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PHIL TAYLOR endured more than a few nervy moments before defeating Chris Dobey 3-1 as he started the final William Hill World Darts Championship campaign of his legendary darting career.
The 16-time World Champion is hoping to make a fairytale ending to his amazing career, but was made to sweat just to get through the opening game of his farewell appearance at Alexandra Palace. All eyes are on the 57-year-old this year and perhaps the enormity of the situation hampered him in his first outing - and he admitted he was struggling a bit for energy. "I lacked a bit of energy against Chris tonight, I slacked a little bit and it's not me. I'm tired," said Taylor. "I never used to be like that before, I could win a tournament and then play another tournament, it's strange. I've got a few days off now to get ready for the next one." It was a very un-Taylor-like start as young star Dobey threatened to be the ultimate party pooper by going 1-0 and 2-1 up early on, but Taylor settled to bag the next two legs and win the opening set against the throw. It was more routine for Taylor in the second set as Dobey offered little resistance - apart from taking one leg when he hit a 180 and 60 outshot - as a 3-1 scoreline left the Stoke legend on course for a straight sets win. Dobey led at the start of set three, with Taylor taking out 105 in leg four to level with the tie's first ton-plus finish - but just as he prepared to close out the win the Bedlington thrower produced an 11-darter to extend the contest. Dobey really started the nerves jangling around Alexandra Palace in the fourth set as a 104 checkout saw him break the throw for a 2-1 lead to put him on the brink of levelling up the match - only to miss two shots at double 16 for the set. Taylor took all three darts to hit double 16 to level it up, and made no mistake in the final leg - to his and the crowd's relief - as he booked his place in the second round. "There was a lot of pressure on me, but to get through Chris Dobey [was good]," said a relieved Taylor. "When they keep on about the future of darts, that's your fella I think. "And you've got Dimitri [Van den Bergh] as well, they're lovely kids and they're the ones to push the game on I think." Taylor admitted the prospect of retirement is a tough one, but that it's even harder playing in the big events and not finding that all-conquering form of old. "The fire's gone," he added. "I want to win, I've still got the fire in the belly to win, it's just the old utensils are not working as good as they used to. It's awful, it's killing me. "And you know by my interviews, I have been very critical of certain players, sometimes justified maybe sometimes not. I've been a little bit bitter and I'm gutted that I can't play what I can, and that's what's killing me really. "I'm really trying so hard and I can't do what I used to do. So I've got to shut up now." New World Youth Champion Dimitri Van den Bergh is aiming high after he produced a 104.17 average - the fifth best first round effort in tournament history - to see off former Stephen Bunting 3-1, despite the former Lakeside Champion hitting a 170 checkout. "My ambition, the way I'm feeling, I'm ready for something big," said Van den Bergh. "My dad says I am and when my dad says it, then it's true. "So I'll keep working and I'm going for the quarter-finals at least, and if I get to the quarter-finals I'm definitely going for more, I never give up." Well-fancied debutant Rob Cross showed glimpses of what he can do in his 3-0 victory over preliminary round winner Seigo Asada - hitting back-to-back 180s in the last two legs as he finished with an impressive 104.12 average. "I've had a two-week build-up leading into this and I think there was a bit of pressure and that showed in the first set," said the European Championship finalist. "It gradually got better. "People who you talk to were buzzing for this two months ago and I didn't understand - and now I do. It's a phenomenal place, I absolutely love it. It's brilliant, very special." Japanese qualifier Asada had earlier overcome Australia's Gordon Mathers 2-1 in a sudden-death leg to secure his spot in the first round as the pair made their World Championship debuts. Saturday sees two sessions of action at Alexandra Palace with Mervyn King, Robert Thornton and Benito van de Pas in action in the afternoon session, while two-time World Champion Gary Anderson and Jelle Klaasen open their challenges in the evening session. William Hill World Darts Championship First Round Friday December 15 Seigo Asada 2-1 Gordon Mathers (P) Stephen Bunting 1-3 Dimitri Van den Bergh Phil Taylor 3-1 Chris Dobey Rob Cross 3-0 Seigo Asada Saturday December 16 Afternoon Session (12.30pm) Brendan Dolan v Alan Ljubic (P) Benito van de Pas v Steve West Mervyn King v Zoran Lerchbacher Robert Thornton v Brendan Dolan/Alan Ljubic Evening Session (7pm) Jeff Smith v Luke Humphries (P) Joe Cullen v Jermaine Wattimena Jelle Klaasen v Jan Dekker Gary Anderson v Jeff Smith/Luke Humphries Preliminary Round - Best of three sets First Round - Best of five sets Match Reports Seigo Asada 2-1 Gordon Mathers (1-3, 3-0, 3-2) SEIGO ASADA secured a first round date with Rob Cross after surviving an entertaining late comeback from Gordon Mathers to win their preliminary round clash in a sudden-death leg. After Asada won the opening leg, Mathers - the 2017 DPA Australian ProTour champion - went on to claim the next three legs and the opening set, and there looked like only one winner. Japanese qualifier Asada had other ideas though, breaking the throw in the opening leg of the second set with a 46 checkout before sealing the set 3-0 thanks to a 120 finish. A 16-dart leg followed by a 110 checkout made it five straight legs for Asada and put him on the brink of victory, but he missed two darts for the match and Mathers hit double 16 to save himself. Mathers then produced an 11-darter to level the match and force a winner-takes-all final leg, but it was Asada who held his nerve to set-up his big game later in the night. Stephen Bunting 1-3 Dimitri Van den Bergh (2-3, 1-3, 3-1, 2-3) NEW World Youth Champion Dimitri Van den Bergh produced a sparkling first round performance as he overcame former Lakeside Champion Stephen Bunting 31 in an impressive display. Van den Bergh averaged 104.17 - the fifth-highest first round average in tournament history - and hit five 180s in an entertaining win that saw Bunting hit four 180s of his own and three ton-plus finishes, including a maximum 170, but still end up on the losing side. Van den Bergh came flying out of the traps with a 13-darter, but Bunting responded with a 100 outshot and capitalised and three missed doubles to make it two quick legs to go ahead. A 180 from Van den Bergh saw him earn a break back straight away to level up, before taking the decider and claiming the opening set with a 100 average. The young Belgian blazed through a top-quality second set with a scorching 116 average - Bunting himself averaged 101 and hit a maximum 170 but could only win one leg as finishes of 127, 72 and 88 put Van den Bergh two sets up. Bunting came out fighting in the third as he made the most of a suddenly nervous looking Van den Bergh, who missed four shots at double and despite clawing one leg back was unable to salvage the set as the St Helens ace hit back against the throw. Bunting then opened set four with a 144 finish and took out 96 to move 2-1 up, but Van den Bergh levelled by finishing 76 before landing two 180s in the deciding leg to tee up double three as he sealed the win. "I'm definitely happy with that," said the 23-year-old. "It's a winning average so that's very important to me, but winning today on my father's birthday that means more. "He's the reason I play darts, he had ten years in a row playing in the national team of Belgium so, of course it inspires me. "Everybody handles pressure in their own way but I'm playing the game that he taught me - he gave me some basic instructions and that's what I've used here. Sometimes I looked over at my dad and his eyes, that's what made me strong again in this game. "My ambition, the way I'm feeling, I'm ready for something big. My dad says I am and when my dad says it, then it's true. "So I'll keep working and I'm going for the quarter-finals at least, and if I get to the quarter-finals I'm definitely going for more, I never give up." Phil Taylor 3-1 Chris Dobey (3-2, 3-1, 2-3, 3-2) PHIL TAYLOR endured more than a few nervy moments before defeating Chris Dobey 3-1 as he started the final William Hill World Darts Championship campaign of his legendary darting career. The 16-time World Champion is hoping to make a fairytale ending to his amazing career, but was made to sweat just to get through the opening game of his farewell appearance at Alexandra Palace. All eyes are on the 57-year-old this year and perhaps the enormity of the situation hampered him in his first outing - and he admitted he was struggling a bit for energy. "I lacked a bit of energy against Chris tonight, I slacked a little bit and it's not me. I'm tired," said Taylor. "I never used to be like that before, I could win a tournament and then play another tournament, it's strange. I've got a few days off now to get ready for the next one." It was a very un-Taylor-like start as young star Dobey threatened to be the ultimate party pooper by going 1-0 and 2-1 up early on, but Taylor settled to bag the next two legs and win the opening set against the throw. It was more routine for Taylor in the second set as Dobey offered little resistance - apart from taking one leg when he hit a 180 and 60 outshot - as a 3-1 scoreline left the Stoke legend on course for a straight sets win. Dobey led at the start of set three, with Taylor taking out 105 in leg four to level with the tie's first ton-plus finish - but just as he prepared to close out the win the Bedlington thrower produced an 11-darter to extend the contest. Dobey really started the nerves jangling around Alexandra Palace in the fourth set as a 104 checkout saw him break the throw for a 2-1 lead to put him on the brink of levelling up the match - only to miss two shots at double 16 for the set. Taylor took all three darts to hit double 16 to level it up, and made no mistake in the final leg - to his and the crowd's relief - as he booked his place in the second round. "There was a lot of pressure on me, but to get through Chris Dobey [was good]," said a relieved Taylor. "When they keep on about the future of darts, that's your fella I think. "And you've got Dimitri [Van den Bergh] as well, they're lovely kids and they're the ones to push the game on I think." Taylor admitted the prospect of retirement is a tough one, but that it's even harder playing in the big events and not finding that all-conquering form of old. "The fire's