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Weekend on the Pro Tour by Steve Grubb

To continue my theme of bringing you behind the scenes stories of the PDC Pro Tour, I am bringing you the words of Steve Grubb, 66th Ranked player in the world, as he describes his recent weekend at Crawley.  Steve is a good friend to many darts fans (and other pro’s obviously!), and his table on the tour is often surrounded by the volunteer markers and darts forum members.

Started at 2.15 friday afternoon for the Journey to Crawley after I’d done the running around and banking to allow me to go away. Leaving at that time on a friday could have been hell BUT got to the Ramada at 4.45! M25 was quiet and at no point did we have to stop, in truth the A303 was heavier traffic wise. After settling in we decided to go for a chinese to the “happy Meeting”. VERY good quality food and from there it was onto Crawley Labour club for a “quiet” drink. Got in just as Defoe was about to score the first English goal! Lovely!  Said hello to Ross and Mike, who I’d met last time in Crawley, and the other guys who were playing darts (pairs) There was a board free where I could practise and watch the football whilst having a drink. Around half nine the chalkboard was cleared and it was Grubby vs THE CLUB! They all wanted to challenge, Game on. First up a 15year old kid called Owen (Grantham?) who preceeded to start 140,85 with throw as I was against throw of course! Luckily enough I wore him down with back to back 140′s and a 15 dart checkout! Next…..and he started 140,100 Bloody buggers had it in for me BUT I hit a 14 dart leg this time after beating all 5 of them and playing one of them again Mike decides he wants to have a go and he goes and leaves 90 after 15 with me hittting 140 to leave 112 only to watch Mike go 60,30 , 2 darts no messing and celebrates more then Defoe who just scored his hatrick for England.  After another “quiet” pint of Kronenborg, got a taxi back to the Hotel and relaxed watching another episode of spooks, thanks Chissy for loading EVERY series onto our PC Lights out before midnight.

Sar morning met John, one of my guests for the day, at breakfast and drove to the Venue just after 9am. Didn’t have a pint until half 9 as I had to pick up Chissy and grandad from the train station BUT the plonkers got off the wrong stop and proceeded to Gatwick Airport. Having been to Gatwick many times I drove the 9 miles quickly and waited for them at arrivals, BUT they didn’t know where they were and AFTER a few mins on the phone they got directions to where I was from a copper and we started the journey back.

Had a few people join our table and with Kripsy, Par, Adrian, Chissy, Lee t,Nikkiboy,Bruce etc you know you are in for a laugh. Got drawn out against MVG, someone who I’d played twice and lost to both times. Just as the first games started the fire alarm went off so we all had to trudge outside for a minute or 2 before being allowed back in, this wasn’t the last unusual thing to happen to me on Sat!

The game started at I didn’t feel like I’d played well BUT Jen and Ade both said I played great. Reckon I had 8 or 9 darts at a double in hitting 6 of them. £200 won and Holland entries covered to win 6/2 was very satisfying.
Next up came Anna and she outscored me but couldn’t hit her doubles even when she had left 36 or 40 after 12 DARTS in a few legs but again my checking out was sharp to say the least! It was a game I always felt in control of as you could visibly see her tense up at times going for her doubles and I was happy to win 6/4 killing the match with a 13 dart leg. £300 now won! Take Anna lightly and it will be at your peril she is some dart player !!

Next came Steve Farmer in the board final and I have to say that it was one of the best games that I’ve been involved in. Losing 6/4 with only 1 break of throw, when Steve hit D9 with his last dart after I’d missed one at tops, which put him 3/2 up was dissappointing as it was the only time I’d missed a crucial shot all day. Didn’t have a dart to break back but neither did Steve and the last 6 legs were all under 15 darts. Hit a 13 dart leg to hold for 5/4 down with Steve leaving tops after 12 and in the 10th leg I hit 140,100,96,100 to leave 65 with Steve on 135, I was really thinking about hitting 25 tops in 2 darts and get psyched up when he hit 50,45,tops sweet as you like to win 6/4. Brilliant darts and averages must have been well over 100 as most legs went under 15. Steve’s girlfriend thought we must have been close to 110!
Gutted and got pulled straight away without getting back to my table by security for a random drugstest. Got escorted to a small back room where Terry Temple and Paul Williams were already sat down. Robert Thornton followed me and the testers explained that 4 of the last 32 round losers were selected and we the lucky ones! After a couple of bottles of water, a bit of banter, Terry went first, 35 mins into our isolation and got a round of applause when he appeared with a full bottle of his specimen only for it to be a failure for being too clear but not before going through the rigmorole of transferring it into 2 bottles that got sealed and forms filled out for. After a good bit of banter I went next and if any of you wonder what it’s like let me tell you it’s horrible BUT so necessary in today’s professional sports climate!. They have to see from your nipple to your knee to make sure you don’t cheat and use someone elses specimen. (chatting to Rod H after and he told a story about a sportsman, not darts, who managed to use his wife’s specimen only to get pulled into the offices and told he was a medical miracle because he was pregnant!) After putting it into 2 bottles and sealing everything my wee failed the purity test like Terry’s and I had to sit back down and go again! NOOOOOOOO

Paul went in next and his was ok for them to use and was allowed out. The testers said that they’d be with us as long as it took to provide a specimem that they could use. OMG, horror stories told of 22 hours waiting and the like! Robert went next and his failed as well! Terry went back in and although his failed again his went more pure than his first reading so they let him go and told us that it would be the same for us! Rob then asked about a proper drink and were told that we couldn’t go and get one BUT it could be brought in. I give Keiran , the security guard a fiver and asked for a Kronie while Rob had 2 S/C and lemonade. 2 mins later and he was back with our drinks, legend! Drunk the pint in seconds and needed to go to the toilet! phew. After standing for 5 minutes the floodgates opened and the job was done BUT it was too pure again BUT I was allowed to go. I got into the room at 2.50pm and got let out at 5.20 to see my conquerer Steve in the FINAL! Could it have been me? was my first thought as I knew I was playing smooth and in control of what was happening.

Had another drink while watching the last few legs of the final and congratulated Steve on his run and he said that he really believed he would have been out if not for a 135 check vs me! I thought he was joking but his other half said the same!

Got dropped off by Chissy who was driving our car back sunday after darts! This was 6pm and arranged to meet John in the bar at half past BUT we were back down in 20 mins to see him already in the bar, ferreting hell!

Got a taxi to Wusungdun, an all you can eat Chinkie next to the George Hotel and I have to say that for £13.50 a head the food was excellent. With a table of me, Jen,John, Chissy, Lee, Kripsy, Nikki and Adrian you can imagine the banter and Ossie and his crew sat near us as well. After destroying the profits of the restaurant I got a taxi to Crawley Labour club again while the others decided to walk. By the time they arrived we were already sat with a pint half drunk! Taxi was £3.50 FFS!

Sat and got quietly happy while some played darts and others put loads of £’s into the £500 jackpot friut machine. Par joined us as well and we tried to put the world to rights… again…. and again!
Got a taxi at half 11 and had a nightcap back at the Ramada. Bed around midnight again. Nice!
sunday was never going to be as eventful. Chissy and Lee T picked us up just after half 9 and met up with the other guys who were telling stories of drunken night club dancing and Chissy nicking a drink off the bar that turned out to be ………….DIET COKE…NEAT!

