerwen lands a 180 and punishes missed doubles from Wright to hit tops.
6-2 – van Gerwen adds another maximum before posting an 88 finish to secure at least a point.
6-3 – The Dutch ace is unable to close out the win, and Wright keeps his hopes alive.
6-4 – Wright initially misses tops for a 120 finish but returns to continue his fightback.
6-5 – Wright misses the bull for a 132 finish, but returns to land double eight for a 14-darter to break and give himself a chance of grabbing a draw by sending the game into a deciding leg.
7-5 – van Gerwen opens with a 180 and claims victory with a brilliant 128 finish.

Match Stats

Michael van Gerwen	7-5	Peter Wright
14	100+	14
10	140+	13
0	170+	0
4	180	0
101.22	Average	96.84
130	High Finish	40
3	Breaks of Throw	2
7/15 – 47%	Checkout %	5/16 – 31%

Phil Taylor v Raymond van Barneveld
0-1 – van Barneveld opens with a 14-darter to break throw, finishing 60 on tops.
1-1 – Taylor misses double five for a 130 finish, but van Barneveld is unable to post double 18 to take out 116 as the world number two returns on double two.
2-1 – Taylor opens with a 177 as he moves ahead.
2-2 – van Barneveld takes out a sensational 160 checkout to level.
2-3 – Taylor misses three darts at double 14, and the Dutchman breaks on double 16.
2-4 – van Barneveld posts his first 180 before taking out 121 on double 14 to move two legs clear.
3-4 – Taylor fires in double 18 to hit back.
3-5 – Double 16 sees van Barneveld hold throw to regain his two-leg lead.
4-5 – van Barneveld misses darts at double top and ten to secure a point as Taylor steps in to post tops.
5-5 – The Dutchman is again punished for a miss at tops, for a 108 finish, as Taylor hits the same bed to level the game with a break.
6-5 – van Barneveld opens with two 180s to set up a possible nine-darter, but he misses out on a perfect leg and then sees Taylor follow a maximum by finishing double ten for a 12-darter to secure at least a draw.
6-6 – van Barneveld lands his fourth 180s of the game, and returns from missing double 16 for a 109 finish to take out double eight to secure a point.

Match Stats

Phil Taylor	6-6	Raymond van Barneveld
16	100+	18
4	140+	5
2	170+	0
1	180	4
96.92	Average	98.72
59	High Finish	160
2	Breaks of Throw	2
6/18 – 33%	Checkout %	6/12 – 50%

Betway Premier League Darts Preview

WES NEWTON will double up on Thursday for one of the biggest nights of his career as the Betway Premier League Darts visits Dublin, where top two Michael van Gerwen and Peter Wright clash alongside great rivals Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld.

The penultimate night of league action before the bottom two players are relegated from the event features five huge contests, including Newton competing in two matches after missing the league night in Exeter earlier in March with tonsillitis.

Newton has slipped to second bottom in the table with 7-1 defeats to van Gerwen and Taylor over the past two weeks, but plays Gary Anderson and Simon Whitlock in two huge games at the bottom end of the table.

2011 Premier League Darts winner Anderson slipped to seventh with a defeat last week and is only a point ahead of Newton, while Australian ace Whitlock is two points adrift at the foot of the table.

“It’s a massive night for me and probably one of the biggest of my career,” said Fleetwood’s Newton. “The Premier League’s massive and I’m determined to do well – not just to avoid relegation but to be fighting for the title in May.

“I’m feeling good and in the last two games I’ve played quite well and had ton-plus averages but come up against Phil and Michael when they’ve really been on form, and they’re the top two players in the world.

“I’m scoring well but I’ve been punished for missing the odd double here and there recently, so if I can take those chances this week then it should be a different story.

“I’m going out to win both matches, but whatever happens against Gary I’ve got to re-focus and get ready to play Simon because every leg in each match could be crucial.

“It’s a weird feeling, because if I win both matches then I could be in a really good position but if the results don’t go my way then I know I’m in the relegation scrap next week.”

Whitlock has picked up just one win and a draw so far this season, but is refusing to give up on his fight to escape relegation.

“It has been a difficult campaign for me but I’m still in with a chance,” said the Australian. “I know that I’ll have to win my last two games but I also know that I’ve got what it takes to do that.

“The target in Dublin is to make sure I take it to the last night and, after the poor start I had, that will be a mini-achievement in itself.

“I feel like a should’ve got a couple more points at least but I won’t dwell on that. That’s the standard of this Premier League – if you don’t take your chances, your opponent will and I just need to make sure I take mine against Wes.”

At the other end of the table, the league’s top two players – van Gerwen and Wright – meet in a repeat of January’s World Championship final.

Van Gerwen took a 7-4 sets victory that day, but Wright insists he has come of age since competing in his first major televised final, where he allowed the Dutchman into a four-set lead.

“In the World Championship final I was a scared little boy, but I think I’ve turned into a man now in darting terms,” said Wright, the league’s only unbeaten player following seven weeks.

“The Premier League’s definitely helped my game and I believe I can beat anybody in the world now, no matter who they are.

“A couple of weeks ago I looked at the league table and I was hoping that we would be first and second in the table going to Dublin. I’m looking to get my revenge on him this time!”

Wright had opened the season at odds of 4/1 to be relegated from the tournament, but is now 8/1 with sponsors Betway to lift the title in May.

“I don’t want to lose a match up to Week Nine when we have relegation, because that would be an amazing achievement in this field,” added the Scot, who snatched a draw with van Barneveld last week with a 161 finish in the game’s final leg.

“I couldn’t dream this at the start of the season, and before the tournament I was probably one of the favourites to be relegated, so for me to perform the way I am and enjoy these crowds is amazing.

“I’m trying to go up there and entertain the fans as well as perform well.”

Van Gerwen’s victory over Gary Anderson in Leeds last week saw him join Wright on 11 points, as the Dutchman moved top on Leg Difference ahead of his rival.

“I’m really up for it,” said van Gerwen, who hit a nine-dart finish during last weekend’s Players Championship events in Crawley.

“We’re level and it’s very close and he’s done very well so far this season – but he did well in the World Championship and I was the best at the end and he has to live with that.

“Peter likes to have a bit of fun and has been reminding me that he was unbeaten and top of the league – but you still need to do it on the stage and let your darts do the talking, and we’ll see who’s the best this week in Dublin!”

Another huge contest sees great rivals Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld meet in Dublin – having shared the points with a draw when they clashed at The O2 in last year’s event.

Taylor has won his last two games to move onto six points in the league table, and followed up last week’s stunning win over Newton with a brilliant weekend of darts as he won a Players Championship in Crawley and lost in a second final.

“I’ve been trying different things with my darts and it’s coming together,” said the 16-time World Champion. “I’m not in that bottom two now, and it’s a relief because it’s the worst feeling to be down there – but it’s still very close and it’ll be a battle over the next two weeks.

“Every time you say “Taylor v Barney” it brings a smile to my face because I love playing Barney and I always will, the same as playing against Jocky Wilson, John Lowe and Eric Bristow.

“There’s something about playing Barney that I love – I think it’s darts’ equivalent of the Man U v Liverpool match on paper. It’s a game I enjoy playing and I get a real buzz out of it.”

Van Barneveld admitted: “I have exactly the same feeling about playing Phil, and especially this week in Dublin because it’s a fantastic venue and the Irish fans are always brilliant.

“If I play the game like I did last week against Peter, there’s no reason why I can’t beat Phil and I’m going to have a good match with him.

“I’ve been practising hard to keep my finishing sharp. Against every player now you have to hit your finishes, but especially against Phil.”

The night’s other game sees two-time World Champion Adrian Lewis take on Dave Chisnall, who was the World Grand Prix finalist last October in his most recent visit to Dublin but sits above Newton only on Leg Difference going into the eighth league night of his debut Premier League Darts season.

The Betway Premier League Darts will be a 10,000 sell-out at The O2 in Dublin on Thursday, with coverage live on Sky Sports HD from 7pm.

Betway Premier League Darts
Week Eight
March 27, The O2, Dublin
Gary Anderson v Wes Newton
Adrian Lewis v Dave Chisnall
Wes Newton v Simon Whitlock
Michael van Gerwen v Peter Wright
Phil Taylor v Raymond van Barneveld
Tickets: SOLD OUT

BETWAY ODDS
Latest Outright Odds
11/10  Michael van Gerwen
3/1  Phil Taylor
5/1 Adrian Lewis
8/1  Peter Wright
14/1  Raymond van Barneveld
20/1  Gary Anderson
50/1  Robert Thornton
50/1  Dave Chisnall
100/1  Wes Newton
100/1  Simon Whitlock

Week Eight Match Odds
Gary Anderson v Wes Newton
3/4 Gary Anderson
4/1 Draw
9/4 Wes Newton

Adrian Lewis v Dave Chisnall
3/4 Adrian Lewis
4/1 Draw
9/4 Dave Chisnall

Wes Newton v Simon Whitlock
13/10 Wes Newton
4/1 Draw
13/10 Simon Whitlock

Michael van Gerwen v Peter Wright
11/20 Michael van Gerwen
9/2 Draw
3/1 Peter Wright

Phil Taylor v Raymond van Barneveld
11/20 Phil Taylor
9/2 Draw
3/1 Raymond van Barneveld

For other bets and special offers, visit www.betway.com. Odds above correct at time of writing and may be subject to change.