gone," he added. "I want to win, I've still got the fire in the belly to win, it's just the old utensils are not working as good as they used to. It's awful, it's killing me. "And you know by my interviews, I have been very critical of certain players, sometimes justified maybe sometimes not. I've been a little bit bitter and I'm gutted that I can't play what I can, and that's what's killing me really. "I'm really trying so hard and I can't do what I used to do. So I've got to shut up now." Rob Cross 3-0 Seigo Asada (3-1, 3-2, 3-2) WELL-FANCIED debutant Rob Cross made a winning start to his William Hill World Darts Championship campaign as he finished strongly in a 3-0 win over game qualifier Seigo Asada. It's unusual for a debutant to be amongst the tournament favourites, but Cross' stellar year had seen him amongst the front runners for the title before the former electrician had even thrown a dart at Alexandra Palace. The number 20 seed is a four-time winner on the PDC circuit in his first year as a professional leading to his lofty reputation entering the tournament - and although he took time to find his stride he finished with a flourish. Cross claimed the game's opening set with a 3-1 scoreline to put himself in command and settle any debut nerves, but the second set was a much more lively affair as Asada hit legs of 12 and 15 darts. Cross found form when he needed to though, finding back-to-back 12-darters of his own at 2-1 down to clinch the set on a brilliant 121 checkout. Asada stuck to his guns and took the opening two legs of the third set courtesy of 70 and 120 checkouts, before Cross found his best darts with seven perfect arrows on the way to an 11-darter. Back-to-back 180s in the next helped Cross to seal a 3-0 victory that looked more comfortable on paper than it was in reality. "I've had a two-week build-up leading into this and I think there was a bit of pressure and that showed in the first set," said the European Championship finalist. "It gradually got better. "People who you talk to were buzzing for this two months ago and I didn't understand - and now I do. It's a phenomenal place, I absolutely love it. It's brilliant, very special." ENDS
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MICHAEL VAN GERWEN hit a 180 with the opening three darts of the defence of his William Hill World Darts Championship before defeating Christian Kist 3-1 with the third-best first round average in tournament history.
Van Gerwen hit the ground running on the opening night of the tournament in some style as he produced a standard-setting 106.17 average to fire out a warning to his rivals that he will not be relinquishing his title easily. That opening 180 helped Van Gerwen take the first leg in 14 darts before he followed up with a 15-darter and capped off the first set with a 12-darter, highlighted with a 141 finish. Kist needed to reply with in a 13-darter just to finally get a leg on the board as he went two sets down, but in a quality third set Kist withstood two 12-darters, two 180s and a 138 checkout from Van Gerwen to reduce the deficit to 2-1. That sniff of danger was all the reigning champion needed though to move up another gear as he checked out 114 at the start of the fourth set, and once in front he never looked back as he powered to the winning line and set up a second round clash with James Wilson. "It's always nice to come back to Alexandra Palace for the World Championship and a great game like this to start the tournament off is good for your confidence," said Van Gerwen, who has now won 30 successive matches. "I also want to say well done to Christian Kist as well because he put me under pressure, he played well, he had over a 100 average. It was a nice start for me and I'm glad I won this game. "I knew my form was there but at some points it didn't really come out. I can't really complain because I think I put on a fantastic performance for everyone and also for myself - it's a nice way to start off the tournament, it gives you a good feeling. "I know what he can do, lately he's been struggling with a bit of trouble with his arm, but I think he's over it because he played a great game - I think anyone else he would have played tonight he would have given them a great game, but I did an step extra when I had to. "It was a phenomenal performance for the first round as the first round is always difficult. I like to start straight away in top gear because if you underestimate people they can kill you - you have to perform round after round, game after game and leg after leg because it's the most important tournament of the year." Next up for Van Gerwen on December 22 is James Wilson, with the Huddersfield thrower coming out on top in his first round encounter with Poland's Krzysztof Ratajski - the reigning World Masters winner - with a 3-1 victory. "It's a good win for me and I've got massive confidence going forward," said Wilson. "I wasn't nervous but I was getting a few bounce outs and I had to put it in my mind that it wasn't me. "I tried throwing a bit harder and they just went haywire, so I just went back to my natural throw and hope that they went in and stayed in." Former Lakeside Champion Steve Beaton kicked-off this year's event on his 27th straight World Championship appearance with a reasonably comfortable 3-1 victory over Irish debutant William O'Connor. "I know William can play well," said Beaton. "But I sneaked the first set and I thought after I got the second set, he didn't get off the stage - he tried to get himself focused. "I thought the last two sets we both played how we can play. He's just got to learn, I mean I'm still learning! I still get the butterflies and I'm tense and everything. "I couldn't believe the ending there, we were both banging them in and I just came out on top." UK Open finalist Gerwyn Price closed the opening night as he enjoyed his first-ever World Championship victory by overpowering youngster Ted Evetts during his 3-0 straight sets victory. Development Tour product Evetts won through the PDPA Qualifier in Milton Keynes last month to secure his World Championship debut, but the 20-year-old struggled to settle on the big stage against the more experienced Price. "I was anxious all day and I'm just thankful to play well tonight and come through the game," said Price. "I haven't won a game on that stage so I put the pressure on myself to be honest. "I felt good when I was practicing and I felt good when I was up there. It could have gone to 1-1 in the second set but fortunately I came through that. "I put pressure on myself in this event because I hadn’t won a game, I've lost first round for the first three years so I felt it. I don't feel like that at any other tournament. "At the UK Open I'd never really come through a first round but once I did that I made the final, so the rest better watch out!" The action continues at Alexandra Palace on Friday when legendary 16-time World Champion Phil Taylor opens his challenge in the 57-year-old's final tournament before retiring by taking on youngster Chris Dobey. Stephen Bunting takes on new World Youth Champion Dimitri Van den Bergh, while shooting star Rob Cross makes his World Championship debut against the winner of the preliminary round tie between Japan's Seigo Asada and Australia's Gordon Mathers. William Hill World Darts Championship First Round Thursday December 14 Steve Beaton 3-1 William O'Connor James Wilson 3-1 Krzysztof Ratajski Michael van Gerwen 3-1 Christian Kist Gerwyn Price 3-0 Ted Evetts Best of five sets Match Reports Steve Beaton 3-1 William O'Connor (3-1, 3-0, 0-3, 3-1) Veteran star Steve Beaton made a winning start to his latest William Hill World Darts Championship campaign with a reasonably comfortable 3-1 victory over debutant William O'Connor. The 53-year-old former Lakeside Champion, making his 17th appearance in the event and 27th straight World Championship challenge overall, was outscored early on and only hit three 180s to O'Connor's five, but made the most of some shaky double hitting by the Irishman. O'Connor missed 16 shots at double in the first set after looking good with a 14-darter early on, and he found it hard to shake off the after-effects of those misses as he lost the second set without getting a dart at double. Beaton was still not scoring heavily though, averaging just around 80, and O'Connor regained his confidence to average 105 when taking out 97 and then 86 for a 13-darter to sweep the third set and get on the board. Both men hit some decent form in the fourth set but it was Beaton who took command at 2-0 before O'Connor took out a classy 155 checkout to stay alive. O'Connor then opened leg four with a 180, but Beaton responded in style with a maximum of his own and took out 52 to ensure he avoided a sixth first round exit to move into the last 32 at Alexandra Palace. "I know William can play well," said Beaton. "But I sneaked the first set and I thought after I got the second set, he didn’t get off the stage - he tried to get himself focused. "I thought the last two sets we both played how we can play. He's just got to learn, I mean I'm still learning! I still get the butterflies and I'm tense and everything but I love it. "I couldn't believe the ending there, we were both banging them in and I just came out on top." James Wilson 3-1 Krzysztof Ratajski (1-3, 3-2, 3-1, 3-2) Number 32 seed James Wilson won a hard-fought battle with Poland's Krzysztof Ratajski 3-1 to book his place in the second round of the William Hill World Darts Championship. The 45-year-old, now known as the Lethal Biscuit, was the underdog with the bookies against World Masters winner Ratajski and those odds looked justified as the Polish thrower hit an 11-darter in the opening leg en route to taking the first set with the minimum of fuss. Wilson was scoring well, though, and hit 12 tons in the second set alongside finishes of 87 and 60 to scrape the set 3-2 and level the match. More big scoring moved Wilson 2-0 up in the next, but he let Ratajski back into the set with three missed doubles, before settling himself in leg four to go ahead 2-1 in sets. Ratajski hit six perfect darts in a powerful start to the fourth set, which strangely included the first four legs all going against the throw. Ratajski missed double 16 for the set to stay in the match, and after Wilson took that leg the writing was on the wall as the Huddersfield man took out a 95 finish to seal a 3-1 victory and passage into the second round. "It's a good win for me and I've got massive confidence going forward," said Wilson. "I wasn't nervous but I was getting a few bounce outs and I had to put it in my mind that it wasn't me. "I tried throwing a bit harder and they just went haywire, so I just went back to my natural throw and hope that they went in and stayed in." Michael van Gerwen 3-1 Christian Kist (3-0, 3-1, 2-3, 3-0) Defending