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Posts Tagged ‘Ronnie Baxter’

European Darts Championships – Saturday results

I’ve not got much time for a proper review… those will have to come tomorrow morning.  Saturday afternoon has seen some good darts.  Ronnie Baxter probably the highlight of the play, with some great scoring and doubles (100+ average).  Wayne Jones continues his good run on TV (about time!), with a win over Robert Thornton.

UPDATE: I’m so happy for Jamie ‘Jabba’ Caven – a fantastic win today, and it’s about time we saw him having a great TV tournament.

Saturday July 31
Second Round
Afternoon Session

Mark Walsh 10-6 Jelle Klaasen
Terry Jenkins 10-8 Simon Whitlock
Ronnie Baxter 10-9 Wes Newton
Wayne Jones 10-4 Robert Thornton

Evening Session

Barrie Bates 6-10 Jamie Caven
Raymond van Barneveld 10-7 Bernd Roith
Phil Taylor 10-5 Andy Smith
Colin Lloyd 10-6 Michael van Gerwen

All games the best of 19 legs

European Championship – Night Two Results

Some surprises tonight, with Bernd Roith beating the previously in form Denis Ovens.  Denis looked .. well out of it all game, and Roith was a worthy winner.

Also a great result from Mighty Mike van Gerwen.  After breaking his collarbone it’s some result to be winning a game of darts so soon.  He grew in confidence as the game went on.

I was disappointed with the performance from Adrian Lewis – it really wasn’t what we expect from a ‘potential world champion’.  He looked out of sorts and not on his game at all.  I think a 6-3 loss to Wayne Jones flattered him!

I know a lot of people will be pleased to see Colin Lloyd win – he’s a very popular player.   Beating James Wade must have given him some confidence for the rest of the tournament.  In the Osborne vs. Newton game Wes started well, and Osborne badly.. it was 3-0 pretty quickly to Newton.  But then Osborne found some inner strength and really put the pressure on Newton, taking it to 4-3 to Colin at one point.  Wes somehow got over his shock, and fought back to win 6-4, a close game!

Barney – well after a dodgy opening, he showed he’s still back – throwing some power darts at times, his silken smooth throw back to close to its best.  If Hamilton hadn’t been throwing big 180′s it wouldn’t have been such a close game.  Hamilton really does bang in those 60′s.

Ronnie Baxter had a real ding dong with Alan Tabern, and for a while it looked like the Saint would win… but Baxter took out an amazing 126 to win the final deciding leg.  Great exciting stuff.

PartyPoker.net European Championship
First Round
Play commences 8pm German time (7pm UK time)

Bernd Roith 6-4 Denis Ovens
Mark Dudbridge 4-6 Robert Thornton
Adrian Lewis 3-6 Wayne Jones
Tomas Seyler 4-6 Michael van Gerwen
James Wade 4-6 Colin Lloyd
Raymond van Barneveld 6-5 Andy Hamilton
Colin Osborne 4-6 Wes Newton
Ronnie Baxter 6-5 Alan Tabern

Results from Players Championships in Barnsley

I’ll combined both day’s results in Barnsley – as I was actually there an not able to post yesterday!     I will write a full write-up about my time away watching the games with the players tomorrow, after I’ve had a good rest.  I will say a big thanks to Steve ‘Mr Magic’ Maish for having ‘Danger’ and myself there as his guests, and he once again made us feel really welcome!  I’ve got an interview with Maishy to post very soon (once I’ve typed it up!).

Anyway – two more big days of darts on the pro-tour – the venue at the Barnsley Metrodome felt better than Wigan – if only for the far bigger toilets!

Saturday 12th June Results

I’ve got to hand it to Gary Anderson, he continued his form from the UK Open with a great day’s play to win the £6,000 winners prize.  I would add that stories about him not being able to finish are also over played, as he was hitting his doubles more than well on Saturday.

