The first two quarter finals of the 2013 World Matchplay Darts were completed today, meaning that the first of Saturday's semi-finals has now been confirmed. The reigning champion, Phil Taylor, will meet James Wade after both players managed to get through against tough opposition in their quarter finals.
Taylor booked his place in the top four with victory over a Justin Pipe that looked to tire towards the end. Taylor began the night with a 122-checkout to level the match in the second leg before going 3-1 in front. The score would be 3-2 going in to the first break but Pipe soon retaliated. Pipe would hit a fantastic 136-checkout to level the match at 4-4. Taylor needed to make it 5-5 at the second break before Pipe levelled the match in the 12th leg. Taylor finally found a break and won three consecutive legs to lead 9-6 at the third break. That became 9-7 before Taylor again stepped up a gear, reeling off the remaining four legs of the fourth session, including a 100-checkout in leg-19, to make it 13-7. The five legs of the fifth session all went with throw, meaning that Pipe won it 3-2 and did hit a 104-checkout in leg-23, this meant Taylor was 15-9 in front before Pipe prolonged the defeat until after the break. The 26th leg was completed with an 18-checkout, giving Taylor the 16-10 victory.
Wade needed extra time to battle back and overcome Simon Whitlock in his quarter final. The match see-sawed throughout and it began with Whitlock winning the opening leg against the throw. Wade retaliated and took out 120 to move 2-1 in front before leading 3-2 at the first break. After sharing the first two legs, Whitlock responded with the following three legs to turn it around and lead 6-4 at the second, Wade did miss two darts to make it 5-5. The third session saw Wade turn it around again, taking the first four legs of the session to end up going 8-7 ahead. Whitlock had missed two darts in leg-12 to make it 7-5 but he soon made it 8-8 with a stunning 130-checkout. The Aussie did go 9-8 ahead only for Wade to make it 10-9 before Whitlock levelled the match going in to the fourth break. A 124-checkout from Whitlock was the second of three consecutive legs to move ahead once again at 13-10, only for Wade to take the remaining two legs of the session to reduce the arrears to 13-12 at the final interval. Whitlock then managed to move 14-12 in front only for Wade to hit a 135-checkout to level before Whitlock needed make it 15-15 to force a tie break. That became 16-16 before Wade finally managed to see off the Aussie and win 18-16.
Thursday, 25 July 2013
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
2013 World Matchplay Darts: Day Five
The quarter final line-up was completed as the four remaining second round matches were played out in this year's 2013 World Matchplay tournament. A terrific 105 average from Michael Van Gerwen was enough to produce a fantastic performance to progress. There were wins for Andy Hamilton and Adrian Lewis before Dave Chisnall made it in to the quarter finals of the Matchplay for the first time in his career.
Hamilton continued his fantastic record by seeing off Ian White. After White missed a dart to hold his throw in the opening leg, Hamilton managed to move 2-0 in front. The Hammer then missed two darts to make it three and White ended up winning the fifth to somehow only be 3-2 behind at the break. Hamilton returned from the interval with a 107-checkout to move 4-2 in front. All five legs of the second session went with throw, meaning that Hamilton was now 6-4 in front. The first three legs of the third session would then go against the throw before Hamilton finally held in leg-14 to move 9-5 ahead. It was a consistent performance from The Hammer and, on another day against someone ranked higher than White, his mistakes would have been punished. White did manage to make it 10-7 before Hamilton took the next three legs to win the match 13-7.
Lewis continued to win ugly as he makes his way in to the last eight, taking full advantage of Brendan Dolan's horrific double trouble. After winning the opening leg, the Northern Irishman missed six darts to hold throw in the third leg. Lewis secured a 4-1 lead with a 101-checkout before winning every leg in the second session to make it 9-1. Jackpot managed to get in to double figures before Dolan finally found a double and, as is typical, a second came straight after to make it 10-3. The remaining two legs of the third set went with Lewis to move him a leg away from victory. Dolan put up some resistance with a 108-checkout and then an unbelievable 170-finish before Lewis finished the match off, 13-5.
Van Gerwen continued to make a statement, and become joint favourite for the tournament again, with a demolition job over Peter Wright. The first five legs all went with throw, giving the Dutchman a 3-2 lead. But Van Gerwen soon found another gear and a 104-checkout put him 7-3 in front before Wright took the final leg of the second session. The overdrive button was then hit by Van Gerwen as he stormed out and won all five legs of the third session to go within a leg of victory at the third break. The interval was rather pointless though as Van Gerwen came back and won the 16th leg to ease through to the quarter finals.