champion Michael van Gerwen produced the third highest first round average in tournament history as he made a flying start to his William Hill World Darts Championship campaign with a high-quality 3-1 victory over Christian Kist. On another night, against another opponent, former Lakeside Champion Kist would have had a great chance of winning with his 100 average, but Van Gerwen's blistering 106.17 was just too hot to handle. The reigning champion came bursting out of the traps and hit a 180 with his first visit of the tournament and cleaned up a 14-dart leg after Kist missed the bull and a double four to hold his throw. Kist's solid start continued, but another shot at the bullseye was all he got as Van Gerwen produced a 15-darter and capped off the set with a 12-darter highlighted by a 141 finish to take the opener with a 109 average. A closer contest in the second set saw Kist land a 13-darter to finally get a leg on the board but, as Van Gerwen's level dropped just a touch the Vroomshoop ace was left cursing a missed double 16 as the top seed took out 74 for the set. The third set was one of real quality from both men as they combined for four 180s, three 12-darters and a 138 checkout. Van Gerwen answered Kist's opening 12-darter with one of his own and then capped a second leg with a 138 outshot, but could not stop Kist from taking the set as the underdog showed real belief that he could cause a huge upset. That sniff of danger was all Van Gerwen needed, though, to move up another gear as he checked out 114 at the start of the fourth set, and once in front he never looked back as he powered to the finish line and set up a second round clash with James Wilson. "It's always nice to come back to Alexandra Palace for the World Championship and a great game like this to start the tournament off is good for your confidence," said Van Gerwen, who has now won 30 successive matches. "I also want to say well done to Christian Kist as well because he put me under pressure, he played well, he had over a 100 average. It was a nice start for me and I'm glad I won this game. "I knew my form was there but at some points it didn't really come out. I can't really complain because I think I put on a fantastic performance for everyone and also for myself - it's a nice way to start off the tournament, it gives you a good feeling. "I know what he can do, lately he's been struggling with a bit of trouble with his arm, but I think he's over it because he played a great game - I think anyone else he would have played tonight he would have given them a great game, but I did an step extra when I had to. "It was a phenomenal performance for the first round as the first round is always difficult. I like to start straight away in top gear because if you underestimate people they can kill you - you have to perform round after round, game after game and leg after leg because it's the most important tournament of the year." Gerwyn Price 3-0 Ted Evetts (3-0, 3-2, 3-1) Gerwyn Price moved into the second round of the William Hill World Darts Championship for the first time as he proved far too strong for youngster Ted Evetts during his straight sets victory. Development Tour product Evetts had won through the PDPA Qualifier to earn a World Championship debut, but the 20-year-old struggled to settle on the big stage against the more experienced Price. The Welshman stamped his authority on the match with a 180 on his first throw, and he added a second during a comfortable set as he won all three legs. Price made it four legs on the bounce before Evetts finally made his mark on the contest, and once on the board he quickly added a second and had a sniff of the set before the UK Open finalist took the decider for a 2-0 lead. Although Evetts showed great heart to take out 76 to stay in the match in the third set it was not enough as Price sealed the 3-0 win as he finished with a 101.55 average. "I was anxious all day and I'm just thankful to play well tonight and come through the game," said Price. "I haven't won a game on that stage so I put the pressure on myself to be honest. "I felt good when I was practicing and I felt good when I was up there. It could have gone to 1-1 in the second set but fortunately I came through that. "I put pressure on myself in this event because I hadn’t won a game, I've lost first round for the first three years so I felt it. I don't feel like that at any other tournament. "At the UK Open I'd never really come through a first round but once I did that I made the final, so the rest better watch out!" Written by Paul Higham for the PDC ENDS THE biggest-ever William Hill World Darts Championship begins on Thursday, with Michael van Gerwen beginning his title defence at Alexandra Palace ahead of Phil Taylor's final-ever professional tournament before he retires from the sport.
A field of 72 players from 24 countries will be in action across the Christmas and New Year period at Alexandra Palace, with a record £1.8 million in prize money on offer. The tournament will also mark the final challenge for legendary 16-time World Champion Phil Taylor ahead of his impending retirement, with the 57-year-old having dominated the sport since 1990. Taylor begins his challenge against youngster Chris Dobey in the first round on Friday, having been installed at 10/1 with sponsors William Hill to end his career with a "dream" 17th World Championship success. "It's been a fantastic year and I've enjoyed it so much and to end it I'd love to go and have a good run at the World Championship," said Taylor. "Winning it would obviously be the best way to go out, but I'll just go there to enjoy it and do my best. "There's been no pressure on me this year, I've not been worried about rankings or things like that, so I've been able to enjoy myself a bit more." Reigning World Champion Michael van Gerwen begins his bid for a third Alexandra Palace title on Thursday's opening night, as he takes on fellow Dutchman Christian Kist. Former Lakeside Championship winner Kist has struggled with an arm problem throughout 2017, with Van Gerwen being an odds-on favourite with William Hill to win both his first round tie and the tournament on January 1. "I played a special World Championship last year and I want that feeling to continue," said Van Gerwen. "This is the biggest tournament in darts and it means so much to win it. "There will be pressure on me but I'm comfortable with that and I'm getting used to it. Everyone is playing well now but I believe in myself and I have to focus on my own game. "I can only focus on Christian because he's shown in the past how good he can be on his day. He's had some injury problems so you don't know what he will do, but I have to concentrate on myself and make sure that I don't make any mistakes." The opening night also sees veteran star Steve Beaton, the 1996 Lakeside Champion, making his 17th appearance in the event as he takes on Irish debutant William O'Connor. Beaton was a quarter-finalist in the recent Players Championship Finals, and said: "I'm feeling great after the last event, and I played well in Minehead. "This is a fantastic tournament and one that we all look forward to all year, so it's exciting. It will be a hard game against William because he's been playing well recently, so I'll have to be ready for it." Thursday's action also sees UK Open finalist Gerwyn Price playing Warwickshire youngster Ted Evetts and James Wilson, the number 32 seed, taking on Poland's Krzysztof Ratajski. Taylor's opening tie on Friday is accompanied by Stephen Bunting taking on Dimitri Van den Bergh and debutant Rob Cross - the number 20 seed following an amazing debut year as a professional - playing either Siego Asada or Gordon Mathers. "I'm really excited," said Cross, a former electrician from Hastings. "Everything's been new for me this year and I've really enjoyed it, and hopefully that will be the same at the World Championship. "Everyone's told me what a fantastic tournament it is and I can't wait to experience it, but I'll be staying focused on my game too. I don't know much about my potential opponents so I'll just make sure that I get my preparation right." Play continues with two sessions per day on Saturday and Sunday, with evening sessions continuing from Monday through to the first round's conclusion on Thursday December 21. The second round is split across the Christmas period, with the tournament progressing through to the semi-finals on December 30 ahead of the final on January 1. Coverage of the William Hill World Darts Championship will be broadcast live on the dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel from December 14-January 1. Worldwide coverage through the PDC's series of international broadcast partners includes a new deal with BBC America to screen the tournament in the USA. William Hill World Darts Championship Preliminary & First Rounds (P) denotes Preliminary Round Thursday December 14 (7pm) Steve Beaton v William O'Connor James Wilson v Krzysztof Ratajski Michael van Gerwen v Christian Kist Gerwyn Price v Ted Evetts Friday December 15 (7pm) Seigo Asada v Gordon Mathers (P) Stephen Bunting v Dimitri Van den Bergh Phil Taylor v Chris Dobey Rob Cross v Seigo Asada/Gordon Mathers Saturday December 16 Afternoon Session (12.30pm) Brendan Dolan v Alan Ljubic (P) Benito van de Pas v Steve West Mervyn King v Zoran Lerchbacher Robert Thornton v Brendan Dolan/Alan Ljubic Evening Session (7pm) Jeff Smith v Luke Humphries (P) Joe Cullen v Jermaine Wattimena Jelle Klaasen v Jan Dekker Gary Anderson v Jeff Smith/Luke Humphries Sunday December 17 Afternoon Session (12.30pm) Kenny Neyens v Jamie Lewis (P) Alan Norris v Kim Viljanen Kyle Anderson v Peter Jacques Jonny Clayton v Kenny Neyens/Jamie Lewis Evening Session (7pm) Willard Bruguier v Cody Harris (P) James Wade v Keegan Brown Dave Chisnall v Vincent van der Voort Ian White v Willard Bruguier/Cody Harris Monday December 18 (7pm) Kai Fan Leung v Paul Lim (P) Mensur Suljovic v Kevin Painter Daryl Gurney v Ronny Huybrechts Mark Webster v Kai Fan Leung/Paul Lim Tuesday December 19 (7pm) Aleksandr Oreshkin v Kevin Munch (P) John Henderson v Marko Kantele Raymond van Barneveld v Richard North Adrian Lewis v Aleksandr Oreshkin/Kevin Munch Wednesday December 20 (7pm) Xiao Chen Zong v Bernie Smith (P) Michael Smith v Steve Lennon Simon Whitlock v Martin Schindler Justin Pipe v Xiao Chen Zong/Bernie Smith Thursday December 21 (7pm) Cristo Reyes v Toni Alcinas Kim Huybrechts v James Richardson Darren Webster v Devon Petersen Peter Wright v Diogo Portela Format Preliminary Round - Best of three sets First Round - Best of five sets THE biggest-ever William Hill World Darts Championship begins on Thursday, with Michael van Gerwen beginning his title defence at Alexandra Palace ahead of Phil Taylor's final-ever professional tournament before he retires from the sport.