Practised well but only had 2 pints before I played, not like me usually but I just didn’t need it! Drew the Thorn and the first 4 legs were almost as good as it gets both holding in 13/14/15 darts with the other player around a double to go out! HIt a 180 to leave 58 after 12 in leg 5 with Rob replying inkind to leave 36. S18 , pinned tops and the last dart fell out of my hand and was nearer T5 than tops! Rob went out in 1 and the next leg was the only really bad leg I played all weekend as I knew I had to break back. didn’t hit a T20 in the whole leg. Held in 14 darts (80 check tops tops!) to go to within 1 leg BUT realised afterwards that I’d lost my composure for the first time and tried too hard instead of just throwing like I had been! Lost 6/3. dissappointed but Rob is coming back to form and went onto win the board!

Had a couple of drinks and some crackers and cheese whilst chatting to Krispy and Par about the traveelling involved for him! Kirk said something after that was nice and made sense, he said that I had a lovely pace on Saturday, no panic just in a groove and relaxed. It has given me something to think about and I will always try something that may improve my game. Chissy drove back at 4.30 and we got back at just after 6.30, a brilliant run and again the M25 was relatively empty!

Must say thanks to Ross and the boys from Crawley Labour club for their hospitality, hope I repayed you by managing to arrange for a few of them signed in and for Chissy driving my car back again! LEGEND!
Played some really great darts and spent the weekend with some great people who were very good company.

Roll on Holland Friday week!!!!!!!!

PS KRISPY, It may have been me that triggered the fire alarm from the toilets

Young Guns and Legends,what a night!

An exhibition write-up, by “The Battler”

When we were last at the spiritual home of PDC darts the Circus Tavern Purfleet for the players championship finals back in january, both myself and my wife Lorraine noticed this event advertised for Sept 3rd. The line up was to be legends Eric Bristow, Keith Deller, and the young ones being Simon Whitlock, Wayne Mardle, Adrian Lewis and rising Essex star Scott Lawrie, with the event to be hosted by Russ “the voice”Bray.

We arrived at 6.30 and Eric was outside so a quick “hello” and photo opportunity.  On entry to the tavern Simon Whitlock was in the foyer so another photo and this time an autograph (glad I took We Love Darts cuttings on the off-chance!) .

On entry to the arena there was Mrs Mardle selling merchandise and Wayne was busy with a queue.  Typical “501″ laughing and joking all the while.  When we got to meet he actually thanked us for waiting! We grabbed a drink and the famous Tavern burger and chips.  Around 8pm the action got underway with the full PDC style show walk-ons.

Keith Deller beating Eric, Wayne beating Scott and then Simon winning the Circus Tavern Trophy after a cracker with Adrian Lewis who hit seven perfect darts towards that magical nine darter at one point. We had a fantastic nights entertainment and all this on a pint and a half of lager each!

by The Battler

A weekend with the pro tour – Krispy visits Crawley

I thought I’d try again and sum up what it’s like to visit the PDC pro tour – from a fans point of view.  I’m lucky that players like Steve Maish and Justin Pipe are good enough to invite me as their guest, so I can do what very few fans can, rub shoulders with the players ‘at work’ behind closed doors.

Crawley had around 112 entries – so the top 16 or so pro’s earned a bye through to the 2nd round (tops seeds get the byes).  That also meant that the days were a little shorter than earlier in the year when 150 or so could be there, and prelim rounds are required (128 is the magic number for any event).

So this week there was no Danger (my mate Lee), so instead of driving down on the Saturday, I took Friday afternoon off work to spend a leisurely journey down on the train.  The hotel I booked wasn’t too hard to find from the train station, a 20 minute or so walk, with the ever handy iPhone guiding the way.  After a dust down in the room, I thought I’d have a quiet pint or two and sit outside the hotel pub, after all it was probably the last sun of the summer!  I supped my first pint sitting a short distance from young William O’Conner, a real one to watch (as he has shown on the TV this year), and saw Mark Webster walk past.  Not bad spots for my first 20 minutes – but the thing about going to the pro tour and staying near the venue is, the hotel(s) are dripping with darts pros!

2nd pint in, a taxi pulls up and the one and only Steve ‘Mr Magic’ Maish gets out – weekend bag in toe.  Well it would have been impolite not to get him a pint (and me).. as he thought he’d have one before checking in.   That was about 5pm.  I think about 7pm Maishy went and checked in quickly, while I got us another pint.  The quiz machine was then assaulted, with us winning many hundreds of pounds… hmm.. or more probably Maishy spending a tenner or more.  Brains suitably exercised, we watched the England game – as Kirk Shepherd and posse turned up.  To be honest it all gets hazy after a while…  At no point had I actually eaten that day, and all I do know is a packet of crisps is NOT enough… remember that kiddies.  I did meet ‘Nookie’ (Rob) and his girlfriend Hannah; Rob is one of the volunteer markers (and The stars of Darts forum member) – after he left me a message on the forum to “with your right hand touch your left ear” – I did it to much laughter from him sitting nearby.  Contact made!

I awoke Saturday still clothed lying on top of the bed at about 6am.. good move.  Not.  Friday was MEANT to be a quiet night before the weekend’s entertainment – turned out to be nothing of the sort.  I blame you Steve Maish!  A big breakfast later, I was half ready for the darts.  A bit of fresh air on the walk there did help out, as did a pint of breakfast cider once I got there.  I was actually there the earliest I’d ever arrived, about 10:20am.  The K2 sports hall was already pretty full of players, warming up on the boards, or catching up with friends, as it’s been quite a while since the last UK pro tour event.

It was great to catch up with some of the members and admin from ‘The Stars of Darts’ forum – many of them were marking, and a lot of us sat with our mate and pro Steve Grubb and his lovely wife Jen (great supply of cheese n crackers).  It was unusual for it to be suffering, and not the legend who is Chissy (although he looked ROUGH Sunday morning!).   Our ‘markers and pros’ table was a good laugh – shout out to more of the lads, EssexMark, Nikkiboy, Adrian, Bruce, Grandad, Col (mod500).  Also got to chat with Little Richard and Jacque’s for a little while – both legendary refs/callers/spotters/TV faces    We had some interesting conversations over the finer points of the rules of darts!

About 1 leg in to the tournament a loud alarm sounded, with a voice coming over the tannoys; “This is an emergency, please leave by the nearest exit”.. oh great!  The whole tour had to make a swift exit.. and the area outside turned into a mass of amused and not so amused darts pros.  At least the sun was shining!  Rumours that it was actually caused by Grubby turning the toilets toxic are unconfirmed.

Unfortunately forum sponsored Justin Pipe had a rough first game vs. Paul Nicholson – he was 5-2 up at one point, and then Paul come back winning 4 legs in a row.  Steve Grubb beat Anastasia to get to round 3, where he unfortunately came up against Steve Farmer (finalist at the end of the day).  Maishy also got to round 3, where he was 5-5 vs. Adrian Lewis, and left himself on 96, with Ade on 161.  But Adrian is that sort of player – he banged in 161 without even looking like he was aiming… nothing that Maish could do about that!  Mark Dudbridge looked like he was in fine nick  beating Simon Whitlock 6-1 in the 4th round (Mervyn Hathway from We Love Darts magazine said he’d been working with Mark to get him ready for the world champs, and it appears to be working).

I did wonder if Gary Anderson was going to come back from his dodgy shoulder problems to win on the day, but he was beaten 6-5 in a close game by Steve Farmer, which is a bit of a shock – but you can’t take anything away from Falmer.  Adrian Lewis won the final, throwing some fantastic darts on the way in his semi and final.  But all in all I think my player of the day had to go to Steve Farmer, whose run to the final was pretty damn impressive.  He was hitting 140’s and 180’s for fun all afternoon.