The match of the night was definitely between Chisnall and Jamie Caven. It was a game of firsts as neither player had made in to the second round of this tournament before. Chisnall missed three darts to go 3-0 in front but did manage to win the fifth leg to go 3-2 in front at the first break. Caven missed two darts to win the seventh leg as Chisnall ended up taking the first three legs of the second session to lead 6-2. But Caven began to fight back and scored a 109-checkout to make it 6-4 at the second break. Caven managed to make it three consecutive legs by wining the first leg of the third session. Caven would then turn the match around by winning a further five legs on the spin to move 10-7 ahead. The game would turn again as Caven missed two darts to make it 11-8 and then four darts to back ahead after Chisnall had levelled the match. The world number nine then hit a superb 116-checkout to make it 12-10 against the throw before winning the 23rd leg to win 13-10.
Hamilton continued his fantastic record by seeing off Ian White. After White missed a dart to hold his throw in the opening leg, Hamilton managed to move 2-0 in front. The Hammer then missed two darts to make it three and White ended up winning the fifth to somehow only be 3-2 behind at the break. Hamilton returned from the interval with a 107-checkout to move 4-2 in front. All five legs of the second session went with throw, meaning that Hamilton was now 6-4 in front. The first three legs of the third session would then go against the throw before Hamilton finally held in leg-14 to move 9-5 ahead. It was a consistent performance from The Hammer and, on another day against someone ranked higher than White, his mistakes would have been punished. White did manage to make it 10-7 before Hamilton took the next three legs to win the match 13-7.
Lewis continued to win ugly as he makes his way in to the last eight, taking full advantage of Brendan Dolan's horrific double trouble. After winning the opening leg, the Northern Irishman missed six darts to hold throw in the third leg. Lewis secured a 4-1 lead with a 101-checkout before winning every leg in the second session to make it 9-1. Jackpot managed to get in to double figures before Dolan finally found a double and, as is typical, a second came straight after to make it 10-3. The remaining two legs of the third set went with Lewis to move him a leg away from victory. Dolan put up some resistance with a 108-checkout and then an unbelievable 170-finish before Lewis finished the match off, 13-5.
Van Gerwen continued to make a statement, and become joint favourite for the tournament again, with a demolition job over Peter Wright. The first five legs all went with throw, giving the Dutchman a 3-2 lead. But Van Gerwen soon found another gear and a 104-checkout put him 7-3 in front before Wright took the final leg of the second session. The overdrive button was then hit by Van Gerwen as he stormed out and won all five legs of the third session to go within a leg of victory at the third break. The interval was rather pointless though as Van Gerwen came back and won the 16th leg to ease through to the quarter finals.
The match of the night was definitely between Chisnall and Jamie Caven. It was a game of firsts as neither player had made in to the second round of this tournament before. Chisnall missed three darts to go 3-0 in front but did manage to win the fifth leg to go 3-2 in front at the first break. Caven missed two darts to win the seventh leg as Chisnall ended up taking the first three legs of the second session to lead 6-2. But Caven began to fight back and scored a 109-checkout to make it 6-4 at the second break. Caven managed to make it three consecutive legs by wining the first leg of the third session. Caven would then turn the match around by winning a further five legs on the spin to move 10-7 ahead. The game would turn again as Caven missed two darts to make it 11-8 and then four darts to back ahead after Chisnall had levelled the match. The world number nine then hit a superb 116-checkout to make it 12-10 against the throw before winning the 23rd leg to win 13-10.
2013 World Matchplay Darts: Day Four
Half of the quarter finalists were confirmed as the 2013 World Matchplay moved on to day four yesterday. After reaching that stage last year, Justin Pipe secured a career high victory to take him to the last eight again this year. The reigning Champion, Phil Taylor, managed to continue his defence with a very close fought victory. There were also victories for Simon Whitlock and James Wade as the draw becomes ever more exciting.
Pipe was the first man in to the quarter finals after a match that had a lot at stake. It was eighth versus ninth as Raymond Van Barneveld took on the man from Taunton. Barney did miss a dart to instantly break the throw before Pipe missed two darts to go 3-0 in front. Van Barneveld managed to level before a fantastic 170-checkout put Pipe 3-2 ahead at the first break. Pipe missed another three darts to make it 4-2 but was able to make it 4-3 after Barney missed two darts of his own to win the seventh leg. The Dutchman did manage to level with a 117-checkout but another great 129-checkout from Pipe meant that he was now 6-4 in front at the second break.