Anderson’s form was dominant from the start of the event, when he whitewashed Colin Monk and dropped only three legs in defeats of Jamie Atkins and Alan Tabern.  He then defeated Jamie Caven 6-2 in the last 16, dropped just one leg against Mervyn King in the quarter-finals before coming from behind to beat Justin Pipe 6-4 in the semis (quite a battle between the good friends).

Special mention to my mate Justin Pipe, who has just won “The Stars of Darts” forum sponsorship, and then took the confidence gained by having a fantastic Saturday.  Pipe’s run to the semis was his best-ever run on the PDC ProTour, surpassing a quarter-final appearance he had in March.  Justin played and beat a raft of good players (including Simon Whitlock!) – keeping his bottle in a few close ones.

Fourth Round

Mark Walsh 6-2 Denis Ovens
Andy Hamilton 6-3 Steve Beaton
Colin Lloyd 6-4 Vincent van der Voort
James Wade 6-4 Peter Wright
Mervyn King 6-0 Wes Newton
Gary Anderson 6-2 Jamie Caven
Wayne Jones 6-3 Tony Ayres
Justin Pipe 6-0 Alex Roy
Losers £500

Quarter-Finals
Mark Walsh 6-1 Andy Hamilton
James Wade 6-5 Colin Lloyd
Gary Anderson 6-1 Mervyn King
Justin Pipe 6-4 Wayne Jones
Losers £1,000

Semi-Finals
Mark Walsh 6-3 James Wade
Gary Anderson 6-4 Justin Pipe
Losers £1,500

Final
Gary Anderson 6-1 Mark Walsh
Winner £6,000
Runner-Up £3,000

Sunday 13th June Results

Ronnie Baxter took out some big shots in the final against Denis Ovens to win Sundays prize money.  Denis must be pleased with that final place, after doing so well in the UK Open.  I watched Baxter whitewash Adrian Lewis in the semi-final – I don’t think Ade’s mind was quite right for the game, after complaining about the quality of the boards, and getting a replacement put in moments before the game (Adrian’s darts points were sinking completely into the board).

Game of the day for me was Jamie Caven vs. Steve Maish.  Maish was 3-0 up playing well… when Jamie took the next three legs and it looked like it was going to be a close one at 3-3.  Then Jamie hit a real purple patch, and won the next three legs with 11,11, and 12 darters.  He could hardly miss – hitting loads of triple 19′s on his way.

Fourth Round

Denis Ovens 6-2 Wes Newton
Andy Hamilton 6-0 Andy Jenkins
Mark Walsh 6-3 Roland Scholten
Steve Brown 6-1 Vincent van der Voort
Ronnie Baxter 6-2 Simon Whitlock
Dennis Priestley 6-5 Justin Pipe
Alan Tabern 6-5 Gary Anderson
Adrian Lewis 6-2 Joe Cullen
Losers £500

Quarter-Finals
Denis Ovens 6-5 Andy Hamilton
Mark Walsh 6-0 Steve Brown
Ronnie Baxter 6-5 Dennis Priestley
Adrian Lewis 6-5 Alan Tabern
Losers £1,000

Semi-Finals
Denis Ovens 6-3 Mark Walsh
Ronnie Baxter 6-0 Adrian Lewis
Losers £1,500

Final
Ronnie Baxter 6-5 Denis Ovens
Winner £6,000
Runner-Up £3,000

Whyte & Mackay Premier League week 13 – Nottingham results

Mervyn King and the boos…

Oh dear – tonight Mervyn King really lost it with the crowd – his reaction to them (winding them up even more giving them the big “can’t hear you” stuff) kicked them off more and more… and I know it must be really hard to concentrate with the booing going on during your throw, but you can’t be concentrating at all turning around between every throw.   I can see why he’s upset, but it’s disrespectful to Barney – who is waiting to throw.

