Darts, Beers, & Cheers!

Posts Tagged ‘premier league’

Dave Clark – Sky’s top darts presenter talks to Darts, Beers & Cheers!

With the PDC World Match Play only two days away, I have managed a darting coup.. as with pinpoint timing I have been lucky enough to have a few questions answered by Sky sport’s top man, Dave “interviewed The Power 100′s times” Clark.

If you’ve ever watched any PDC darts on Sky TV, you’ll have seen Dave Clark – he’s THE recognisable frontman for darts. Being part of the darts world, he’s also a great bloke, and readily agreed to help out our little corner of darting fandom.  If you want to hear from behind the schemes of the World Match Play in Blackpool, you can follow Dave on Twitter; @davecskydarts.  The semi and final will be in 3D this year – a first for darts.  Dave just told me it will blow my socks off!  I better get myself to a pub showing it then.

So on with the interview!

Q.  You’re probably the most recognised ‘face of darts presenting’ in th UK right now, but I’d love to know how and when you first got involved in darts?  How much did you know about darts before you started presenting the darts?

I’ve been a fan of darts for years.  I got into it as a kid watching indoor league on Yorkshire TV.  We had a board at home and I’d play for hours with my big brother.  When I was on Sky Sports News I used to go to The Circus Tavern as a fan and just loved the buzz around the sport. I started  filling in for Jeff Stelling and when his football commitments took over … I eventually took over presenting the show.

Q.  I’ve heard it said that darts is Sky’s 2nd most watched sport on average (not sure how that’s been calculated), but whatever the figures, it’s definitely been a big success.  Did you ever think darts would be such a big night on Sky when you first started the coverage?

It’s a combination of factors that’s made the sport so big.  Sky’s coverage brings theatre to the event, the music, lighting, amazing openers to shows and the way the live action is produced and directed makes it look like a party you want to be at.

Without Phil Taylor the sport would not have got the coverage and status that it now enjoys. He’s done for darts what Michael Jordan did for basketball.

The PDC have had the vision to take the sport forward with new events and bigger venues.  To walk out on stage in front of 10,000 people is breathtaking! I don’t think anyone would have guessed it would become Britains biggest indoor sport.

Q.  What’s the ‘typical’ preparation like for you before you go on live TV to present?

I do all my stats and facts well in advance of major events and keep old programmes from down the years for reference, the Internet is a great source of info these days.   I normally travel to events with the Producer and chat through the show on the day.  Once at the venue, I’ll go into the players room and catch up with with the lads and see if they’ve got any info I can use.  I also meet with the commentators and run through a few lines with them.  Then it’s off to the broadcast truck to check on VT to be used during the show.  Rod and I normally share a dressing room and there’s usually a good bit of banter before we’re on air.  We go live on Sky Sports News in the hour  leading up to the show, rehearsals in studio and then we’re ready to rock.

Q.  The last premier league final was a bit of a story, for more than one reason!    Firstly – how did you feel on the Sunday evening when you started to realise there was a risk you were not going to have a show that night?   Could you tell us when you first heard something was up with the power.. and how it went from there?

It was a huge anti climax.  Really felt sorry for all the crowd who were stuck outside and were geared up for a great night ……..then nothing!   We knew there was something wrong when the venue was plunged into darkness.  All our lights and camera gear were still working because we bring our own generators, but Wembley Arena are reliant on the grid for emergency exits etc and were left helpless!   Everyone set an 8pm deadline to get the lights on, when that passed it was over for the day.

…Then on Monday, Phil Taylor hit those two nine darters – what was it like backstage when the 2nd went in?

I wasn’t back stage – whenever a 9 darter is on everybody in the press room runs out to see the  last dart hit the double live, what a buzz.  Phil was so relaxed that night, he was play fighting with Rod and I before his walk on.  When he got the first 9 darter he told Rod he was going to do it again! I don’t think we’d have had The Taylor double 9 darter if we hadn’t had the cancellation the night before.

Q.  You obviously work with a small team of people – what’s it like working with Rod, and the bundle of energy that is Sid Waddell?

Two top blokes and great mates.  Sid is 70 this summer and he has the energy and outlook of a 16 year old with the brain of a Albert Einstein.  Rod is up there with the best pundits on Sky in terms of honesty and analysis, he doesn’t pull any punches.

Q.  The world match play is about to start in Blackpool – can you see anyone other than Phil Taylor winning it?  Do you have a tip for the fans?