Pipe managed to extend his lead again with a 90-checkout on the bull. But Van Barneveld retaliated with a ton checkout followed by a 90-finish before levelling the match after Pipe missed another five darts at the double. A win in leg-15 meant the Dutchman managed to take the lead for the first time in the match. That did become 9-7 to Van Barneveld until he hit the proverbial wall, allowing Pipe to take the following six legs to win 13-9. Not only does it put Pipe in to the last eight, it also means he overtakes Van Barneveld in the world rankings.
Whitlock managed to overcome Kevin Painter in a slightly tempestuous affair. The first three legs all went against throw before Whitlock managed to hold in the fifth to only be 3-2 behind at the break. The first three legs of the second session also went against throw and this time it was Painter who held in the tenth leg to level the match at 5-5. The theme continued as the first two legs of the third session went against throw before Whitlock held to move 7-6 in front. At this point, Painter had dropped off and in frustration within his own game, he seemed to take offence at something the Aussie said and it only harmed his game more.
Whitlock would end up winning the final four legs of the third session to lead 9-6 at the third and final break. Painter did look slightly rejuvenated at the beginning of the fourth session but the players would only trade legs. Painter did manage to hit a 122-checkout to make it 12-10 before Whitlock put the game to bed with a huge 91-checkout.
The first tie break of the tournament came in a fantastic match between Taylor and Terry Jenkins. After Taylor took the opening two legs, Jenkins needed to win the fifth leg to only be 3-2 behind at the first break. Taylor would extend that advantage by winning the following three legs before Jenkins found a 118-checkout. But Taylor looked ever more likely to win the match when he responded with a colossal 127-checkout to lead 7-3 at the second break.
Jenkins began to fight back during the third session, bringing it back to 7-5 before missing seven darts to move within a leg of Taylor. Jenkins did manage to win the 15th leg to make it 9-6 at the third break. But The Bull wasn't finished and he would win the next three legs to level the match, including an 88-checkout on the bull in leg-17. Taylor was slightly rattled and missed four darts to move back in front and Jenkins would take the lead for the first time in the match at 10-9. Taylor levelled with a 109-checkout and would then find a crucial break to end up throwing for the match at 12-11. But The Power would uncharacteristically miss five match darts and Jenkins forced the tie break. Jenkins would miss two crucial darts to hold the throw, again allowing Taylor to throw for the match. This time Taylor wasn't going to be denied and he managed to squeak through to the quarter finals with a 14-12 win.
The final match of the night was just as big as Wade took on Gary Anderson. The first four legs went against the throw including a fantastic 121-checkout from Anderson in the third leg. Wade finally managed to hold his throw to leave the stage 3-2 in front. The Machine didn't return from the break and Anderson was able to reel off four consecutive legs, with another great 120-checkout in leg seven, to take a 6-4 lead in to the second break after Wade managed to stop the rot in the tenth leg.
Wade did manage to pull it back to 6-5 before Anderson took the next two legs with a 99-checkout which included two double 19's in the 13th. But Wade again began to fight back and took the remaining two legs, with a 110-checkout in leg-15, in the third session to only be 8-7 behind. This time it was Anderson who failed to come back from the break and this time it was catastrophic. Wade was able to reel off four consecutive legs this time to move 12-8 in front. Anderson couldn't come back and Wade would progress with a 13-8 victory.
Pipe was the first man in to the quarter finals after a match that had a lot at stake. It was eighth versus ninth as Raymond Van Barneveld took on the man from Taunton. Barney did miss a dart to instantly break the throw before Pipe missed two darts to go 3-0 in front. Van Barneveld managed to level before a fantastic 170-checkout put Pipe 3-2 ahead at the first break. Pipe missed another three darts to make it 4-2 but was able to make it 4-3 after Barney missed two darts of his own to win the seventh leg. The Dutchman did manage to level with a 117-checkout but another great 129-checkout from Pipe meant that he was now 6-4 in front at the second break.
