GARY ANDERSON will begin his title defence at the Auckland Darts Masters, presented by TAB & Burger King, against Australia's Kyle Anderson on Friday.
Two-time World Champion Anderson claimed the World Series of Darts title in Auckland last year when he overcame 2015 winner Adrian Lewis in the final at the Trusts Arena. He has been paired with namesake Kyle Anderson in Friday's first round in New Zealand, with the Australian ace on a high after winning his first PDC ranking title at a Players Championship last Saturday, when he also landed a nine-dart finish. UK Open champion and world number three Peter Wright faces a tough test when he comes up against Corey Cadby, the reigning PDC Unicorn World Youth Champion who knocked out Phil Taylor in last year's Perth Darts Masters. Taylor, the 16-time World Champion who will compete in Auckland for the final time in this weekend's event, has drawn newcomer Darren Herewini for his first round tie, with the 26-year-old making his TV debut against the sport's greatest ever player. DPNZ number one Rob Szabo will come up against another debutant in the PDC's international World Series of Darts events, Michael Smith, while another top Kiwi, Warren Parry, has drawn five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld. Emerging Kiwi star Cody Harris will take on Australia's Simon Whitlock, while U.S. Darts Masters finalist Daryl Gurney meets Adelaide's Rob Modra and two-time World Series finalist James Wade plays home qualifier Mark Cleaver. The Auckland Darts Masters, presented by TAB & Burger King, will be played from August 11-13 at the Trusts Arena. For tickets, visit www.ticketek.co.nz. TV coverage will be live in New Zealand on Sky Sport, and worldwide through the PDC's series of broadcast partners, as well as through PDCTV-HD at www.pdc.tv for Rest of the World Subscribers. UK TV coverage will be from 7pm (BST) on ITV4, with coverage in the Netherlands on RTL7 from 10pm on Friday and Saturday and 10.40pm on Sunday. Auckland Darts Masters, presented by TAB & Burger King Draw Bracket Gary Anderson (1) v Kyle Anderson Simon Whitlock v Cody Harris James Wade (4) v Mark Cleaver Daryl Gurney v Rob Modra Peter Wright (2) v Corey Cadby Michael Smith v Rob Szabo Raymond van Barneveld (3) v Warren Parry Phil Taylor v Darren Herewini Schedule of Play Friday August 11 (7pm local time) First Round Michael Smith v Rob Szabo Daryl Gurney v Rob Modra James Wade v Mark Cleaver Raymond van Barneveld v Warren Parry Phil Taylor v Darren Herewini Simon Whitlock v Cody Harris Gary Anderson v Kyle Anderson Peter Wright v Corey Cadby All games best of 11 legs Saturday August 12 (7pm local time) Quarter-Finals Order of Play TBC All games best of 19 legs Sunday August 13 (6pm local time) Semi Finals Final All games best of 21 legs
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A Message to all Phil Taylor Fans that have purchased tickets for any Rock and Roll Darts events.
It is with great regret that all future Rock and Roll Darts evenings have been cancelled. Unfortunately the promoters that booked us have allegedly had a contractual dispute with the venue and have now gone into liquidation and stopped trading with immediate effect. This is something that we at Phil Taylor Promotions Ltd have no control over and although we all feel a sense of disappointment we are unable to do anything about it. Again we apologise for any disappointment and hope you will all continue to support Phil The Power Taylor. Many Thanks Team Taylor. PHIL TAYLOR and Michael van Gerwen will resume their rivalry in September's Unibet Champions League of Darts, where Raymond van Barneveld, Dave Chisnall and Mensur Suljovic will make their debuts in the Cardiff event.