Betway Premier League Darts Week One

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN kicked off the Betway Premier League Darts season with a stunning whitewash of Phil Taylor at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on Thursday, as brilliant duo Raymond van Barneveld and Adrian Lewis and debutants Dave Chisnall and Peter Wright opened with victories.

Reigning Premier League Darts champion van Gerwen left the six-time winner stunned as he averaged 109.59 in a flawless performance during a repeat of last year’s final.

Taylor, returning to competitive action for the first time since his second round exit at the World Championship exit in December, had only four darts at a double during the 13-minute contest as he suffered his heaviest-ever Premier League Darts defeat.

Van Gerwen showed his intentions by breaking throw with a 13-darter in the game’s opening leg, and finished 121 on the bull to double his lead before another 13-darter moved him three legs clear.

Taylor hit three 140s in the fourth leg, but missed two darts at double 12 as the Dutchman finished a 14-darter before pinning a 12-dart leg for a 5-0 cushion.

Taylor, using a new design of dart in competition for the first time, landed a 180 in the sixth leg but was left waiting on a finish as tops put van Gerwen 6-0 up, before the new World Champion posted a 180 in a 15-dart leg as he wrapped up an incredible win.

“To start the Premier League with a 7-0 win over Phil Taylor is amazing,”admitted van Gerwen, who hit seven doubles from nine attempts. “I hope I can keep up this form for the next 15 weeks!

“All the pressure was on me and I was the favourite after winning the World Championship, but that didn’t bother me and I played well.

“Phil didn’t play his top game but I played really well and finished everything. I can’t remember anyone beating Phil 7-0 before but he’ll be back – he’s a true great and he’s won 16 World Championships, but it might take him a few weeks to get used to his new darts.”

The night also saw another brilliant performance from the Premier League’s other Dutch star, as Raymond van Barneveld averaged 108.52 in a superb 7-2 win over 2011 Premier League Darts champion Gary Anderson.

The five-time World Champion opened the game with a 13-darter and added two 11-dart legs as he moved 3-0 up, with Anderson replying on tops only for the Dutchman to hit a third 11-dart finish of the game in another burst as he moved 6-1 up.

Anderson – last weekend’s German Darts Championship winner – traded 180s with his rival as double top kept him in the game, but he missed the bullseye for a 126 checkout in the next as van Barneveld sealed a huge victory.

“I’m very happy with that,” said van Barneveld, who took out 70 percent of his darts at a double. “Gary had a great weekend in Germany so I had to play that well to keep him at arms length.

“In the first couple of legs I scored brilliantly and every double went in, and Gary said there was nothing he could do about it.

“The nine-darter was very close and I really wanted to hit one here because it’s a great venue, but I had a couple of 11-darters and I’m delighted with the performance.

“If I believe in myself week in, week out, I know I can win this league, I really do believe that.”

Two-time World Champion Adrian Lewis was another heavy winner on the opening night, bringing the Echo Arena crowd to their feet with a 7-1 romp against another former Premier League Darts finalist, Simon Whitlock.

Lewis raced into a four-leg lead with some superb finishing on double top and ten, took out 61 on double four to win a fifth leg and then posted a 130 finish to lead 6-0.

Whitlock finished 61 to reply as he got avoided a whitewash, but two missed doubles in the next allowed Lewis to complete a heavy win, ending with a 99.13 average and seven doubles from 11 attempts.

“It’s a belting start for me to beat a player like Simon so well,” said Lewis. “I was trying to get the whitewash – I was annoyed with myself when Simon won a leg!

“Since I lost to Michael van Gerwen in the World Championship semi-finals, I haven’t been off the practice board. Michael was the better player on the night, but I’ve tried to put it right.

“This is a new season and a new me, and I’m looking to the future.”

Debutants Dave Chisnall and Peter Wright also enjoyed victories as they opened their Premier League Darts campaigns with defeats of Robert Thornton and Wes Newton respectively.

Chisnall punished missed doubles from Thornton as he won two of the opening three legs, and though the Scot edged into a 3-2 lead, the world number five hit back to regain the edge before breaking throw in the game’s final leg to claim victory.

“I’m very happy to kick off the season with a win,” admitted Chisnall. “I’ll get used to it out there and that’s going to give me bags of confidence, and the crowd were great and really got behind me.

“When it went to three-all tonight I started to feel comfortable, and I think I’ll embrace it as the league season goes on.”

World Championship finalist Wright, meanwhile, was a 7-3 winner against world number eight Newton, who never recovered from falling 3-0 and 4-1 down early on.

Newton pulled back to 4-3 only to miss two darts at double six to level the game, and Wright raced clear to punish further wayward finishing by securing the points.

“I’ve got admit that I was very nervous before the game, but I went out there to enjoy it and I’m full of beans now,” smiled colourful Wright afterwards. “The crowd were great and that spurred me on, and I want to play like this every week.

“I didn’t want to lose on night one because it can be downhill from there, but I’m a totally different player since reaching the World Championship final.

“There’s no pressure on me and I feel I can do some real damage here and in the major tournaments this year.”

The Betway Premier League Darts season continues next Thursday at the BIC in Bournemouth, with the five games on the night including the all-Stoke contest between Taylor and Lewis.

The week also sees van Barneveld face Newton as he returns to the venue of his famous nine-darter in 2006, while van Gerwen plays Thornton, Whitlock plays Anderson and the two newcomers, Wright and Chisnall, also clash.

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Betway Premier League Darts
Week One
Echo Arena, Liverpool
Dave Chisnall 7-5 Robert Thornton
Peter Wright 7-3 Wes Newton
Raymond van Barneveld 7-2 Gary Anderson
Phil Taylor 0-7 Michael van Gerwen
Simon Whitlock 1-7 Adrian Lewis
All games are the best of 12 legs – first to seven, or six-all draw.

League Table

After Week One	P	W	D	L	Legs +/-	Pts
Michael van Gerwen	1	1	0	0	+7	2
Adrian Lewis	1	1	0	0	+6	2
Raymond van Barneveld	1	1	0	0	+5	2
Peter Wright	1	1	0	0	+4	2
Dave Chisnall	1	1	0	0	+2	2
Robert Thornton	1	0	0	1	-2	0
Wes Newton	1	0	0	1	-4	0
Gary Anderson	1	0	0	1	-5	0
Simon Whitlock	1	0	0	1	-6	0
Phil Taylor	1	0	0	1	-7	0

Match Information
Dave Chisnall v Robert Thornton
1-0 – Thornton posts the tournament’s first 180 of the season, but wires tops to win the opening leg as Chisnall finishes 64 in two darts on double eight to get off the mark and settle any early nerves.
1-1 – Thornton finishes 96 on double nine to level.
2-1 – Thornton again hits a 180 leaves a finish, but misses two darts at double 18 to finish 61 as Chisnall hits tops to win his second leg.
2-2 – Chisnall lands a 180 in reply, but both players initially miss double 16 for ton-plus finishes before Thornton returns to hit double four to hold throw.
2-3 – The Scot opens with a 180 and breaks throw on tops.
3-3 – Chisnall lands another maximum, but initially misses the bull for a 121 finish and two darts at double eight, only for two misses from Thornton on his trusted double top to allow the debutant back to break and level.
4-3 – Chisnall posts his third 180 of the game, and hits double four to regain the lead.
4-4 – Chisnall hits another maximum, but can only watch on as Thornton finishes 95 on the bull to level once more.
5-4 – Chisnall takes out 92 on double 16 to move back ahead.
5-5 – Thornton hits back to level the contest again.
6-5 – Thornton lands a 180 but misses the bull for a 129 finish as well as two further darts at double four, allowing Chisnall in to finish double five to secure a minimum of a point.
7-5 – Chisnall, against the throw, is first to a finish as he lands double ten to claim victory on his Betway Premier League Darts debut.

Match Stats

Dave Chisnall	7-5	Robert Thornton
15	100+	14
6	140+	8
0	170+	0
4	180	4
93.87	Average	93.28
92	High Finish	96
2	Breaks of Throw	1
7/16 – 44%	Finishing %	5/17 – 29%

Peter Wright v Wes Newton
1-0 – Wright makes an ideal start as he finishes double 16 at the first time of asking to win the opening leg.
2-0 – Wright opens with a 180, before finishing double eight for a 12-darter to break throw immediately.
3-0 – The debutant continues his superb start by pinning double top.
3-1 – Newton kicks off the leg with a 180, and despite a 177 in reply from the World Championship finalist, the Fleetwood ace is first to a finish and hits double ten to get off the mark.
4-1 – Wright misses two darts at double eight, but Newton is unable to take out 151 and the Scot returns to pin double four.
4-2 – Newton again opens with a 180 before double 14 puts his second leg on the board.
4-3 – Newton misses two darts at doubles to finish 72, but Wright is unable to land two attempts at double 12 to take out 81 as the Fleetwood ace returns to break throw on double three.
5-3 – Newton misses two darts at double 16 to level the game, for an 83 finish, and Wright finishes 75 on double 12 to break back and restore his two-leg lead.
6-3 – Wright opens the leg with a 180 before double 12 secures at least a point for the newcomer.
7-3 – Newton misses four darts to save the game – with two at double 12, one at double six and another at double three – to allow Wright in to seal a debut victory on tops.