Pipe managed to extend his lead again with a 90-checkout on the bull. But Van Barneveld retaliated with a ton checkout followed by a 90-finish before levelling the match after Pipe missed another five darts at the double. A win in leg-15 meant the Dutchman managed to take the lead for the first time in the match. That did become 9-7 to Van Barneveld until he hit the proverbial wall, allowing Pipe to take the following six legs to win 13-9. Not only does it put Pipe in to the last eight, it also means he overtakes Van Barneveld in the world rankings.
Whitlock managed to overcome Kevin Painter in a slightly tempestuous affair. The first three legs all went against throw before Whitlock managed to hold in the fifth to only be 3-2 behind at the break. The first three legs of the second session also went against throw and this time it was Painter who held in the tenth leg to level the match at 5-5. The theme continued as the first two legs of the third session went against throw before Whitlock held to move 7-6 in front. At this point, Painter had dropped off and in frustration within his own game, he seemed to take offence at something the Aussie said and it only harmed his game more.
Whitlock would end up winning the final four legs of the third session to lead 9-6 at the third and final break. Painter did look slightly rejuvenated at the beginning of the fourth session but the players would only trade legs. Painter did manage to hit a 122-checkout to make it 12-10 before Whitlock put the game to bed with a huge 91-checkout.
The first tie break of the tournament came in a fantastic match between Taylor and Terry Jenkins. After Taylor took the opening two legs, Jenkins needed to win the fifth leg to only be 3-2 behind at the first break. Taylor would extend that advantage by winning the following three legs before Jenkins found a 118-checkout. But Taylor looked ever more likely to win the match when he responded with a colossal 127-checkout to lead 7-3 at the second break.
Jenkins began to fight back during the third session, bringing it back to 7-5 before missing seven darts to move within a leg of Taylor. Jenkins did manage to win the 15th leg to make it 9-6 at the third break. But The Bull wasn't finished and he would win the next three legs to level the match, including an 88-checkout on the bull in leg-17. Taylor was slightly rattled and missed four darts to move back in front and Jenkins would take the lead for the first time in the match at 10-9. Taylor levelled with a 109-checkout and would then find a crucial break to end up throwing for the match at 12-11. But The Power would uncharacteristically miss five match darts and Jenkins forced the tie break. Jenkins would miss two crucial darts to hold the throw, again allowing Taylor to throw for the match. This time Taylor wasn't going to be denied and he managed to squeak through to the quarter finals with a 14-12 win.
The final match of the night was just as big as Wade took on Gary Anderson. The first four legs went against the throw including a fantastic 121-checkout from Anderson in the third leg. Wade finally managed to hold his throw to leave the stage 3-2 in front. The Machine didn't return from the break and Anderson was able to reel off four consecutive legs, with another great 120-checkout in leg seven, to take a 6-4 lead in to the second break after Wade managed to stop the rot in the tenth leg.
Wade did manage to pull it back to 6-5 before Anderson took the next two legs with a 99-checkout which included two double 19's in the 13th. But Wade again began to fight back and took the remaining two legs, with a 110-checkout in leg-15, in the third session to only be 8-7 behind. This time it was Anderson who failed to come back from the break and this time it was catastrophic. Wade was able to reel off four consecutive legs this time to move 12-8 in front. Anderson couldn't come back and Wade would progress with a 13-8 victory.
Monday, 22 July 2013
2013 World Matchplay Darts: Day Three
The first round of the 2013 World Matchplay came to an end with the in form players making it through alongside a great first round performance. There was a shock victory for Ian White whilst Jamie Caven and Adrian Lewis came through to continue their recent good runs. Andy Hamilton completed the round two line up.
Robert Thornton continued his awful form in Blackpool against White. The Scot hadn't won a leg in the Winter Games in his previous two appearances and that showed throughout the match. White won the opening four legs after Thornton had missed ten darts at a double between legs two and four. Thornton finally managed to break his duck in the fifth leg and then made it 4-2 after White missed a dart to win that leg. But White continued to take control and would win the following three legs to make it 7-2. The ninth leg was won with an amazing 125-checkout as White went bull, 25, bull. Thornton did manage to make it 7-3 going in to the second break before White took the next three legs to win the match 10-3 and won it with an 81-checkout on the bull.
Caven continued his great recent form with a good comeback over Wes Newton. A 104-checkout from Caven was required to to level the score at 2-2 after Newton won the opening two legs. Newton then regained the lead with the next three legs to move 5-2 and then 6-3 in front. That then became 7-4 before Caven roared back to level the match. Newton would move ahead once more before Caven again levelled before making it three consecutive legs to win 10-8 and go through.