I fancy Gary Anderson to have a good run.  Looking forward to his match against Robert Thornton on day 3.  It’ll be interesting to see Raymond back after his break, he was in South Africa supporting The Dutch at The World Cup.  I wouldn’t back against Taylor making it an 11th  Matchplay title.

Q.  Who’s the best interviewee out of the darts pro’s you’ve had in the press box?

Being a good interviewee takes practice – that’s why Barney and Taylor are so good to listen to. Peter Manley is always decent value. Paul Nicholson thinks about what he’s going to say and comes over well.

James Wade is also working hard on his technique.

Q.  With the time you must have waiting around… and the boards and oche set-up at events… do you ever throw a crafty dart or two?  Have you ever played Rod or any of the pro’s?

It’s like going to the FA Cup final and taking your boots!  I have thrown a few darts with Phil and Rod, embarassed myself against both!

Q. The comedian Dave Gorman is about to try your job out for Bravo TV and the Euro Darts championships – any advice for him?

I’m a big fan of Dave Gorman on radio and TV.  He doesn’t need advice from me. He’ll treat the sport with  the respect it deserves and be great!  I hear he can play a bit.

Q. Finally, as “Darts, Beers & Cheers!” is by the fans for the fans – what’s your view on the fans of darts, and has the nature of a darts fan changed since you’ve been involved in the sport?

Darts fans are amazing! They have the best sense of humour and they’re not afraid to take The Mickey out of themselves. The Premier League has attracted a party loving crowd alongside a darts loving crowd.  It’s meant a differerent atmosphere, but there’s room for both.

Thanks again to Dave Clark for his time and great answers.  I was pleasantly surprised with some of his answers – that he’s a darts fan first and foremost (you don’t always get that with TV sports presenters, BBC TAKE NOTE!).  You will see him next on Sky Sports’ coverage of the World Match Play in Blackpool, starting this Saturday (July 17th), during which you can follow Dave on Twitter; @davecskydarts.

Premier League Selection Criteria – More wildcards!

I’ve just seen that the PDC have decided to make a change to the selection criteria for next years premier league.  It is now going to be made up of the top 4 players on the money rankings, plus 4 wild cards.  In the last few years it’s been the top 6 ranked players, with only 2 wildcards.

A change to the selection criteria means that now the top four players from the PDC Order of Merit, following the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship, will automatically qualify for the 2011 Premier League Darts.

They will be joined by two PDC Wildcards and two Sky Sports Wildcards, who will be announced during January 2011.

“The Premier League Darts has become one of the major sporting attractions in the UK over the past six years but we recognise the need to keep the event fresh and exciting for fans and our broadcasters, Sky Sports,” said PDC Chairman Barry Hearn.

“Fans around the country have shown a great desire to see the world’s best players as well as the best characters that darts has to offer, and this new selection process will guarantee that.”

While world number one Phil Taylor’s status at the top of the Order of Merit is effectively secure following his incredible run of success in the past two years, the battle for the other places will be fierce in the second half of 2010.

A provisional top four – looking at the Order of Merit from January 4 2011 – would see Taylor joined by Terry Jenkins, Simon Whitlock and Raymond van Barneveld for automatic selection, with James Wade, Mervyn King, Adrian Lewis and Ronnie Baxter close behind going into the final six months of this year.

However, with prizes of £100,000 on offer for the winners of the StanJames.com World Matchplay and World Grand Prix, as well as £200,000 to the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship, £100,000 to the runner-up and £50,000 for the semi-finalists, the positions could well change before the cut-off in January.

Premier League 2010 Final – Best match of all time?

Well well well.. I’ve been discussing the possibility of TWO 9 Darters in one match for a while now… and Phil Taylor only went and did it!!!    What a game – Phil hitting two 9 darters.. and JUST missed another – for a 10 darter… and only beat James Wade 10-8 in the final .. imagine that!  You’ve got to say hats off to Wade for keeping up with that – show’s what form he is in at the moment.

That’s the very first time EVER that any player has hit two 9 darters (the perfect leg) in one match – and it’s even more impressive as it was done over a short format game (18 legs).  It might be some time until we see its like again – or maybe we’ll only have to wait until the UK Open?

OK it was a day late (got to pity the fans who could not make todays date), but I doubt you’d ever see a better game of darts .. until the Power does it all again!  Two nine darters in only 18 legs.. ULTIMATE DARTS!  In the leg after the 2nd 9 darter, Phil threw 7 more perfect darts… make it 16 perfect darts in a row – has that every been done before?