Match Stats

Peter Wright	7-3	Wes Newton
17	100+	12
2	140+	8
1	170+	0
2	180	2
97.53	Average	93.75
75	High Finish	28
3	Breaks of Throw	1
7/12 – 58%	Checkout %	3/13 – 23%

Raymond van Barneveld v Gary Anderson
1-0 – van Barneveld opens with two 140s, and though Anderson lands a 180 in his second visit, the Dutchman finishes tops for a 13-darter to lead.
2-0 – The Dutchman kicks off with five perfect darts in scoring 180 and 140, before pinning a 100 finish for an 11-darter.
3-0 – van Barneveld scores 180, 100 and 180 in another 11-dart leg, which he finishes on double 16.
3-1 – Anderson lands tops to get off the mark.
4-1 – van Barneveld takes out 110 on double 18 to continue his flawless finishing so far.
5-1 – van Barneveld lands two 180s to set up a possible nine-darter, and though he misses the treble 19 on the 141 finish, he returns to finish another 11-darter on double 18 for another break of throw.
6-1 – Anderson hits a 180 but can only watch on as double eight secures at least a point for van Barneveld.
6-2 – The pair trade 180s before Anderson pins tops to keep his hopes of grabbing a point alive.
7-2 – Anderson misses the bull to finish 126, and van Barneveld hits double ten to complete a stunning victory, averaging 108.52 in the process.

Match Stats

Raymond van Barneveld	7-2	Gary Anderson
12	100+	8
6	140+	6
0	170+	0
6	180	3
108.52	Average	100.71
110, 100	High Finish	40
2	Breaks of Throw	0
7/10 – 70%	Checkout %	2/4 – 50%

Phil Taylor v Michael van Gerwen
0-1 – van Gerwen wins the opening leg against the darts on double 18 as Taylor, using new darts, makes a slow start.
0-2 – van Gerwen takes out 121 on the bull to double his advantage.
0-3 – The World Champion lands a 180 before posting double 16 to break again and move three legs clear of the six-time Premier League winner.
0-4 – Taylor hits three 140s, but misses two darts at double 12 as van Gerwen finishes double eight for a 14-darter.
0-5 – van Gerwen takes out 81 on double 16 to move five legs clear with a third break of throw, maintaining an average around 110.
0-6 – Taylor opens the leg with a 180, but is unable to take out 122 and van Gerwen hits tops to ensure at least a point.
0-7 – van Gerwen opens with a 180, and when Taylor misses darts at double top and ten, the Dutchman steps in to inflict a first-ever Premier League Darts whitewash on the Stoke legend.

Match Stats

Phil Taylor	0-7	Michael van Gerwen
6	100+	9
6	140+	7
0	170+	0
1	180	2
99.45	Average	109.59
–	High Finish	121
0	Breaks of Throw	4
0/4 – 0%	Checkout %	7/9 – 78%

Simon Whitlock v Adrian Lewis
0-1 – Lewis opens the game with a 180, and finishes 80 on tops to pick up an immediate break of throw.
0-2 – Double ten sees Lewis move two legs up.
0-3 – Whitlock misses two darts at double eight to finish 70, and Lewis takes out 62 on tops for another break.
0-4 – Lewis hits a 180 before pinning double ten to continue his charge.
0-5 – Lewis finishes 61 on double four to break again and continue his hunt for another whitewash on the evening.
0-6 – Lewis takes out 130 on double five to ensure he will pick up at least a point.
1-6 – Lewis hits a 180 to leave 43, but Whitlock takes out 61 on double 18 to finally get off the mark.
1-7 – Whitlock misses darts at double top and ten to keep the game alive, and Lewis completes a rapid win by landing tops.

Match Stats

Simon Whitlock	1-7	Adrian Lewis
8	100+	11
6	140+	6
0	170+	0
0	180	4
86.31	Average	99.13
61	High Finish	130
0	Breaks of Throw	2
1/5 – 20%	Checkout %	7/11 – 64%

partypoker.com World Grand Prix QFs

 

World number seven Chisnall produced arguably the finest performance of his career so far as he hit ten 180s and held off van Gerwen’s fightback from two sets down to rally and claim a five-set victory.

The St Helens ace will now play Pipe for a place in Sunday’s final at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin, but was able to savour a memorable win over the Dutch star.

Chisnall left the reigning champion reeling by taking the first set without reply, hitting 180s in all three legs, before taking the second set 3-1 by continuing his brilliant start.

Van Gerwen began his comeback by winning the third set 3-2, taking out a superb 127 finish in the deciding leg, only for Chisnall – a former Lakeside Championship runner-up and UK Open semi-finalist – to land an 11-darter as he moved 2-0 up in the fourth set.

Van Gerwen hit back to level as Chisnall missed one match dart, at double 16 in leg four, before the world number two took out 92 to win the set and level the game.

Chisnall, though, steadied himself by winning the opening two legs of the deciding set in 13 and 15 darts, and after van Gerwen won leg four, he posted a tenth 180 of the game and finished double ten to seal a fine victory.

“I’m over the moon, I can’t believe it,” said Chisnall. “This is my best win because I knew that if I produced what I can do then I’d have a chance, and I played well.

“Michael didn’t play his best darts and even when he came back I felt I was scoring better than him. I’m really happy to be through and I’ve not shown my best yet – but that was close to it.

“You have to have a good start against Michael because if you don’t, he’ll get confidence from you not hitting your doubles, but I was building confidence from him not hitting his doubles.

“I’ve beaten Phil Taylor in the World Championship before and now I’ve beaten Michael here, so I’ve shown that I can beat the two best players in the world.”

He added: “I’m going to take one step at a time, relax on Saturday and see how I go on against Justin. I’ve played Justin a lot of times before and I’ll just focus on my own game, but it will be one of the biggest matches of my career.”

Pipe’s earlier 3-1 win over Andy Hamilton put him into the semis against Chisnall – with the winner not only guarateed a place in the World Grand Prix final but also a spot in next month’s William Hill Grand Slam of Darts.

Pipe, who had not dropped a set in his victories over Andy Smith and Adrian Lewis, also won six of the game’s first seven legs as he took a two-set cushion against Hamilton.

The UK Open finalist hit back to take the third 3-1, but Pipe won the fourth set in a deciding leg to seal his place in only a second major televised semi-final.

“It’s a massive win for me,” said Pipe. “We’re both grinders and I’ve learned a lot from Andy, and I’m so happy to beat him and reach the semi-finals.

“I think it’s the biggest win of my career. Last night was massive to beat Adrian, and this is huge – it means a huge amount to me to be in the semi-finals. It shows how far I’ve come in the game in the last three years.

“I’ve got a big task in the semi-finals and it’s going to be hard to beat Dave – but I can do it and I’ll be confident.”

Pipe had endured personal tragedy earlier this year when his brother Mark passed away suddenly in June, and he added: “Losing Mark was very hard and it would be amazing if I could win this tournament and dedicate it to him because he’s a driving force for me.”

Saturday’s other semi-final will feature ten-time World Grand Prix winner Phil Taylor taking on two-time finalist James Wade.

Taylor booked his place in the last four with a comfortable straight sets victory over Gary Anderson with an imperious display.

The World Champion took the opening set in 12, 13 and 13 darts and took the second set 3-1, and though Anderson kicked off the third with a 160 finish, Taylor won the next three legs to seal the win.

“I wanted to lay down a marker and it was important to win that first set and put him under pressure, which I did,” said Taylor. “It was a tough match but Gary missed a few crucial doubles and let me off.

“Gary’s a great player, world class, and I want to shake him sometimes! He could be better than me, he’s a better 180 scorer and when he hits his doubles then you might as well go home, but I took advantage tonight.”

Taylor added: “It will be tough in the semi-finals but I’d love to go on and win this tournament now.

“James is there and thereabouts in every event and it’s probably better for me to be playing him because I know what he’s capable of. I’ve played him many times so I know what to expect.”

2007 and 2010 champion Wade showed his class by twice coming from a set down against Simon Whitlock before winning a sudden-death leg in their clash with a 101 checkout.

Whitlock took the first set 3-2 before the left-hander won the second 3-1 to level, landing a 106 finish along the way, only for the Australian to punish his missed doubles by sweeping through set three without reply.

Wade, though, took out 160 as he won set four in a deciding leg, after Whitlock missed the bull to claim victory, as the game went into a fifth set.

Whitlock led 2-1 to move once again to the brink of victory, but Wade hit two 180s in a 12-darter to send the game into a one-leg shoot-out before progressing to the semis with a 101 checkout.

“I’m very happy,” said Wade. “Maybe I was a bit lucky but I hit the right shots at the right times, and that’s a good sign.

“I’m making myself dig deep; I’m not starting off with big shots but I’m due a good game and I’m looking forward to the semi-finals.”

The format for Saturday’s semi-finals sees the games extend to the best of nine sets at Dublin’s Citywest Hotel. Tickets are available from the Citywest Hotel by calling 01 401 0500 or in person from 6pm on the Saturday and Sunday.

Watch Live
Coverage is live on Sky Sports HD in the UK & Ireland, and internationally through the following broadcasters:
RTL7 Netherlands
Sport1 Germany
Fox Sports Australia
OSN Middle East
Plus coverage is also live for www.LIVEPDC.TV International Pass Subscribers (outside of UK, Ireland & Netherlands)

Live Scores
Live Scores are available through the PDC Live Scores Website – http://live.dartsdata.com.