The European Champion wasn't at his best but it was enough to see off Ronny Huybrechts. The Belgian did level the match in the second leg but Lewis left the stage 4-1 at the first break. It could have been a lot closer but Huybrechts was guilty of missing a few chances. Lewis managed to make it 5-2 with a great 127-checkout and then 6-3 after Huybrechts missed three darts at the double before the leaving the oche with a seventh leg at the second break. The next five legs were shared, giving Lewis a 10-5 ugly victory.
One of the performances of the round goes to Hamilton who saw off the local lad, Ronnie Baxter. Hamilton got off to a great start with a 104-checkout before going off stage 5-0 in front. That would be extended to 8-0 before Baxter finally hit a double, much to the appreciation of the crowd. It didn't change the game and Hamilton would win the match in style with a 111-checkout.
Robert Thornton continued his awful form in Blackpool against White. The Scot hadn't won a leg in the Winter Games in his previous two appearances and that showed throughout the match. White won the opening four legs after Thornton had missed ten darts at a double between legs two and four. Thornton finally managed to break his duck in the fifth leg and then made it 4-2 after White missed a dart to win that leg. But White continued to take control and would win the following three legs to make it 7-2. The ninth leg was won with an amazing 125-checkout as White went bull, 25, bull. Thornton did manage to make it 7-3 going in to the second break before White took the next three legs to win the match 10-3 and won it with an 81-checkout on the bull.
Caven continued his great recent form with a good comeback over Wes Newton. A 104-checkout from Caven was required to to level the score at 2-2 after Newton won the opening two legs. Newton then regained the lead with the next three legs to move 5-2 and then 6-3 in front. That then became 7-4 before Caven roared back to level the match. Newton would move ahead once more before Caven again levelled before making it three consecutive legs to win 10-8 and go through.
The European Champion wasn't at his best but it was enough to see off Ronny Huybrechts. The Belgian did level the match in the second leg but Lewis left the stage 4-1 at the first break. It could have been a lot closer but Huybrechts was guilty of missing a few chances. Lewis managed to make it 5-2 with a great 127-checkout and then 6-3 after Huybrechts missed three darts at the double before the leaving the oche with a seventh leg at the second break. The next five legs were shared, giving Lewis a 10-5 ugly victory.
One of the performances of the round goes to Hamilton who saw off the local lad, Ronnie Baxter. Hamilton got off to a great start with a 104-checkout before going off stage 5-0 in front. That would be extended to 8-0 before Baxter finally hit a double, much to the appreciation of the crowd. It didn't change the game and Hamilton would win the match in style with a 111-checkout.
Sunday, 21 July 2013
2013 World Matchplay Darts: Day Two - Evening Session
The second night of the 2013 World Matchplay saw the two heavy favourites enter the fray. Phil Taylor performed the best show of the tournament to set out his stall before Michael Van Gerwen also progressed with a very solid performance. Gary Anderson also produced a good performance to make it through with Dave Chisnall somehow squeezing in to the second round.
After pulling out the European Championship with illness, Anderson returned to the oche and looked to be in top form for the first time in a while. The Scot began the match with a 101-checkout before leaving the stage 4-1 ahead after winning the opening three legs. King won the opening leg of the second session before Anderson took the following four legs to extend his lead to 8-2. King did try to mount some sort of comeback and managed to make it 8-5 before Anderson took the next two legs to win 10-5 and set up a second round match against James Wade.
The cagiest match of the tournament definitely goes to Chisnall and Paul Nicholson. It was a match where neither were at their best and it left Nicholson visibly upset. Nicholson did start the better by winning the first two legs before taking a 4-1 lead at the first break. Chisnall came back after the break to level the match before missing three darts in following leg to take the lead for the first time. Chizzy did win the tenth leg with a 102-checkout which meant the players were locked together at 5-5 at the second break. Chisnall added a 121-checkout to take the lead for the first time before going 7-5 in front. This time it was Nicholson to fight back and did so by winning the following three legs to regain the lead at 8-7. Chisnall managed to find a 76-checkout on the bull to again level the match before breaking Nicholson to go 9-8 in front. This also seemed to break him mentally as The Asset was having to fight back the tears during the 18th leg. Chisnall also managed to win that to win the game 10-8 and progress through to the second round. Thoughts do go to Nicholson though in the hope he is okay and recovers his form.
