Group E: World Champion Adrian Lewis prepared himself for the World Championships with a win in his final group game. Jackpot met Gary Anderson who was already guaranteed his place in the next round. The pair couldn't separated throughout the match and Anderson kept edging ahead until the pair were level at 3-3. Lewis then hit a 147-checkout before Anderson riposted with a 130-finish to set up a final leg that Lewis ended up winning.
John Part and Tony O'Shea battled it out to join Anderson into the knock-out phase and it was also an extremely close affair. After O'Shea took the opening leg, The Canadian turned it around to lead 3-1. O'Shea fired back to level the match, turning it into a best of three. O'Shea then went 4-3 ahead before Part took the remaining two legs to win the match and join Anderson into the next round. Table:
John Part 4 +3
Gary Anderson 4 +1
Tony O'Shea 2 -1
Adrian Lewis 2 -2
Group F: Andy Hamilton wins the group with a 100% record. His final match was against Paul Nicholson who was in a straight fight against Brendan Dolan for second place. Nicholson levelled the match at 1-1 with an 88-checkout on the bull. Hamilton didn't take too kindly to it and responded to lead 3-1 but Nicholson wasn't done and came back to level the match. Hamilton smashed a superb 118-checkout before the Geordie Aussie sent the game into a deciding leg. Hamilton won the match in style with a 104-finish.
Nicholson did need to beat Hamilton by at least two legs to stand any chance of going through after Dolan whitewashed Barrie Bates earlier in the night. Bates wasn't playing too badly, but he just couldn't prevent Dolan from winning 5-0. Table:
Andy Hamilton 6 +8
Brendan Dolan 4 +4
Paul Nicholson 2 +1
Barrie Bates 0 -13
Group G: Wes Newton also progresses through the group stage with a 100% record, whilst succumbing Terry Jenkins to eviction. Jenkins had to win at least 5-2 to stand any chance of going through but a 110-finish followed by an 82-checkout from Newton saw any chances fade away for The Bull. It was official when Newton went 3-1 up and that soon became 4-1 before Jenkins delayed the inevitable. Newton made a statement by winning the match with a superb 121-checkout.
Wesley Harms joins Newton into the next round after quite an easy victory over fellow BDO player, Martin Phillips. Phillips did take the opening leg before the pair were locked together at 2-2. But Harms found some momentum to reel off three straight legs to win the match. Table:
Wes Newton 6 +9
Wesley Harms 4 +3
Terry Jenkins 2 -3
Martin Phillips 0 -9
Group H: Raymond Van Barneveld recovers from his defeat to Christian Kist to top the group on leg difference. Barney met Wayne Jones, who signs off from his home tournament without a victory, in the final match. It did look like things could have been different when Jones took a 2-0 lead. But Barney regained composure and took five legs on the spin to record the victory.
Mark Walsh almost caused a bit of an upset after he beat Kist and nearly progressed despite losing his opening match of the tournament. Walsh hit a wonderful 124-checkout to take a 2-1 lead after going 1-0 behind and he then bettered it with a 164-finish to make it 3-2. Walsh was never behind after the opening leg so he maybe deserved his 5-4 victory. Table:
Raymond Van Barneveld 4 +7
Christian Kist 4 +4
Mark Walsh 4 -3
Wayne Jones 0 -8
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
Tuesday, 13 November 2012
Whitlock and Wade Out, Taylor Only Finishes Second
Group A: The 2010 Grand Slam Champion, Scott Waites, wins the group after beating Phil Taylor. The Power hit a sensational 164-checkout to level the match at 1-1 but Scotty did prove too Hotty and soon led 4-1. Taylor took out 98 in the seventh leg before Waites completed the fantastic job.
Waites knew he was already through before he met Taylor as Mark Webster suffered a critical loss to Co Stompe. The Dutchman showed form he hadn't delivered in the previous two matches and quickly took a 3-0 lead. That turned into 4-2 before Stompe ended Webster's hopes. Table:
Scott Waites 4 +4
Phil Taylor 4 +4 (2nd on head to head)
Mark Webster 2 -4
Co Stompe 2 -5
Group B: Michael Van Gerwen progresses without losing a game after succumbing Ted Hankey to a whitewash. It wasn't Van Gerwen at his total best, but he did show glimpses. Hankey suffered problems with his eye from the second leg onwards and it really affected him. The Dutchman did finish the game with an emphatic 130-checkout.
Robert Thornton joins Van Gerwen after Steve Beaton ends the tournament without a win. The game was tight throughout and after leading 2-1, Thornton went 3-2 down. The Scot turned it around once more to lead 4-3 before winning the match 5-4. Table:
Michael Van Gerwen 6 +11
Robert Thornton 4 +4
Ted Hankey 2 -8
Steve Beaton 0 -6
Group C: After winning his first two games, Simon Whitlock fails to get out of the group after being thrashed by Dean Winstanley. Winstanley was in devastating form and completed his 3-0 lead with a 142-checkout. Whitlock did chalk one leg on the board but Winstanley finished the match 5-1 and took Whitlock's place in the next round.