A field of 72 players from 24 countries will be in action across the Christmas and New Year period at Alexandra Palace, with a record £1.8 million in prize money on offer. The tournament will also mark the final challenge for legendary 16-time World Champion Phil Taylor ahead of his impending retirement, with the 57-year-old having dominated the sport since 1990. Taylor begins his challenge against youngster Chris Dobey in the first round on Friday, having been installed at 10/1 with sponsors William Hill to end his career with a "dream" 17th World Championship success. "It's been a fantastic year and I've enjoyed it so much and to end it I'd love to go and have a good run at the World Championship," said Taylor. "Winning it would obviously be the best way to go out, but I'll just go there to enjoy it and do my best. "There's been no pressure on me this year, I've not been worried about rankings or things like that, so I've been able to enjoy myself a bit more." Reigning World Champion Michael van Gerwen begins his bid for a third Alexandra Palace title on Thursday's opening night, as he takes on fellow Dutchman Christian Kist. Former Lakeside Championship winner Kist has struggled with an arm problem throughout 2017, with Van Gerwen being an odds-on favourite with William Hill to win both his first round tie and the tournament on January 1. "I played a special World Championship last year and I want that feeling to continue," said Van Gerwen. "This is the biggest tournament in darts and it means so much to win it. "There will be pressure on me but I'm comfortable with that and I'm getting used to it. Everyone is playing well now but I believe in myself and I have to focus on my own game. "I can only focus on Christian because he's shown in the past how good he can be on his day. He's had some injury problems so you don't know what he will do, but I have to concentrate on myself and make sure that I don't make any mistakes." The opening night also sees veteran star Steve Beaton, the 1996 Lakeside Champion, making his 17th appearance in the event as he takes on Irish debutant William O'Connor. Beaton was a quarter-finalist in the recent Players Championship Finals, and said: "I'm feeling great after the last event, and I played well in Minehead. "This is a fantastic tournament and one that we all look forward to all year, so it's exciting. It will be a hard game against William because he's been playing well recently, so I'll have to be ready for it." Thursday's action also sees UK Open finalist Gerwyn Price playing Warwickshire youngster Ted Evetts and James Wilson, the number 32 seed, taking on Poland's Krzysztof Ratajski. Taylor's opening tie on Friday is accompanied by Stephen Bunting taking on Dimitri Van den Bergh and debutant Rob Cross - the number 20 seed following an amazing debut year as a professional - playing either Siego Asada or Gordon Mathers. "I'm really excited," said Cross, a former electrician from Hastings. "Everything's been new for me this year and I've really enjoyed it, and hopefully that will be the same at the World Championship. "Everyone's told me what a fantastic tournament it is and I can't wait to experience it, but I'll be staying focused on my game too. I don't know much about my potential opponents so I'll just make sure that I get my preparation right." Play continues with two sessions per day on Saturday and Sunday, with evening sessions continuing from Monday through to the first round's conclusion on Thursday December 21. The second round is split across the Christmas period, with the tournament progressing through to the semi-finals on December 30 ahead of the final on January 1. Coverage of the William Hill World Darts Championship will be broadcast live on the dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel from December 14-January 1. Worldwide coverage through the PDC's series of international broadcast partners includes a new deal with BBC America to screen the tournament in the USA. William Hill World Darts Championship Preliminary & First Rounds (P) denotes Preliminary Round Thursday December 14 (7pm) Steve Beaton v William O'Connor James Wilson v Krzysztof Ratajski Michael van Gerwen v Christian Kist Gerwyn Price v Ted Evetts Friday December 15 (7pm) Seigo Asada v Gordon Mathers (P) Stephen Bunting v Dimitri Van den Bergh Phil Taylor v Chris Dobey Rob Cross v Seigo Asada/Gordon Mathers Saturday December 16 Afternoon Session (12.30pm) Brendan Dolan v Alan Ljubic (P) Benito van de Pas v Steve West Mervyn King v Zoran Lerchbacher Robert Thornton v Brendan Dolan/Alan Ljubic Evening Session (7pm) Jeff Smith v Luke Humphries (P) Joe Cullen v Jermaine Wattimena Jelle Klaasen v Jan Dekker Gary Anderson v Jeff Smith/Luke Humphries Sunday December 17 Afternoon Session (12.30pm) Kenny Neyens v Jamie Lewis (P) Alan Norris v Kim Viljanen Kyle Anderson v Peter Jacques Jonny Clayton v Kenny Neyens/Jamie Lewis Evening Session (7pm) Willard Bruguier v Cody Harris (P) James Wade v Keegan Brown Dave Chisnall v Vincent van der Voort Ian White v Willard Bruguier/Cody Harris Monday December 18 (7pm) Kai Fan Leung v Paul Lim (P) Mensur Suljovic v Kevin Painter Daryl Gurney v Ronny Huybrechts Mark Webster v Kai Fan Leung/Paul Lim Tuesday December 19 (7pm) Aleksandr Oreshkin v Kevin Munch (P) John Henderson v Marko Kantele Raymond van Barneveld v Richard North Adrian Lewis v Aleksandr Oreshkin/Kevin Munch Wednesday December 20 (7pm) Xiao Chen Zong v Bernie Smith (P) Michael Smith v Steve Lennon Simon Whitlock v Martin Schindler Justin Pipe v Xiao Chen Zong/Bernie Smith Thursday December 21 (7pm) Cristo Reyes v Toni Alcinas Kim Huybrechts v James Richardson Darren Webster v Devon Petersen Peter Wright v Diogo Portela Format Preliminary Round - Best of three sets First Round - Best of five sets MINEHEAD MEETING FOR FORMER CHAMPIONS