Taylor claimed victory in the inaugural BBC-televised tournament last year, defeating world number one Van Gerwen in both the group stage and the final as he took the £100,000 top prize. Having won last weekend's World Matchplay, Taylor's rise to fourth on the PDC Order of Merit means that he will line up alongside Van Gerwen, Adrian Lewis and Van Barneveld in Group A for this year's Champions League of Darts. With Taylor set to retire at the end of the year, the Champions League of Darts will be a final chance for fans in Wales to see the 16-time World Champion in competition as he bids to retain the title on September 16-17 at the Motorpoint Arena. Group B will be headlined by two-time World Champion Gary Anderson and world number three Peter Wright, who has won the UK Open and reached the Premier League and World Matchplay final this year. Two other Champions League debutants will also feature in Group B, with seven-time TV finalist Dave Chisnall and 2016 European Championship runner-up Mensur Suljovic set to challenge the two Scots during the group phase. Following the three sessions of group matches, the top two players from each group will progress to Sunday evening's semi-finals and final. "Last year's Unibet Champions League of Darts was a massive success on the BBC and this line-up sets the pulses racing ahead of September's tournament," said PDC Chairman Barry Hearn. "Phil Taylor's amazing win in his final World Matchplay last week was a massive boost for him, and his win over Michael van Gerwen has spiced up their rivalry ahead of the Champions League. "To have four World Champions in one group creates huge interest for the Champions League, but Group B is also mouth-watering with Gary Anderson, Peter Wright, Dave Chisnall and Mensur Suljovic all battling it out in Cardiff." Tickets for the Unibet Champions League of Darts are available through motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk or by calling 029 2022 4488. Unibet Champions League of Darts 1 Michael van Gerwen 2 Gary Anderson 3 Peter Wright 4 Phil Taylor 5 Adrian Lewis 6 Dave Chisnall 7 Mensur Suljovic 8 Raymond van Barneveld Group A Michael van Gerwen Phil Taylor Adrian Lewis Raymond van Barneveld Group B Gary Anderson Peter Wright Dave Chisnall Mensur Suljovic The schedule of play will be announced in due course. Prize Fund Winner £100,000 Runner-Up £50,000 Semi-Finalists £25,000 Third In Group £15,000 Fourth In Group £10,000 Total £250,000 PHIL TAYLOR emotionally bowed out at the BetVictor World Matchplay by claiming an incredible 16th Winter Gardens triumph with an 18-8 defeat of Peter Wright in Sunday's final in Blackpool.
The 56-year-old Stoke great has dominated the history of the World Matchplay, and said his farewell to the tournament ahead of his impending retirement in style with a brilliant display to claim the £115,000 title. Having knocked out reigning champion Michael van Gerwen and former World Champions Raymond van Barneveld and Adrian Lewis in reaching to the final, Taylor found another huge performance to reclaim the prestigious trophy. Taylor, who averaged 104.24 in the final, said: "It's fantastic - this has capped everything off for me. It couldn't have come at a better time and it's a bonus for me. "It's lovely, it really is and I've loved every minute of it. To win a major at my age is fantastic, and I've had a tough week when you look at the draw. "I'll miss this place tremendously - I've loved it here since the first time I walked through the door. It's great to win again and it will go down in history, and I'm delighted for everyone who's supported me." Wright was bidding to add his second career TV title to add to March's UK Open victory, but the number three seed was unable to match his rival's superior finishing on the night. Taylor secured an immediate break of throw in the opening leg on double eight and moved two legs up before Wright took out 101 to get off the mark. The 15-time champion won two of the next three legs to move 4-2 up before Wright finished 100 with two double tops to respond - only to see Taylor take out 72, a brace of 81 finishes, both for 12-darters, and 82 on the bull to lead 8-3. Wright responded superbly with a barrage of big scores to win the next three legs in 12, 14 and 11 darts to pull back to 8-6 - but Taylor fired in two maximums in an 11-darter of his own to take leg 15. Taylor also won the next three legs to move 12-6 up before a 13-darter from Wright saw him hit back briefly, with two further 14-darters moving the 56-year-old four legs away from the title. After hitting a 13-dart finish, Taylor capitalised on five missed doubles from Wright on double ten to lead 16-7 and hit the same bed to move to the brink of victory. Wright took out 95 to keep his hopes alive, but Taylor hit his seventh 180 to pull clear in the next leg before fittingly hitting double 16 to seal his 16th title. "During the final I was watching every bit of Peter's body language and he showed every sign of being a little bit tired," Taylor added. "I wanted to keep putting him under pressure. "I was miles in front at one time and he came back, but I was playing ok and I kept him under pressure." After being left in tears following the final, Wright said: "Phil is still the best in the world and he's showed that this week. "I've watched Phil demolish other players in finals and I was on the other end of that big stick that he normally bashes everyone with - but it was a privilege in his last game here. "I learned a lesson today and I'm grateful to be in the final. A couple of years ago I watched Michael getting beaten by Phil in the final and he was in tears, and that's how much it meant to him. "It's exactly the same for me and I'll go back to the practice board, become better and I'll come back stronger. I'm still learning and it was great to learn off the master there in the final." Following his World Matchplay triumph, Taylor has been cut from 20/1 to 10/1 to win a 17th World Championship title on his final appearance in that event over the festive period. BetVictor World Matchplay Final Phil Taylor 18-8 Peter Wright PHIL TAYLOR ended Michael van Gerwen's reign as BetVictor World Matchplay champion with a stunning 16-6 success to set up a semi-final against Adrian Lewis in Blackpool on a dramatic Friday night.