Young James Hubbard exits the tournament without a win after Kevin Painter secured his place in the next round. Hubbard started off quite well and took a 2-0 lead. Painter hit a 121-checkout before surging into a 4-2 lead. Two legs later and Painter had won the match 5-3. Table:
Dean Winstanley 4 +6
Kevin Painter 4 +2
Simon Whitlock 2 0
James Hubbard 0 -8
Group D: James Wade is also out of the tournament after losing to Mervyn King. Wade needed to win at least 5-2 to have secured a place in the next round but it was King who won by that margin. Wade did secure a ton checkout to level the game up 2-2. But King stopped any momentum with a 116-checkout which began his ascendancy to the 5-2 win.
In the battle of the youngsters, Arron Monk once again thrashed Jan Dekker to book his place in the next round. Monk led 2-0 before Dekker posted a leg on the board. Monk then continued on to win 5-1. Table:
Mervyn King 6 +9
Arron Monk 4 +7
James Wade 2 -3
Jan Dekker 0 -12
Waites knew he was already through before he met Taylor as Mark Webster suffered a critical loss to Co Stompe. The Dutchman showed form he hadn't delivered in the previous two matches and quickly took a 3-0 lead. That turned into 4-2 before Stompe ended Webster's hopes. Table:
Scott Waites 4 +4
Phil Taylor 4 +4 (2nd on head to head)
Mark Webster 2 -4
Co Stompe 2 -5
Group B: Michael Van Gerwen progresses without losing a game after succumbing Ted Hankey to a whitewash. It wasn't Van Gerwen at his total best, but he did show glimpses. Hankey suffered problems with his eye from the second leg onwards and it really affected him. The Dutchman did finish the game with an emphatic 130-checkout.
Robert Thornton joins Van Gerwen after Steve Beaton ends the tournament without a win. The game was tight throughout and after leading 2-1, Thornton went 3-2 down. The Scot turned it around once more to lead 4-3 before winning the match 5-4. Table:
Michael Van Gerwen 6 +11
Robert Thornton 4 +4
Ted Hankey 2 -8
Steve Beaton 0 -6
Group C: After winning his first two games, Simon Whitlock fails to get out of the group after being thrashed by Dean Winstanley. Winstanley was in devastating form and completed his 3-0 lead with a 142-checkout. Whitlock did chalk one leg on the board but Winstanley finished the match 5-1 and took Whitlock's place in the next round.
Young James Hubbard exits the tournament without a win after Kevin Painter secured his place in the next round. Hubbard started off quite well and took a 2-0 lead. Painter hit a 121-checkout before surging into a 4-2 lead. Two legs later and Painter had won the match 5-3. Table:
Dean Winstanley 4 +6
Kevin Painter 4 +2
Simon Whitlock 2 0
James Hubbard 0 -8
Group D: James Wade is also out of the tournament after losing to Mervyn King. Wade needed to win at least 5-2 to have secured a place in the next round but it was King who won by that margin. Wade did secure a ton checkout to level the game up 2-2. But King stopped any momentum with a 116-checkout which began his ascendancy to the 5-2 win.
In the battle of the youngsters, Arron Monk once again thrashed Jan Dekker to book his place in the next round. Monk led 2-0 before Dekker posted a leg on the board. Monk then continued on to win 5-1. Table:
Mervyn King 6 +9
Arron Monk 4 +7
James Wade 2 -3
Jan Dekker 0 -12
Monday, 12 November 2012
One World Champ Through One World Champ Out
Group E: Adrian Lewis is all but out after suffering his second defeat of the tournament. The PDC World Champion face three time world champion, John Part, who also began his tournament with defeat. The Canadian took a 2-0 lead before Lewis came back to level the match. But Jackpot completely lost his doubles and it allowed Part to take then next three legs to win 5-2.
Gary Anderson has all but booked his place into the knock-out rounds with a tight fought victory over Tony O'Shea. After the Scot had taken a 2-0 lead, he found himself 4-2 behind with O'Shea throwing for the match. But Anderson broke the throw before holding his own to force a deciding leg. O'Shea beat Lewis on his throw in the deciding leg yesterday, but it would be Anderson to make it three legs in a row to win the game 5-4. With Lewis and Anderson meeting on Wednesday, it's going to be a straight winner takes all match between O'Shea and Part for second place. Table:
Gary Anderson 4 +2
John Part 2 +2
Tony O'Shea 2 0
Adrian Lewis 0 -3
Group F: Andy Hamilton was the one to make it two wins from two against Brendan Dolan. The Hammer took a 2-0 lead before the Northern Irishman pulled a leg back. Dolan didn't look at his best for most of the game and Hamilton took full advantage, winning 5-1.