Ahah more is coming back to me slowly… I was also interrupted by a handsome welsh chap – my cider addled brain didn’t kick in for a few seconds… it was none other than our staff writer Andrew Devonshire (A.Dev) – who was a guest of Wayne Attwood (who I also made sure I had a chat with – he’s a really underrated player).  Hope you enjoyed your day out mate!

Saturday night was pretty damn good – after a good wash down with strong bleach, it was off to an all you can eat Chinese in the town centre.  Not bad at all (Happy Welcome near the George hotel)… and suitably stuffed we took the short walk (well I say short.. with Nikkiboy guiding us it felt like a LONG walk!) to the Crawley Labour Social Club.  Thanks to our forum mate Ross, we were well looked after by the members, all signed in and pint in hand with no delay.  The club had 3 boards up, and the lads wasted no time to get warming up.  A player of my standing doesn’t need to practice of course… as you can’t polish a turd (as they say).  We played a doubles tournament as I mixed up pints of Mild and cider (not in the same glass, I’m not an animal!).  I actually chalked one of the early games, which is a cheek with ‘professional markers’ all around me, hehe only teasing guys.  After only 1 or 3 simple and drastic mistakes, I earned my chalk stripes.  My game up – I carried my local partner through our games, by trying to average his ton plusses out with my 26’s.  At one point I even managed a 7, I was so proud, and the rest of the guys were very impressed, trying to hid it by jeering and catcalls.  My double 2 was pretty much straight off the pro tour itself.. but it wasn’t enough to win the game, and we bowed out 2-1.  The rest of the tournament was a farce and un-important.. with Chissy and Ross somehow scraping a victory in a pathetic show of 100’s and 140’s.  Well done guys.  Back to the hotel for a pint and a large gin and tonic, lovely, and some funny chip shop stories from Ozzie (Dan) and his mate Tommy (two great geezers – you couldn’t meet to more friendly lads) .  Oh and also I must mention Par Riihonen (a Swedish darts player on the tour), who sat on the same table as us and Grubby, and I found out he really is a gentleman and so dedicated to his darts and the PDC.  Par and his lovely wife even turned up at the Labour club – which I think was a very nice touch, and who knows what they made of it and us! I hope to see and chat with Par and his wife again in the near future, and maybe bring an interview of the Swede who travels from Sweden to play on the pro tour.

Sunday dawned with me pretty much hangover free, and not even that tired – RESULT.  I felt even better when I got to the K2 and found Chissy more than a little worse for wear (dancing to 2am at a local club it turns out?  These markers.. animals!).

I got to say hello to my mate Dave Ladley, who was looking very well and tanned after a well earned holiday… and I also got to shake hands with the rest of the ‘Yorkshire Mafia’ – Chris Thompson and Darren Johnson (nice 4th round.. lost to the Viper).   Ladders lost 6-3 to Ronnie Baxter, but took a lot of encouragement from the fact he hit 3 legs after not throwing a dart for a few weeks, and also had chances in the first leg to win another.

I was also introduced to Mark Dudbridge for the first time – who appears to be a real gent (he “re-introduced” himself after being in another world first attempt!)  Mark appears to be using some very professional techniques to prepare for games – total game head on, using ipod to zone out.. and what looked like breathing and meditation techniques (don’t laugh.. his game was definitely improving – we all know he’s got the talent, just needs to sort out the head).

Game of the first round must have been the John Part vs. Mervyn King game (for me anyway).. as Part wasn’t seeded he started with such a tough game.  Part was losing.. but came back to win strongly 6-4.   Also got to speak with Darren and Hitman – who once got a signed board for marking a 9 darter … and speaking of which (9 darters).. I actually left about 3pm, as I wanted to get the trains while they were running ‘quick’, and also to beat the tube strike (in case they fancied starting early).  Typically that meant I missed Jamie Caven’s 9 darter!!!  Dave Holland actually gave me a call while I was on the train to tell me he’d just hit it – and as often happens Jamie actually lost the game to Colin Lloyd he hit that 9 darter in.  But still another good weekend for Jabba, especially on top of last week.  Jabba is always very friendly and welcoming to me, and I hope he continues his form to really break up into the top 10 of world darts.

So all in all a great weekend, some fantastic darts matches watched (I’ve missed loads of them out.. it turns into a blur in the end).  I can’t wait till next time (Derby late Nov for me), to watch, drink, and swap some banter with my mates.

Cheers guys!

A Player’s view of tour darts – Dave Ladley in VEGAS!

Another write-up from Dave Ladley, PDC Darts pro, about darts on the coal face of the pro tour. Dave is a good friend to me and Darts, Beers & Cheers!  and it’s great to have an view from the eyes of a player on the tour.  Dave’s official website can be found here, and he’s managed by Dave Holland Darts Management.

This time, his view of the weekend in Las Vegas, for the Tropicana darts festival… (more pictures in the gallery)

My trip started on Thursday with a journey to Heathrow with Darren Johnson. We decided to stop over so the trip to Heathrow was not added to our 18 hour travel to Las Vegas.

We flew to Boston and got 2 beers in the bar for $19 which pleased Darren!

When we arrived at Tropicana Hotel we were had a fantastic view and set our practice board up near the window.

World Cricket Championship

We were up early on the Saturday for the Cricket event which we knew would be hard. I lost in the second round to Ronnie Baxter and nobody out of our crew did particularly well. I asked Peter Manley if he had any tips and he said “close all the numbers out and score as much as you can”. Thanks for that Pete I was going to go around the board on doubles!

Me and Darren headed to the pool and relaxed in the sun – wow this is better than Crawley!!!

Players Championship Sunday

I won my first round match and lost in the second round in a good scoring game with Jamie Caven. I lost 6-3 and had chances in two other legs.

Darren lost in the 2^nd round to Ronnie Baxter and Martyn Turner and Chris Thompson had defeats to Gary Mawson and Barrie Bates.

We then headed down for the water polo championships in the Tropicana Pool. I was looking for Tommo and Darren in the pool and could not see them anywhere (blinded by the light). When I eventually got in the pool I was placed facing the sun and could not see a thing – much to everyones amusement. I got out of the pool to get the ball and had a river-dance moment so got back in to find Tommo and Darren in stitches. That’s it I said and grabbed Tommo’s legs and flung him in the air. He said he felt like the little lad of Diversity.

Players Championship Monday

I lost in the first round to a VERY slow playing Sean Downs. Darren went out in the second round to Denis Ovens, Martyn Turner lost to Ronnie Baxter and here we were watching our mate Tommo who was complaining that his ears were still full of water from Sundays diversity fling!

Tommo had beat Kirk Shepherd (in a prelim), Gerry Convery, Terry Jenkins, Mark Walsh and Andy Hamilton and was facing Phil Taylor in the quarter finals. He went 0-4 down and sprung to life winning the next four legs and missing 6 darts for a 5-4 lead. However a great 180, double 10 in the 10th leg allowed him the chance to beat the power. Scores of 121,100,100,140 followed by a single dart double top gave Tommo a memorable win! Well done mate.

This gave him 10 minutes rest and a match against Simon Whitlock. Simon was too strong and Tommo struggled to recapture his earlier form but was more than delighted with his win over Phil. Just to show true camaraderie and friendship in this game there was a certain Kirk Shepherd still standing and following Tommo at this stage!