Get Involved
Follow the partypoker.com World Grand Prix and join the conversation with the PDC’s social media channels:
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Tickets
Tickets for the partypoker.com World Grand Prix are still available by calling the Citywest Hotel on 01 401 0500, or from 6pm on each evening on the door.

partypoker.com World Grand Prix
Friday October 11
Quarter-Finals
Andy Hamilton 1-3 Justin Pipe – Pipe Video
James Wade 3-2 Simon Whitlock – Wade Video
Phil Taylor 3-0 Gary Anderson – Taylor Video
Michael van Gerwen 2-3 Dave Chisnall – Chisnall Video

Semi-Final Order of Play
Dave Chisnall v Justin Pipe
Phil Taylor v James Wade

BetVictor World Matchplay Night Four

PHIL TAYLOR’S bid to win a 14th BetVictor World Matchplay title continued with a dramatic 14-12 second round win over Terry Jenkins on Tuesday night, as he was joined in the quarter-finals by Justin Pipe, Simon Whitlock and James Wade.

Taylor has not tasted defeat on the Winter Gardens stage since losing to Jenkins in the 2007 semi-finals, and the pair again enjoyed a classic duo which the Ledbury ace – a two-time runner-up in Blackpool – threatened to win.

Taylor had led 9-5 at one stage, with his average peaking at 110 during a thrilling opening, only for Jenkins to win five successive legs to move 10-9 up.

He also led 11-10 and sent the game into a tie-break at 12-all, only to miss three darts to move a leg away from the win as Taylor pounced, breaking throw on tops to put himself 13-12 up before hitting two 174s in a 12-dart finish as he edged through.

“I’m absolutely delighted to have come through that,” admitted Taylor. “It was probably the best winning leg I’ve played, to hit two 174s in that situation.

“Terry came back superbly because I’d got him at 9-5; it was all over and anybody else would have buckled. He dug in and came back, and I let it get to me a little bit because it was a bit of a shock for me and I didn’t expect Terry to go in front.

“He made it a fantastic game and he’s showing that’s the way he can play after not being on top form for about a year. He’s on his way back again.

“We were nicking legs from each other and a ton was a bad score in the end. I was thinking I might be going home tomorrow but I had to dig deep and take advantage when he made a mistake.”

Taylor now plays Taunton’s Justin Pipe in Thursday’s opening quarter-final, after the number nine seed won through to the last eight for a second successive year with an equally dramatic 13-9 defeat of Raymond van Barneveld earlier on Tuesday.

Van Barneveld looked set to put himself into the last eight of the event when he hit back from 7-4 down to win five successive legs and take command of a classic match.

Pipe – who had earlier hit checkouts of 170 and 129 on the bullseye – clawed back level at nine-all by winning the next two legs, before hitting double one to regain the lead at 10-9.

The Taunton thrower then took his tally of 180s to seven for the match as in a run of legs of 14, 14 and 13 darts to claim a precious quarter-final berth.

“It’s probably the best win of my career,” said Pipe, who will also jump above van Barneveld to eighth in the PDC Order of Merit following the victory. “Raymond’s such a legend and a great ambassador so it’s brilliant to beat him.

“When he got in front of me I had to play one leg at a time and stay focused. To win six legs in a row against Raymond is amazing because he’s so tough to beat.

“I’m in my second consecutive quarter-finals in the World Matchplay and it’s an amazing achievement for me – but I want to go all the way.”

The other quarter-final will see James Wade – the 2007 champion – take on Simon Whitlock in a clash of the players seeded fourth and fifth for the £400,000 event.

Wade came from 6-3 and 8-5 down to claim a brilliant 13-8 win over Scottish ace Gary Anderson, whose record of not yet winning past the second round in Blackpool continued.

Anderson had hit finishes of 121 and 120 as he took command in the game, but Wade won seven successive legs as he turned a three-leg deficit into a 12-8 lead – with a superb 11-darter putting him into a lead which he would never lose as he went on to seal victory with a 69 checkout.

“I had to come back to beat John Part in the first round and this was always going to be another battle,” admitted Wade. “I did a good job tonight and I’m really happy to be through.

“I knew that if I held in there when Gary got ahead of me that I’d get my opportunities, and I took them well. My games keep getting harder and I’m looking forward to playing Simon on Thursday now; he’s a different player to Gary and I’ll have to improve.”

Whitlock, meanwhile, also had to come from behind before he claimed a 13-10 victory over Kevin Painter to reach the last eight for a third time in four years.

The Australian trailed 3-1 and 6-5 to Painter, who hit five 180s in the first half of the contest only to see Whitlock win four successive legs to swing the game in his favour at 9-6.

Painter threatened to hit back, taking out 122 at one stage, but Whitlock followed an earlier key 96 finish by taking out 91 to seal the victory.

“I’m over the moon,” said Whitlock. “That was such a tough game – Kevin’s a warrior who’s been around for so many years and he’s a legend.

“I’ve watched him play for the last 20 years and I’m very happy to win that match.  There was a big moment in the 14th leg where Kevin missed and I levelled to go to seven-all, and I knew that was my chance.”

The second round concludes on Wednesday evening, with world number two Michael van Gerwen facing Peter Wright, new European Champion Adrian Lewis meeting Brendan Dolan, Jamie Caven playing Dave Chisnall and Andy Hamilton meeting Ian White in an all-Stoke battle.

TV Coverage
The BetVictor World Matchplay will be screened live in the following areas:
Sky Sports HD across the UK & Ireland
RTL7 in the Netherlands
Sport1 in Germany
OSN across the Middle East
FOX SPORTS Australia
Sky New Zealand
LIVEPDC.TV – live for International Pass Subscribers, highlights for all subscribers

Live Scores
Follow Live Scores from the BetVictor World Matchplay through the PDC Live Scores website at http://live.dartsdata.com/

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Join in the conversation during the BetVictor World Matchplay through the PDC’s Social Media channels:
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Matchplay guide

Rod looks at the clashes in round one at the Winter Gardens

There’s no question this will be the most competitive World Matchplay ever.

Tournament on tournament, the standard of our sport has been getting higher. In my day there were probably only four or five players who could win it, but nowadays there’s a good dozen. I don’t think it’s totally wide open, but there are more people capable of winning tournaments than there used to be.

Taylor: the man to beat yet again

When you see people like Peter Wright and Jamie Caven consistently averaging over 100 then there’s no reason why they couldn’t go on and win here. I don’t think we’ll see a shock winner, but it wouldn’t surprise me if we did.

I still think Phil Taylor is the man to beat and is 3/1 with some bookies which has got to be worth a punt. It could be his year, but then you look at Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld, Gary Anderson and James Wade and they’re all in with a shout as well.

And it was very pleasing to see Adrian Lewis win the European Championship. Everybody at the PDC has been waiting for him to get his form back because he’s a major asset to the company.

People say I don’t like him, but that’s a load of rubbish. The kid is great for this game and without people like him, darts doesn’t grow as quickly. It was very pleasing to see him win the final against Simon Whitlock in style and I thought it was an exceptional game.

There was speed, high scoring, big shots out… it really doesn’t get any better. It’s hard to do interviews when you lose a big final, but it was great to see Simon say that he’d given his best but Aidy deserved it and he hoped everybody enjoyed it. I can’t imagine anyone didn’t!

There’s so much drama in our game and when you add in the crowd atmosphere and the Sky Sports production then we can match any other sport.

Here’s my guide to round one in Blackpool…

Saturday July 20
7pm, Sky Sports 1 HD

Terry Jenkins (16) v Andy Smith
These two players are travelling partners and best of mates. They have both been on the slide a little bit, but of the two I think Terry Jenkins has still got a little bit more to his game. Her edges it on scoring power and is able to take out crucial shots when he needs to. I’d have to go for The Bull, because he knows you can’t take Smith lightly and could be more focused against him than he might against other players.

 

 

Raymond van Barneveld (8) v Mensur Suljovic
Barney looked very lethargic in the European Championship. He’d been on holiday and missed a couple of tournaments – and if you do that and then lose then you can’t really complain. We know what talent Barney has got, but if Suljovic gets chances then he will take them, as a few top players have found out. He took Wes Newton’s scalp in Gibraltar and if he gets in front then you could see Barney’s head go down. I’d still go for a Barney win though.

 

 

James Wade (4) v John Part
When James Wade is on top of his game he’s a match for anyone who has ever played darts. He should have more tournament wins and, for me, only James Wade can beat James Wade. Sometimes he doesn’t focus properly or does silly things in the middle of a match, but if you can’t get focused the World Matchplay then you can’t do it for anything. He has won here before and knows what it’s all about and I think the heat on stage this weekend will suit him over Part, who is a big fellow. But remember, Part has been in the game for 25 years and won three World Championships. He’s no mug.

 

Simon Whitlock (5) v Jelle Klaasen
Jelle Klaasen has slowed his throw up and that has made a big difference to his game. He has become a more deliberate player and he doesn’t miss as many big numbers as he did in the past, which makes a big difference. Remember, if you miss big numbers early on it could cost you a dart at a double. Klaasen has been more consistent in his performances, but Whitlock is coming here after finishing as runner-up at the European Championship and will be on a high. I’ve got to go for him to win this. Upsets wouldn’t surprise me, but I expect the four favourites to win on the opening night.