For those of you who don’t know – Mervyn King ‘threw a dart over Phil Taylors shoulder’ – during last years Premier League.  Now I think Sky blew it out of proportion, and ever sense Merv has been booed by the Prem League fans.  Merv also had a few rough patches during the BDO – when he did have the odd un-sporting moment.  But since being in the PDC, Mervyn has been a model professional – maybe it’s walk on music; “Bow down to the King”, or his snarl and darts face which puts some fans off.  He also famously said (while in the BDO); “he’d rather pack in darts than play for the PDC’ – obviously that was before he realised how much money there was in the PDC!

Oh and I know who one of the darts walk-on girls is this week – it’s Kathy Mugglestone (sometime Zoo girl), you can find her page on facebook here.

Anyway – results (as they happen if you’re reading this now!)…

Game 1 – Adrian Lewis 7-7 Ronnie Baxter

Match Stats

Adrian Lewis	7-7	Ronnie Baxter
19	100+	26
7	140+	8
2	180	1
28.90	Ave1	29.61
86.71	Ave3	88.84
86	High Finish	100
2	Legs Against Throw	2

Game 2 – Mervyn King 5-8 Raymond van Barneveld

Mervyn’s hopes to stay in the top 4 must have taken a dent in that fiery game!

Match Stats

Mervyn King	5-8	R v Barneveld
14	100+	14
5	140+	10
2	180	5
29.09	Ave1	32.48
81.27	Ave3	97.43
130	High Finish	82
2	Legs Against Throw	4

Game 3 – James Wade 4-8 Simon Whitlock

Great result for Whitlock – easy in the end! He’s now 2nd in the table.. great stuff!

Match Stats

James Wade	4-8	Simon Whitlock
16	100+	10
9	140+	12
3	180	3
32.69	Ave1	32.61
98.07	Ave3	97.84
127	High Finish	124,104,100
2	Legs Against Throw	4

Game 4 – Phil Taylor 8-5 Terry Jenkins

Match Stats

Terry Jenkins	5-8	Phil Taylor
19	100+	18
9	140+	13
3	180	3
29.64	Ave1	33.41
88.91	Ave3	100.23
58	High Finish	123,104
1	Legs Against Throw	2

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.

Premier League week 10 – Results from Sheffield & Krispy Review

Woo hoo another of my favourite walk on girls back at the darts, Nicola Cowell (one day she’ll agree to an interview, I hope!).  Anyone know who the brunette was?  Another glamorous mystery… and she looked pretty good as Dorothy too.

Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Week Ten – Sheffield Arena
Terry Jenkins 8-5 Adrian Lewis
Ronnie Baxter 7-7 Mervyn King
James Wade 7-7 Phil Taylor
Raymond van Barneveld 6-8  Simon Whitlock

Terry Jenkins v Adrian Lewis

First game, first 180 for Lewis.. could be good.  But Jenkins holds on to his darts and it’s 1-0 to Jenkins.  Oh hang on.. Jenkins breaks to 3-1 .. It’s GAME ON!  Jenkins is throwing tonight.  With Ade on 130, Jenkins just misses shanghai .. but Ade misses his.. and Jenkins cleans up for 4-1.. surprise could be on!  (going against my super 6 prediction).

Lewis manages to hold.. 4-2.. and the break. (time for a booze top up).   Lewis breaks again.. 4-3.. and can he hold… misses double 2, but Jenkins is back on 161.  Yep 4-4.. starting again now.  Jenkins holds.. 5-4.   Ouch a 58 from Lewis is letting Jenkins in, and he hits 140 to take advantage.. terry needs 140, Lewis 130.   Just a ton for Jenkins.  Lewis misses bull to hold his throw… Jenkins… hits double top, a break and 6-4.    Jenks isn’t messing now – 180 start.  Then 140.  It’s looking bad for Lewis, back on 415!    Takes out his checkout – Jenkins has a point, 7-4.  Jenkins needs 32 for 8-4..  nope he hits 16, double 16 by mistake.  7-5.

Jenkins takes his 40 out (double 10), and wins 8-5 (his first since beating Lewis in Belfast).   Nice one Terry.. and against most ‘informed’ opinion.. including mine!