He had to hit two nine darters to beat me 10-8  – James Wade

Other highlights;  Stephen Fry commentating alongside Sid Waddell – he’s a true darts fan.  His line “he’s like a pig in chardonnay” ranks up there with the best of Sid’s lines.

I was also pleased that the crowd were pretty well behaved, and only booed ‘a bit’ – and let Merv throw .. but it wasn’t a good night for the King, as he was totally overpowered.. by the Power.

The final game of this year’s premier league has to rank as one of the greatest finals (if not games) of all time – right up there with the greats.  Hats off to James Wade too – he played his part in that – and it took something pretty special to beat him.

For your special viewing pleasure – here are the two 9 darters from Phil Taylor…

Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts Play-Offs
May 24 – Wembley Arena, London
Semi-Finals
Simon Whitlock 6-8 James Wade
Phil Taylor 8-1 Mervyn King

THIRD PLACE PLAY-OFF
MERVYN KING 8-7 SIMON WHITLOCK

FINAL

Phil Taylor 10-8 James Wade
Averages: 111.67 vs 100.08
Doubles: 48% vs 47%

Premier League finals postponed, play now on Monday!

Bad news – due to a powercut in the Wembley area of London (some 9,000 homes effected as well as the Arena), the planned Sunday night finals night of the Whyte & Mackay premier league were canceled at 7.50pm – and it was announced that the games would be played Monday night instead – 7pm (and on Sky Sports TV).

I feel sorry for the 7,000 odd fans who traveled to London expecting to see the Power – and instead were let down due to no power at all!

Sky and the PDC tried their best, but had to take the decision to cancel – probably due to the number of people outside the Arena.  Unfortunately tomorrow night is also an England friendly football match at Wembley, so it will be a busy place to be.

Another shame was the fact Stephen Fry was going to share the commentary box with Sid Waddell!  He MAY be able to make it tomorrow night.. let’s hope so.  He chatted for a while to fill in time tonight, and he’s obviously a knowledgeable and dedicated darts fan.

Official news regarding the ticket situation: All tickets will be valid for Monday’s rescheduled event.
Fans unable to attend will be entitled to a full refund and should contact their point of purchase from Monday morning onwards.

Obviously the players will also be disappointed – after warming up all of this afternoon expecting a battle.  So it all starts again tomorrow… lets hope those fans with tickets can make it.  I’ll be watching tomorrow night on the TV, let’s hope the games don’t let us down.

Premier League final night – a Krispy Preview

UPDATE:  Power cut hits the premier league final!

A power cut has hit some of London (9,000 odd homes around the Wembley area), and that has effected the finals of the Premier League!  Some 7,000 fans left outside, as they are not allowing any fans into the venue, Sky generators mean they can still talk about it on TV, but not looking good now!

Sky say that if power not back on by 8pm, games to be re-scheduled for tomorrow (same evening as the England vs. Mexico football friendly?).  It is looking like the darts is not going to happen tonight (Sunday) – so things aren’t looking good for those fans outside the venue now.  Looks like it will be a Monday night for finals night.

So it’s finally here, the premier league final night at Wembley Arena – making Sunday evening much more bearable!  My fridge is full of refreshing cans of cider – so I’m all set!  One question I know will be on all your lips.. who will be the walk on girls tonight?  hehe, I can’t answer that, but maybe I can predict the results..

It’s nity grity time now – no soft games.. Reigning champ James Wade plays Simon Whitlock first up… and I think it’s going to be bad news for Wade tonight.   We’ve seen a big improvement in Wade’s form as the premier league has gone on, but Whitlock has just been in sparkling form the entire 2010, and his recent floor tournament results (3 out of 4 wins!) backs up the fact he’s currently the world number 2 on form.  I think Wade will feel the nerves as the defending champ, while Whitlock will be his usual laid back self.. and there will be big checkouts galore.

Next up is the ‘grudge match’ revisited, Phil Taylor vs. Mervyn King – and I just hope the battle is just between the players and the crowd leave them too it.  Unfortunately I doubt that will happen, and can see the boo boys back to have another pop at Merv.  Unless Merv can focus and turn that booing into aggresive darts, I can’t see him beating the Power – even though I don’t think Taylor has been quite at 100% for a few months now.  Watch Phil’s first dart – last premier league it was a touch higher than he’d like.

So I predict Taylor vs. Whitlock in the final – a repeat of  the final in Salzburg last week (which Taylor won 6-4).   It also would be a repeat of the world finals earlier in the year of course – which again went to the Power.   I think it’s a sign of things to come over this year – PDC darts becoming a fight between these two players, with Wade and King also picking up wins from time to time.