FORMER champions Michael van Gerwen and Paul Nicholson will clash in the first round of the Mr Green Sport Players Championship Finals in Minehead next Friday, where top seed Rob Cross will meet Robert Owen. World number one Van Gerwen has been victorious at the Butlins Minehead Resort for three of the past four years, claiming a trio of Players Championship Finals titles. The Dutchman will begin his bid to retain the title in the three-day, £460,000 tournament against 2010 champion Paul Nicholson, who is making his first appearance in a televised event for two years. Shooting star Rob Cross will be the top seed for the event, with rankings based on prize money won in the 22 Players Championship events held this year which saw the Sussex thrower claim four victories in his debut season as a professional. Cross will play Wales' Robert Owen, who qualified in 64th place on the Players Championship Order of Merit, in their first round tie on Friday. Number two seed Daryl Gurney, October's World Grand Prix has drawn Dutch youngster Jeffrey de Zwaan, while third seed Peter Wright comes up against Steve Hine. Fourth seed Gary Anderson, the 2014 champion, will begin his challenge for a second title as he plays Northern Irish left-hander Mickey Mansell and fifth seed Mensur Suljovic is up against Andy Boulton. Dave Chisnall, last year's beaten finalist, will take on Joe Murnan, while 2011 winner Kevin Painter comes up against James Wade in a bumper first round tie. Adrian Lewis, a two-time finalist, will play Belgian youngster Mike De Decker, Auckland Darts Masters winner Kyle Anderson plays Dutchman Ron Meulenkamp and eighth seed Joe Cullen - a double Players Championship winner in 2017 - takes on Jamie Caven. Former finalists Robert Thornton, Mervyn King, Mark Webster and Kim Huybrechts drew James Richardson, Brendan Dolan, Justin Pipe and Chris Dobey respectively. Five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld plays number nine seed Ian White, while Welshman Jonny Clayton - who won his first ranking title in the year's final Players Championship event - drew Dutchman Jeffrey de Graaf. Friday's first round sees play split across two stages at the Butlins Minehead Resort, with the second and third rounds being held on Saturday. Sunday sees play focused on the main stage, with the quarter-finals in the afternoon session and the semi-finals and final in the evening session, which also features the PDC Unicorn World Youth Championship final between Josh Payne and Dimitri Van den Bergh. The Mr Green Sport Players Championship Finals will be broadcast live on ITV4 from November 24-26. A small number of Weekend Break Packages are available through www.bigweekends.com. 2017 Mr Green Sport Players Championship Finals First Round Draw & Tournament Bracket Rob Cross (1) v Robert Owen (64) Steve Lennon (32) v Zoran Lerchbacher (33) Richard North (16) v Peter Hudson (49) Adrian Lewis (17) v Mike De Decker (48) Joe Cullen (8) v Jamie Caven (57) James Wade (25) v Kevin Painter (40) Ian White (9) v Raymond van Barneveld (56) John Henderson (24) v Darren Johnson (41) Mensur Suljovic (5) v Andy Boulton (60) Stephen Bunting (28) v Benito van de Pas (37) Jonny Clayton (12) v Jeffrey de Graaf (53) Gerwyn Price (21) v Jimmy Hendriks (44) Gary Anderson (4) v Mickey Mansell (61) Jermaine Wattimena (29) v Keegan Brown (36) Alan Norris (13) v Jelle Klaasen (52) Steve Beaton (20) v Ronny Huybrechts (45) Daryl Gurney (2) v Jeffrey de Zwaan (63) Vincent van der Voort (31) v Robbie Green (34) Kim Huybrechts (15) v Chris Dobey (50) Robert Thornton (18) v James Richardson (47) Dave Chisnall (7) v Joe Murnan (58) James Wilson (26) v William O'Connor (39) Kyle Anderson (10) v Ron Meulenkamp (55) Justin Pipe (23) v Mark Webster (42) Michael van Gerwen (6) v Paul Nicholson (59) Steve West (27) v Ryan Searle (38) Darren Webster (11) v Antonio Alcinas (54) Mervyn King (22) v Brendan Dolan (43) Peter Wright (3) v Steve Hine (62) Peter Jacques (30) v Cristo Reyes (35) Michael Smith (14) v Jan Dekker (51) Simon Whitlock (19) v Christian Kist (46) Schedule of Play Friday November 24 First Round Afternoon Session (12.45pm) Main Stage Darren Webster v Antonio Alcinas Robert Thornton v James Richardson Joe Cullen v Jamie Caven Dave Chisnall v Joe Murnan Stephen Bunting v Benito van de Pas Kim Huybrechts v Chris Dobey Adrian Lewis v Mike De Decker Stage Two Steve Lennon v Zoran Lerchbacher Justin Pipe v Mark Webster Richard North v Peter Hudson Mervyn King v Brendan Dolan Steve Beaton v Ronny Huybrechts Steve West v Ryan Searle Jermaine Wattimena v Keegan Brown Peter Jacques v Cristo Reyes James Wade v Kevin Painter Evening Session (7pm) Main Stage Ian White v Raymond van Barneveld Mensur Suljovic v Andy Boulton Rob Cross v Robert Owen Daryl Gurney v Jeffrey de Zwaan Gary Anderson v Mickey Mansell Michael van Gerwen v Paul Nicholson Peter Wright v Steve Hine Stage Two Simon Whitlock v Christian Kist Gerwyn Price v Jimmy Hendriks James Wilson v William O'Connor John Henderson v Darren Johnson Vincent van der Voort v Robbie Green Jonny Clayton v Jeffrey de Graaf Kyle Anderson v Ron Meulenkamp Michael Smith v Jan Dekker Alan Norris v Jelle Klaasen Saturday November 25 Afternoon Session (12.45pm) Second Round Main Stage Chisnall/Murnan v Wilson/O'Connor Suljovic/Boulton v Bunting/Van de Pas Gurney/De Zwaan v Van der Voort/Green Cross/Owen v Lennon/Lerchbacher G Anderson/Mansell v Wattimena/Brown Van Gerwen/Nicholson v West/Searle Wright/Hine v Jacques/Reyes Stage Two D Webster/Alcinas v King/Dolan K Huybrechts/Dobey v Thornton/Richardson Clayton/De Graaf v Price/Hendriks North/Hudson v Lewis/De Decker K Anderson/Meulenkamp v Pipe/M Webster Norris/Klaasen v Beaton/R Huybrechts Cullen/Caven v Wade/Painter Smith/Dekker v Whitlock/Kist White/Van Barneveld v Henderson/Johnson Evening Session (7pm) Third Round Main Stage Cross/Owen/Lennon/Lerchbacher v North/Hudson/Lewis/De Decker G Anderson/Mansell/Wattimena/Brown v Norris/Klaasen/Beaton/R Huybrechts Van Gerwen/Nicholson/West/Searle v D Webster/Alcinas/King/Dolan Wright/Hine/Jacques/Reyes v Smith/Dekker/Whitlock/Kist Stage Two Chisnall/Murnan/Wilson/O'Connor v K Anderson/Meulenkamp/Pipe/M Webster Suljovic/Boulton/Bunting/Van de Pas v Clayton/De Graaf/Price/Hendriks Cullen/Caven/Wade/Painter v White/Van Barneveld/Henderson/Johnson Gurney/De Zwaan/Van der Voort/Green v K Huybrechts/Dobey/Thornton/Richardson Sunday November 26 Afternoon Session (12pm) Quarter-Finals Evening Session (7pm) Semi-Finals PDC Unicorn World Youth Championship Final Mr Green Sport Players Championship Final Format First Round - Best of 11 legs Second Round - Best of 11 legs Third Round - Best of 19 legs Quarter-Finals - Best of 19 legs Semi-Finals - Best of 21 legs Final - Best of 21 legs World Youth Championship Final - Best of 11 legs GREAT rivals Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen will clash in the bwin Grand Slam of Darts semi-finals following their brilliant victories over Daryl Gurney and Rob Cross at the Wolves Civic on Saturday.