Paul Nicholson served up the third whitewash of the tournament against Barrie Bates. It was more routine than sublime from the Asset as Bates lived up to his whipping boy name. Nicholson now has a better leg difference than Dolan going into the final game, but Dolan is more likely to beat Bates than Nicholson is Hamilton so the money should be on Dolan to progress. Table:
Andy Hamilton 4 +7
Paul Nicholson 2 +2
Brendan Dolan 2 -1
Barrie Bates 0 -8
Group G: Wes Newton beat an different Wesley Harms to secure his place into the next phase. The pair had been locked together at 2-2 but the Dutchman wasn't as convincing as against Terry Jenkins, leaving Newton to win 5-2.
Jenkins keeps his hopes alive with a win over Martin Phillips. Jenkins managed to secure the first break of throw to take a 3-1 lead. Phillips did pull one back but Bully was far too much and ran out a 5-2 winner. With the PDC and BDO split, it's hard to decide who has the easier match, Jenkins against Newton or Harms against Phillips. Table:
Wes Newton 4 +6
Wesley Harms 2 0
Terry Jenkins 2 0
Martin Phillips 0 -6
Group H: Christian Kist won the battle of the Dutchmen to secure his place into the next round. Kist faced Raymond Van Barneveld and soon found himself 2-0 ahead. That transpired into 3-1 before Barney pulled it back to level the match. The pair then traded legs before the BDO World Champion took the final leg to win the match.
Mark Walsh became the latest to upset the Wolverhampton crowd after beating home boy Wayne Jones. Jones started the match with an 83-checkout on the bull but would find himself 3-2 behind. The Wanderer did turn it around to lead 4-3 but Walsh recovered to take the remaining legs to win 5-4. If Barney stays in the right mindset, he should have what it takes to beat Jones and progress especially with a much superior leg difference to Walsh. Table:
Christian Kist 4 +5
Raymond Van Barneveld 2 +4
Mark Walsh 2 -4
Wayne Jones 0 -5
Gary Anderson has all but booked his place into the knock-out rounds with a tight fought victory over Tony O'Shea. After the Scot had taken a 2-0 lead, he found himself 4-2 behind with O'Shea throwing for the match. But Anderson broke the throw before holding his own to force a deciding leg. O'Shea beat Lewis on his throw in the deciding leg yesterday, but it would be Anderson to make it three legs in a row to win the game 5-4. With Lewis and Anderson meeting on Wednesday, it's going to be a straight winner takes all match between O'Shea and Part for second place. Table:
Gary Anderson 4 +2
John Part 2 +2
Tony O'Shea 2 0
Adrian Lewis 0 -3
Group F: Andy Hamilton was the one to make it two wins from two against Brendan Dolan. The Hammer took a 2-0 lead before the Northern Irishman pulled a leg back. Dolan didn't look at his best for most of the game and Hamilton took full advantage, winning 5-1.
Paul Nicholson served up the third whitewash of the tournament against Barrie Bates. It was more routine than sublime from the Asset as Bates lived up to his whipping boy name. Nicholson now has a better leg difference than Dolan going into the final game, but Dolan is more likely to beat Bates than Nicholson is Hamilton so the money should be on Dolan to progress. Table:
Andy Hamilton 4 +7
Paul Nicholson 2 +2
Brendan Dolan 2 -1
Barrie Bates 0 -8
Group G: Wes Newton beat an different Wesley Harms to secure his place into the next phase. The pair had been locked together at 2-2 but the Dutchman wasn't as convincing as against Terry Jenkins, leaving Newton to win 5-2.
Jenkins keeps his hopes alive with a win over Martin Phillips. Jenkins managed to secure the first break of throw to take a 3-1 lead. Phillips did pull one back but Bully was far too much and ran out a 5-2 winner. With the PDC and BDO split, it's hard to decide who has the easier match, Jenkins against Newton or Harms against Phillips. Table:
Wes Newton 4 +6
Wesley Harms 2 0
Terry Jenkins 2 0
Martin Phillips 0 -6
Group H: Christian Kist won the battle of the Dutchmen to secure his place into the next round. Kist faced Raymond Van Barneveld and soon found himself 2-0 ahead. That transpired into 3-1 before Barney pulled it back to level the match. The pair then traded legs before the BDO World Champion took the final leg to win the match.
Mark Walsh became the latest to upset the Wolverhampton crowd after beating home boy Wayne Jones. Jones started the match with an 83-checkout on the bull but would find himself 3-2 behind. The Wanderer did turn it around to lead 4-3 but Walsh recovered to take the remaining legs to win 5-4. If Barney stays in the right mindset, he should have what it takes to beat Jones and progress especially with a much superior leg difference to Walsh. Table:
Christian Kist 4 +5
Raymond Van Barneveld 2 +4
Mark Walsh 2 -4
Wayne Jones 0 -5
Sunday, 11 November 2012
United Hail Javier For Latest Comeback, City's Dzeko Delight Again But Chelsea Only Draw
Manchester City 2-1 Tottenham: City remain unbeaten and two points behind Manchester United after coming back to beat Tottenham. Steven Caulker smashed Spurs ahead after 21-minutes. But the hosts battled back and were dominant throughout the second half. So it was no surprise to see Sergio Aguero level the match on 65-minutes. Not for the first time this season has Edin Dzeko come off the bench to seal the points for City and he did again here. The Bosnian finished off a superb shot from behind two minutes from time to win the match for the champions.
Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool: Liverpool snatch a point at Chelsea to leave the European champions three points off the top. John Terry headed Chelsea ahead after 20-minutes but his match was cut short after he had to be stretchered off before half-time for suffering knee ligament damage via a accidental Luis Suarez challenge. There's no keeping that Uruguayan out of the headlines and it wouldn't have been anyone else to equalise for them. He headed a goal bound Jamie Carragher shot home from two yards with 17-minutes remaining.
Newcastle 0-1 West Ham: In a game with so many players and managers returning to their former clubs, it was no surprise to see one of them decide the game. After having a goal wrongly disallowed for offside last week, Kevin Nolan beat the offside trap again to tap home a wayward shot eight minutes before half-time.
Aston Villa 2-3 Manchester United: United come from behind yet again to win a match. They weren't at the races for most of the match despite having a lot of possession and would be hit with a sucker punch just before half-time when Andreas Weimann put Villa ahead in injury time. United hadn't fully recovered despite replacing Ashley Young for Javier Hernandez and another breakaway saw Christian Benteke out muscle Chris Smalling before playing the ball across goal for Weimann to net again five minutes into the second period. Eight minutes later and United one back with the inform Hernandez getting the goal. It would be 2-2 on 63-minutes when another Hernandez shot was deflected in by Ron Vlaar. The winner came three minutes from time when the Mexican scored with a free header from a Robin Van Persie free-kick.
Arsenal 3-3 Fulham: Arsenal simply didn't want to win this match after throwing away a 2-0 lead and missing an injury time penalty. Olivier Giroud opened the scoring on 11-minutes before Lukas Podolski doubled their advantage on 23-minutes. The game already looked to be comfortably won by Arsenal but Fulham pulled a goal back six minutes through the in form Dimitar Berbatov. The Bulgarian then became provider, setting up first half substitute Alex Kacaniklic to level the game five minutes before half-time. The game would ultimately be a battle of penalties as Berbatov coolly made it 3-2 from the spot on 67-minutes. Arsenal were level two minutes when Giroud also netted his second of the match. The hosts were then awarded a penalty for handball in injury time, Mikel Arteta stepped up but his effort was brilliantly saved by Mark Schwarzer to keep the teams level.
Everton 2-1 Sunderland: Everton continue to sit fourth after coming back from behind. Sunderland broke their drought in first half injury time when Adam Johnson broke the deadlock. But two goals in three minutes sealed the victory for the hosts. Marouane Fellaini scored once again to level the match on 76-minutes before Nikica Jelavic won the game with a real striker's finish.
Wigan 1-2 West Brom: The Baggies continue to overachieve this season as the also remain fifth, level on points with Everton. James Morrison gave West Brom the lead just after the half hour mark. It would be 2-0 two minutes before half-time courtesy of a Gary Caldwell own goal. Arouna Kone did pull one back a minute later but they couldn't find an equaliser.
Southampton 1-1 Swansea: Southampton remain winless after giving Swansea a point. Morgan Schneiderlin did look to give Saints the victory on 64-minutes. But a Maya Yoshida mistake allowed Nathan Dyer to take full advantage an equalise with 17-minutes remaining.
Stoke 1-0 QPR: QPR are now bottom of the table and also still without a victory after their trip to the Britannia. A Charlie Adam free-kick was all that was needed to separate the sides seven minutes into the second half.
Reading 0-0 Norwich: Reading continue to complete the bottom three and also remain without a victory. On the brighter side for the Royals, they have now only lost one in six, accumulating five draws.
Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool: Liverpool snatch a point at Chelsea to leave the European champions three points off the top. John Terry headed Chelsea ahead after 20-minutes but his match was cut short after he had to be stretchered off before half-time for suffering knee ligament damage via a accidental Luis Suarez challenge. There's no keeping that Uruguayan out of the headlines and it wouldn't have been anyone else to equalise for them. He headed a goal bound Jamie Carragher shot home from two yards with 17-minutes remaining.
Newcastle 0-1 West Ham: In a game with so many players and managers returning to their former clubs, it was no surprise to see one of them decide the game. After having a goal wrongly disallowed for offside last week, Kevin Nolan beat the offside trap again to tap home a wayward shot eight minutes before half-time.