Taylor's bid to win an amazing 16th World Matchplay title in his final appearance at the Winter Gardens has already seen him overcome Gerwyn Price and Raymond van Barneveld this week. That challenge continued in incredible fashion against World Champion Van Gerwen as the 56-year-old clinically punished his Dutch rival for an off-day on the doubles to march into the last four. Van Gerwen had won every televised ranking title since the 2016 World Championship in a period of dominance only previously achieved by Taylor, whose bid for a fairy-tale Blackpool finale will continue on Saturday after he made the 27-year-old pay for 21 missed doubles during the contest. Taylor capitalised on five of those misses to win the opening three legs, and also landed double eight for a 4-0 lead before the Dutchman landed a 180 and a 76 finish for an 11-darter to get off the mark. Taylor responded with a 72 finish to regain his cushion before punishing misses from Van Gerwen in two of the next three as he moved halfway to victory at 8-1. Another 11-darter, featuring a 174 score, gave Van Gerwen his second leg, but four missed doubles in leg 11 allowed Taylor to finish 82 as he moved 9-2 up, before taking out 122 on the bull, a key 99 and an 11-darter in burst where he won four legs from five. Taylor's miss at double 18 allowed Van Gerwen to hit back on double ten, and the next two legs were shared before tops moved the veteran to the brink of victory at 15-5. Double one from Van Gerwen saved the game, but the fightback was ended as Taylor pinned tops to seal a memorable success. "Michael is a brilliant player – one of the best there’s ever been - but he didn't perform tonight and the doubles killed him," said Taylor. "The atmosphere was fantastic and it was different for Michael because they were on my side. He was out of his comfort zone, but the crowd don't throw your darts for you. "Even at 12-3 I thought he could come back and it was a good match. I was about 18/1 with the bookies just to reach the semi-finals but I'm under no pressure and I had a different mindset tonight - I was relaxed and enjoying it." Lewis had earlier continued his challenge to win his maiden World Matchplay title by holding off battling Alan Norris with a 16-13 victory to reach the semi-finals for a second successive year. As in his opening two matches this week, Norris was punished for a slow start as Lewis took the opening three legs, only for the UK Open semi-finalist to hit back and level, taking out 114 in the sixth leg. Norris then missed the bull for a 126 finish to move ahead as Lewis regained the lead, broke with a 13-darter and then took out 72 to open up a 6-3 advantage. Nine missed doubles from the two-time World Champion allowed Norris back in to finish double two as he hit back, but a four-leg burst from Lewis - including a 110 checkout - put him in command at 10-4. Norris finished 106 to reply, but Lewis won the next three legs in 11, 12 and 13 darts - including a 136 checkout - as he opened up an eight-leg lead. Norris' third ton-plus checkout of the game, with a 127 combination, was followed by a brace of double ten finishes as he pulled back three legs, but six misses in the next allowed Lewis to claim his 14th leg of the game. A 116 from Norris continued his big finishing before tops pulled him back to 14-10, and capitalised on three misses from Lewis in the next two as the gap closed to two legs, despite the Stoke ace hitting six perfect darts, with a 180 and 177, along the way. Another 180 and double ten enabled Norris to pull back to 14-13, but he crucially missed tops for a 160 finish to level in leg 28, with Lewis taking out 102 to give himself breathing space before taking out tops to finally claim victory. The win moves Lewis into his fourth World Matchplay semi-final, and having undergone surgery on a back problem earlier this month the world number four was proud to have progressed into the last four. "I'm very relieved but it was an enjoyable game, and to win it is very pleasing," said Lewis. "I didn't have any expectation at the start of the week, so to be in the semi-finals I'm over the moon. "I probably didn't expect to be so far ahead and fair play to Alan for coming back and showing what a good player