Players Championship Tuesday

I had drawn Brendan Dolan in the first round and lost 6-2 but had early chances that I did not take. Darren lost in the second round to Adrian Lewis 6-3 and Martyn had a second round exit to Jamie Caven 6-2. Tommo had drawn Phil Taylor in the board final and lost 6-0 but had played some fantastic darts up to this point.

People ask me why I room with Darren – now you know! (see picture)

It was our last night so we went to Freemont Street and had some drinks and fun. Tommo overdid it somewhat though and needed to leave early.

We then had a long trip home ….

Thanks for reading.

Dave Ladley

A Player’s view of tour darts – Dave Ladley in Holland

Another write-up from Dave Ladley PDC Darts pro, about darts on the coal face of the pro tour. Dave is a good friend to me and Darts, Beers & Cheers!  and it’s great to have an view from the eyes of a pro.  Dave is off to Vegas for the week of darts, so here’s hoping he comes away with some good ranking £’s from the 3 player championship events.  Dave’s official website can be found here, and he’s managed by Dave Holland Darts Management.

This time, his view of the weekend in Haarlem, Netherlands…

I met up with Darren Johnson on Friday at 12 where I had organised to pick up my boarding pass. Darren had unfortunately forgotten to enter the tournaments in Holland despite booking hotels, flights and airport parking almost 3 months prior.

Darren works as a project manager doing projects at factories ranging from £0.5m to £10m where clear, concise and strategic planning is needed in order to hit deadlines. However on Wednesday at 12 when the online entry closes Darren had forgot to enter!

I wanted Darren to come along despite not entering and after a bit of persuasion he agreed. His only worry was the amount of stick he would get off the players for forgetting. Let’s think, beer = honesty. Surely he would get no stick…

On another note – while the PDC are a very well run organisation and very organised and are constantly moving the benchmark in top class darts surely they do not need to be so strict on closing the entries when there are another 3 days before the draw is done?

I am putting a suggestion forward o the board where text messages could be sent to players reminding them with 24 hours notice till entry closure. Let’s face it, we have not all got access to a computer and email all day but we surely have all got mobile phones!

We met up at Leeds Bradford airport with Chris Thompson, Martin Turner and Joe Cullen and the jokes were flying at Darren straight away.

When we arrived at the venue we checked in and went to watch the England match. Beer was a good price at 5 euros a pint!! NOT. But what was more disgracing than that was Englands performance! Just imagine it – we are sat in the middle of Irish, American, Welsh and Scottish and we were soon receiving more stick than Darren. During the first half Andy Relf (PDC Player) walked in where he received a round of boo’s as he looks the spitting image of Fabio Capello. At half time Wes Newton stood up and shouted for f@@k sake Andy get Joe Cole on!!

After the disappointing result we all went to an Indian restaurant with Jamie Caven and Matt Padgett. Darren offered to steal 2 bottles of wine out of the rack for Chris then 30 minutes later said “Chris I think you need to stop drinking so much”. Talk about double standards!

Funniest conversation in the restaurant was Chris asking Matt what job he did. It went something like this –

Chris “ What job do you do Matt”
Matt “Bowling Alley Mechanic”
Chris “Ten-pin?”
Matt “no 40 hours a week”

How we did laugh! Darren had soon put the non-entry to the back of his mind and was enjoying the fun and camaraderie with the lads.

Saturday 19^th June – Players Championship.

In the first round I had drawn Alan Tabern, Chris had drawn Steve Farmer and Martin had drawn John Part. It’s fair to say that we had all got a task on our hands.

I played an outstanding game against Alan throwing 180’s finishing with one dart and flowing lovely. However a blocked dart on double 12 mean I missed 3 darts to win 6-4 and 3 narrow misses on double 19 for a 6-5 win  meant I lost the match 5-6.

I was happy with my performance on the day and felt good.  John Part and Steve Farmer both beat Martin and Chris so it was Darren turn to tell us he was £100 up on us all!

Sunday 20^th June – Players Championship

I had drawn a Dutch opponent in the first round and really did not feel well. As little needs to be said about my game as possible as I played exactly how I felt. I was very under the weather and surprisingly not due to over doing the beer on Saturday or a late night – I was just rough. I lost 6-5 and did had 3 darts to win the match but really just wanted to go outside and grab some fresh air after losing as I felt I was going to faint!

Enough of that – Chris played some super darts to beat Jelle Klaasen and Martin was playing well winning 6-5 in the last 64. Unfortunately  they both fell in the last 32 to Steve Maish and Bernd Roith respectively.

Enough time now for more random people to ask Darren why he was not playing and for us to have more fun laughing at him until we caught our minibus to the airport.

We got the minibus with Louis and Tony Blundell with the latter being very inebriated and sitting in the front apologising for our drunken behaviour in the back – the look on the drivers face was a picture.

Thankfully I am now feeling well again and ready to do some damage in Vegas!

Thanks for reading, Dave Ladley

A Player’s view of tour darts – Dave Ladley in Barnsley

Another write-up from Dave Ladley PDC Darts pro, about darts on the coal face of the pro tour. Dave is a good friend to me and Darts, Beers & Cheers!  and it’s great to have an view from the eyes of a pro.  I wish him the best of luck in the next couple of weeks, and I really hope his dedication to improving his darts pays dividends soon!  Dave’s official website can be found here, and he’s managed by Dave Holland Darts Management.

This time, his view of the weekend in Barnsley…

Barnsley Players Championship, Saturday 12^th June, 2010.

I travelled on the train to Mexborough with my son (Daniel) and met up with Darren Johnson for a practice at his house before going to the venue. We set off from his house at 10am and had plenty of time to get to the venue! I propose all Players Championships are to be played at Barnsley!!

In the first round I had drawn Paul Nicholson who was seeded 14 for the event and was the first game on. I have recently changed my mental attitude and approach to the game and was looking forward to trying it out against a top class player like Paul.

The game swung one way then the other and at 3-3 I was more than in the match but unfortunately it ended there with Paul taking some great finishes out to win the game 6-3. I was reasonably happy but still know I have a way to go yet but happy I had played half decent in my first test of the new attitude. My winning legs were 14,18,16 darts.

Darren Johnson won his first round against Tony Randell finishing the match on 170. Unfortunately he lost out in the next round to a very in-form Colin Lloyd.

The event was won by Gary Anderson who beat Mark Walsh in the final. Justin Pipe had a great run to the semi final before losing out to Gary Anderson.

Barnsley Players Championship, Sunday 13^th June, 2010.

I travelled with Darren and Daniel on Sunday and followed the same routine. I wish all these Players Championships could be closer!

In the first round I had drawn Vincent Van Der Voort and again was the first match on. I took the first leg in 15 darts and Vincent raised the level by taking the next 6 legs. I did not watch him throwing but know in the last 3 legs I had only thrown 9/12 darts so he must have been throwing well.

Looking at my weekend for positives I can surprisingly draw quite a few but I also know where I need to improve. My new approach to the game I feel is going to work for me however, I need to get more consistency in mid-game.

Looking forward to Holland and Las Vegas already!!

Thanks for reading,  Dave Ladley

Let’s see Dave in action – this video shows him at the 2007 World Championships, hitting a sweet 156 checkout against James Wade.  Dave only just lost that game to go into the last 16!

Weekend with the Pro Tour – Krispy hits Barnsley

Before I start; What’s a floor event?