So who is going to win the final?   WHITLOCK! Yes I predict a win for the Aussie – purely based on the last few months form – the Power isn’t yet fully charged, while Whitlock is playing some of the best darts (and finishing) you’ll ever see.  Whatever happens it should be damn entertaining, so enjoy!

Tonights play-offs will be screened live on Sky Sports HD1 from 7pm, as well as live in Australia and Holland, which fans outside of the UK and Ireland can watch live coverage via www.pdc.tv.

Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts Play-Offs
May 23 – Wembley Arena, London
Semi-Finals
James Wade v Simon Whitlock
Phil Taylor v Mervyn King
First to eight legs – should the score be tied at seven-all after 14 legs, a ‘Golden Leg’ will decide the winner.
Followed by
Third Place Play-Off (first to eight legs)
Final (best of 19 legs)
Tickets: 0844 815 0 815 or www.wembleyarena.co.uk

Premier League Permutations – how can it all finish?

I can’t wait for tonight – for two reasons; 1) it’s still all to play for – only Phil Taylor is a cert for the finals.. and 2) I’m going to be there, my first visit to the premier league this year, probably on the most important night of the series!

Going into the 14th league night of this year’s event, only Phil Taylor – unbeaten so far this season – is guaranteed a place at Wembley Arena for the play-offs.

Five players are still fighting for the remaining three places in the semi-finals, and will play their final league games at the Trent FM Arena on Thursday.

Simon Whitlock sits second in the league table with 14 points, a point ahead of Mervyn King and Ronnie Baxter, with James Wade on 12 points and Adrian Lewis on 11 points. But even Australian star Whitlock could still miss out on a play-off spot should he lose to King and other results go against him.

Wade opens the night’s games when he faces Terry Jenkins in a match he cannot afford to lose, while a win for Baxter against resurgent Raymond van Barneveld would ensure his top four place.

Whitlock and King meet in the night’s third, and most crucial, fixture, while Taylor meets Lewis in the final match – a game Lewis may need to win to reach the top four should Baxter and Wade suffer defeats.

Play-Off Race – How It Stands
James Wade (plays Terry Jenkins)
* a win moves him onto 14 points, and he would then need King or Baxter to lose, or for Whitlock to lose by enough legs to drop below him on leg difference
* a draw moves him onto 13 points, and he would need Baxter to lose by more than three legs
* cannot qualify with a defeat

Ronnie Baxter (plays Raymond van Barneveld)
* a win means he qualifies
* a draw moves him onto 14 points and would probably be enough for him to qualify, unless Wade had won by four or more legs
* would still qualify with a defeat should Wade and Lewis both lose

Simon Whitlock (plays Mervyn King)
* qualifies with a win or a draw
* should Wade and Baxter both win, could drop to fifth if he loses to King

Mervyn King (plays Simon Whitlock)
* qualifies with a win
* a draw moves him onto 14 points and would probably be enough to qualify, unless Wade whitewashed Jenkins earlier to overhaul the leg difference deficit
* would still qualify with a defeat should Baxter lose and Wade not win

Adrian Lewis (plays Phil Taylor)
* needs Baxter to lose and Wade to lose or draw, and he has to defeat Phil Taylor by enough legs to overhaul his leg difference deficit with Baxter

Current Table	P	W	D	L	+/-	LWAT	Pts
Phil Taylor	13	11	2	0	+51	42	24
Simon Whitlock	13	6	2	5	+3	34	14
Mervyn King	13	5	3	5	+3	32	13
Ronnie Baxter	13	4	5	4	-1	36	13
James Wade	13	4	4	5	-4	27	12
Adrian Lewis	13	4	3	6	-9	28	11
R v Barneveld	13	4	1	8	-21	27	9
Terry Jenkins	13	3	2	8	-22	26	8

Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Night 14, Trent FM Arena, Nottingham
Terry Jenkins v James Wade
Ronnie Baxter v Raymond van Barneveld
Simon Whitlock v Mervyn King
Phil Taylor v Adrian Lewis
Live on Sky Sports HD 2 from 7pm
Fans outside the UK and Ireland can watch live through www.pdc.tv

Cleggy’s Betting Predictions for this week’s Premier league
Who will be the Sheriff in Nottingham?