Ronnie Baxter v Mervyn King

King booed again (I don’t think the people doing it know why).. he’s a big man, I’m sure it doesn’t affect his game. In fact he throws better angry.  101 checkout to Baxter including a bull on the 2nd dart. Nice.  1-0 Baxter.  Wow, Baxter takes out 96 in two darts, after King misses darts at his doubles (with cr@ppy ‘fans’ booing as he was throwing).  2-0 Baxter.

Just heard some of the crowd booing a King 180 – what’s that about??   Shame to say it, but you’re sheep.. baaaaa… booing cause you’ve seen it on TV.  Shame really.  Although you can put me right – if you were there, and was booing, why were you doing it?  Maybe there’s a ‘proper’ reason I’m missing.

King gets back to 2-1.  2-2… 3-2 King and he’s back in charge.  Wow – Baxter hits a 122 finish, on the BULL!  Big finish 3-3 and the break.  Baxter hits a 180 to leave 20 on his throw.. for possible 13 darter.  ouch.. hits a 5 when needing double 5.  4-3 to King, and King has the darts.

6-4 to King.. but Baxter holds his throw, so 6-5.  Baxter breaks! (bull finish).. 6-6.

. with the darts… 7-6 Baxter.. King fighting for his point now!  King goes for a 160 finish, and misses double top after getting the 120.   King gets his double.. 7-7 draw.

King is not happy with the crowd (but is a Gentleman and shakes Baxter’s hand with a smile before he shows his anger).  Top man King.

James Wade v Phil Taylor

Wade manages to hold his throw even though Taylor started quickly.. 1-0 Wade.  Wade looks like he could break Taylor.. starts with 180… hitting a lot of 60′s.. is on 55 with Taylor back on 192.. has a chance to break.  2-0 Wade.. great start.  Taylor then starts scoring.. it’s close in game 3.  Taylor breaks.. 201..  Taylor hits his 3rd dart at double 12.. 2-2.  3-2 Wade..  and now he’s miles ahead in the next game.. 44 needed.. 4.. hits 20.. misses double 10.  Taylor back on 142.  Hits 60.. misses bull.  Now can Wade take his 10?  YES!  4-2 to Wade.  GAME ON!

After the break (and another glass of wine).. Taylor misses doubles.. and Wade ta

kes his on the 3rd dart for 5-2.. Can it be Wadey’s night?  Taylor misses more chances at double, but Wade is miles back.. Taylor just needs double tops.  Phew he takes the double 5 for 5-3.. Wade to throw.  Oh it’s happening.. 6-3 wade, with Taylor back a way.  Wade hits another 180.. leaving 81.  Misses the bull and Taylor steps up needing 78… and takes the double top for 6-4.

Ouch Taylor hits a 65 (including a bounce out).. Wade is 200 ahead on his throw.  Wade needs 135.. Taylor on 202 now.  Wade setting things up, leaving 54.  Wade goes to 7-4.. Taylor has dropped at least a point now.. will it be two?  Taylor doesn’t mess on his own throw – takes it to 7-5 with Wade way back.  Wade then hits 180 on his first three darts.. great start!  BUT NOT ENOUGH.  Taylor takes the leg.  Taylor throwing to save the game…  only hits 60.. and so does Wade.  Pressure on.  Taylor hits a bit 180.. and finishes with double 8.. DRAW 7-7.

Raymond van Barneveld v Simon Whitlock

Last game… Whitlock has been getting better again, his heel injury forgotten.  Barney.. well.. could be good, could be bad…

It’s a ‘must win’ game for Barney.

Whitlock hits 121 to checkout on a 12 darter to break Barney – 1-0 to Whitlock.  A 180 .. then 140 to start for Whitlock.  Barney hits back with a 180.  Whitlock hits 100 to checkout.. 2-0.  Can Barney hold on..   Barney does hold. 2-1.  More amazing darts from Whitlock, and it’s 3-1.  4-1 Whitlock against the throw, if he holds now, should be game over.  Double top and Whitlock is 5-1 up at the break – Barney has a 102 average.. but Whitlock is around 108, with great doubles.  6-2.. Barney throwing for a 11 darter… 12.. nope.  Whitlock back on 250, so this leg has GOT to be Barney’s.  Yep, 6-3.