Sunday July 21 – Afternoon Session
1pm, Sky Sports 1 HD

Justin Pipe v (9) Mark Webster
I’ve had some inside information that Mark Webster has hurt his leg. At the time of writing I don’t know if it’s the leg he leans on or not and I don’t know whether he has been able to practise properly or how bad it is, but I do know he has been getting very frustrated with his game lately. Meanwhile, Justin Pipe lost his brother a couple of weeks ago which is obviously very sad for him. It could go either way, but I will go for Pipe although a lot will depend on how the first part of the match goes.

 

 

Kevin Painter (12) v Jamie Lewis
Jamie Lewis had a great run in Gibraltar and it has been great to watch him come through the Youth Tour. He’s one of the great up-and-coming players and has got a lot of bottle. However, he’s up against a seasoned professional in Kevin Painter. Jamie might have won their match when they played each other in Gibraltar, but I think Kev is going to be looking for revenge. He’ll take this game very seriously and that could see him edge it.

 

 

Kim Huybrechts (15) v Peter Wright
This is one of the matches of the first round. Both players have been throwing averages of more than 100 in nearly every game of late and this really could go either way. Peter Wright has been throwing exceptionally well and we know what Kim Huybrechts is capable of after he reached the quarter-final of the World Championship last year. I’ve got to sit on the fence with this one.

 

 

Brendan Dolan (14) v Steve Beaton
This isn’t going to be a quick game, that’s for sure! Steve Beaton is pretty speedy, but Brendan Dolan likes to take his time. This is such a hard game to call because Beaton is capable of playing brilliant darts but will often miss doubles and Dolan is very good at taking advantage of mistakes. I think a lot of people underestimate Dolan’s scoring because he throws so slowly. It’s hard to call but if Beaton makes too many mistakes then he’ll be in trouble.

Sunday July 21 – Evening Session
7pm, Sky Sports 1 HD

Mervyn King (13) v Gary Anderson
What a great game this is going to be. There are signs of both these players coming back into form and if they both hit the trebles like they’re capable of then we’re going to see one of the best games of the tournament. However, you suspect one of them might let us down. There are a lot of variables here; both are great scorers but King checks out slightly better and that could be the telling factor. If Anderson hits his doubles then he will win. As a PDC Director, I’m not allowed to bet on darts but you wouldn’t see a penny of my money going down on this anyway

 

 

Dave Chisnall (10) v Paul Nicholson
The A-Games of these two players are absolutely exceptional, but neither of them are doing it at the moment; they’ve been losing silly legs and silly games. Dave Chisnall lost 6-0 to Jamie Caven recently and that shouldn’t happen to someone of his quality. Paul Nicholson, especially, has been getting frustrated and I’d like to see him stop getting so aggressive and winding the crowd up on stage. That’s not what he’s really like and I’d like to see him just go up and throw darts and forget the rest of it. This is a tough game for the first round and it could go either way. Both players have great aspects to their games, but both have elements that can go off the boil at any time. The player that does the simple things in the right way will probably end up winning it.

 

Phil Taylor (1) v Stuart Kellett
If this had been played over the best of 11 legs then I’d have given Stuart Kellett a chance because he’s a great young player who reached the final in Minehead, but Phil Taylor is up for this and I can’t see him losing over 19 legs. He didn’t play well at the European Championship because he wasn’t too well, but he was exceptional in Gibraltar and at the UK Open where he showed the grit and determination of a 21-year-old. He’s still the bloke to beat and while there are no easy draws at the Matchplay, this is an easier first-round draw than some. Does Kellett have the experience to beat Phil over this distance in the hot weather? Maybe not.

 

 

Michael van Gerwen (2) v Colin Lloyd
Lloydy has been playing quite well lately and had a good run at the European Championship, but Michael van Gerwen has beaten him several times and has been a bit of a bogeyman for him over the last few months. If Colin can get in front of Michael then he can do some damage because he’s taking out a lot of check-outs at the moment and that’s giving him chances to win games. But Van Gerwen is just enjoying throwing darts at the moment. We saw at the UK Open that he sometimes needs to make things happen, rather than just throwing darts and hoping things will happen. However, on current form you’d have to take Van Gerwen as one of the odds-on favourites to win the tournament.

 

Monday July 22
7pm, Sky Sports 3 HD

Robert Thornton (11) v Ian White
Robert Thornton has been playing exceptionally well for the last 18 months, whereas Ian White’s form has been up and down. I think this will be a very close game because White can get close to anybody if he gets out of the gate quickly and builds some confidence in his scoring and his doubles. However, I suspect Thornton will be just too good for him here.

 

 

Wes Newton (7) v Jamie Caven
This is the toughest draw that any of the seeds could have got in the first round because Caven has been playing brilliantly for the last few weeks. Wes has been playing well, but has a shoulder problem that he needs to get sorted out and he would find this tough even if he was at the very top of his game. You could see an upset here, but I wouldn’t be putting any money on it, even if I could!

 

 

Adrian Lewis (3) v Ronny Huybrechts
After beating Phil Taylor at the European Championship, Ronny Huybrechts will be on a high – but Adrian Lewis won that tournament so he’ll be bouncing off the ceiling. It’s brilliant to see him playing so well again and I can see him being really up for this event because he’ll want to prove that the win in Germany was no fluke. Ronny has got plenty of bottle and took out some great checkouts against Taylor, but Aidy should be too strong on the scoring.

 

 

Andy Hamilton (6) v Ronnie Baxter
These are two very solid players and neither of them tend to make very many mistakes. You have to play well to beat these guys and this could be a gruelling match; a real battle. I think that Andy Hamilton may nick it, but you could easily see it going all the way to a tie-break – and remember the rules have changed and we’re only going five legs over the match limit before reaching a sudden death leg.

Brilliant Lewis Is European Champion

ADRIAN LEWIS won his third major title in style with a superb 11-6 win over Simon Whitlock in the partypoker.net European Championship final in Germany on Sunday night.

The 28-year-old from Stoke, twice a runner-up in the event, followed up victories over Andy Hamilton and Michael van Gerwen on the final day of the £200,000 tournament by producing a superb showing against reigning champion Whitlock in the decider.

The two-time World Champion took six of the final’s first seven legs to assume command at 6-1 and he also led 9-3 after taking out a 125 finish before Whitlock threatened another fightback.

The Australian had come from 9-3 down in his quarter-final with Jamie Caven to take victory and took the next two legs, but was only able to win three in reply against Lewis, who held his nerve to claim the £50,000 first prize.

“It means a lot to me and it’s very special to win this title,” said the 28-year-old. “I’ve had some ups and downs for the last 18 months and I’m on the up again.

“I know that I’ve got more gears too, and I’m getting there, and it’s great to be winning again. I’ve been working hard, got my rhythm back and the results are coming for me now.

“I went into the final full of confidence after beating Michael, I knew I was playing well and I did a job on Simon. I’ve lost a couple of times in the final to Phil Taylor, so to win this is a massive achievement.”

Lewis took out 106 to win the final’s opening leg, and though Whitlock hit a second 180 of the game to level, Lewis landed a 12-darter to move 2-1 up, tops in the next two legs, 11 to win the sixth and 81 for an 11-darter in moving 6-1 ahead of the Australian.

Lewis also hit a 180 in the eighth leg, but missed two darts to extend his lead as Whitlock hit back on double nine before he also posted double eight to step in and pull back to 6-3.

Lewis, though, continued his heavy scoring with ‘maximum’ scores of 180, 174 and 180 in taking the next three legs, hitting a 125 checkout in the process as he moved 9-3 up.

He added his fifth maximum of the game in leg 13, but missed his chance to home in on the victory as Whitlock broke by taking out 60 and then finished double six to kick-start his challenge.

Double three moved Lewis to the brink of victory at 10-5, after he had scored 171 earlier in the leg, and he landed another 180 in the next only to see miss one match dart, at double seven, as Whitlock finished double ten for a 14-darter to keep his hopes alive.

Lewis, though, kicked off the next leg with a 177, and despite missing one further match dart, at double five to take out 89, the Australian was unable to check out the bull for a 161 finish to continue the fightback as the world number three returned on double five to seal the title.

“I tried my best but Adrian was superb tonight,” said a gracious Whitlock. “I had a couple of chances here and there that I missed, and he was too good.

“That was Adrian at his best and it’s great to see him back playing so well. When he’s on form it’s always going to be hard to beat him but I tried my guts out.

“I’ve played really well throughout this tournament and I’m thrilled to bits to have reached the final. It’s not bad being the runner-up and I had a great go at defending my title, but Adrian was the better player and he was just too good in the final.”

Whitlock had ended the hopes of both Huybrechts brothers during the event, following up his first round defeat of Kim by ending Ronny’s thrilling run in the semi-finals – after the Belgian knocked out Stuart Kellett, Phil Taylor and Robert Thornton.

“Ronny played really well against me and what a great tournament he had,” added Whitlock. “Beating Phil Taylor and Robert Thornton is huge for him and he’ll kick on from here.”

Huybrechts – who only turned professional in January when he won a Tour Card at Qualifying School – will actually return to his ‘day job’ in Antwerp on Monday at 8am when he is back organising the distribution of industrial-size coffee machines.