Consistency is the key for Nottingham…

After dethroning the King in typical Robin Hood-style last week in Newcastle, Barney has to contend with the Rocket in Nottingham on Thursday on what promises to be a cracking night of Dartistry in the East Midlands. Raymond also managed to notch himself a nine darter up in Geordie-land and will be hoping that his bow and arrows are in similar sharp-shooting prowess on Thursday. It is such a shame that Barney hasn’t played like his old self throughout the campaign; let’s face it, he’s been about as consistent as Nottingham Forest’s play-off record: narrowly winning the odd game only to be battered into submission in the next, in front of all your adoring fans, letting them down again and again and again…

Ronnie Baxter, however, reminds me of Blackpool rock: he’s tough and gets stuck in, as opposed to Barney and Nottingham Forest, who have been more like those hideous talking, music playing dolls you buy as a joke. They seem like a good idea to watch at the time, then they become annoying and repetitive…and frustrating and not good enough and a let down and a waste of money and lazy…sorry I was drifting off for a minute.

Despite Ronnie’s better season, Barney will fight on Thursday like Forest failed to on Tuesday and will do the Machine and Jackpot a favour as he inflicts Ronnie’s fifth defeat of the season. Get on Raymond.

Switch the power on, Phil!

Terry-Bull Jenkins gave the Power a fright last week by staying close to him. Well, I say close, a three leg loss to Phil is quite a result these days. Now, if Adie plays as he can, he will stay close to Phil; alas, when does this happen? The Jackpot rarely plays as his name suggests he should which is why he is languishing one place above the aforementioned Neverlander, Raymond, in sixth position. Trust me, I would love to say that ‘this one will be close’, or ‘Phil will be beaten, at last!’ BUT I can’t, I’m afraid. Taylor will Phil his boots and stick his other boot right down Adie’s semi-final chances. Jackpot for Lewis? Wooden spoon’s more likely…

The booze may work in Merv’s favour…

I hear the boos will be flowing in Nottingham this week. Well, at my house it certainly will. Now I love homophones and maybe Merv should too. If he convinces himself that the crowd are shouting for ‘booze’ as he walks out on stage, and in turn furnishes the crowd with a plethora of real ales, I am sure he would become a hero! Alternatively he could open a barrel of cheap lager and soak the lot of the disrespectful dimwits: either way, it will be much more successful than getting ‘wound up’ and losing one’s cool, wouldn’t it, Merv? There is no disputing that the King is class and WILL make this year’s final [you heard it here first] but first he must make the wizard Whitlock vanish from second spot, which he will do in Thursday’s four-pointer. The King will rain on the Wizard’s parade (homophones again…) and get his campaign back on track after a disappointing defeat to Barney last week.

Locked Horns

The aforementioned (twice in one piece) Bully will rage against the Machine, James Wade, this week and this is one James must win. This match is very difficult to call as Wadey aims to bounce back from a heavy mauling at the hands of the Wizard in Newcastle. Bounce back he will but he will bounce straight into the Bull’s horns and they will lock together at 7-7

Doubles for Dough

Get on the King to beat Whitlock and Wade/Jenkins draw. This double should be around 10/1 and any respectable Turf Accountants!

Trebles for Show

Taylor/Barney/King all to win. This treble won’t win you a fortune but everyone likes a successful threes-up. Get on it.

Whyte & Mackay Prem League week 13 Preview – Newcastle

It’s the penultimate week of qualifiers for the darts premier league, and it’s nail biting time for some of the players, as they fight it out for those 2-4th spots (Taylor knows he’s sitting pretty at the top of the league now).

If you look at the current table it’s pretty close at the top, even Jenkins currently 7th could make 4th, if Baxter loses his next two games, and loses badly;

Latest League Table

	P	W	D	L	+/-	LWAT	Pts
Phil Taylor	12	10	2	0	+48	40	22
Mervyn King	12	5	3	4	+6	30	13
James Wade	12	4	4	4	0	25	12
Ronnie Baxter	12	4	4	4	-1	34	12
Simon Whitlock	12	5	2	5	-1	30	12
Adrian Lewis	12	4	2	6	-9	26	10
Terry Jenkins	12	3	2	7	-19	25	8
R v Barneveld	12	3	1	8	-24	23	7

Game 1 – Adrian Lewis v Ronnie Baxter

One of the games where it’s going to be fought tooth and nail.. a win for Lewis puts him on 12 points with Baxter (but unless it’s 8-0 to Lewis Baxter stays ahead on legs won difference) – so Lewis needs to win this and next week to hope to qualify.  A win for Baxter means his 14 points would probably see him safely through to the finals.  Lewis is back playing with his proper darts (he snapped one of his normal darts, and was playing with slightly heavier darts until he got a new set).   I think this one could be a 7-7 draw.. which would only be good for Baxter.