Whitlock was just keeping his big guns covered.. 11 darter takes it to 7-3, and at least a point.  Barney is a beaten man here (still a 101 average mind you).  Barney misses the double top of his 120 .. but Whitlock is back on 146.. Barney is now 7-4.    Make that 7-5.. averages dropping now.. Whitlock not quite on fire anymore.  Barney needs 80… gets in two darts.  7-6.

Whitlock MUST win his leg on his throw now.. and only gets 85.. Barney on the ton.  Whitlock on 122… Missing treble 18.. leaves himself 68, but Barney needs 70.. triple 18.. and misses double 8 with two darts.  Whitlock takes his 68!!!  (after a single 1.. triple 17… double 8). PHEW – closer than it should have been, but its 8-6 to Whitlock.

Premier League week 9 – Glasgow Results

Well darts fans can relax, after last week in Cardiff and the ‘no walk on girls’ disaster – this week in Glasgow we had 4 girls! Talk about value for money

The booing of Lewis was a bit poor – especially when he was throwing.  Come on Scotland – enjoy your night out, and cheer on Barney, but please respect the players, even if you don’t like em / they are English.

Remember if you are on twitter, you can follow me and join in the banter during the matches (a mix of fans, darts journalists, the sponsors, and players are often found offering their views).

On to the action…

Game 1 – Lewis vs Barney

Lewis managed to shush the boo boys early on, by outplaying Barney – taking a 4-1 lead early on (completely stuffing my predictions on the crowd beating him).  Lewis just missed a bull to go 5-1, but Barney kept his cool and got to 4-2 at the break. 4-3… Barney breaks for 4-4, and the crowd start up again.   Fantastic 11 darter for Lewis to break straight back.. 5-4.  Great game now.

I think I’ll need a lay down after this game… Lewis misses chances at a double to hold.. and Barney needs 3 for 32, and gets it.  5-5.  Barney then shows utter class – takes triple 18 three times, to leave himself 140 – what a counter, what an eye!  BUT then he goes on to miss 40 in 3 darts.. oh dear, Lewis then takes on 48 and misses in 3 darts, with the crowd screaming out their pleasure at him missing.  6-5 to Barney.  Lewis shows the crowd what he’s made of, and holds to get to 6-6, could be a draw.  Phew Lewis JUST misses a 160 checkout to break.. Barney misses his chance.. and Lewis gets his double 10 to break and get a point (at least) 7-6.. and the darts…

Lewis then piles on the pressure.. a 180… then gets to 40 while Barney needs 199!   Lewis takes his double top in two darts.. and wins 8-6.  FANTASTIC MATCH – WELL DONE ADRIAN.

Game 2 – Whitlock vs Jenkins

Ouch, Jenkins misses a double top finish to break.. and Whitlock doesn’t make a mistake.. 1-0 Whitlock.  Whitlock attempts a 170 checkout.. hits 25 instead of bull.. but still gets to finish to go 2-0 up, breaking Jenkins.

3-1 to Whitlock, and he’s got the throw… yep 4-1.   Whitlock attempts a 170 with Jenkins on 104.. and misses.. but Jenkins only gets to 48.. Whitlock misses double 16… and Jenkins gets his second leg for 4-2 at the break.  (on twitter there are fears for Jenkins.. )

Whitlock attempts a 164 check-out.. and misses.  But is far ahead.. and takes double 8 for 5-2.  Jenkins pain continues.. misses a low score.. and Whitlock takes his 52 in two darts, 6-2.  Then Whitlock starts with a 180… bad news for Terry.  7-2 with Jenkins back a way…  and in the next game only 48 with Jenkins back on 136..  Whitlock goes 16… 16.. and misses double 8.  Jenkins takes his double top!  7-3.  But now it’s Whitlock with the darts.  Wow Whitlock wins taking out a ton plus finish.  8-3 to Whitlock.