Aston Villa 2-3 Manchester United: United come from behind yet again to win a match. They weren't at the races for most of the match despite having a lot of possession and would be hit with a sucker punch just before half-time when Andreas Weimann put Villa ahead in injury time. United hadn't fully recovered despite replacing Ashley Young for Javier Hernandez and another breakaway saw Christian Benteke out muscle Chris Smalling before playing the ball across goal for Weimann to net again five minutes into the second period. Eight minutes later and United one back with the inform Hernandez getting the goal. It would be 2-2 on 63-minutes when another Hernandez shot was deflected in by Ron Vlaar. The winner came three minutes from time when the Mexican scored with a free header from a Robin Van Persie free-kick.
Arsenal 3-3 Fulham: Arsenal simply didn't want to win this match after throwing away a 2-0 lead and missing an injury time penalty. Olivier Giroud opened the scoring on 11-minutes before Lukas Podolski doubled their advantage on 23-minutes. The game already looked to be comfortably won by Arsenal but Fulham pulled a goal back six minutes through the in form Dimitar Berbatov. The Bulgarian then became provider, setting up first half substitute Alex Kacaniklic to level the game five minutes before half-time. The game would ultimately be a battle of penalties as Berbatov coolly made it 3-2 from the spot on 67-minutes. Arsenal were level two minutes when Giroud also netted his second of the match. The hosts were then awarded a penalty for handball in injury time, Mikel Arteta stepped up but his effort was brilliantly saved by Mark Schwarzer to keep the teams level.
Everton 2-1 Sunderland: Everton continue to sit fourth after coming back from behind. Sunderland broke their drought in first half injury time when Adam Johnson broke the deadlock. But two goals in three minutes sealed the victory for the hosts. Marouane Fellaini scored once again to level the match on 76-minutes before Nikica Jelavic won the game with a real striker's finish.
Wigan 1-2 West Brom: The Baggies continue to overachieve this season as the also remain fifth, level on points with Everton. James Morrison gave West Brom the lead just after the half hour mark. It would be 2-0 two minutes before half-time courtesy of a Gary Caldwell own goal. Arouna Kone did pull one back a minute later but they couldn't find an equaliser.
Southampton 1-1 Swansea: Southampton remain winless after giving Swansea a point. Morgan Schneiderlin did look to give Saints the victory on 64-minutes. But a Maya Yoshida mistake allowed Nathan Dyer to take full advantage an equalise with 17-minutes remaining.
Stoke 1-0 QPR: QPR are now bottom of the table and also still without a victory after their trip to the Britannia. A Charlie Adam free-kick was all that was needed to separate the sides seven minutes into the second half.
Reading 0-0 Norwich: Reading continue to complete the bottom three and also remain without a victory. On the brighter side for the Royals, they have now only lost one in six, accumulating five draws.
Taylor, Van Gerwen, Whitlock and King Make It Two From Two
Group A: Phil Taylor has almost put himself into the knock-out with his second win of the group. After taking a 2-0 lead against Mark Webster, the score sat at 3-2. But Taylor didn't allow the Welshman to get back into the game and would win it 5-2.
Scott Waites returned from his defeat to Webster to overcome Co Stompe with ease. After the match was level at 1-1, Waites secured a ton checkout on his way to winning 5-1. With Waites having to play Taylor on Wednesday, you would say Webster has the better chance of progressing with The Power. Table:
Phil Taylor 4 +7
Scott Waites 2 +1
Mark Webster 2 -1
Co Stompe 0 -8
Group B: Michael Van Gerwen sits on top of the tree after winning the game of champions. The Grand Prix champion stormed into a 3-0 lead over the UK Open champion, Robert Thornton. But the Dutchman suddenly stepped straight off the gas and allowed the Scot to level the match. Van Gerwen then recomposed himself to take the next two legs to win the game.
Ted Hankey responded from his whitewash to see of Steve Beaton. Hankey also motored into a 3-0 lead courtesy of a sublime 161-checkout in the third leg. Hankey had then missed five darts to make it 4-0 and it allowed Beaton to pull it back to 3-2. That became 4-3 before The Count finally sealed Beaton's fate. Hankey could provide the mind games to try and slow Van Gerwen down and Thornton won't have it easy against Beaton so this group is still wide open, although Hankey's leg difference could prove critical. Table:
Michael Van Gerwen 4 +5
Robert Thornton 2 +3
Ted Hankey 2 -3
Steve Beaton 0 -5
Group C: Simon Whitlock just overcame Kevin Painter to be the player to keep their 100% record. Whitlock lead 2-0 before a 103-checkout saw Painter go onto level the match. From there, the pair traded blows with Painter hitting a 116-checkout to force a deciding leg. But Whitlock had the throw and he used it to his advantage to win the game.