Game 2 – Mervyn King v Raymond van Barneveld

I’ll be interested to see how Barney plays this week, after appearing to relax into his A game last week (hitting a 9 darter game 2).  If the surprise blackmail has gone away, I really hope Barney’s game picks up again – which will be bad news for King.  King’s fighting for his position, as a loss this week could mean he drops one position.. and the nerves would hit next week.  Barney is just playing for pride, as he can’t make position 4 to qualify for the finals.  I think King will win, only because the game means more to him – and he’ll fight for every leg.

Game 3 – James Wade v Simon Whitlock

Both Wade and Whitlock are on 12  points, and there’s only 1 leg difference between them.. so it’s soooo close.  This could be a ‘decider’ game – the winner going 2 points ahead of the other.  Wade has done all his work in recent weeks, after a bad start.  Whitlock has been a bit up and down, but his game has been coming together in the last few weeks, with his floor play getting results as well as on the stage.  Both players can finish with the best of them.. James probably hits more 180′s on his night..    I’m going to say another draw, so the league goes down to the wire in the last week.

Game 4 – Terry Jenkins v Phil Taylor

Could Jenkins surprise us all with a win against Taylor? He’s just the sort of quiet player to do it… but I can’t see it.  If Taylor plays like he did last week, the game is his. Jenkins charge stopped short last week, but that was against a rampant Barney, so you can’t really count that – and Jenkins did come back well to only lose 8-6.  Mathematically the Bull can qualify.. but I think tonight his challenge dies – a win to Taylor.

May 6 – Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle
Adrian Lewis v Ronnie Baxter
Mervyn King v Raymond van Barneveld
James Wade v Simon Whitlock
Terry Jenkins v Phil Taylor
Over 6,000 fans will pack the Metro Radio Arena for the event, but a small number of tickets remain on sale on 0844 493 6666 or via www.metroradioarena.co.uk.

Whyte & Mackay Premier League week 12 – Results from Aberdeen

Not going to write up the games in full  tonight – wanted to relax a bit with a bottle of wine – and my dodgy ankle isn’t quite right.. so I didn’t want the extra hassle of the laptop…  sorry about that

And what’s this – no walk-on girls again??  What a let-down. 

So just the results with maybe a thought or two this week… as they come in….

GAME 1 – Baxter 7-7 Wade

Slow start to this game, doubles being missed by both in the 4th game, Baxter takes out madhouse to win it.  5th game wade misses more darts at a double.. Baxter takes his double top, 3-2 Baxter.  Baxter goes up 4-2 at the break.  Both players start game 7 with some big scoring.. Baxter fails to get his 121.. Wade goes for his.. and takes it!!  4-3 to Baxter, Wade to throw.  Wade takes his 40 our for 4-4.  Baxter misses three darts at double 17.. but Wade misses his change at 104.  Oh no!  Baxter misses his 17.. Wade on 12… 6.. misses 2 at double 3.  Wade doesn’t look happy, looks to someone in the crowd.  Baxter misses double 8 three more times!  Wade finally wins.  5-4 to Wade.  Wade holds his darts, and it’s now 6-4.  Both on 161.. Baxter messes it up.. Wade’s turn.. 60, 51, 25.. just misses the bull.  Baxter doesn’t mess, takes out 96, 6-5 to Wade.  Wade on 101.. 60.. 1… double top!  7-5 to Wade, a point in the bag.  Wade leads after a bounce-out for Baxter.. should be Wade’s game.

Wade misses darts at double 10.. double 5… Needs 5 now, with Baxter on 96.  Crowd are giving him it large – boo’s ring out.  Baxter hits 60.. and double 18 in one dart.  7-7 – a draw.

James wont speak, but Ronnie did, Interview online @ www.rockradio.co.uk from tomorrow. - Phil McKrackin, Darts Journo via twitter to me.

Why does Wade get booed? Hard to put your finger on it.  He often doesn’t interview that well – and he knows it.  People jealous of his girlfriend?  Maybe.  He’s a genius talent – that’s for sure.

GAME 2 – Mervyn King 1-8 Phil Taylor

This is the ‘new’ Taylor vs. Barney to be honest..  will the Scottish crowd cheer the Power?  Yes I think they will.