Six-time champion Taylor's bid to claim a seventh, and farewell, triumph in the Grand Slam of Darts continued with a 16-4 quarter-final romp against world number four Gurney. The World Grand Prix champion was aiming to claim his first-ever victory over the 16-time World Champion, but saw Taylor finish 67 percent of his darts at a double and average 104 in a ruthless display. Gurney opened the game with a 115 finish, but Taylor finished 68 and 58 to move ahead and 115 to open up a 3-1 lead. The Northern Irish ace hit back to level after eight legs, but an incredible surge from Taylor saw him claim 12 successive legs in a relentless charge into the last four. The run began with double 12 to break throw before he took out 73, 126, 64 and 81 to gain breathing space, followed a 13-darter with a 132 checkout and then punished four missed doubles from Gurney to create a 13-4 cushion. Taylor then fired in a fourth ton-plus checkout of the game, with a 137 combination, and took out 84 to lead 15-4 before wrapping up a comprehensive win with the aid of a seventh 180 and tops. "I'm delighted to be through and I can get ready for Sunday now," said Taylor. "My finishing was brilliant tonight - I put him under pressure and that was the intention. "I thought I might give him a game because he's younger, he's fresher and at the minute he's probably playing better than I am. I did a couple of good finishes there against him and put him under pressure. "It won't do him any harm, he needs to learn. He needs to re-evaluate what he's doing, re-evaluate his career. "He's a cracking player and if I managed him he would win everything because he's one hell of a dart player, but his attitude is wrong. He needs to enjoy it more." The night's second quarter-final proved highly dramatic and tense as newcomer Cross pushed Van Gerwen all the way for 22 legs before the reigning champion pulled clear to complete a 16-13 win. Despite Van Gerwen opening the contest with 180 and 177 as he landed six perfect darts, Cross took out 127 for a 12-darter to break throw immediately and then took out 112 to move 2-0 up. Van Gerwen stormed back to level before an 11-darter moved the Dutchman 3-2 up, and the next nine legs went with throw as the players maintained ton-plus averages to remain locked at seven-all. Cross, though, produced an outstanding 131 checkout to break throw in leg 15, before finishing double four to move 9-7 up, only for Van Gerwen to claim a break back in leg 20 to square the game once more. The next two were shared before finishes of 122 on the bull and 108 to break gave Van Gerwen a two-leg gap once more, before double four created a 14-11 cushion. Cross hit back to win his 12th leg, but Van Gerwen landed two 180s to his rival's one as a 12-darter moved him 15-12 up and, though the Englishman responded with a 72 finish, a pair of missed doubles in the next allowed the world number one to seal victory with a 110 checkout. "I'm really happy with this win," said Van Gerwen. "I played really well at the beginning of the game and I think he also played a phenomenal game. "I can do better and I will need to tomorrow. I don't want to let myself down and tomorrow is going to be a big game and I want to beat Phil. It's one of the last chances and I want to take it with two hands. "Phil doesn't have anything to lose. I'm the favourite and I have to do it, but I know I can handle the pressure and I've handled it for the last three years so why not now. "He's the greatest who ever played and I've got a lot of respect for that man, but not tomorrow. I want to perform well - I don't want to give him a finger because he takes your hand." Sunday afternoon's other semi-final will see Scottish pair Peter Wright and Gary Anderson - the players ranked second and third in the world - clash for a spot in the final. The tournament then concludes with the final in Sunday's evening session, where a £110,000 top prize is on offer. Tickets for the bwin Grand Slam of Darts are available through www.wolvescivic.co.uk or by calling 0870 320 7000. 2017 bwin Grand Slam of Darts Sunday November 19 Afternoon Session (1pm) Semi-Finals Peter Wright v Gary Anderson Michael van Gerwen v Phil Taylor Evening Session (7pm) Final Van Gerwen/Taylor v Wright/Anderson COMEBACK KING ANDERSON SETS UP SULJOVIC TIE
GARY ANDERSON produced a sublime comeback from 4-1 down to see off Michael Smith 10-6 with a 107 average as the Scot stormed through to set up a bwin Grand Slam of Darts quarter-final with Mensur Suljovic in Wolverhampton on Wednesday. An explosive start from both players saw former World Youth Champion Smith claim legs of 12 and 11 darts and a 110 finish as he won four of the first five legs against his mentor, with a 124 checkout being Anderson's only response. However, a 164 checkout in leg six sparked a run of seven straight legs for the Scot as he moved into an 8-4 advantage. Smith took out 68 and double ten to keep his hopes alive at 9-6, but Anderson fired home double two to complete his comeback and remain on course for a second Wolverhampton final. "I was in trouble for a while there but I'd missed a couple of doubles and I could have been 3-2 up when I was 4-1 down," said Anderson. "Michael was tremendous for those first four or five legs and he's something else when he gets going but then he wavers a little. If he'd kept it up he would probably have won 10-2 or something." Anderson has lost his last three games against Suljovic, including September's Champions League of Darts final, but is aiming to end that run in Friday's quarter-final. "He's a lovely lad and he deserves all the success he's having - but I hate playing him," added the number three seed. "He's a fantastic player but he's so hard to play against!" Suljovic had earlier ended the hopes of brave Berry van Peer with a clinical 10-2 triumph in their second round tie. Dutch youngster Van Peer has emotionally battled against dartitis to win through his group in the £450,000 tournament, defeating Simon Whitlock and Cameron Menzies to reach the last 16. However he saw his run ended as Suljovic - who had given the 21-year-old advice on how to cope with the condition earlier in the event - proved too strong with a high-quality display. Suljovic claimed the game's opening seven legs without reply as he capitalised on four missed doubles from Van Peer, took out finishes of 110, 90 and 80 plus an 11-darter to pull clear. Van Peer checked out 96 and 119 as he hit back, but three further missed doubles allowed Suljovic in to secure his first Wolverhampton quarter-final appearance with a 106 average and ten doubles from 15 attempts. "Berry has a problem with dartitis but he is a super player and he played well," said Suljovic. "I was focused on my game and I played brilliant darts - my doubles were good and it was a perfect night. "I'm happy that I won and I feel really good." Lakeside Champion Glen Durrant became the first BDO player to reach the quarter-finals since 2013 as he overcame Dave Chisnall 10-8 with another solid performance. Durrant took out a 161 finish as he claimed a 3-1 lead early on, only for missed doubles to allow Chisnall back in to square the contest following ten legs. The Middlesbrough ace, though, found another gear to finish 87, 86 and 71 as he moved into a 9-7 lead before closing out a solid win with a 99.33 average. "To be in the quarter-finals feels so good," said Durrant. "I'd targeted reaching the quarter-finals before the event but now I'm there I want to enjoy the moment. "I'm flying the flag for the BDO and I'm really proud to be in the quarter-finals, but there's more to come from me. I feel so comfortable and I'm loving every second on that stage. "I was disappointed to be five-all at the second break but I thought back to last year, when I was in the same position but then lost to Raymond van Barneveld, composed myself and came out firing. On my throw I played really well." Durrant now faces a quarter-final tie with Peter Wright on Friday night - six days after defeating the UK Open champion with a brilliant display in their opening Group E game. Wright secured his last eight place with a dominant 10-4 win over Stephen Bunting in their second round meeting, averaging 103 and finishing ten doubles from 19 attempts. The Scot moved into an early 3-1 lead before Bunting produced a 12-darter to respond, but Wright took out a brilliant 161 checkout in a run of five straight legs to move 8-2 up. Bunting produced back-to-back legs - including seven perfect darts in an attempt at a perfect leg - as he pulled back to 8-4 but Wright was not to be denied as he moved into the last eight. "It was always going to be a tough game and I had to play well because Stephen has been coming back into form," said Wright. "We had a fantastic game in the World Grand Prix and he let me off then so I had to be on form today. "The second session of five legs was very important when I got clear of him. I felt like I hit lots of 140s but not as many 180s as I wanted, but my finishing wasn't too bad and I'm getting better and better with these darts." The second round concludes on Thursday with the remaining four matches, headlined by reigning champion Michael van Gerwen taking on Irish youngster Steve Lennon, who has reached the last 16 on his Wolverhampton debut. "I'm feeling good and now that the format is longer it's better for me," said Van Gerwen. "I love the longer games because you're less nervous and you can settle down. "I've played well in the groups but I can still improve and I'm confident." Six-time winner Phil Taylor takes on Darren Webster - who won 5-0 when the pair met in last year's group stage - while 2012 champion Raymond van Barneveld faces shooting star Rob Cross. Daryl Gurney plays two-time finalist James Wade, who bounced back from a loss in his opening group match on Saturday to qualify for the knockout stage of the tournament with a win over Taylor on Tuesday. "I'm not playing as well as I can do but I showed in moments against Phil that I can hurt people when I get it right," said Wade. "I'm practising hard and if I do what I can do then it's an enjoyable game." Tickets for the bwin Grand Slam of Darts are available through www.wolvescivic.co.uk or by calling 0870 320 7000. ENDS  DARREN WEBSTER went from despair to joy as he won a nine-dart shoot-out against Mark Webster to qualify for the knockout stage of the bwin Grand Slam of Darts on Tuesday night.