After his narrow defeat to Painter yesterday, Dean Winstanley saw off the young James Hubbard. Winstanley went 3-0 ahead before Hubbard struck back with a 100-checkout before making it 3-2. Winstanley stopped the momentum with a ton checkout of his own with two double tops before taking the game 5-2. You'd have to argue that Painter has the best chance of qualifying with a match against the inexperienced Hubbard. Table:
Simon Whitlock 4 +4
Dean Winstanley 2 +2
Kevin Painter 2 0
James Hubbard 0 -6
Group D: James Wade returned to something like his old self with a victory over the out of sorts Jan Dekker. The young Dutchman did manage to level the match at 1-1 before The Machine completed his routine victory.
But it is Mervyn King that sits pretty at the top after a win over Arron Monk. Monk did take the lead but King turned it around to go 3-1 ahead. Monk smashed in a 126-checkout before King responded with a 102-finish which lead him to victory. The final round of matches sees two extremely close to call matches so again it is all to play for. Table:
Mervyn King 4 +6
Arron Monk 2 +2
James Wade 2 0
Jan Dekker 0 -8
Scott Waites returned from his defeat to Webster to overcome Co Stompe with ease. After the match was level at 1-1, Waites secured a ton checkout on his way to winning 5-1. With Waites having to play Taylor on Wednesday, you would say Webster has the better chance of progressing with The Power. Table:
Phil Taylor 4 +7
Scott Waites 2 +1
Mark Webster 2 -1
Co Stompe 0 -8
Group B: Michael Van Gerwen sits on top of the tree after winning the game of champions. The Grand Prix champion stormed into a 3-0 lead over the UK Open champion, Robert Thornton. But the Dutchman suddenly stepped straight off the gas and allowed the Scot to level the match. Van Gerwen then recomposed himself to take the next two legs to win the game.
Ted Hankey responded from his whitewash to see of Steve Beaton. Hankey also motored into a 3-0 lead courtesy of a sublime 161-checkout in the third leg. Hankey had then missed five darts to make it 4-0 and it allowed Beaton to pull it back to 3-2. That became 4-3 before The Count finally sealed Beaton's fate. Hankey could provide the mind games to try and slow Van Gerwen down and Thornton won't have it easy against Beaton so this group is still wide open, although Hankey's leg difference could prove critical. Table:
Michael Van Gerwen 4 +5
Robert Thornton 2 +3
Ted Hankey 2 -3
Steve Beaton 0 -5
Group C: Simon Whitlock just overcame Kevin Painter to be the player to keep their 100% record. Whitlock lead 2-0 before a 103-checkout saw Painter go onto level the match. From there, the pair traded blows with Painter hitting a 116-checkout to force a deciding leg. But Whitlock had the throw and he used it to his advantage to win the game.
After his narrow defeat to Painter yesterday, Dean Winstanley saw off the young James Hubbard. Winstanley went 3-0 ahead before Hubbard struck back with a 100-checkout before making it 3-2. Winstanley stopped the momentum with a ton checkout of his own with two double tops before taking the game 5-2. You'd have to argue that Painter has the best chance of qualifying with a match against the inexperienced Hubbard. Table:
Simon Whitlock 4 +4
Dean Winstanley 2 +2
Kevin Painter 2 0
James Hubbard 0 -6
Group D: James Wade returned to something like his old self with a victory over the out of sorts Jan Dekker. The young Dutchman did manage to level the match at 1-1 before The Machine completed his routine victory.
But it is Mervyn King that sits pretty at the top after a win over Arron Monk. Monk did take the lead but King turned it around to go 3-1 ahead. Monk smashed in a 126-checkout before King responded with a 102-finish which lead him to victory. The final round of matches sees two extremely close to call matches so again it is all to play for. Table:
Mervyn King 4 +6
Arron Monk 2 +2
James Wade 2 0
Jan Dekker 0 -8
Bi-Polar Starts For World Champions
Group E: The PDC World Champion, Adrian Lewis, starts his tournament with defeat to BDO's Tony O'Shea. Lewis quickly took a 2-0 lead but the Silverback roared back to break Lewis and level the match. O'Shea then took out a ton to lead 3-2 but Lewis would end up crucially break the throw to lead 4-3 and throw for the match. Jackpot would miss two darts at the winning double, allowing O'Shea to break back and hold his throw in the deciding leg to take the glory.
Gary Anderson donned a very colourful attire for his victory over John Part. This match also went into the deciding leg and looks like the toughest group. The pair were neck and neck throughout even when Anderson missed three darts to lead 4-3. But the Scot came back from behind to win the match 5-4. Table:
Gary Anderson 2 +1
Tony O'Shea 2 +1
Adrian Lewis 0 -1
John Part 0 -1
Group F: Brendan Dolan kicked the afternoon session off with a victory over an out of sorts Paul Nicholson. The Northern Irishman stormed into a 3-0 lead before Nicholson managed to post a leg. That became 4-2 but Nicholson began suffering from a problem with a contact lens which helped Dolan carry out the 5-2 victory.