he is - but when he missed the 160 the 102 from me finally killed him off. "At times I missed some doubles but when it came down to it I got the job done. I'm happy to have taken out the 102 under pressure like that but I want to play better in the semis." Lewis added: "Since the operation I've had good days and bad days, and today was a bad day which wasn't helped by getting caught in traffic on my way to Blackpool. "It might be a different day tomorrow and hopefully I'll wake up fresher and perform. I'll be the underdog but I can't wait." Saturday's opening semi-final will see world number three Peter Wright - March's UK Open champion - up against Northern Ireland's Daryl Gurney, who has won through to the last four in Blackpool for the first time. Having been 12/1 with sponsors BetVictor at the start of Friday's action, Taylor has now been installed as the new 5/4 favourite to claim the title on Sunday night. Wright is the 7/4 second favourite, with Lewis moving in to 11/2 and Gurney the 7/1 outsider. Both Wright and Taylor are the 2/5 favourites to win their semi-final matches, with Gurney and Lewis rated as 2/1 chances to reach the final. BetVictor World Matchplay Friday July 28 2x Quarter-Finals Alan Norris 13-16 Adrian Lewis Michael van Gerwen 6-16 Phil Taylor Saturday July 29 (7pm) Semi-Finals Phil Taylor v Adrian Lewis Daryl Gurney v Peter Wright Best of 33 legs BetVictor Odds Tournament Winner 5/4 Phil Taylor 7/4 Peter Wright 11/2 Adrian Lewis 7/1 Daryl Gurney Semi-Final Match Odds 2/1 Daryl Gurney v 2/5 Peter Wright 2/5 Phil Taylor v 2/1 Adrian Lewis Odds correct at time of writing and courtesy www.betvictor.com. Subject to fluctuation. PHIL TAYLOR and Michael van Gerwen will clash in the BetVictor World Matchplay quarter-finals after progressing through Wednesday's second round alongside Adrian Lewis and Alan Norris in Blackpool.
Taylor, the 15-time World Matchplay champion, punished missed doubles from great rival Raymond van Barneveld to claim a comfortable 11-3 victory from their eagerly-awaited clash on the Winter Gardens stage. The Dutchman missed chances in each of the first three legs as Taylor, aided by finishes of 61 and 64, moved clear, only to see Van Barneveld finish double seven and 76 to pull back to 3-2. He also shared the next two to remain in touch at 4-3, but a miss at tops in leg eight to level the game allowed Taylor to scramble home double one in a key leg. A brace of double 16 finishes moved Taylor clear at 7-3, and he also landed an 11-darter before securing the win by taking out 96. "It was a lot easier than I expected," admitted Taylor, who is making his final challenge at the Winter Gardens before retirement. "Probably 11-9 would have been a more justified score, but Ray was unlucky and his doubles cost him. "Raymond never gives in and his scoring was lovely, but a couple of his doubles let him down tonight and he's a better player than that." Reigning champion Van Gerwen, meanwhile, continued his bid for a third straight Blackpool title by cruising to an 11-3 win over Australian Simon Whitlock, who was punished for 12 missed doubles. Van Gerwen made a bright start by winning the opening two legs, with Whitlock hitting back in the third with a 14-darter - but after trading 180s with the world number one in the fourth he paid for missing two darts at double 13 to level. Van Gerwen capitalised on double 16 and also took the next five legs to move into an 8-1 advantage, including an 11-darter and one 12-dart leg, as he pulled clear of the former European Champion. A 13-darter from Whitlock stemmed the tide as he claimed his second leg, but Van Gerwen took out 78 and double ten to move 10-2 up, and responded to double eight from the Australian with a 13-darter to complete a runaway success. "It was quite comfortable for me and I didn't have to worry too much, but I'd rather play a game that goes all the way," said Van Gerwen. "There's a lot more in the tank and I'm going to need it against Phil. "I'm sure Phil will put me under pressure. He's still looking good and playing well and I'm looking forward to facing him because nobody has put me under pressure so far. "I think I've got a huge advantage over him because my form is better and my confidence is