“It’s been a brilliant weekend,” said Huybrechts. “I did my best in the semi-final but Simon was too strong and he deserved to win.

“I’m so happy with how this tournament has gone for me. To get to the semi-finals is a great achievement.”

Van Gerwen, meanwhile, had to settle for reaching the semi-finals as he bidding to win yet another title this year – but his run to the last four included a sensational win over Jelle Klaasen in Sunday afternoon’s quarter-finals.

He also hit nine 180s and a 150 checkout in his semi-final with Lewis, but paid for allowing the Stoke ace into leads of 4-1 and 8-3 as the world number three eventually sealed victory with a 160 finish.

“It was a great game for everyone watching but I’m very disappointed to lose,” said van Gerwen. “I missed five darts to level at four-all, which was important at the end, but it’s a plus for me that I came back like I did.

“I threw a great 150 finish to stay in the match when I was 10-7 down, but then he hit a 160 in superb style and there’s not much you can do against that. He was more dominant than me today, but I’m looking forward already to the World Matchplay in a couple of weeks.”

partypoker.net European Championship
Semi-Finals
Ronny Huybrechts 7-11 Simon Whitlock
Michael van Gerwen 8-11 Adrian Lewis
Best of 21 legs

Final
Simon Whitlock 6-11 Adrian Lewis
Best of 21 legs

Match Information
Semi-Finals
Ronny Huybrechts v Simon Whitlock
0-0 – Ronny Huybrechts wins the bull and throws first.
0-1 – Whitlock breaks throw immediately by landing double 18 at the second time of asking.
0-2 – Whitlock lands double ten to win the second leg.
1-2 – Whitlock posts a 180 to leave 18, but Huybrechts holds his nerve on tops to hit back.
1-3 – Huybrechts misses three darts to level, and Whitlock finishes tops for a third leg.
1-4 – Whitlock takes out 87 on double 18 for an 11-darter.
1-5 – The Australian wins a third successive leg to move four clear.
2-5 – Huybrechts misses tops for a 160 finish, but Whitlock is unable to capitalise with three darts at double ten to allow the Belgian back in to take his second leg of the game.
2-6 – Whitlock takes out 72 on tops to win a sixth leg.
3-6 – Double six sees Huybrechts continue to battle.
3-7 – Whitlock fires in a 177, and though Huybrechts hits a 180 to leave a finish, the Australian lands tops for a 13-darter to regain his four-leg cushion.
4-7 – Huybrechts hits tops to reply.
4-8 – Huybrechts opens with a 180, but Whitlock scores a 171 and, although he misses the bull for a 170 finish, he lands double four to win an eighth leg.
5-8 – Double 16 sees Huybrechts hit back.
5-9 – Whitlock opens with two 180s, and though a possible nine-darter goes begging, the reigning champion moves two legs away from the final with tops.
6-9 – Huybrechts posts double 18 to win his sixth leg of the game.
7-9 – The Belgian breaks throw for the first time in the match, with Whitlock opening a 180 only to see his opponent finish 150 on double 15.
7-10 – Whitlock hits a 180 to leave 32, and when Huybrechts wires tops for an 80 finish, the reigning champion lands double 16 for a 13-darter to move to the brink of victory.
7-11 – Whitlock posts 174 to leave 40 and seals victory on tops with another 13-darter.

Match Stats

Ronny Huybrechts	7-11	Simon Whitlock
18	100+	10
16	140+	12
1	170+	3
2	180	5
94.86	Average	96.14
150	High Finish	87
1	Breaks of Throw	3
7/14 – 50%	Checkout %	11/22 – 50%

Michael van Gerwen v Adrian Lewis
0-0 – Adrian Lewis wins the bull and throws first.
0-1 – Lewis opens with a 13-darter, finishing tops to lead.
0-2 – The number three seed breaks throw with a 14-dart finish as he takes out 100 on tops.
0-3 – Lewis hits a 180, with van Gerwen replying with a 177 only to miss two darts at tops to punish a miss from his opponent, who returns to land double eight.
1-3 – Double 16 sees van Gerwen get off the mark.
1-4 – Lewis finishes 85 for a 14-darter on tops to regain his three-leg cushion.
2-4 – Lewis hits a 180 before van Gerwen replies in kind, and when the English ace is unable to take out 81, the world number two posts double six for his second leg of the game.
3-4 – van Gerwen breaks for the first time, hitting a 180 and punishing a miss at tops from Lewis – for a 112 finish – by landing double ten.
3-5 – van Gerwen opens with 140 and 180, but misses five darts at doubles to allow Lewis in to take out 93 on double 18 to break back.
3-6 – Lewis finishes 78 on tops to regain his three-leg cushion.
3-7 – Both players kick off with 180s, but van Gerwen misses tops to take the leg and Lewis breaks again by landing double ten.
3-8 – Double ten for Lewis sees him move three legs away from the win.
4-8 – van Gerwen hits a 180 and double eight to win his fourth game.
4-9 – Both players land 180s, and to complete the leg Lewis takes out 141 – for a 12-darter – to continue his great run.
5-9 – Double five sees van Gerwen hit back.
6-9 – The Dutchman breaks throw by finishing double eight.
7-9 – van Gerwen wins a third successive leg, scoring 180, 140, 134 and double eight for a 12-darter, despite Lewis replying with a maximum.
7-10 – Both players open with 180s and Lewis lands a second to set up a possible nine-darter, hitting a seventh treble 20 but missing the treble 19 – although he returns to land double ten for a 13-darter.
8-10 – Lewis scores 140, 140 and 135 to be first to a finish, missing the bullseye for victory before van Gerwen takes out 150 on double 15 to keep his hopes alive in amazing fashion.
8-11 – van Gerwen hits his ninth 180 and Lewis replies with his eighth to leave 160 – and he takes out the finish to win through to the final.

Match Stats

M v Gerwen	8-11	Adrian Lewis
20	100+	17
11	140+	16
1	170+	0
9	180	8
99.05	Average	100.34
150	High Finish	160, 141, 100
2	Breaks of Throw	3
8/26 – 31%	Checkout %	11/22 – 50%

Final
Simon Whitlock v Adrian Lewis
0-0 – Adrian Lewis wins the bull and throws first.
0-1 – Whitlock fires in a 180, but Lewis takes out 106 on tops for a 12-darter to make a brilliant start.
1-1 – Whitlock posts a second 180 and hits tops to level.
1-2 – Lewis opens with a maximum and takes out 85 on tops to land another 12-darter.
1-3 – Lewis hits a 171 score, and when Whitlock wires tops to finish 74, Lewis takes out tops for a break of throw.
1-4 – Lewis is first to a finish, but misses two darts at tops – only for Whitlock to miss two darts at double 12 to break back, and Lewis hits tops at the third time of asking to move three legs up.
1-5 – Lewis wins a fourth successive leg by taking out 36 as he maintains an average of 109.
1-6 – Whitlock fires in his third 180 of the game, but Lewis takes out 81 on double 12 to move five legs clear.
2-6 – Lewis lands a 180 but misses two darts to win the leg, and Whitlock hits back on double nine.
3-6 – Lewis misses six darts to win a dramatic leg across three visits, with Whitlock bursting his score on 81 and then missing the bull before returning to land double eight.
3-7 – Lewis hits his third 180 of the game, and when Whitlock misses double 18, the Stoke ace hits double 16 to break back immediately.
3-8 – Lewis’ charge towards a third major title continues as he scores 174 to leave 125, which he takes out on tops.
3-9 – Lewis lands a 180 to leave 45, and is let in on tops when Whitlock misses a second bullseye to finish 120.
4-9 – Lewis hits a fifth maximum of the game, but misses his chance to win a tenth leg and Whitlock pegs double ten to hit back with his fourth leg.
5-9 – Whitlock posts double six to take a fifth leg and pull back towards his opponent.
5-10 – Lewis hits a 171 to leave 12, but misses five darts at doubles – only for Whitlock to miss tops to take out 80 and let him back on double three.
6-10 – Lewis posts his sixth 180 of the game, but misses double seven for the victory on an 86 finish, and Whitlock lands double ten to stay in the game.
6-11 – Lewis opens with a 177, but misses double five to take out 89 – but when Whitlock misses the bull for a 161 checkout, the Stoke star returns on double five for the title.

Match Stats

Simon Whitlock	6-11	Adrian Lewis
23	100+	19
17	140+	13
0	170+	4
3	180	6
99.59	Average	103.34
60	High Finish	125, 106
2	Breaks of Throw	4
6/20 – 30%	Checkout %	11/33 – 33%

 

partypoker.net Euro Champs – Day One Results

SIMON WHITLOCK began the defence of his partypoker.net European Championship title with a thrilling 6-4 win over Kim Huybrechts as four-time champion Phil Taylor was also victorious on the opening night of the £200,000 tournament in Germany.

Whitlock had claimed his maiden major title last September when he took victory at the RWE Sporthalle, and having defeated Huybrechts in the semi-finals of that event he overcame the Belgian once again as he sealed a second round spot on Thursday night.

The Australian cruised into a 4-1 lead, but missed four darts at double ten to win a fifth leg as Huybrechts seized the initiative by winning the next three legs to level.

However, the Belgian crucially missed three darts at doubles to take the lead in the ninth, as Whitlock posted a key double nine to move 5-4 up before sealing the victory with a superb 110 checkout.