It was the same result for Andy Hamilton who took on the underdog Barrie Bates. The Welshman did level the match at 1-1 but Hamilton soon roared into 4-1 lead before finalising the game at 5-2. Table:
Brendan Dolan 2 +3
Andy Hamilton 2 +3
Barrie Bates 0 -3
Paul Nicholson 0 -3
Group G: PDC's world number four, Wes Newton, started his campaign with victory over BDO's Martin Phillips. The Warrior lead 2-0 before Phillips battled back to level the match. But they would be the only two legs Wolfie would win as Newton took full control to reel three straight legs and win 5-2.
BDO did lead this group 1-0 before Newton levelled as Wesley Harms beat Terry Jenkins. The Bull did take the opening before the pair were locked at 2-2. But the Lakeside semi-finalist continued to average around 100 to take the following three legs to also win 5-2. Table:
Wesley Harms 2 +3
Wes Newton 2 +3
Terry Jenkins 2 -3
Martin Phillips 2 -3
Group H: The BDO World Champion, Christian Kist, ran out as a comfortable victor against Wolves' own Wayne Jones. Kist would lead 2-0 before steam-rolling Jones 5-1 in devastating form.
Kist's fellow Dutchman, Raymond Van Barneveld, secured the second whitewash of the tournament over Mark Walsh. Barney instantly broke the throw with a stunning 141-checkout. From there, Barney was flawless with Walsh suffering on his doubles. Table:
Raymond Van Barneveld 2 +5
Christian Kist 2 +4
Wayne Jones 0 -4
Mark Walsh 0 -5
Gary Anderson donned a very colourful attire for his victory over John Part. This match also went into the deciding leg and looks like the toughest group. The pair were neck and neck throughout even when Anderson missed three darts to lead 4-3. But the Scot came back from behind to win the match 5-4. Table:
Gary Anderson 2 +1
Tony O'Shea 2 +1
Adrian Lewis 0 -1
John Part 0 -1
Group F: Brendan Dolan kicked the afternoon session off with a victory over an out of sorts Paul Nicholson. The Northern Irishman stormed into a 3-0 lead before Nicholson managed to post a leg. That became 4-2 but Nicholson began suffering from a problem with a contact lens which helped Dolan carry out the 5-2 victory.
It was the same result for Andy Hamilton who took on the underdog Barrie Bates. The Welshman did level the match at 1-1 but Hamilton soon roared into 4-1 lead before finalising the game at 5-2. Table:
Brendan Dolan 2 +3
Andy Hamilton 2 +3
Barrie Bates 0 -3
Paul Nicholson 0 -3
Group G: PDC's world number four, Wes Newton, started his campaign with victory over BDO's Martin Phillips. The Warrior lead 2-0 before Phillips battled back to level the match. But they would be the only two legs Wolfie would win as Newton took full control to reel three straight legs and win 5-2.
BDO did lead this group 1-0 before Newton levelled as Wesley Harms beat Terry Jenkins. The Bull did take the opening before the pair were locked at 2-2. But the Lakeside semi-finalist continued to average around 100 to take the following three legs to also win 5-2. Table:
Wesley Harms 2 +3
Wes Newton 2 +3
Terry Jenkins 2 -3
Martin Phillips 2 -3
Group H: The BDO World Champion, Christian Kist, ran out as a comfortable victor against Wolves' own Wayne Jones. Kist would lead 2-0 before steam-rolling Jones 5-1 in devastating form.
Kist's fellow Dutchman, Raymond Van Barneveld, secured the second whitewash of the tournament over Mark Walsh. Barney instantly broke the throw with a stunning 141-checkout. From there, Barney was flawless with Walsh suffering on his doubles. Table:
Raymond Van Barneveld 2 +5
Christian Kist 2 +4
Wayne Jones 0 -4
Mark Walsh 0 -5
Saturday, 10 November 2012
2012 Grand Slam of Darts: Groups A-D Game One
The Wolverhampton Civic Hall opens its doors to darts fans for the next week as the Grand Slam of Darts takes place. Tonight, it was the turn of groups A-D to begin their quest to become the 2012 champion.
Group A: Phil Taylor began his plight with an extremely convincing victory over Co Stompe. The Dutchman has been away from the tour events in recent times and that clearly showed. The only leg Stompe managed to record was in the third, allowing Taylor to win 5-1 with an average of just over 100.
The 2010 champion, Scott Waites, tried to show once again what the BDO has to offer. But he came up against a Mark Webster who was in drastic of a victory. The Welshman stormed into a 3-0 lead with a 131-checkout giving him that margin. Three legs on the spin ensured Waites levelled the match and missed two darts to force a deciding leg, leaving Webster to hit 56 to win the game 5-3. Table:
Phil Taylor 2 +4
Mark Webster 2 +2
Scott Waites 0 -2
Co Stompe 0 -4
Group B: The recently crowned Grand Prix champion, Michael Van Gerwen, continued from where he left off with victory over Steve Beaton. The Adonis did miss two darts at the double in the opening leg and ended up finding himself 2-0 behind. That turned into 4-2 before the Dutchman completed a very thorough performance, winning 5-2 with a 103.5 average.