Norwich ace Webster had thought his chance to qualify from Group D had passed when he lost 5-1 to Daryl Gurney in their final round-robin match at the Wolves Civic. However, Webster had finished level on points and leg difference with namesake Mark Webster, who lost out 5-2 to Danny Noppert as the Dutchman claimed a consolation win from their final group game. The duo returned to the stage to compete in a nine-dart shoot-out, with Mark Webster scoring a 140 with his first three darts and 298 in total, only to see Darren Webster land a treble 19 with his final dart to total 301. "I'm really chuffed to get through, over the moon," said Webster. "It was hard for us both and to be honest I thought I was knocked out earlier on when I'd lost. "I'm sorry for Mark because it was tough for us both. It's great to see him getting back to his best and he'll be back, but I'm pleased to have got through. "I've got to refocus now for the second round but I know I can beat anyone and I've got to do something to take my practice game onto stage." Gurney topped Group D with a third impressive victory of the group stage as he produced another strong performance. "I wanted to get the win and to top my group and I'm delighted to have done that," said Gurney, who averaged 99 and hit five doubles from eight attempts. "I'm loving it and it's great to win my group in my first time here. "My sole focus was getting the win and I had no idea of what had to happen in relation to Darren and Mark, Darren had some darts at a double that he didn't take and I hit some crucial finishes there. "I'm very pleased with how I've been playing because I was nervous with the short format, but now I want to relax and play my best game." Two-time Grand Slam of Darts finalist James Wade secured qualification from Group C alongside Phil Taylor with a 5-3 win over the six-time Wolverhampton champion in their decisive clash. Following a defeat for Robbie Green against BDO World Trophy winner Peter Machin in their earlier match, Wade knew that he needed to defeat Taylor to progress and showed his quality to do just that. The left-hander punished missed doubles from Taylor as he came from a leg down to lead 2-1 and 4-2, and though the 57-year-old kept the game alive it was Wade who sealed victory in style with an 11-darter. "After losing my opening game on Saturday I'm pleased to have got through," said Wade. "Phil wasn't at his best but I came good for the last few legs. "I think my last three legs were good enough to beat most players under pressure and at moments the practice I've been doing started to show." Reigning champion Michael van Gerwen completed Group A with a third successive win, and was in dominant mood as he averaged 108.29 as he defeated Joe Murnan 4-2. Murnan landed a 119 finish as he shared the opening four legs in his search for a consolation victory, but Van Gerwen took out 135 for a 12-darter before punishing two missed doubles from his opponent in leg six as he raced away to victory. "There was not a lot of a pressure on me because I was through before the game, but I still wanted to win to keep my confidence up and I'm happy with this performance," said Van Gerwen. "I played well and had a couple of nice finishes. I can still improve but I performed really well today." Rob Cross secured qualification alongside Van Gerwen from Group A as he claimed a 5-2 win over Ross Montgomery in their decisive clash. Montgomery took the game's opening leg and was level following four legs, but Cross took command with an 11-darter, took out 88 for a two-leg cushion and sealed his second round spot in style with a 164 checkout. "I knew I had to win tonight to get through and it's lovely to get over the line," said Cross. "Ross is a great player and he's been a bit unlucky because he played well against Michael and me, but it's all about winning. "My finishing was good in stages, I’m glad just to get over the line and get the win. "It's been fantastic so far this week. The crowd all love the darts and it's been a massive experience for me, I'm looking forward to going into the knockout stages." Raymond van Barneveld and Steve Lennon qualified from Group B after local star Jamie Hughes' consolation 5-1 victory over Gerwyn Price eliminated the Welshman. Van Barneveld later defeated Lennon 5-2, with the Irish youngster landing two 100 finishes only to see the 2012 Grand Slam of Darts champion land five doubles from as many attempts, including a 160 checkout, in a perfect display. "I'm happy to be through and to win my group is good," said Van Barneveld. "The aim for me was to win and I wanted to make sure I did that. "The 160 finish was lovely and I needed it because Steve has played well and he's a good young player, so I'm pleased to beat him." Tipton's Hughes finished his campaign on a high with a strong performance as he erased the memory of defeats to Van Barneveld and Lennon. "I really enjoyed it tonight - there was no pressure and that showed in my performance," said Hughes. "It's nice for me to play well and win in front of my own fans here. "I didn't realise that I'd knocked Gerwyn out, and I just wanted to go up there and play like I can do. "The group stage makes this tournament so intriguing and Gerwyn will come back stronger - he's part of the new breed of players and his future is bright." Following Tuesday's dramatic night, reigning champion Van Gerwen now progresses to face Lennon, Van Barneveld takes on Cross, Taylor plays Darren Webster and Gurney meets Wade in Thursday's second round. The second round commences on Wednesday with the first four matches, including number two seed Peter Wright's clash with Stephen Bunting, Gary Anderson's tie against Michael Smith, Glen Durrant against Dave Chisnall and Mensur Suljovic taking on Berry van Peer. Tickets for the bwin Grand Slam of Darts are available through www.wolvescivic.co.uk or by calling 0870 320 7000. bwin Grand Slam of Darts Tuesday November 14 8x A-D Group Matches Danny Noppert 5-2 Mark Webster - Mark Webster and Darren Webster will play a nine-dart shoot-out Daryl Gurney 5-1 Darren Webster - Daryl Gurney qualifies from Group D. Mark Webster and Darren Webster will play a nine-dart shoot-out Michael van Gerwen 5-2 Joe Murnan - Michael van Gerwen qualifies from Group A Rob Cross 5-2 Ross Montgomery - Rob Cross qualifies from Group A Peter Machin 5-3 Robbie Green - Robbie Green is eliminated alongside Peter Machin James Wade 5-3 Phil Taylor - Phil Taylor and James Wade qualify from Group C Jamie Hughes 5-1 Gerwyn Price - Gerwyn Price is eliminated alongside Jamie Hughes Raymond van Barneveld 5-2 Steve Lennon - Raymond van Barneveld & Steve Lennon qualify from Group B Nine-Dart Shoot-Out Darren Webster 301, Mark Webster 298 Wednesday November 15 (7pm) Second Round x4 Mensur Suljovic v Berry van Peer Glen Durrant v Dave Chisnall Gary Anderson v Michael Smith Stephen Bunting v Peter Wright Thursday November 16 (7pm) Second Round x4 - Order of Play TBC Michael van Gerwen v Steve Lennon Raymond van Barneveld v Rob Cross Phil Taylor v Darren Webster Daryl Gurney v James Wade Second Round - Best of 19 legs  TEARFUL Berry van Peer secured a second round spot in the bwin Grand Slam of Darts on a dramatic Monday night in Wolverhampton, as Peter Wright, Michael Smith and Dave Chisnall edged into the knockout stages. Former World Youth Championship finalist Van Peer has won the hearts of the Wolves Civic crowds and millions watching around the world as he battles publicly against dartitis, where he struggles to release his darts. However, the youngster followed up his win over Simon Whitlock on his Grand Slam debut on Saturday with a 5-4 win over Cameron Menzies in their decisive Group H contest. Van Peer opened the tie with a 78 finish and claimed three legs in a row from 2-1 down to move to the brink of victory at 4-2. After missing match darts in leg seven, Menzies finished 68 and tops to force a decider, but the Scot missed his chance to claim victory in a tense finale before Van Peer hit double ten to claim an emotional win. "I'm feeling good because I won but it was tough for me - I feel like I'm dreaming," said Van Peer. "I'd have been happy just to win a couple of legs in every game, but then I won my first game. "It was an unbelievable match today. I got some tips and they've really helped me through the game. I tried to compose myself every time, I started well and to win was great but it was so hard. "I've qualified for this for a reason and I wanted to enjoy it, and I can say I stood there and achieved more than I could hope for." Gary Anderson progressed to the knockout stages with a 100 percent record in Group H as he completed a disappointing three days for winless Whitlock with a 5-2 triumph over the Australian. The Scot followed up his wins over Cameron Menzies and Berry van Peer with a strong 104.73 average to see off Whitlock, hitting five 180s, a 130 finish and two 13-darters to top Group H. "I thought it was a bit of an iffy game but I'm glad to get through with three wins," said Anderson. "I've had a lot of time off but I'm getting back into it and starting to get my game back to where I want to be." Number two seed Peter Wright claimed his second round spot with a dramatic 5-4 win over Alan Norris in their Group E shoot-out. A tight battle saw the opening seven legs go with throw as Norris edged 4-3 up before Wright landed a 180 and then took out a brilliant 170 finish to take the game into a decider. Wright then landed a 180 to leave 36, and when Norris missed tops for a 105 finish the Scot stepped in to complete a 14-darter as he sealed a second round place. "It was tough so I'm relieved to win it but Alan played really well and it was so hard to break his throw," said Wright. "You have to battle and sometimes you have to win dirty, and I did that today. "I've still got to improve but I'm through and I can get ready for the last 16 now because there are still so many players who can win this. "I'm glad that these darts worked under pressure because I've only been using this design for three games but I know there's