It was perhaps no surprise that the tournament favourite pulled off the best performance of the tournament so far. Taylor faced Matchplay debutant Stuart Kellett and sent out a chilling statement. The Power took the first five legs with a 161-checkout in the fifth. Kellett did miss the odd dart at a double but finally avoided the whitewash in the eighth leg after Taylor missed two darts himself. It didn't change the outcome and Taylor hit a 134-checkout in the tenth to make it 9-1 at the second break. The players returned for Taylor to also take the 11th leg and easily win the match 10-1 to set up a second round tie with Terry Jenkins.
Van Gerwen also looked to make his mark against Colin Lloyd with a beginning checkout of 107 and then a 120-checkout in leg three as he went 5-0 in front. Unlike many, Lloyd was fazed and he retaliated after the break by winning the following three legs before also finding a 120-checkout to make it 6-4 at the second break. Van Gerwen would miss two darts in the 13th leg as Lloyd made it 7-6. But Van Gerwen stopped the comeback with an 85-checkout on the bull before then making it 9-6. The Dutchman would then win the 17th leg to book his place in the second round.
After pulling out the European Championship with illness, Anderson returned to the oche and looked to be in top form for the first time in a while. The Scot began the match with a 101-checkout before leaving the stage 4-1 ahead after winning the opening three legs. King won the opening leg of the second session before Anderson took the following four legs to extend his lead to 8-2. King did try to mount some sort of comeback and managed to make it 8-5 before Anderson took the next two legs to win 10-5 and set up a second round match against James Wade.
The cagiest match of the tournament definitely goes to Chisnall and Paul Nicholson. It was a match where neither were at their best and it left Nicholson visibly upset. Nicholson did start the better by winning the first two legs before taking a 4-1 lead at the first break. Chisnall came back after the break to level the match before missing three darts in following leg to take the lead for the first time. Chizzy did win the tenth leg with a 102-checkout which meant the players were locked together at 5-5 at the second break. Chisnall added a 121-checkout to take the lead for the first time before going 7-5 in front. This time it was Nicholson to fight back and did so by winning the following three legs to regain the lead at 8-7. Chisnall managed to find a 76-checkout on the bull to again level the match before breaking Nicholson to go 9-8 in front. This also seemed to break him mentally as The Asset was having to fight back the tears during the 18th leg. Chisnall also managed to win that to win the game 10-8 and progress through to the second round. Thoughts do go to Nicholson though in the hope he is okay and recovers his form.
It was perhaps no surprise that the tournament favourite pulled off the best performance of the tournament so far. Taylor faced Matchplay debutant Stuart Kellett and sent out a chilling statement. The Power took the first five legs with a 161-checkout in the fifth. Kellett did miss the odd dart at a double but finally avoided the whitewash in the eighth leg after Taylor missed two darts himself. It didn't change the outcome and Taylor hit a 134-checkout in the tenth to make it 9-1 at the second break. The players returned for Taylor to also take the 11th leg and easily win the match 10-1 to set up a second round tie with Terry Jenkins.
Van Gerwen also looked to make his mark against Colin Lloyd with a beginning checkout of 107 and then a 120-checkout in leg three as he went 5-0 in front. Unlike many, Lloyd was fazed and he retaliated after the break by winning the following three legs before also finding a 120-checkout to make it 6-4 at the second break. Van Gerwen would miss two darts in the 13th leg as Lloyd made it 7-6. But Van Gerwen stopped the comeback with an 85-checkout on the bull before then making it 9-6. The Dutchman would then win the 17th leg to book his place in the second round.
2013 World Matchplay Darts: Day Two - Afternoon Session
There was no time for a lazy afternoon by the seaside in Blackpool. This afternoon was filled with more darting drama as we reached the halfway point in the first round of the 2013 World Matchplay tournament. There were wins for the P's as Justin Pipe, Kevin Painter and Peter Wright all made it through, joined by Northern Ireland's Brendan Dolan.
Pipe managed to see off an injured Mark Webster in another match where the person starting the better ended up losing. Webster was suffering from damaged ligaments in his right ankle following a five-a-side football match. But it didn't really hamper the left-handed Welshman as he took a 2-0 lead courtesy of a 101-checkout. Pipe did level the match but a 76-checkout on the bull was enough for Webster to go 3-2 in front at the first break. Webster probably didn't want the break as Pipe returned with five consecutive legs to take a 7-3 lead at the second break. Pipe took the next two legs to go within one of winning the match before Webster added another leg to his belt. Pipe would still win 10-4 to comfortably progress to meet Raymond Van Barneveld in the second round.