Just before that, the UK Open champion, Robert Thornton, completed the first whitewash of the tournament against Ted Hankey. Hankey started last year's tournament in the same fashion but did manage to get out of the group. The Scot remained completely oblivious to Hankey's mind games to pull off a well oiled performance. Table:
Robert Thornton 2 +5
Michael Van Gerwen 2 +3
Steve Beaton 0 -3
Ted Hankey 0 -5
Group C: Kevin Painter began the night with an extremely tough fought win against Dean Winstanley. The Artist went 2-0 up before Winstanley pulled one back with a 120-checkout. Painter would restore his advantage before Winstanley once again hit back to level the match at 3-3. The next leg was very sloppy from both players as the nerves shone through, Painter managed to take it and would have to win the match via a deciding leg.
It wasn't so difficult for Simon Whitlock who saw off 20-year old James Hubbard. After the pair traded the opening legs, Whitlock managed to lead 3-1 before taking the game 5-2. Table:
Simon Whitlock 2 +3
Kevin Painter 2 +1
Dean Winstanley 0 -1
James Hubbard 0 -3
Group D: The surprise result of the night saw the returning James Wade lose to Arron Monk. After his distressing loss in the Grand Prix, it was good to see Wade back in action and he looked fresh to begin with. But he lost the opening leg and was 2-0 down after Monk posted a double-18 double-20 finish. Wade responded with a terrific 116-checkout but that would be the only leg he would win.
There was no upset for Mervyn King to faced BDO's Jan Dekker, the same age as Monk at 22. Dekker did look quite suave with his walk on but his game was anything but. The Dutchman did level the game at 1-1 courtesy of King missing three darts at the double. But King didn't allow for any more mistakes and also ran out as a 5-1 winner. Table:
Arron Monk 2 +4
Mervyn King 2 +4
Jan Dekker 0 -4
James Wade 0 -4
Group A: Phil Taylor began his plight with an extremely convincing victory over Co Stompe. The Dutchman has been away from the tour events in recent times and that clearly showed. The only leg Stompe managed to record was in the third, allowing Taylor to win 5-1 with an average of just over 100.
The 2010 champion, Scott Waites, tried to show once again what the BDO has to offer. But he came up against a Mark Webster who was in drastic of a victory. The Welshman stormed into a 3-0 lead with a 131-checkout giving him that margin. Three legs on the spin ensured Waites levelled the match and missed two darts to force a deciding leg, leaving Webster to hit 56 to win the game 5-3. Table:
Phil Taylor 2 +4
Mark Webster 2 +2
Scott Waites 0 -2
Co Stompe 0 -4
Group B: The recently crowned Grand Prix champion, Michael Van Gerwen, continued from where he left off with victory over Steve Beaton. The Adonis did miss two darts at the double in the opening leg and ended up finding himself 2-0 behind. That turned into 4-2 before the Dutchman completed a very thorough performance, winning 5-2 with a 103.5 average.
Just before that, the UK Open champion, Robert Thornton, completed the first whitewash of the tournament against Ted Hankey. Hankey started last year's tournament in the same fashion but did manage to get out of the group. The Scot remained completely oblivious to Hankey's mind games to pull off a well oiled performance. Table:
Robert Thornton 2 +5
Michael Van Gerwen 2 +3
Steve Beaton 0 -3
Ted Hankey 0 -5
Group C: Kevin Painter began the night with an extremely tough fought win against Dean Winstanley. The Artist went 2-0 up before Winstanley pulled one back with a 120-checkout. Painter would restore his advantage before Winstanley once again hit back to level the match at 3-3. The next leg was very sloppy from both players as the nerves shone through, Painter managed to take it and would have to win the match via a deciding leg.
It wasn't so difficult for Simon Whitlock who saw off 20-year old James Hubbard. After the pair traded the opening legs, Whitlock managed to lead 3-1 before taking the game 5-2. Table:
Simon Whitlock 2 +3
Kevin Painter 2 +1
Dean Winstanley 0 -1
James Hubbard 0 -3
Group D: The surprise result of the night saw the returning James Wade lose to Arron Monk. After his distressing loss in the Grand Prix, it was good to see Wade back in action and he looked fresh to begin with. But he lost the opening leg and was 2-0 down after Monk posted a double-18 double-20 finish. Wade responded with a terrific 116-checkout but that would be the only leg he would win.
There was no upset for Mervyn King to faced BDO's Jan Dekker, the same age as Monk at 22. Dekker did look quite suave with his walk on but his game was anything but. The Dutchman did level the game at 1-1 courtesy of King missing three darts at the double. But King didn't allow for any more mistakes and also ran out as a 5-1 winner. Table:
Arron Monk 2 +4
Mervyn King 2 +4
Jan Dekker 0 -4
James Wade 0 -4
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