Game 3 – Taylor vs Baxter

Taylor up next – another win, or can Ronnie upset him?   Hmm…  Whyte & Mackay twitter going for the Rocket… they’ve obviously been drinking to much of their good stuff!     GAME ON!

Hmm slow start (averages of 1st leg both about 83) .. but Taylor breaks Baxter.. 1-0.. and then misses 3 darts at a double.. make that 6 darts!!  Baxter must take his double 8.. and does.  1-1.  Taylor again misses double 8 (twice).. and Baxter takes his double top (fav finish) for 2-1 to Baxter.  Hmm 2-2.. Ronnie isn’t scoring.. Taylor isn’t hitting doubles..    but hits one and gets his 48 to break Baxter’s throw, 3-2.. one more game before the break.

Taylor misses double 3… and Ronnie takes out 104 to take it back to 3-3!  I wonder how the Power will come out after the break.  He often seems to be able to re-energise.

Taylor (and Baxter) miss more doubles!  Taylor misses.. 5? At doubles.. and Baxter hits his to finally take the leg with throw.  4-3.  Phil takes his 74 out for 4-4.. and then Baxter only gets 49.. Taylor hits 180.  Oh dear.  Ronnie is really missing a lot of darts – low scoring, and doubles…  if Phil wins this then Ronnie will kick himself.. it was there for the taking tonight.

Taylor picking up steam now.. 5-4.. and another 180 hits home.  6-4 now.. Baxter with the throw.  Taylor breaks again – with his double 16 routine.. 7-4, and a point.. he has the throw for 2 points and total domination of the league.  Yep Taylor takes it to plan, and extends his lead.  8-4 to Taylor.

Game 4 – King vs Wade

I think this will be the game of the night.. although the first wasn’t bad!

Another slow start. King missing doubles..Wade finally hit one – 1-0 and a break.   2-0 after Wade takes a double 10, and the crowd are fairly quiet.  Then a big checkout for Wade, 131 (biggest of the night).

Fark – 4-0 to Wade – must have been the warm-up our competition winners gave him last night!  Or is it King’s dodgy facial growth?  Finally a finish on 25 gets a leg for King, 4-1.  Wade misses several darts at a double.. and king then misses double 16 with 3 darts.. but Wade misses again (hitting a 5 on double 5).  And then King finally takes the leg.. 4-2 at the break.  King on a comeback?

Leg 7 starts with 140 from both players.. and then Wade follows up with a 180.. great darts.  James takes out an 80 for 5-2.  The left-hander is in the driving seat now.  Shame it’s not closer.. King isn’t himself tonight.    Now at 6-3 (after a few slerps of wine and sorting the cat out).. oh no it’s 7-2!  At least a point to Wade..   A big 161 finish from KING!  7-4.  Wade on 81 … and GETS IT!  8-4 to Wade.
Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Week Nine – S.E.C.C., Glasgow
Raymond van Barneveld 6-8 Adrian Lewis
Simon Whitlock 8-3 Terry Jenkins
Ronnie Baxter 4-8 Phil Taylor
Mervyn King 4-8 James Wade

Premier League in Cardiff – Results from week 8.

A quick results round up from me tonight – I had a cracking time watching, drinking, and chatting on twitter with other darts fans (and the sponsors, Whyte & Mackay!).

BIGGEST NEWS OF THE NIGHT: No PDC walk on girls?!   I’ve not been able to get info on why that was – I will keep asking the question you want answered!

First up, Mervyn King was well up for a fight, and unfortunately Terry wasn’t.  A bit one sided, but I’m sure Merv won’t mind, bagging two more points.  I really hope that Terry finds his confidence again – he doesn’t seem to be quite throwing right at the moment.