The PDC Pro tour’s “floor tournaments” – that’s where the darts pro do much of their work.  It’s the “shop floor” of darts, where 120-170 players come together to play in a seeded knock-out tournament.  The top 32 seeds are spread across the 16 boards (2 per board), and then the rest of the field is drawn to make up 8 players a board (so 4 games per board).  If there are more than 128 entrants, then there is a preliminary round, to whittle the field down to the required 128. The events are staged across the year, across the country (and further, including the Netherlands next week, Austria, and America.. viva, Las Vegas!).

In Barnsley (in the Metrodome – in a big sports hall with attached bar) there was just under the 128, and when that happens, the top seed(s) are given byes as required; on the Sunday, there was a field of 125, so both Simon Whitlock, Wes Newton, and Adrian Lewis started in the 2nd round.

The players pay £100 per event (so that’s £200 for the weekend, as each day is a new tournament), and if you lose first round, you get NOTHING.  Get to the 2nd round and  you get £200 back (so if you’re got a cheap hotel, you MIGHT break even at that point).  Make it to the final and you’ve got at least £3,500 in your pocket, and if you win, £6K.  They players are not only playing for those prizes:- the money won gets turned into ranking points (point per pound).  The higher up the rankings you are, the more tournaments you can enter, and better seeded you will be (seeding helps ensure you avoid top players early rounds – well that’s the theory).  The events are NON PUBLIC (i.e. you can’t pay to get in), but players are allowed to have a guest or two – family, friends, managers etc..  so when full, the venue will be made up of 1/2 to a 1/3 darts pro’s – which is pretty amazing compared to a televised event!

Anyway, theory lesson over – now on to my experience…

Danger and Krispy’s darts road trip – Saturday

As before (when I went to Wigan earlier in the year) I was buzzing with excitement – another great weekend coming up – 12 hours or so of close up darts, and the small matter of an England game in the evening (little did I know then what a small matter that game would be.. doh!).

Silton darts legend and good mate Lee ‘Danger’ Griffin picked me up about 9am.. and we programmed in Barnsley FC into the sat nav, as it is pretty damn close to the Metrodome.  Amazingly we managed to find the place pretty quickly.. although it did get a bit one way at times (up and down a feck off hill to.  Well it’s a big hill for a Peterborough lad, I got a nose bleed from altitude! )

Our timing was spot on, as we met our invitee, Steve ‘Mr Magic’ Maish on the stairs, as he was off for a medicinal ‘sanity stick’.  I haven’t known Steve for long, but he’s a fantastic bloke, as friendly as they come – but he’s not known for being organised.. so luckily the PDC security believed us when we said we were Maishy’s guests .. else we’d have had to wait for him to finish his smoke

The venue looked better than at Wigan – the toilets especially so (that wouldn’t have been hard).  Straight to the bar for thirst quencher.  While in the queue for a drink I turned round asking Lee (well I thought it was Lee) if I could get him a pint – only to have Terry ‘The Bull’ Jenkins reply “that would be very kind of you“.  I’m sure you’ve seen Jenkins on TV – and he really is the same when you meet him in person, always smiling and laughing.

We then took a stroll around looking for Justin Pipe (who has just won the sponsorship of the Stars of Darts forum, including some of my own hard earned cash).  I found Justin at his table – where he introduced me to Gary Anderson.  After a quick chat, Justin told Gary to show me his ‘trick’ … and suddenly 3 pound coins were found.  I was hoping that this wasn’t the time I was about to lose my beer tokens.. but I needn’t have worried.  Gary went on to pretty much astound me – he can spin the coins and call them heads or tails.. and he got it right EVERY TIME.  He must have spun 12 coins.. no mistakes.  Justin joked that they could set-up a table in Vegas and clear up.. and I think he’s right!

We then caught up with Maishy – who stood chatting with Lee and myself.  He didn’t even leave our side as the draw came up – so found out that he had James Wade in round 1 from other players as they walked past.  Not a great draw to have early on!

I tried to follow Justin Pipe and Steve Maish’s games, and was rewarded with some great darts from Justin – unfortunately Steve did go out round 1, 6-2 to Wade.  Justin started off solid with a 6-3 against Trevor Frost… but his second round was against Simon Whitlock.  A really tough game that I didn’t see him winning (not in the form Whitlock has been in this year!).  Me of little faith!  Justin got the game to 5-5.. and he had the throw in the last leg.  Justin hit 101 with Whitlock on 120 – and you know that Whitlock’s big score finishing means that Pipe had to hit that!  Great stuff.. into round 3 and a big scalp in the bag.  Third round Justin beat John MaGowan, who was returning to the tour after the sad death of his wife.  Justin then beat Alex Roy 6-0, who up to that point had been playing some great darts (Lee had been following his games).  Then Justin got further than he’s ever been by beating Wayne Jones, who is one of THE top floor players.    It was all set-up then for a battle between the mates and practice partners – JP vs. Gary Anderson. I had watched some of Gary’s earlier games, and he really was throwing well.  You may have heard a lot on TV about him not being good on doubles – but there was no sign of that on Saturday!  He was hitting everything, and looking great.  It was a close game, and JP had his chances… but it was Gary’s day (in more ways than one).

In between those games I also watched Jamie Caven vs. Brendan Dolan, as Jamie is another player who makes time to come and chat to me.  It was really close… and at 5-5 it wasn’t looking good for Jamie.  He threw what I thought was some odd darts.. but then I realised he’d counted well and left himself on 170.  Dolan didn’t finish, and left himself on 24 – and probably thinking he’s be back.  Jamie then threw 3 perfect darts.. to take out 170 – that got quite a loud noise from the watching crowd (or was it just me.. can’t remember now!).  I think Jamie knew he’d picked Dolan’s pocket there.

I also popped over to say hello to Mervyn King, as I’d never properly said hello, and I thanked him for doing the interview for this site.  I must say though, he wasn’t a happy chap, even though he was winning his games at that point.  He told me that there was a gale blowing across the boards in his side of the room – a breeze probably coming from an open door or air-con.   It surprised me that he was upset (as he was winning!), but other players did confirm that there was a breeze.. I guess Merv is such a perfectionist it affected him mentally more.  Hopefully I can meet him when he’s feeling more up.. as I had to tip-toe away from him to be honest!

With aching feet I watched the final, Anderson vs. Walsh.  Now after being to a few events, I really do appreciate that Walsh is one tough floor player, and does the business week in week out.  But not on Saturday – Anderson was far too good, and won 6-1.  Great stuff, especially as I knew that Justin and Gary were in my hotel, and I’d been following them both all day.  JP was also really chuffed, as he knew that the people on The Stars of Darts forum would be following his progress as their new sponsored player, and he’s returned their confidence in him with a semi final finish.

Back at the hotel Lee and myself stuffed ourselves on some fairly decent grub – and a few ales while we watched the England game… I’ve not got a lot to say about that!  Muppets.  Bed fairly early – as it had been a long day again.

Danger and Krispy’s darts road trip – Sunday

Started with a breakfast of kings… you know it’s almost unreal as a darts fan, sitting there having breakfast with Simon Whitlock (and girlfriend), Mark Dudbridge, Gary Anderson, Justin Pipe, Tony Eccles, and Mark Webster all sitting around you.  I better add they were having their breakfast too – not just sitting in a circle watching me eat! 