good, but you still have to do the right things at the right moments and I'll have to do that on Friday." The meeting between Van Gerwen and Taylor is a repeat of two previous Winter Gardens finals, and the 56-year-old Stoke legend added: "I'd like to wipe the floor with him - I find him cocky but that's the way I was! "He's there to be beaten down but he's putting people under pressure. I'm enjoying every minute of it and I'm relaxed. It doesn't make any difference to me and if I win this then it would be great but it’s not the be-all and end-all any more. "I suppose it's a bit bewildering how I'm talking because I've always been one who wants to win it. "I do want to win it, but whoever plays me in the next round is going to have to play a relaxed Phil Taylor rather than somebody that's under pressure, and that's when you play better." Lewis and Norris, meanwhile, set up a tasty quarter-final tie as they defeated Rob Cross and Dave Chisnall respectively in exciting clashes at the Winter Gardens. Lewis - who made his return from a back operation on Monday by defeating Steve Beaton - was an 11-8 winner in a tight battle with shooting star Cross, who averaged 104 and hit eight doubles from 14 attempts. However, it was Lewis who finished the stronger as he backed up nine 180s by claiming the final three legs without reply to secure his quarter-final spot. Lewis landed three of those maximums in the opening two legs and also fired in a 177 score as he moved 4-2 up, before a brilliant 144 checkout retained his two-leg cushion at 5-3. Cross responded brilliantly with a ten-darter in leg nine and levelled with a 14-dart finish, but crucially was unable to break Lewis' throw to move ahead as the Stoke ace landed a 121 finish at a key moment before pulling clear from eight-all for the win. "I'm really happy," said Lewis, the 2013 World Matchplay runner-up. "I knew it would be tough because Rob had nothing to lose. "He's an absolutely awesome player and I had to dig in there. I think he's world class and he can get into the top 16, without a doubt. "For me to go up there and come through a game like that is really satisfying, especially with the preparation I've had because of the operation. "I've barely practised for two months and I didn't expect anything coming into the tournament, so I'd have bitten off your hand if you said I'd get into the quarter-finals. I love playing darts and my hunger is there because I want to win." Norris, meanwhile, defied 11 maximums from Dave Chisnall by following nine 180s of his own with five ton-plus checkouts as he secured a 14-12 tie-break triumph in a thriller. Chisnall made a stunning start, hitting two 180s in seven perfect darts in the opening leg and another pair of maximums in leg two as finishes of 12 and 13 darts moved him ahead. Norris hit back to level before taking out 120 and 126 to move 4-2 up, only for the momentum to swing again as Chisnall claimed five straight legs to move 7-4 up. Norris then took five legs in a row, including a 110 finish, as he regained the edge at 9-7, and after Chisnall levelled the Bo'ness-based ace finished 90 for a break of throw to move 10-9 up. Chisnall finished double 18 and 121 to move himself back ahead at 11-10, and also moved 12-11 up as the tension rose in the tie-break. Norris, though, took the 24th leg on double five, fired home a 109 checkout to break and then finished 100 to secure his first quarter-final at the World Matchplay. "I'm so pleased to have won that because I always seem to lose to Dave by the odd leg, so I'm very happy to come through a battle like that," said Norris. "He made a brilliant start and he hurt me with some shots at times, and it was nip and tuck there. In the tie-break maybe I had some extra reserves and I got the job done. "To be through to the quarter-finals is fantastic. It's going well so far and it's massive for me to be playing in front of great crowds like this. "My scoring hasn't been great but my finishing - which is usually my downfall - has been great, so hopefully it will all come together in the quarter-finals." The quarter-finals begin on Thursday with the two matches from the bottom half of the draw, with UK Open champion and number three seed Peter Wright taking on