more in the tank." Corey Cadby claimed a consolation victory in Group E as he defeated Glen Durrant, the Lakeside Champion who had already secured his last 16 place. Former World Youth Champion Cadby took out 120 and 79 as he came from a leg down to lead 3-1 and also took a 4-2 lead before Durrant hit back to level, but the Australian showed his class with a maximum and a 90 finish to snatch the win. "It was a battle because Glen is playing really well, so to finish off with a win is nice," said Cadby. "It's better than going out with three losses, and unfortunately I'm not going through but I'll move on now." Austrian ace Mensur Suljovic secured his own qualification from Group G and aided the progression of Michael Smith into the knockout stage with his narrow 5-4 win over James Wilson. Wilson produced some excellent finishing to lead 2-0 and also finished 124 and 60 to move 4-3 up, but Suljovic followed an earlier 123 checkout with a 112 combination to force a decider, which he won on tops. "It was a very hard game for me but I'm so happy to win it," said Suljovic. "Some of my finishes were really good, especially the 123 and 112, but it was a crazy game. "I could have won two matches and still gone out, so it's fantastic that I'm through." Smith had earlier defeated Mark McGeeney 5-4 to secure his second Group G win as he averaged 105 in a superb performance, hitting five doubles from six attempts to end the hopes of the BDO number one. "It was a tough group but as long as I'm through that's all that matters - but it was hard to watch Mensur's game and I was cheering him on!" admitted Smith, who now faces mentor Gary Anderson in Wednesday's second round. "I've got a chance now that I'm through and I'm playing well. I've played well in my last two games and hit lots of 180s so I'm looking forward to playing Gary now." Group F also enjoyed a dramatic finale in Wolverhampton, as Stephen Bunting edged out Scott Mitchell 5-4 to secure his second round spot, with that result also meaning that Dave Chisnall progressed despite his 5-4 loss to Jeffrey de Zwaan. Chisnall admitted: "I was so nervous watching Stephen's game and he's done me a favour. "I thought I played quite well but I didn't get the result against Jeffrey but my old mate helped me out. I feel sorry for Scott Mitchell because he played fantastically, but he let Stephen back in at the end." Former Lakeside Champion Bunting, who won all three matches in his group, said: "I'm delighted to have come through such a tough group. "I didn't really know what the situation was with Dave and I just wanted to win, but he's a massive friend of mine and I've known him for years in St Helens and I'm sure he'd have been happy for me if had been the other way around." The group stage concludes on Tuesday with the final matches in Groups A-D, with reigning champion Michael van Gerwen already qualified for the last 16 but with places still up for grabs in all four groups. bwin Grand Slam of Darts Monday November 13 8x E-H Group Matches Gary Anderson 5-2 Simon Whitlock Berry van Peer 5-4 Cameron Menzies Corey Cadby 5-4 Glen Durrant Peter Wright 5-4 Alan Norris Michael Smith 5-4 Mark McGeeney Mensur Suljovic 5-4 James Wilson Jeffrey de Zwaan 5-4 Dave Chisnall Stephen Bunting 5-4 Scott Mitchell Tuesday November 14 (7pm) 8x A-D Group Matches Mark Webster v Danny Noppert Daryl Gurney v Darren Webster Michael van Gerwen v Joe Murnan Rob Cross v Ross Montgomery Robbie Green v Peter Machin Phil Taylor v James Wade Gerwyn Price v Jamie Hughes Raymond van Barneveld v Steve Lennon Wednesday November 15 (7pm) Second Round x4 Mensur Suljovic v Berry van Peer Glen Durrant v Dave Chisnall Gary Anderson v Michael Smith Stephen Bunting v Peter Wright COMEBACK WINS FOR FORMER CHAMPIONS IN BWIN GRAND SLAM OF DARTS
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN, Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld all came back from 4-2 down to remain unbeaten in the bwin Grand Slam of Darts in Sunday's second group matches at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall. Van Gerwen had been staring defeat in the face as Rob Cross took out finishes of 114 and 170 to move 4-2 up, only to miss two match darts as the Dutchman forced a decider. The World Champion then showed his class with an 11-darter to secure the victory and qualification for the knockout phase with one Group A match remaining. "It was a great game, both for us but also for the fans," said Van Gerwen. "He made me work hard but this is good for my confidence for the rest of the tournament. "You know you have to play your best game against Rob and I was very close to that. The 170 was great from Rob but he missed two match darts and I took advantage of that." Six-time champion Taylor was punished for a dozen missed doubles against Robbie Green before he survived three missed match darts and then claimed their deciding leg with a 12-dart finish to remain unbeaten in Group C. "That was hard work, it really was," said Taylor. "I put myself under pressure by missing early doubles but I thought Robbie played superbly. "These players are playing week in and week out and they're not frightened of anybody. I just hoped he might miss three darts at the double and thankfully he did." Van Barneveld, the 2012 champion, also came from 4-2 down in his Group B clash with Gerwyn Price before he won their deciding leg with a 13-darter, as another former Wolverhampton winner showed his class. "It was a really important match for me and I'm happy to win it," said Van Barneveld. "It was an amazing battle and Gerwyn was outstanding, but he never had a match dart." Van Gerwen was joined in qualifying for the knockout phase following two games by reigning Lakeside Champion Glen Durrant and two-time World Champion Gary Anderson after they picked up their second victories of the weekend with superb displays. Number three seed Anderson overcame fellow Scot Cameron Menzies on Saturday before seeing off Dutch youngster Berry van Peer 5-1 in Sunday's second matches. Van Peer has been battling against dartitis - where he struggles to release the dart - during his opening two matches, and Anderson had sympathy for his opponent. "I'm obviously glad to be through but it was really tough to see Berry struggling like that," said Anderson. "He's a young lad who he was trying his best and it's hard for him. "I had to try and concentrate on my own game and I did that pretty well, but I've still got to focus on the last match because I want to qualify as a Group Winner." Scottish newcomer Cameron Menzies will know take on Van Peer in a Group H shoot-out on Monday night after eliminating Simon Whitlock with a 5-2 win over the Australian. "This is a dream for me but I'm loving every moment," said Menzies, who has emerged on the BDO circuit this year. "I've never experienced anything like this in my life. "I've got nothing to lose and I'm just happy to be here in this company. Just to play Gary yesterday was incredible for me, but to beat Simon is amazing." Lakeside Champion Durrant also secured a last 16 spot as he continued his impressive form in Wolverhampton by averaging 103.50 in a 5-3 comeback win over Alan Norris. "I'm feeling absolutely great," said Durrant "I found it harder today against Alan than I did against Peter Wright but I'm delighted to win and be through. "That was the first objective for me so I'm happy but I'm playing pretty well. My finishing has been really good so far and my averages are a sign of that, but my new darts are flying well and I love this stage." Wright bounced back from his opening defeat to Glen Durrant with a clinical whitewash of Corey Cadby in their second Group E contest, picking up two points and crucial leg difference as he eliminated the Australian. Number four seed Daryl Gurney picked up a second successive victory, defeating Mark Webster 5-3 to move closer to sealing a second round spot from Group D, where Darren Webster hit five doubles from six attempts in his 5-2 win over Danny Noppert. Irish youngster Steve Lennon produced a 100 average as he whitewashed local star Jamie Hughes in Group B, and the former accounting student now has a chance to reach the knockout phase when he meets Van Barneveld on Tuesday. Two-time finalist James Wade bounced back from his disappointing defeat to Robbie Green with a 5-1 win over Peter Machin in Group C, with the Australian now eliminated from the event. Ross Montgomery bounced back from his opening defeat to Van Gerwen with a 5-3 defeat of Joe Murnan which gives the Scot - who averaged 101 - a chance of qualifying from Group A. Mensur Suljovic moved a step closer to qualification for the knockout stage with a narrow 5-4 win over Michael Smith to claim his second win of Group G, where James Wilson came from two legs down to defeat Mark McGeeney. Stephen Bunting put one foot into the second round as he claimed his second victory of the weekend, overcoming St Helens rival Dave Chisnall 5-2 in Group F, where Scott Mitchell was a 5-3 winner against Jeffrey de Zwaan. Tickets for the bwin Grand Slam of Darts are available through www.wolvescivic.co.uk or by calling 0870 320 7000. bwin Grand Slam of Darts Sunday November 12 Afternoon Session 8x E-H Group Matches Scott Mitchell 5-3 Jeffrey de Zwaan James Wilson 5-2 Mark McGeeney Peter Wright 5-0 Corey Cadby Cameron Menzies 5-2 Simon Whitlock Mensur Suljovic 5-4 Michael Smith Gary Anderson 5-1 Berry van Peer Glen Durrant 5-3 Alan Norris Dave Chisnall v Stephen Bunting Evening Session 8x A-D Group Matches Ross Montgomery 5-3 Joe Murnan Darren Webster 5-2 Danny Noppert Steve Lennon 5-0 Jamie Hughes James Wade 5-1 Peter Machin Daryl Gurney 5-3 Mark Webster Phil Taylor 5-4 Robbie Green Michael van Gerwen 5-4 Rob Cross Raymond van Barneveld 5-4 Gerwyn Price Monday November 13 (7pm) 8x E-H Group Matches Gary Anderson v Simon Whitlock Berry van Peer v Cameron Menzies Corey Cadby v Glen Durrant Peter Wright v Alan Norris Michael Smith v Mark McGeeney Mensur Suljovic v James Wilson Dave Chisnall v Jeffrey de Zwaan Stephen Bunting v Scott Mitchell Best of nine legs |