OK then, game on – both players had a rough welcome.. two Englishmen in Scotland.  First 180 to Taylor.  Taylor breaks King.. 1-0 Taylor.  King isn’t throwing well yet, back on 156 with Taylor needing 32.. he takes it out in 3 darts. 2-0 to Taylor.  King needs 161 to hold throw.. only 100.  Can Taylor take 154?  60.. ahh no, a single 18.  Merv must take 61.  Goes 25.. double 18, nice finishing.  2-1 to Taylor.  Taylor on 125 looks for his finish from last week.. but misses the first bull/25.  King still on 78 as Taylor goes for 36.. but misses with all 3 darts.  King needs 78.. NO.. left on 20.  Taylor takes out 18 in 3 darts.. 3-1 to Taylor.  4-1 to Taylor now as he takes out 64, breaking King yet again.  King can’t seem to find the triples, and is on a 84 average.  5-1 to Taylor at the break – he’s got no mercy!

The kicking continues after the break.. 6-1 to Taylor, another break of throw.  King needs to take 102, with Taylor on tops.. else it’s 7-1.  Nope.. Taylor steps up, 1 dart, double top. 7-1, one point.  Can King hold his dart?  Needs 80.. hits single 7.. triple 3.. erm??  Leaves 16. Power needs 70.. 18, 12.. tops.  8-1.  OUCH!

GAME 3 – van Barneveld 8-6 Jenkins

An improving Jenkins against an out of sorts Barney.  A big game for Barney, 8th vs 7th.. playing for pride here.  Barney seems to have experimented with his darts gain

Barney takes wins the first game with throw.. Barney seens to be finding the 60.. 1-0.   Barney starts the next game with 180.. 180…141!!!!!!!!!!!   9 darter!! 2-0.  The new dart set-up seems to be working.

3-0 to Barney… oh no, it’s 4-0   Terry looks stunned now.  112.5 average for Barney at this point..  Phew Jenkins gets a break of darts.. 4-1.  Barney breaks back again, with another relaxed leg.. 5-1, and the break.

Barney’s back…at last, those new arrows are like three excaliburs – Whyte & Mackay on twitter.

Barney holds his throw for 6-1… Jenkins is in trouble now.    An ironic smile on Jenkin’s face as he takes leg 8 for 6-2 down.   I’ve just realised that Barney has ditched his tri-coloured flights for this game (he had 3 different coloured flights, which he always threw in the same order.. for concentration I am told).  It couldn’t last long, Barney holds his throw, 7-2, and at least a point now.

Barney left on 121 for the game.. Jenkins back on 170.   It’s not going to be a finish for Barney… and then Jenkins hits 60, 60.. 25 (close!)..  Barney misses his 56.. and Jenkins hits his double, and it’s 7-3.  Barney to throw.

Both players trade 180′s. .. then Jenkins hits another 180… but hits triple 3!! hehe.  Ends up with 67.  Takes it out in his next three. 7-4.  Jenkins throw.. he’s doing well.. takes out his 32 in two darts.. 7-5.  Barney just needs 20.. BUT JENKINS TAKES OUT 146!!  60,60,26.  7-6.

Still looks like Barney’s game.. needs 42.. Jenkins needs 147.  Jenkins ALMOST did it!!  Just missed the double.. Barney doesn’t mess.. Barney wins 8-6.. WHAT A GAME!

Barney then talked about why his form has been off, and why he’s not been at the floor tournaments.. he seemed to be saying that someone was trying to blackmail him to extort money from him??  But he said the police had caught them.  Hopefully he can get his head together now and show us his true form.

GAME 4 – Lewis 7-7 Whitlock

Follow that guys!   Lewis is wearing his new shirt… I saw him in it in Wigan at the weekend, his first outing with it I think.. someone asked him “is that a new shirt Adrian?”… he answered “Yes duck, do you like it?”.. about 4-5 seconds of dead silence… “it might grow on me“.

Lewis breaks against Whitlock.. 1-0.  Lewis needs 40.. and takes it first dart.  2-0.  Whitlock hits a 180.. needs 81 with Lewis on 204, so should take this game… a 12 darter to get in the game.  2-1.  Whitlock has a change now.. Lewis on 25.. Whitlock on 100.. goes 20.. 40.. misses the 2nd double top.  Lewis misses his 25!  Whitlock hits 20.. then double 10, 2-2.  Hmm.. I think Whitlock might win now.