Darren Webster and Austria's Mensur Suljovic up against Northern Irish ace Daryl Gurney. Following his second round triumph, Van Gerwen is now the 4/11 odds-on favourite with sponsors BetVictor, with Wright the 7/2 second favourite, Taylor a 12/1 chance to win in his final World Matchplay and Gurney a 16/1 shot to claim his maiden TV title. Lewis and Suljovic are both 18/1 chances to lift the title, with Norris rated at 40/1 and Norwich’s Webster the 80/1 outsider. BetVictor World Matchplay Wednesday July 26 4x Second Round Dave Chisnall 12-14 Alan Norris Adrian Lewis 11-8 Rob Cross Phil Taylor 11-3 Raymond van Barneveld Michael van Gerwen 11-3 Simon Whitlock Thursday July 27 (7pm) 2x Quarter-Finals Daryl Gurney v Mensur Suljovic Darren Webster v Peter Wright Friday July 28 (7pm) 2x Quarter-Finals Alan Norris v Adrian Lewis Michael van Gerwen v Phil Taylor Quarter-Finals - Best of 31 legs BetVictor Odds Tournament Winner 4/11 Michael van Gerwen 7/2 Peter Wright 12/1 Phil Taylor 16/1 Daryl Gurney 18/1 Adrian Lewis, Mensur Suljovic 40/1 Alan Norris 80/1 Darren Webster Quarter-Final Match Odds 8/13 Daryl Gurney v 5/4 Mensur Suljovic 1/7 Peter Wright v 9/2 Darren Webster 1/6 Michael van Gerwen v 4/1 Phil Taylor 4/9 Adrian Lewis v 7/4 Alan Norris PHIL TAYLOR began his final challenge to win the BetVictor World Matchplay title with a 10-5 win over Gerwyn Price in Blackpool on Sunday night, setting up a second round tie with Raymond van Barneveld.
Taylor, the 15-time World Matchplay champion, is making his final Winter Gardens appearance this week ahead of his impending retirement, and took on the fast-emerging Welshman Price in a potentially tricky first round tie. Although Taylor took out 106 and 151 as he took an early 3-1 lead, Price powered home a brilliant 170 checkout as he hit back to level, sharing the opening ten legs with the 56-year-old. An 82 finish saw Taylor edge back ahead, before he punished four misses at tops from Price across the next two legs to crucially move 8-5 up, before a brace of double 16 checkouts sealed the win. "It was a steady game but I'm through and that's the important thing," said Taylor. "The crowd were great and it was a tough battle. "Gerwyn's a difficult player to beat. I like him and I want him to carry on because you need players like him, he looks great and he's got character." Taylor admitted to being emotional as he returned to the venue where he has been most successful, saying: "I felt fine until I got here but then I did an interview with Sky and it got me thinking, and I was nervous. "I'd love to win this week, of course, and I'll be giving it my best shot but I'm going to go up there and enjoy it too and that makes you more dangerous when you're relaxed. "I'll get better as each round goes and I can have a day off now and then get ready for the second round." Taylor now meets great rival Van Barneveld in a tasty second round fixture, after the 2010 finalist fended off Joe Cullen's fightback to claim a 10-8 win. Cullen's early 150 checkout gave him a 2-1 lead, only for Van Barneveld to post a 124 finish as he won five straight legs to take command at 6-2 before he also moved 8-3 up. Cullen landed a 180 and a 120 finish as he hit back with a 12-darter and then produced an outstanding 11-dart leg and a 72 finish as he pulled back to 8-6 - but crucially the Bradford youngster missed three darts at tops to cut the gap to one leg. Van Barneveld posted double 12 to move a leg away from victory, and though Cullen took out 100 and double eight to keep his hopes alive, a miss at double ten for a 140 finish allowed the Dutchman in on double 16 to finally secure the win. "The first round is always tough and you know what you have to do," said Van Barneveld. "I know how well Joe can play and I'm very happy to win this. "Being 8-3 doesn't mean you're going to win the game, and Joe played out of his skin in the last few legs. "Now I can focus on Phil because I wasn't looking that far ahead after the draw came out because I've been pretty vulnerable World Matchplay so I had to make sure I won my first game. "Phil's been the greatest player in the world for the last two decades. I'm going to work hard for the next two days to prepare for it because Phil never plays