Painter had a tough job in seeing off the young Jamie Lewis. Lewis managed to win the opening leg after Painter missed four darts at the double only for The Artist to go 2-1 and then 3-2 in front at the first interval. Painter gained an edge with a superb 164-checkout before then going 5-2 ahead. The plucky Lewis tried to come back and managed to make it 6-5 with a 104-checkout. But Painter continued to stay ahead and extended his lead to 8-5 and then 9-6 before Lewis tried to keep himself in the match. Painter would take the 17th leg of the match to win the game 10-7.
Wright continued his fantastic recent run of form with his first ever victory over Kim Huybrechts. The first six legs all went with throw as the match began to live up to its 'hard to call' nature. But Wright managed to gain a real foothold as he took the next four legs to go 7-3 in front. Huybrechts struggled for long periods during the game and after winning his fourth leg, Wright managed to win the following three legs to book his place in the next round.
The closest match of the afternoon saw Dolan creep past Steve Beaton to also make it in to the second round. The game began in extraordinary fashion; Dolan took the first leg with a 112-checkout before Beaton riposted with a 118-finish. Beaton would then go 3-1 in front before making it 5-2. But Dolan battled back and the Northern Irishman managed to take the next three legs to level the match at the second interval. Dolan then managed to make it five consecutive legs to go 7-5 in front before Beaton fought back to level, with a 117-checkout in leg-13. The next three legs were shared to put Dolan 9-8 in front but a sudden death shoot-out was avoided as the Northern Irishman managed to win the 18th leg and squeeze through.
Pipe managed to see off an injured Mark Webster in another match where the person starting the better ended up losing. Webster was suffering from damaged ligaments in his right ankle following a five-a-side football match. But it didn't really hamper the left-handed Welshman as he took a 2-0 lead courtesy of a 101-checkout. Pipe did level the match but a 76-checkout on the bull was enough for Webster to go 3-2 in front at the first break. Webster probably didn't want the break as Pipe returned with five consecutive legs to take a 7-3 lead at the second break. Pipe took the next two legs to go within one of winning the match before Webster added another leg to his belt. Pipe would still win 10-4 to comfortably progress to meet Raymond Van Barneveld in the second round.
Painter had a tough job in seeing off the young Jamie Lewis. Lewis managed to win the opening leg after Painter missed four darts at the double only for The Artist to go 2-1 and then 3-2 in front at the first interval. Painter gained an edge with a superb 164-checkout before then going 5-2 ahead. The plucky Lewis tried to come back and managed to make it 6-5 with a 104-checkout. But Painter continued to stay ahead and extended his lead to 8-5 and then 9-6 before Lewis tried to keep himself in the match. Painter would take the 17th leg of the match to win the game 10-7.
Wright continued his fantastic recent run of form with his first ever victory over Kim Huybrechts. The first six legs all went with throw as the match began to live up to its 'hard to call' nature. But Wright managed to gain a real foothold as he took the next four legs to go 7-3 in front. Huybrechts struggled for long periods during the game and after winning his fourth leg, Wright managed to win the following three legs to book his place in the next round.
The closest match of the afternoon saw Dolan creep past Steve Beaton to also make it in to the second round. The game began in extraordinary fashion; Dolan took the first leg with a 112-checkout before Beaton riposted with a 118-finish. Beaton would then go 3-1 in front before making it 5-2. But Dolan battled back and the Northern Irishman managed to take the next three legs to level the match at the second interval. Dolan then managed to make it five consecutive legs to go 7-5 in front before Beaton fought back to level, with a 117-checkout in leg-13. The next three legs were shared to put Dolan 9-8 in front but a sudden death shoot-out was avoided as the Northern Irishman managed to win the 18th leg and squeeze through.
Poland’s Last Heat World Cup Win
Poland win their sixth World Cup in nine years in dramatic
fashion. The final twisted and turned throughout as it went down to the final
heat. It turned out to be a battle between Michael Jepsen Jensen and Jaroslaw
Hampel and the Polish GP rider managed to get a phenomenal start to win the
trophy. After their race off victory, Australia were in contention for a lot of
the meeting but ultimately fell away and finished third. The hosts, Czech
Republic, were in action for the first time this tournament but, as feared, they
weren’t really good enough to compete in a final.