Back to the venue about 10:45am.. for a ‘warm up’ cider and ice (or two).  Again Maishy come and found us and we had a good chat – Steve Grubb joined us too, and it was brilliant watching Justin Pipe play with Grubby and Maishy standing with us… Grubby giving me commentary on the game, with some great player insights.  Nothing like the TV commentary (thank god!).  It was about this point that Steve Maish gave me his replies for an interview – in a book!  Only Maishy could take my e-mailed questions and give me a hard-bound book back in return    I’ll be typing that up this week for you to read!  Top man.  We also got to watch Maish beat Lee Hayes 6-1 – Lee really didn’t have any consistency in his throw – he hit some big numbers, but also some 20′s and even an 11, so not a great day in the office for him.

Maish’s win led on to him playing Jamie Caven, who wasn’t playing his consistent best, but had got out of jail on Sat with a couple of 170 finishes.  Maish set off like a steam train – 3-0 before we knew it.  I was a tough game to ‘support’, as both players I consider ‘mates’ now.   Caven fought back, just managing to take a game back to 3-1 when Maish could have made it 4-0…  and then suddenly it was 3-3.  Then it happened – Jamie Caven suddenly went up two gears, and hit a purple patch so purple, deep purple would have been impressed.  Every dart hit it’s target.. 11 darts… 11 darts… then finished with a 12 dart leg.  That’s an 132+ average over those three legs, and it was AMAZING to watch.  Both players came round to join Lee and myself, even Jamie was a bit stunned.  We all had a laugh – Steve agreed that there was absolutely nothing he could have done about that game.  Made my weekend that did.  Jamie the gentleman took Maishy off to the bar to buy him a beer, possibly not the only one he had that weekend.

Justin Pipe’s first game was again Darren Johnson – who Dave Ladley introduced me too.  A really nice guy, who Dave told me has been a long time practice partner for Dennis Priestly, so is used to player who is a slower thrower (as Justin is – very deliberate).  It showed, as their game was very close… Justin Pipe just taking it right at the end in a tense leg which could have gone either way.

I met quite a few people off the forums – and will miss some of you out I’m sure.  It was great to meet Lee and Chissy – both moderators off The Stars of Darts.  Both were marking, but took different preparation routes for Sunday’s ‘work’.  Lee had a few scoops and some food, then early to bed after a long day (hours to get to Barnsley for these guys).  Chissy on the other hand continued on drinking… with the beers probably reaching the double figures.. darts thrown.. ALMOST Karaoke sung… and to end the night a stomach settling (???) 1/2 pint or so of Baileys over ice.  No wonder he’s nicknamed “the legend”.  3am to bed… and up again 5 hours later.  I possibly wouldn’t recommend that regime to anyone else thinking of volunteering to mark on the pro tour

While chatting to Steve Grubb about the boys being up half the night, he told me about Alex Roy’s legendary all nighters in the past.  Alex comes across as the drinking man’s drinking man and obviously is a cracking laugh.

I also chatted with James Holmes, who is a young (OK that’s young compared to me!) darts player who I have as a friend on facebook, who is mates with Tony Martin and Anastasia (he was there as part of their group).  I know James keeps up with this site, so hello mate!  Anyway – keep that name in your ‘one to watch’ notebook, as you could see him playing pro one day… he gets to practice with some real talent, and that can’t be a bad start!

Anyway, back to the darts!  Justin Pipe continued his run, beating Mark Webster 6-3, and then Steve Farmer 6-2.  I joked with him that he was just showing off at this point, as I know the forum and sponsors would be watching every score.  Unfortunately for Justin, he then played Dennis Priestly – which was a little unfortunate for the PDC organisers, as both players are known for their precise throwing technique (some of the unkind might say ‘slow’).   I did watch every throw – but the 50 minute timespan may be the longest best of 11 game every played – who knows?   It came down to the decider leg… with Dennis hitting some big scores early doors.  Justin was way back with Dennis throwing for a double.. but suddenly he couldn’t buy one.  Justin came back slowly (I think he threw 60 three times in the middle of the leg), but Dennis kept missing and creeping down the doubles.  Justin had a throw to win.. but missed, and Priestly finally found the mark, to a big round of applause.  It was a great game, two players who really concentrate on their throws.  I just pity the marker (who was ‘Bradders’, a well known forum poster).

I then watched Adrian Lewis vs. Ronnie Baxter in their semi final – as I kinda hoped to see Lewis throw some exciting darts, as we all know he can.  It was such a contrast in speed vs. the previous game!!  Unfortunately right before the game, Lewis seemed distracted; he complained about the boards, saying they were too soft, and that his darts were sticking too deep in, almost pulling his points out when he pulled them from the board.  The PDC officials swapped in another board that he was happier with.  That can’t have helped his concentration though, and it must have been nagging at him during the game.  Ronnie just blew him away, 6-0.

[EDIT] I’ve just been reminded by the Hitman (marker and nice bloke) about something else that happened… Kevin Painter was obviously not having a great day at the office… I think it was probably early on the sunday, a round 1 game vs Mark Hylton, and Kev lost 6-5??  I think I heard a strangled cry, and the sound of darts clattering down behind the boards… yep Kev had thrown all 3 of his darts over the board.. and clean over the booth set-up .. possibly hitting the wall off the hall behind.  We were tempted to nip round and ‘save’ the darts.. but I think someone else beat us to it.  I know it was spotted and reported by a PDC official (reluctantly, but they have to report any such incidents), so I’m not grassing on Kev (as if I’d dare!).

The final turned out to be Denis Ovens (who is on a bit of form again, doing well in the UK Open), vs. Ronnie Baxter – we decided to nip off at that point, as we had a long drive (through torrential rain!) back.  Another great two days of darts, again showing what great blokes the players are.  Thanks to everyone who chatted with us, players, officials, and fellow fans and forum members!

Krispy and Danger on tour

Players view of tour darts – Dave Ladley in Austria

Another great write-up from Dave Ladley; darts on the coal face of the pro tour.  This time, his weekend in Salzburg Austria…

We were travelling from Manchester to Munich and hiring a minibus to drive to Salzburg to play in the Players Championships. With us would be me, Darren Johnson, my uncle Jimmy, Martin Turner, Chris Thompson, Steve Beaton, Peter Hudson, Alan Tabern and Wayne Jones. Many of these had not travelled with ‘Yorkshire Tours’ before and possibly would not do again! Our bus was like the A Team bus!

We had no hold ups and managed to get to the hotel with no real problems and quickly headed out to find a kebab shop to grab something to eat.

Salzburg Players Championship, Saturday 15th May 2010

I drew Andy Hamilton in the first round and we waited for 30 minutes to get a marker as the previous loser had left after losing. Andy set off hitting 5 180’s in the first 3 legs and winning in legs of 12,11,12 darts and was hard to get close to at all. I won the 4th leg and had 2 darts at doubles for the 5th and 6th leg but lost the match 6-1. Andy had a run to the Quarter Finals and was obviously playing well.

Alan Tabern was unfortunate to be timed out for his game and disqualified along with his opponent. This was strange because he was in the playing area but could not be found. Its a good venue but separate playing rooms and putting several games on to the main stage can cause a problem.

he best result for our travelling party was Steve Beaton who lost in the final to Simon Whitlock after taking Phil Taylor out in the semi finals.

We went out for a Chinese at night and were all feeling the effects of the strong beer. Darren walked into the kitchen ‘Marko Pierre White style’ and checked they were cracking on with our meals. Tommo, Martin and Jimmy went out for a drink and me and Darren decided we needed to rest.