badly against me, but I'm better when I know what I have to do." Dave Chisnall produced a strong finale to come from behind and defeat Mervyn King 10-7 as he moved through to the last 16 in Blackpool. A tight contest saw the former semi-finalist lead 2-1 early on before Chisnall won three successive legs to move 4-2 up, with King levelling before the St Helens man landed double eight for a 5-4 cushion. King took out 90 and 64 to edge ahead, only to see Chisnall hit top form with three 180s and a 103 checkout as he won four straight legs to move 9-6 up. King punished three missed match darts from Chisnall to keep the contest alive with a 180 and double eight, but the three-time quarter-finalist responded with a maximum before taking out 76 to seal the win. "Mervyn's been playing well so I knew it was going to be tough, but I didn't think it was going to be that tough," said Chisnall. "We weren't at our best and we both played some sloppy darts, and in the next game I've got to play better. The first round is always my hardest game, so now I can kick on and relax." Chisnall now meets Alan Norris, who produced some majestic finishing as he came from 3-0 down to defeat Kim Huybrechts 10-6. Belgian ace Huybrechts, bidding to win his first game at the World Matchplay in six attempts, hit 180s in the opening two legs as well as an 11-darter before taking out double 16 to lead 3-0 with a perfect finishing record. However, a slip in leg four, where Huybrechts missed a single 20 to set up tops on a 120 finish, allowed Norris in on double eight to get off the mark. The qualifier then produced a show-stopping 155 combination of treble 19, treble 16 and bullseye to bring the Winter Gardens crowd to its feet, before taking out 85 and 127 to move ahead at 4-3. He also won the next four legs - punishing missed doubles from Huybrechts on three occasions - to open up an 8-3 lead, before the Dutchman finished 66 and a 13-darter to cut the gap to three legs. Tops moved Norris to the brink of victory, and though four misses in the next allowed Huybrechts to take out 72 and keep the tie alive, a quartet of missed doubles by the Belgian allowed the Bo'ness-based thrower in on tops to complete the fightback. "I took a few legs to acclimatise but I hit a couple of big checkouts at the right time to turn it around," said Norris. "I was struggling a bit but the 155 went in perfectly and once I got a foothold my doubles were going in. "It wasn't my best game but it means everything. It's massive and I can't wait for Wednesday against Dave now." Daryl Gurney survived missed match darts from Benito van de Pas before he enjoyed his first win on the BetVictor World Matchplay stage with an 11-9 tie-break defeat of the Dutch youngster. After finding himself 2-1 down in the early stages, Gurney took out a superb 142 finish to level and three further legs to open up a 5-2 cushion. Van de Pas hit back with two legs before levelling in brilliant fashion with a spectacular 170 checkout, and double eight gave the Dutchman a fourth straight leg and a 6-5 cushion. The next four legs were shared before Van de Pas edged leg 16 to move 9-7 up, only to miss three match darts at double 16. Gurney hit the same bed to keep his hopes alive, levelled and then punished further Van de Pas misses in the next two legs as he claimed the tie-break success, setting up a second round tie with Gary Anderson. "I was lucky there at stages so I'm relieved to get the win," said Gurney. "It's my first win on that stage so it's a tick in the box for me. "Benito's finishing got him back into the game and his 170 was great. We were both a bit nervous at the end but I'm happy with my performance. "I'm not out there to make up the numbers, it doesn't matter who I'm playing, I want to beat everybody that's in front of me and I believe I'm throwing well enough to put a good challenge on in this tournament. "I've dedicated myself this year, my results show that so hopefully that can continue." Number seven seed Mensur Suljovic marched into round two with a dominant 10-4 win over John Henderson, who failed to recover from seeing the Austrian win the opening five legs without reply. Henderson staged a mid-game revival to pull back to 5-3, and took out a second 97 