Poland (Hampel, Krzysztof Kasprzak, Patryk Dudek &
Maciej Janowski) and Denmark (Nicki Pedersen, Kenneth Bjerre, Niels-Kristian
Iversen & Jepsen Jensen) were unchanged from their first round victories. Australia
(Darcy Ward, Cameron Woodward, Jason Doyle & Troy Batchelor) were unchanged
from the race off. Czech Republic were led by the semi-GP rider Ales Dryml. His
brother Lukas and Josef Franc have also had premiere Speedway experience with
young Vaclav Milik completing the line-up for the hosts.
The beginning of the meeting was very open with all four
countries picking a race victory. Hampel won the first heat of the night, after
a false start originally, and second places from the other Poles put them ahead
on nine points from four heats. Pedersen won the second heat for Denmark as
they sat on five points. Woodward won the third heat for Australia, following
another false start, and three other third places meant they sat second on
seven points. Czech Republic had to wait until the fourth heat to pick up their
first points which came from Ales Drmyl’s victory.
Denmark dominated heats five to eight with four victories.
This propelled them in to the lead with 17-points. Three second places and a
fourth from Hampel in heat six put Poland on 15. Australia had to settle for
four third places which left them on 11-points from eight heats. Ales Dryml
continued to lead his nation with a second place in heat six to gain a further
two points, meaning he had scored all five points in the meeting so far for the
hosts. The first disqualification came in heat seven as Franc false started and
hit the tapes.
Australia used their joker in heat nine and it worked
perfectly as Batchelor won. Janowski finished second with Pedersen third,
meaning that Denmark still led on 18-points with both Poland and now Australia
on 17. Milik went down in heat ten, forcing a restart; Bjerre won it to extend
Denmark’s lead to two. Ales Dryml used Czech Republic’s joker in heat-11 but he
finished fourth which meant they still picked no points up. Hampel won it to
move to within a point again of the Danes. Heat-12 was then won by Iversen to
put Denmark on 26-points from 12-heats. A third place from Kasprzak put Poland
on 23-points with Australia on 21 after Ward finished second. With no points
gained from the previous four heats, Czech Republic remained on just five.
The game changed in heat-13 as Janowski won it for Poland.
This was helped by Jepsen Jensen coming fourth, allowing Poland to level the
scores with Australia three points behind. Iversen then restored Denmark’s lead
with victory in heat-14. A fourth place from Dudek meant that Poland were once
again three points behind with Australia a point behind on 25. It got worse for
Poland as Kasprzak packed up in heat-15 but it actually turned out to be a good
thing. Woodward’s second place did put Australia second with Denmark now six
points ahead. This meant that Poland could now play their joker in heat-16 and
the script was completely ripped up. Hampel rode the joker and would win the
heat. Pedersen was second until he packed up, meaning that Poland were once
again level with Denmark on 32-points from 16-heats. Australia still weren’t
out of it on 29-points with Czech Republic still in single figures.
Heat-17 was very tense and dramatic. There was a false start
to begin with, meaning all four riders had to go back and start again. Then
Bjerre looked to clip Lukas Dryml on the third corner with his dirt protector.
This looked to have caused Dryml to hit the floor but, after a lot of
deliberation from the referee, it was Dryml who was disqualified. Bjerre was a
very lucky boy but he could finish third with Ward taking victory for
Australia. This put Poland on 34, Denmark on 33 and Australia on 32.
It all changed again in heat-18 when Pedersen won it for
Denmark with Dudek only finishing third. This put Denmark on 36 with Poland on
35. Doyle finished fourth which ended Australia’s chances as they remained on
32. Second from Milik meant Czech Republic had now got in to double figures on
11.
Janowski won heat-19 with Iversen second. This meant that
Poland and Denmark were now locked together on 38-points with one heat
remaining. The tension rose with a false start, sending Jepsen Jensen and
Hampel back to the start. The engines were revved for a second time and as the
tapes rose, Hampel stormed away and took the lead. Jepsen Jensen had fallen to
fourth, virtually ending the tournament. Hampel continued to get away as Jepsen
Jensen clawed his way back to second, meaning that Poland would win the World
Cup by a solitary point.
Final Result: Poland 41 Denmark 40 Australia 33 Czech
Republic 12
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