Game 2 – Ronnie Baxter was on fire – again!  Although I thought that Simon Whitlock looked ill during his walk on – anyone else think that?  Ill or not, he wasn’t a match for the Rocket on the night.

Then started the ‘young guns’ match – and I must admit I didn’t think Lewis would beat Wade, as James has been improving over the last few weeks.  But hats of to Lewis, he kept level for the early stages, and then powered ahead, and Wade didn’t have a reply.  Lewis is earning a bit of a soft spot from me – if he can keep winning when games get tough, he’s going to start winning big competitions.

So – Barney vs’ the Power… a big match?  Maybe not.  They’ve been a little one sided in the last couple of years, and this match was no different.  Barney started looking like he meant business, but soon folded – and I saw at least one big head shake.  Bit too easy for Taylor in the end – I’m sure he’s not bothered, but the fans want a BATTLE!   Hats off to Taylor – as he wished Peter Manley his best wishes.

Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Week Eight – CIA, Cardiff
Terry Jenkins 2-8 Mervyn King
Simon Whitlock 5-8 Ronnie Baxter
Adrian Lewis 8-5 James Wade
Phil Taylor 8-2 Raymond van Barneveld

Premier League Darts – Night Seven Results

The Wizard finally found his wand (or form) last night when Simon Whitlock beat Mervyn King 8-6 – has Mervyn’s premier league form started to drop after a great start?  King got to 6-4 up after brilliant 161 finish, but couldn’t win that one leg needed for a point, and Whitlock came back winning the next 4 legs to take the game.

Wade always kept ahead of Jenkins in their game, showing that Wade is definite now firing on on cylinders, so it could start getting interesting.

RONNIE BAXTER moved to joint second place in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts with a fine 8-4 defeat of five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld in Birmingham.  Baxter hit some big finishes, including a 164 checkout.  At one point Barney was 5-1, and never looked like he’d get back.

PHIL TAYLOR pulled five points clear at the top of the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts by defeating Adrian Lewis 8-4 at the NIA in Birmingham.  That was after Lewis went 2-0 up – but then Taylor put his foot down.

Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Week Seven – NIA, Birmingham
Mervyn King 6-8 Simon Whitlock
James Wade 8-5 Terry Jenkins
Raymond van Barneveld 4-8 Ronnie Baxter
Adrian Lewis 4-8 Phil Taylor

Premier League Darts – Night Six Results

Phew I was close with my predictions.. I just missed the fact Mervyn King was going to throw away a big lead (sorry Merv if you read this!), and end up with only one point, drawing 7-7 with Barney, after being 6-3 up!  I didn’t buy the new light darts making everything OK – a player with Barney’s talent should be able to win with a set of brass darts!  At times Barney again looked like he was giving up, body language wasn’t good at all as he went down early on.

Otherwise I called Taylor with a big win, Lewis and Wade to win.  Nice.

Wade played a great game tonight, really showing some form – Whitlock… well I’m not sure if he’s still struggling with his dodgy standing foot? (he hurt the heel some time ago).

Taylor recorded the second highest average so far season at 106.79, and Jenkins had to hit 100+ finishes in the three games him managed to win, showing how hard it was for him to only lose 8-3!

Lewis was 6-4 down against Baxter, and it did look game over for him, but he found something inside to come back (which he wouldn’t have done a year or two ago).  Baxter did have 3 darts at double 18 to draw the game, but blew it – big shame for the rocket.

(edit) Oh and for those who wondered what all the singing (something about t*ts) was about when the crowd were facing the other way in Brighton, I have heard a couple of rumours that; 1)  a bloke spilt his pint all over his girlfriend, and she lost it and beat him up.. and 2) in another event, a nice lady did indeed ‘get em out for the lads’ – and was then shown the door by the security.   nice

Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Week Six – The Brighton Centre
Phil Taylor 8-3 Terry Jenkins
Raymond van Barneveld 7-7 Mervyn King
Ronnie Baxter 6-8 Adrian Lewis
Simon Whitlock 4-8 James Wade