Ouch Lewis needs bull.. and bounces out on the wire.  But Whitlock misses 3 darts on double 4.  Lewis misses 10 and hits 15.. the ‘fans’ boo him as he tries to hit double 16.. and misses.  Whitlock cleans up now.. 3-2.  Lewis throws some great darts to leave himself double 8 with Whitlock back on 100.  Two darts miss… more boos… and 3rd HITS.  3-3, and the break. 4-3 to Simon, holding his own throw after the break.  Lewis on 170.. just takes the ton.  Whitlock can’t get his 140.. Lewis goes 54.. but misses the double 8.. left on 8.  Whitlock on 80.. has one dart at tops.. misses!  Lewis misses his 3 darts at 8… oh dear.  Whitlock hits his tops this time.. 5-3.  Whitlock looking good for 6-3.. but then hits a 60.  Whitlock isn’t playing as well as he has, but neither is Lewis.  Whitlock now on 44, Lewis on 89.  Whitlock goes 12.. 16.. and hits double 8, 6-3.

Lewis holds his throw .. 6-4 down.. Whitlock starts his next leg with 140, but Lewis takes a 180 out.  Then ANOTHER.. six perfect darts now.. but hits a triple 3.   Whitlock on 121.. hits 60, triple 11, then double 14!!  great finish for 7-4.

Lewis then gets the next leg with a 121 finish himself.. starting on bull.  7-5.  Whitlock needs 144 to win the game.. 60.. 60.. missed the double 12.  Lewis only gets to 36 away.. so Whitlock needs double 6.. and misses with all 3 darts.. Lewis needs double 18.. and gets it!  7-6.  Lewis to throw.. can he get a draw??  YES HE CAN.  Lewis hits his double.. and gets it to 7-7, winning the last 3 games.

Week 12 premier league predictions from (Sometimes Psychic) Cleggy

More betting tips for tonights Whyte & Mackay Premier League darts… from our resident betting expert Chris ‘Cleggy’ Clegg…

Two fat ladies for Lowebo

The great John Lowe advised me that Phil Taylor provided him with two fat ladies last week – and it only took Lowebo the time for Taylor to win his match against Whitlock to ‘Phil’ his boots. Now, that must have been something special…

Winning £88 on one match…now that’s something to get excited about…what did you think I was talking about?

If you’re willing to put on a fillet ‘stake’, punters, the rewards are obvious…as are the risks. Personally, I can only afford a bit of rump so here go the predictions:

Booze in Scotland?

It’s the Rocket against the Machine up in Aberdeen and the Scots will be in for a trick (as opposed to a treat) as one of the men they love to boo (great English player), James Wade, will continue his excellent form. The Scots do tend to dislike many of the English, don’t they? Their disdain will remain for James tonight as he puts Ronnie to bed. I love Ronnie but he missed the launch last week and it will be goodnight from him as he might begin waving goodbye to the coveted top 4 spot. Get on Wade @ 2/5.

More booze? Of course, and English King is here!

Now, I wouldn’t advise old ‘stone face’ to pile in on Taylor this week as he’s up against the King of England. Now, Kings of England always triumph in Scotland, don’t they? And I’ve got a funny feeling that Merv will be on his ‘A’ game and will swerve the Scottish bullets up in Aberdeen to give the power a taste of his own medicine. King responded like a true English monarch last week as he demolished Adie Lewis and no-one could have predicted that (including me!) and I think he will take his sharpened, more accurate arrers up to bonny Scotland. He might need some ear muffs too (to drown out the accents, I mean boos!). King is around 6/1 on Skybet.

More pain for Raymond?

It’s Barney Jenkins in a basement battle as Barney attempts to turn his season around as the Bully just might have done last week. OK, it might be too late for both of them in the premier league but both will want to impress after languishing near the foot of the table for the whole season. Pompey fans can empathise. Terry Bullied Baxter last week whereas Barney was on the end of James Wade’s ass kicking. This one will be close, I feel, but it will be Jenks who administers more pain for the Raym’n. 11/8 about Jenks.

Draw your swords

The last match tonight is between the Jackpot and the Wizard. On current form, I can’t see past the wizard and on current size I can’t see past Adie. He’s a big player but often succumbs to the big occasions. This one’s a big’un as nothing else but a win will do for Lewis; alas I think Whitlock’s magic will prevent a Lewis victory. 7-7 for me and 7/2 is a niiiiiice priiiiiice: I liiiiiiiike!!!

Trebles for show

Get on King/Wade/Jenkins all to win for at least a 16/1 pay out. £80 for a fiver.

Doubles for Dough

King to beat Taylor and Lewis/Whitlock draw: well over £250 for your tenner