“It was probably the toughest draw I could have got in the first round because Kim’s one of the best players in the world at the moment, and it was a fantastic match,” said Whitlock.

“Kim missed his doubles in the ninth leg and gave me my chance, and I took it. I felt as though I had to hit the 110 in that tenth leg and it was massive for me – I’d missed a couple of doubles early on but I made up for it in the leg that mattered!

“To get through a tough match like that will do me the world of good and it gives me loads of confidence going into the rest of the tournament.

“I felt a little bit of pressure coming back as defending champion but I’m feeling pretty comfortable on that stage and can’t wait for the second round on Saturday now.”

The second round will see Whitlock take on Colin Lloyd, who impressed with a 100 average and three 13-darters as he overcame in-form Peter Wright 6-4, sealing the victory with a 116 finish.

World Champion Phil Taylor, who won this event four times from 2008-2011, opened his bid to reclaim the title with a 6-3 win over Dutch ace Vincent van der Voort.

Taylor took the game’s first three legs before van der Voort hit back with a brace, but the number one seed regained his range on doubles to move 5-2 up and, despite his opponent hitting two 180s as he tried to keep the game alive, an 88 finish saw the Stoke star into the last 16.

“I’m pleased to be through because it was a tough test for me,” said Taylor. “You’re always on edge in the first round because it’s a short format and I know what Vincent van do if you give him a chance.

“I started off quite well but it was a little bit scrappy in places. I know I can relax a bit more in the second round because the format’s longer, which will suit us all.”

Taylor will face Ronny Huybrechts – the older brother of Kim – in the last 16 on Saturday evening, after the Belgian kicked off the tournament with a 6-3 defeat of Stuart Kellett, averaging almost 101 in a fine debut in the event.

Jamie Caven produced the night’s most impressive performance with a sensational 6-0 whitewash of Dave Chisnall, hitting two 180s, a 118 finish and averaging over 106 as he stormed into the second round.

Caven, who kick-started his career with a Players Championship double in Wigan in May, now plays James Wade and said: “I’m very pleased and it was probably my best performance on TV.

“I’ve got a pretty good record against Dave and the pace of the game was perfect for me, and I really enjoy the match. I’ve practised well and was ready for that, and the important thing was getting to six first, whether that was 6-5 or 6-0!”

Wade, meanwhile, dropped only two legs in a clinical win over fellow left-hander Mark Webster, who stepped in to play in the tournament on Wednesday after Gary Anderson was ruled out through illness but was unable to upset the world number four.

Wade took the game’s first three legs without reply, and eventually sealed victory with a 96 finish as he progressed to the last 16.

“I’m really happy to have won but it was a hard game for me,” said Wade. “It was tough for Mark to come in at short notice but I had to go up there and do my job, and to get the win was the main thing.”

Scotland’s Robert Thornton defied the pain of a pulled muscle in his back to see off Brendan Dolan 6-2 as he set up a second round date with Raymond van Barneveld, the number eight seed.

“I pulled a muscle between my shoulder blades but I knew I had a job to do and I went up there and fought hard,” said Thornton. “Brendan’s a hard player to play against, but he missed a few doubles and I took advantage.”

Van Barneveld, meanwhile, marked his return to action with a 6-1 victory over Germany’s Tomas Seyler, who was punished for missing a string of doubles against the Dutch star, who has not played competitively since the UK Open having enjoyed a break in Las Vegas but kicked off the game with a 156 checkout.

The first round will conclude on Friday night in Muelheim with the remaining eight matches, including world number two Michael van Gerwen’s clash with Belgium’s Kurt Van De Rijck.

Two-time World Champion Adrian Lewis faces Austria’s Mensur Suljovic, 2012 European Championship finalist Wes Newton meets Jelle Klaasen and Andy Hamilton will take on Terry Jenkins.

Finland’s Jani Haavisto opens up against Justin Pipe, German teenager Max Hopp plays Paul Nicholson, Ronnie Baxter faces Mervyn King and Kevin Painter will come up against three-time World Champion John Part.

Click here for Robert Thornton Video Interview
Click here for Simon Whitlock Video Interview

TV Coverage
The tournament is being screened live in its entirety in the UK & Ireland online through www.LIVEPDC.TV. Coverage is also being broadcast from all evening sessions live on ITV4.

The partypoker.net European Championship is also being shown worldwide through RTL7 in the Netherlands, Sport1 in Germany, Fox Sports in Australia and via Sky New Zealand.

Live Scores
Follow live scores from the partypoker.net European Championship through the PDC Live Scores Website.

Get Involved
Stay in touch with the very latest from the partypoker.net European Championship throughout the weekend through the OfficialPDC Social Media Channels:
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partypoker.net European Championship
Schedule of Play
Thursday July 4
8pm-12pm Local Time (7pm-11pm UK Time)
First Round x8
Stuart Kellett 3-6 Ronny Huybrechts
Jamie Caven 6-0 Dave Chisnall
Colin Lloyd 6-4 Peter Wright
Robert Thornton 6-2 Brendan Dolan – Video Int
Simon Whitlock 6-4 Kim Huybrechts – Video Int
Phil Taylor 6-3 Vincent van der Voort
Raymond van Barneveld 6-1 Tomas Seyler
James Wade 6-2 Mark Webster

Match Information
Stuart Kellett v Ronny Huybrechts
0-1 – Huybrechts makes a fine start by taking out 24 for a 14-darter.
0-2 – Huybrechts breaks throw by superbly finishing 121 on the bullseye.
1-2 – The high standard continues as Huybrechts opens with a 180, but when he misses three darts at a double, Kellett finishes 64 on double eight to break throw.
1-3 – Kellett misses a dart at double 16 to level with a 110 finish, and the Belgian takes out 66 on double 18 to regain his two-leg lead.
1-4 – Huybrechts lands another maimum and finishes tops to move three legs clear.
2-4 – Kellett hits back by landing double eight.
3-4 – Double 16 sees the UK Masters finalist hit back with a break of throw.
3-5 – Huybrechts lands a 180 but opens the door for his opponent by missing the bull for another 121 finish, but Kellett is also off-target on the middle double to allow the Belgian in to move a leg away from victory.
3-6 – Double eight sees Huybrechts seal his place in the last 16.

Jamie Caven v Dave Chisnall
1-0 – Caven breaks throw immediately with a fine 14-darter, hitting double 18.
2-0 – Chisnall hits a 180 but misses tops for a 105 finish, allowing Caven back in to hit tops for a 13-darter.
3-0 – Caven lands a maximum and breaks again on double top to move three legs up.
4-0 – Caven hits another 180, and posts double 16 for a 13-darter to continue his sensational start – tipping his average to above 115.
5-0 – Chisnall posts his second maximum of the game, but can only watch on as Caven takes out 118 on tops to win a fifth straight leg.
6-0 – Chisnall, needing 124, hits a treble 20 but misses the single 14 to leave the bullseye to keep his hopes alive, and Caven seals a brilliant whitewash win by finishing double eight for a 106.09 average and safe passage into the second round.

Colin Lloyd v Peter Wright
0-1 – Wright makes a strong start by opening with a 13-darter, which he completes on tops.
1-1 – Lloyd lands a 180 as he hits back to level.
2-1 – Tops sees the Essex thrower break to move ahead.
2-2 – Wright hits back by finishing 84 on the bullseye.
3-2 – Lloyd moves back ahead by hitting tops for a 13-darter.
4-2 – Lloyd finishes another 13-dart leg on tops to move two clear.
4-3 – Wright finishes 157 superbly to retain his flawless finishing ratio as he hits back.
5-3 – Lloyd opens with a 171 and also lands a 180 before pinning double seven for another 13-darter to move a leg away from the win.
5-4 – Wright takes out 86 on double 16 to keep his hopes alive.
6-4 – Lloyd seals victory with a superb 116 checkout, finishing on tops.

Robert Thornton v Brendan Dolan
1-0 – Thornton opens well, breaking throw by landing a 180 and double 12.
2-0 – The Scot again hits double 12 at the first time of asking to move two legs up.
3-0 – Thornton takes out 80 on tops to move three legs clear.
4-0 – Thornton lands double nine to win a fourth successive leg – despite being in obvious pain from a pulled muscle in his upper back.
4-1 – Thornton posts a maximum, but misses tops for a 116 finish to allow Dolan back in, following a miss at double 16, to win his first leg.
5-1 – The Scot hits a 180 to leave 100, and takes out the finish to move to the brink of victory.
5-2 – Double 16 from Dolan sees him hit back.
6-2 – Dolan opens with a 180 and is given a chance to continue his fightback when Thornton misses two darts at double ten for the match, but the Northern Irish ace misses double 16 and the former UK Open champion hits double ten to progress.
Click here for Robert Thornton Video Interview