Salzburg Players Championship, Sunday 16th May 2010

Sunday morning and news was out about our flights possibly being cancelled. We all needed to be back on Monday for different reasons but if we had to stay then there was nothing we could do. Our cars were at Manchester airport so having a ferry ride was not a good option so we would have to wait.

During practicing Joe Cullen was showing off his prize collection of videos from Wigan, Crawley and Barnsley – good lad! Darren was most impressed.

I had been drawn in a prelim and won 6-0 in a decent standard game. My next opponent was Kirk Shepherd and I lost 6-2 after falling being 5-0 and having several shots at the double. This was not a high standard game but not below par. I was not pleased with missing doubles as recently this side of my game has been going well.

None of our travelling party did particularly well but Tabs managed to turn up for his game so it was an improvement on the previous day for him.

By 2pm we all knew our flight had been cancelled but we had to take the minibus back and check in so we could be either placed on another flight or refunded.

The journey back to the airport was much more rowdy than the one on the way to the hotel with general p@ss-taking going on about Tabs on Saturday, Beaton going on holiday on Tuesday (or not due to the ash cloud) etc etc..

We checked in and was going to stop over and take the flight back on Monday night – Easyjet would pay for the hotel so it did not seem like a bad plan. Rumours were going around that the ash cloud would stop flights for up to a week so we made the decision to fly back to Gatwick that night and hire a car to Manchester Airport! Sorted….

At Gatwick we found out that we could not hire a car so we were stuck – tabs turned down a lift from Steve B and Wayne J to travel with us – everyone was suggesting different options but we eventually managed to get a mini-bus to take us from Gatwick to Manchester for £300! Considering the train costs would have been more than that it was not a bad option – only thing was that the minibus would not be picking us up while 3am! To cut a long story short, I ended up back home at 9am and slept like a baby.

Welcome to Yorkshire Tours Guys!!

Dave Ladley

My night at the Nottingham Premier League – a Krispy write-up

I’d kinda agreed with my mate Lee (Danger to you!) that we’d not go along to another Premier League night, mostly due to the fact the venues are SO HUGE, and it didn’t feel like we were able to ‘watch darts’… plus the organisation in Coventry was so poor they couldn’t get the drinks out quickly enough (they used the people walking around dispensing, with no proper bar).

BUT: I won tickets from the sponsors Whyte & Mackay – for entering a competition in their facebook page.  And I’m not one to turn down something free, especially if it’s to do with the darts!  I kinda was hoping to be sitting with the Taylor family and walk-on girls.. maybe that was pushing a bit though.

So we finished work early (thank god for flex time!), and allowed ourselves to trust the sat nav (what fools), and bombed (well trundled behind tractors) across to Nottingham, our closest Prem League venue.

By a bizzare co-incidence we met Dave ‘Ladders’ Ladley and his brother and mate in the car park – Dave had already told me earlier in the day that he would be at the darts, to support Mervyn King with a spot of good publicity.  After a quick chat, we set off, cause my ankle is STILL giving me jip – bloody thing, and I needed a good start to get to the venue in the same night

At the Nottingham Ice Centre / Trent FM arena venue, I had the usually panicy moment when I wondered where the hell I should get my tickets from (the trouble with winning em the day before the event, I was told they would be waiting for me).  I thought I’d be cheeky and try the ‘Guest list’ ticket office desk.. and stood next to Wes Newton who was getting his tickets for the night.  As luck would have it, my tickets were there – although I was gutted to see mine came in a ‘normal’ white envelope, when I’d seen some of the guest tickets were in some right fancy envelopes (me thinks those were for the high-ups sitting in the roped off floor tables – like family and important people).  One day I’ll be there sitting next too the royalty of darts at a TV event.. I hope.. (Mr Hearn?).

Our tickets were for a fairly decent spot in the tiered seating – with a great view for pictures.. shame I didn’t have a longer lens.. that’s always been my trouble!.  Before we settled in, Ladders found us again, and took us round to see Mervyn doing a signing session for the fans.  Dave explained that they’d gone ‘backstage’ to where the eight players were practicing to find Mervyn, and even Dave was surprised at how silent it was in there – he reckoned there was very little chat going on.  That must have seemed odd to a pro from the floor tournaments, as my visit showed the players are really relaxed and there’s plenty of good natured banter going on.  I guess those eight players must really feel the weight of the TV audiences and the imporantance of that last night (5 players playing for the 2-4th spots).

We got to see King, he was showing the fans that he’s just a normal bloke, and I watched him chat and joke with people as he signed photo’s and whatever they wanted signing.  Lee got an autograph, and I took a picture with shaking hands, what a muppet!   I’d not had a pint at this point and my body can’t take it!  We also made sure we had a picture of Dave too – he’s a really good bloke, and pretty clever too; he’s got some great thoughts and analysis on the sport.  Dave, his brother and mate had given up their time to go along and support Merv – well done lads!

After a quick chicken burger and pint.. then another pint (£3.50 for bitter, £3.80 for Becks Vier) and bottle of cider to take in, we took up our seats, and I took a few pictures of the arena filling up.  A big old venue, like a smaller O2 Arena.   At least the sound system was pretty good – so we could hear the interviews and announcements.

The games themselves are a bit of a blur – Baxter must have been gutted as it all slipped away – he couldn’t seem to finish, maybe nerves got the better of him.   The booing of King was pretty bad again – I’m not sure what he can do to stop it.  I’m really unsure why some people do it – just feel it’s part of the nights entertainment I guess.  I personally don’t mind some banter/booing pre game and after, but NOT on throw – I feel the PDC caller could have called for order more, it just spoiled it a bit for me.  Mervyn got the last laugh though – he’s through to the finals.

Highlight and player of the night for me was Whitlock – his finishing is a joy, and it must be so tough to play against him, you can’t leave him anything under 171!     It felt a bit bizzare watching him from 50 rows back up on that stage after sitting on his table in Wigan – maybe I’ll dare speak to him next time I see him, and not sit there like a grinning fool!

Wade completed his turn-around of the season – and played pretty well as far as I could tell.  He was obviously REALLY pleased, and we watched him give some lucky fan his darts AND darts case… only for them to hand it back to get him to sign it – cheeky gits!     Wadey actually stayed on stage signing loads of stuff – and jumping up and down celebrating with the crowd.. actually the most emotion I’ve seen from him.

We’d managed to work out that Adrian Lewis needed to win about 8-1 to have a chance of qualifying for the Wembley finals.. something we doubted very much against his old mentor, Phil Taylor.   Lewis hit a 180 in his first 3 darts.. but they were probably his best, as the Power once again showed the pupil how to win, and how to win big.  Taylor hardly missed a double (his scoring didn’t quite seem 100%, it seemed like his first darts was a touch high on most throws).

It all finished pretty early (9.45?), 15 minutes to get into the car after queueing to pay… then another 20 minutes wasted trying to escape the Nottingham one way system! (nighmare).   One stop for pastie and capri-sun later, we were driving back to Peterborough and bed.

Apart from the ****’s throwing bottles and plastic glasses of beer down from the cheap seats (luckily didn’t hit me, but it did hit one young girl with her family – hope you are ashamed whoever did that!), it was a pretty good night.  I think it’s a bit of a circus, but most people who go really enjoy their night – maybe I’m just a bit old these days.. prefer it a bit more sedate

Cheers, Krispy

A fans view of the PDC Tour – Krispy’s days in Wigan part 2

Here’s part 2 of my write-up of my two days in Wigan to watch the PDC pro tour in action.  If you aren’t aware, the ‘bread n butter’ of pro darts are the (nearly weekly) floor tournaments, where well over 100 players will compete to win ranking ‘points’ (cash=ranking points).  Those rankings are used to determine which players can play in certain big money TV events – and also if it’s a UK Open qualifier, the chance to play at the UK Open in Bolton (and the higher the ranking, the later you get to play – a bit like the FA cup in football).