Simon Whitlock v Kim Huybrechts
0-1 – Huybrechts opens the game by landing double 16.
1-1 – Whitlock misses double 16 for a 152 finish, but Huybrechts is unable to capitalise with two darts at double 12 and the reigning champion hits double eight to level.
2-1 – Whitlock lands scores of 180 and 140 to be first to a finish, initially missing three darts at double nine but being allowed back by a miss at tops from Huybrechts to finish double four.
3-1 – Double ten sees the Australian move two legs clear.
4-1 – Huybrechts misses the bull for a 126 finish and is unable to clean up as Whitlock returns to pin double 18 for a three-leg cushion.
4-2 – Huybrechts lands a 180 and punishes four misses from Whitlock at double ten by stepping in on double eight to hit back.
4-3 – Both players post 180s, but Huybrechts takes a key leg on double eight, with Whitlock waiting on 20.
4-4 – Huybrechts adds his third maximum, and holds his nerve with a third-dart double five to level the contest.
5-4 – Whitlock lands a maximum to leave 147, but misses double 18 for the combination – only for Huybrechts to miss double 12, six and three to allow the reigning champion back in to post double nine for a break of throw to regain the lead.
6-4 – Whitlock takes out 110 on double 18 to seal a great win.
Click here for Simon Whitlock Video Interview

Phil Taylor v Vincent van der Voort
1-0 – Taylor takes the opening leg on double two to make a winning start.
2-0 – van der Voort lands a 180 but misses a dart to level, and Taylor steps in on double eight.
3-0 – van der Voort this time misses double nine, and Taylor again makes him pay, this time by taking out 100 on tops.
3-1 – Taylor this time misses his doubles, and van der Voort takes out 68 on double eight to hit back with his first leg of the game.
3-2 – Taylor misses two darts at tops, and van der Voort punishes him by landing the same bed to reduce the gap to one leg.
4-2 – Taylor regains his range on tops to regain his cushion over the Dutchman.
5-2 – The four-time European Champion takes out 70 in two darts to move a leg away from the win.
5-3 – van der Voort opens with a 180 and 140 and posts double nine to keep the game alive with a 14-darter.
6-3 – van der Voort lands a 180, but Taylor finishes 88 on double seven for the win.

Raymond van Barneveld v Tomas Seyler
1-0 – van Barneveld, making his first competitive appearance since the UK Open last month, takes the opening leg with a brilliant 12-darter, landing a 180 and a 156 finish.
1-1 – Seyler is initially off-target with his doubles before levelling the game.
2-1 – van Barneveld posts a 180 and double four to move back ahead.
3-1 – Double four again helps the Dutchman as he breaks throw to lead by two legs.
4-1 – van Barneveld misses double eight for a 136 finish, but has enough cushion to return on double four.
5-1 – The Dutch ace lands a 180, and when Seyler misses double 12 with three darts, he steps in on double eight to move a leg away from the win.
6-1 – van Barneveld seals the win with a 68 finish, as double four once again helps him to progress into the last 16.

James Wade v Mark Webster
1-0 – Wade finishes 80 on tops to make a confident start to the game.
2-0 – Wade scores 140 and 180 before winning the leg on double two.
3-0 – Wade initially misses tops to finish 90, but again has enough cushion to return and hit the winning double at the second time of asking.
3-1 – Webster takes out 32 to pick up his first leg of the game.
4-1 – Wade fires in a 180 and pins tops to regain his cushion with a 13-darter.
4-2 – Webster hits back to reduce the gap on tops.
5-2 – Webster, who hits a 180, misses a dart at the bullseye to finish 85, and Wade returns from a miss at tops to land double ten.
6-2 – Webster lands another maximum, but misses darts at double 16 and eight, and Wade finishes 96 for a 14-darter to seal the triumph.

Match Stats

Ave	180s	Doubles				Ave	180s	Doubles
93.77	0	3/8	S Kellett	3-6	R Huybrechts	100.97	4	6/15
106.09	2	2/10	J Caven	6-0	D Chisnall	96.04	1	0/1
100.65	2		C Lloyd	6-4	P Wright	98.48	0
95.05	3	6/13	R Thornton	6-2	B Dolan	88.85	1	2/6
94.93	3	6/20	S Whitlock	6-4	K Huybrechts	94.31	3	4/18
96.24	0	6/18	P Taylor	6-3	V v d Voort	92.77	3	3/8
87.28	3	6/18	R v Barneveld	6-1	T Seyler	81.61	0	1/17
95.41	2	6/13	J Wade	6-2	M Webster	91.10	2	2/10

Trio Withdraw From Austrian Darts Open

PHIL TAYLOR, Adrian Lewis and Simon Whitlock have withdrawn from the Austrian Darts Open event in Wiener Neustadt this weekend.

As a result of their withdrawal, three further places will be on offer in Thursday’s final qualifying events as direct replacements for the trio.

Two additional European Qualifiers and one further Host Nation Qualifier will now win places in the £100,000 event’s first round as a result of the withdrawals.

Jim Walker and Steve Hine will both play European Qualifiers, while Steve Beaton comes up against an Austrian player who will come through the Host Nation Qualifier.

The Austrian Darts Open will kick off on Friday May 31, with the first round games being split across two sessions at the Arena Nova in Wiener Neustadt, with ten matches per session taking place on the Main Stage.

The second round will be split across two sessions on Saturday, with the third round on Sunday afternoon before the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final take place on Sunday evening.

Tickets for the Austrian Darts Open are still available through www.pdc-europe.net.

Austrian Darts Open
Revised Schedule of Play
Arena Nova, Wiener Neustadt
Friday May 31
First Round
Afternoon Session (1pm-6pm)
Main Stage
Kevin Painter v Terry Temple
Mark Webster v Dennis Smith
Dave Chisnall v Host Nation Qualifier 1
Wes Newton v Paul Barham
Richie Burnett v John Henderson
Justin Pipe v Kevin McDine
Andy Hamilton v European Qualifier 3
Paul Nicholson v Nigel Heydon
Ronnie Baxter v Peter Hudson
Terry Jenkins v Host Nation Qualifier 2

Stage Two
Peter Wright v European Qualifier 2
Colin Lloyd v Jamie Lewis
Ian White v Ross Smith
John Part v Kevin Dowling
Kim Huybrechts v Joe Cullen
Mervyn King v European Qualifier 1

Evening Session (7pm-12am)
Main Stage
Gary Anderson v John Bowles
Mark Walsh v Host Nation Qualifier 4
Host Nation Qualifier 5 v Steve Beaton
Robert Thornton v European Qualifier 5
Andy Smith v Host Nation Qualifier 3
European Qualifier 9 v Jim Walker
European Qualifier 10 v Steve Hine
Michael van Gerwen v Alan Tabern
James Wade v European Qualifier 7
Raymond van Barneveld v European Qualifier 8

Stage Two
Wayne Jones v Campbell Jackson
Brendan Dolan v Joe Murnan
Colin Osborne v Steve West
Arron Monk v European Qualifier 6
Stuart Kellett v Darren Webster
Jamie Caven v European Qualifier 4

Saturday June 1
Second Round
Afternoon Session (1pm-5pm)
Part/Dowling v Dolan/Murnan
Wright/EQ2 v M Webster/D Smith
Pipe/McDine v A Smith/HNQ3
Baxter/Hudson v Jenkins/HNQ2
Huybrechts/Cullen v Kellett/D Webster
Chisnall/HNQ1 v Caven/EQ4
Newton/Barham v Osborne/West
Thornton/EQ5 v Walsh/HNQ4

Evening Session (7pm-11pm)
White/R Smith v Anderson/Bowles
HNQ5/Beaton v Burnett/Henderson
van Gerwen/Tabern v Jones/Jackson
Hamilton/EQ3 v Lloyd/J Lewis
van Barneveld/EQ8 v Painter/Temple
EQ10/Hine v Monk/EQ6
Nicholson/Heydon v Wade/EQ7
EQ9/Walker v King/EQ1

Sunday June 2
Afternoon Session (1pm-5pm)
Third Round

Evening Session (7pm-11pm)
Quarter-Finals
Semi-Final
Final

All games on Sunday are played in draw bracket order.
All games throughout the event are the best of 11 legs.

Revised First Round Draw & Tournament Bracket
Michael van Gerwen (1) v Alan Tabern
Wayne Jones (32) v Campbell Jackson
Ronnie Baxter (16) v Peter Hudson
Terry Jenkins (17) v Host Nation Qualifier 2
Ian White (8) v Ross Smith
Gary Anderson (25) v John Bowles
John Part (9) v Kevin Dowling
Brendan Dolan (24) v Joe Murnan
Robert Thornton (5) v European Qualifier 5
Mark Walsh (28) v Host Nation Qualifier 4
Peter Wright (12) v European Qualifier 2
Mark Webster (21) v Dennis Smith
Wes Newton (4) v Paul Barham
Colin Osborne (29) v Steve West
Andy Hamilton (13) v European Qualifier 3
Colin Lloyd (20) v Jamie Lewis
European Qualifier 10 v Steve Hine
Arron Monk (31) v European Qualifier 6
Paul Nicholson (15) v Nigel Heydon
James Wade (18) v European Qualifier 7
Justin Pipe (7) v Kevin McDine
Andy Smith (26) v Host Nation Qualifier 3
Host Nation Qualifier 5 v Steve Beaton
Richie Burnett (23) v John Henderson
Raymond van Barneveld (6) v European Qualifier 8
Kevin Painter (27) v Terry Temple
Kim Huybrechts (11) v Joe Cullen
Stuart Kellett (22) v Darren Webster
Dave Chisnall (3) v Host Nation Qualifier 1
Jamie Caven (30) v European Qualifier 4
European Qualifier 9 v Jim Walker
Mervyn King (19) v European Qualifier 1