If you’ve not read part 1 yet, please do, and see how Lee ‘Danger’ Griffin (co-writer and mate) and myself enjoyed the first day in Wigan.

After quite a non rock-n-roll night watching the footy on the hotel TV…

Yeah OK, we didn’t spend all night out with any of the players – but I had an ankle of ultimate twisted pain.. dosed up on pain killers, and we were both pretty knackered after the drive up.

So we started Sunday the proper way – with a big fry-up at the hotel, after saying hello to Dave Ahmet & Jamie Caven on their way to the venue.   As usual I let my mouth run wild while we ate, forgetting that on a table just behind us was Alan Warriner-Little   As we left I managed a nodded hello – he was just grinning at me – I’d obviously amused him with my ‘kid at the sweetshop’ awe of being at the darts that weekend.

At least we found the venue easier this time – although no earlier than the day beforeso we nearly missed out on a seat again, which would have killed me with my ankle hurting worse than ever.  Luckily we’d said hello to Wayne Atwood and his wife the night before – so joined them at their table.  Also on that table was Simon Whitlock (and his girlfriend and manager) – so if you ever read this Simon – the grinning fool who didn’t say hello was me – maybe next time I’ll open my mouth

HIGHLIGHT 1: What did make me chuckle was when Alex Roy joined us at the table, who went on a 30 min joke rampage – reading them off his phone to a bemused Whitlock.  I don’t think Simon knew what hit him  – I reckon Roy was having a laugh as he’d beaten Whitlock the day before – so thought he’d have some sport with him.

We got to chat with Steve Maish again – for quite some time – as it turned out he’s a bit of a Speedway fan, and so is Lee – so they had even more to chat about.  We also chatted with ‘Jointer’ from ‘The Stars of Darts’ forum – top geezer, and Wigan footy fan.  I think he spend both days seeing who could drink more cider between him and Maishy    Next time lads I’ll show you how to do it in the evening!

Speaking of other forum members/fans – I did get to speak to quite a few – you’ll all have to forgive my aging memory (pain killers + cider don’t mix.. don’t do it kids!).  ‘Captain Ash’  made himself know to me – he’s far too tall and good looking for a darts fan, not sure what’s going on there!

HIGHLIGHT 2: I wasn’t going to spend as much time during the UK Open qualifiers updating the scores on the SoD Forum – as it had distracted me quite a lot from actually watching individual games… but when I found out the official PDC website wasn’t updating.. I started bunging up results and ongoing scores – doing my bit for the darting community.  After a while I finally got to say hello the Dave Allen, the Media officer from the PDC – who has the important and busy job at the events of updating the official website with all the scores.  We’ve swapped a few e-mails, and it was good to say hello properly, even if I could tease him about ‘his’ website not working.. ahem.

Oh and we did watch the darts – lots of darts!    I made sure I watched Chris Mason’s games – this time Chris was throwing better in his first game, not perfect, but enough to win 6-4 vs Brian Startin – it looked close at some points, but Chris got his act together near the end. Unfortunately his luck didn’t hold out, and Mace lost in the 2nd round 6-0 to Chris Thompson – and a few more darts were falling out of the board for him.

I thought I’d wonder over and see how Anastasia was doing against James Wade (what a tough draw for her!) – not well though – nothing like as good as her Saturday, a 6-0 whitewash – although against Wade on recent form it’s not that terrible a result.

Dave Ladley came over and told me about his horror draw – if he got through his preliminary round game, he had drawn Merv King in his first round!  We wished him well – and watched some of his game.. but I think his head was thinking about the next game, ruining his concentration – and he went down 6-1 to Lee Williams – who played well to be fair.  I hope you get that £200 you need to qualify for Bolton Dave – fingers crossed for you, just remember, one game at a time!

One of the other first round games I watched was Wayne Atwood beat Dave Askew 6-0 – good to see Wayne do so well round 1 after not playing for a while on the tour, especially as he was good enough to come over and introduce himself to me at the hotel the night before.  Unfortunately for Dave ‘Spaceman’ Ahmet, he drew John Part in round one, and as he’d not played the day before, the rust hadn’t been knocked off his darts (and the late night was probably kicking in..), and he went down 6-0.

Later on I made sure I watched some of the Colin LLoyd vs. Wayne Mardle game; two good mates battling against each other.  Again I stood behind Wayne’s shoulder to watch his darts fly – I wonder if mine move like that in the air!  Colin won the game, which probably isn’t a big surprise based on Wayne’s form vs. Colin’s.

I had to pull up a chair for some of the matches, as I could hardly stand by this time – never again do I want a sprained ankle when I’m at the darts!  No dis-respect to the more ‘fringe’ players – but as the rounds go buy, it is quite awe inspiring to look down the 16 boards and see the darting talent left in battling each other!  Wes Newton was looking good again until Mark Walsh took him out 6-2… not that big a surprise – if you go along to a floor tournament just look at Mark Walsh and Wayne Jones – both top floor players – and see how relaxed they look.  They both have a look of men comfortable in their well known workplace.  Or maybe that’s just me.

HIGHLIGHT 3: I went over to watch the Colin Osborne vs. Ronnie Baxter game in the quarter finals, as I rate Osborne, and I’d not seen Baxter play yet (he’d not been in Wigan on Saturday).  Initially it was pretty much just me leaning over the barrier watching them start, but soon I had Jamie Caven join me.. then Andy Hamilton.. and then Barry Bates.  How good was that?  4 ‘blokes’ watching some darts.. and the only non superstar was me!    Jamie and Andy were there to cheer Osborne on – they were sharing a car home so couldn’t leave anyway     During the match I was posting the score on the SoD forum – and Jamie had a butchers at my phone screen to see what people where saying – funny thing is the official PDC results from earlier had been posted there, and Jamie was NOT chuffed to see they’d got his losing score wrong – missing a game    Osborne won – and I think that was my best game, just because of the company.  Oh and Jamie also warned me that it’s Osborne without a U – he wouldn’t like that mis-spell I was warned!

By the semi-finals it was Colin Lloyd vs. Mark Walsh, and Colin Osborne vs Dennis Priestley (I was chuffed for Priestley – a great day for him, although it did mean we got away an hour later than on the Saturday.. or maybe I can’t blame that completely on his his slow style?).   I continued to follow Osborne now – although to be honest, he’s quite a ‘precise’ thrower.. so teamed up with Priestly it was quite a slow game.. slow enough for the other game to finish (Colin winning) well before.  Osborne won – after what felt like 3 hours (joking!), and most of us pulled up chairs around the final board.

I don’t think the averages/standard of the final between Lloyd and Osborne was the same level as Wes Newton the day before, but there were some great legs still.  Lloyd was pretty damn good in places, and took Osborne 6-3, and I was chuffed for him, because he’s obviously been a great player over many years, and still has a great game on his day.  If you read this Colin, I’m not saying you’re past it!!  hehe.

What a weekend – better than I’d imagined, some great people met, some fantastic games watched.. just 100% pure darts, and for a darts fan, there’s nothing better!