checkout of the contest to stay in touch at 7-4, but Suljovic proved too strong before sealing the win with a superb 148 finish. "I'm very happy," said Suljovic. "I started very well and I was very solid. "I had some problems with checkouts in the middle of the match, but I am happy to have got the win." Cristo Reyes made a superb BetVictor World Matchplay debut, averaging over 101 in a 10-3 defeat of Robert Thornton to move through and face Peter Wright in round two. Reyes, the first Spanish player to compete in the tournament, showed no nerves in an impressive opening at the Winter Gardens, pulling clear to lead 6-1 with the aid of an 11-darter. Thornton landed tops to win two of the next three as he pulled back to trail 7-3, but Reyes posted maximums in the next two legs before completing a big win on double 16. "I'm happy that I managed to win and I'm very pleased with how I played because you expect a tighter game against Robert," said Reyes. "It was spectacular, I loved it. "I know Peter Wright is a very tough player and I'm planning to win the game. All the games against Peter are tough matches so I'm not afraid of him." Two-time quarter-finalist Justin Pipe sent another seed crashing out as he overcame Jelle Klaasen 10-5, with the Dutchman failing to recover from a slow start. Pipe hit two 180s in the first three legs as he opened up a 3-0 lead, before back-to-back checkouts of 109 and 120 created a five-leg advantage. Klaasen hit double eight to win two of the next three, but a 108 finish from Pipe was followed by double 18 as he moved 8-2 up. Klaasen won three of the next four to threaten a fightback, but a sixth maximum of the contest in leg 15 pushed Pipe first to a finish, before double 16 sealed the qualifier's spot in the second round against Suljovic. "I'm pleased with that win," said Pipe. "Jelle's been struggling with a wrist injury and I hope he gets 100% fit - we need Jelle up there playing well, and to watch him in full flight is amazing. "I knew I could hit Jelle quick and hard and I had to do that, so I'm pleased. I really focused on the first five legs. I wanted to win the first session of five legs, so to be 5-0 up put me in a great position." Pipe - who claimed the final qualifying place earlier this month - added: "This by far is the best World Matchplay line-up ever and it's hard. "The field of qualifiers has never been stronger, this is my seventh year and it was so massive for me to qualify because it's been so hard. "I've made a couple of changes to my set-up, I've gone two grams heavier on my barrels and 3mm longer on my stems and they feel balanced and lovely. They feel great and we're ready to go." The first round concludes on Monday, with a tasty line-up including reigning champion Michael van Gerwen up against Stephen Bunting. Former finalist Adrian Lewis takes on Steve Beaton, Australian pair Simon Whitlock and Kyle Anderson face off and Ian White takes on World Matchplay debutant Rob Cross. BetVictor World Matchplay Sunday July 23 Afternoon Session 4x First Round Jelle Klaasen 5-10 Justin Pipe Robert Thornton 3-10 Cristo Reyes Benito van de Pas 9-11 Daryl Gurney Mensur Suljovic 10-4 John Henderson Evening Session 4x First Round Dave Chisnall 10-7 Mervyn King Phil Taylor 10-5 Gerwyn Price Raymond van Barneveld 10-8 Joe Cullen Kim Huybrechts 6-10 Alan Norris Monday July 24 (7pm) 4x First Round Simon Whitlock v Kyle Anderson Adrian Lewis v Steve Beaton Michael van Gerwen v Stephen Bunting Ian White v Rob Cross Best of 19 legs. THE Netherlands won the Betway World Cup of Darts for a third time as Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld defeated Wales' Gerwyn Price and Mark Webster in Sunday's final in Frankfurt.
The Dutch duo had begun the weekend in dramatic fashion when World Champion Van Gerwen emerged as a doubt with a foot injury - with Benito van de Pas travelling to Germany on stand-by. However, after the world number one declared himself fit, the two-time champions eased past the Czech Republic and then saw off the United States of America and Germany in Doubles deciders at the Eissporthalle. Their title bid continued with a 2-0 semi-final win over reigning champions England - avenging last year's defeat in the final - before they overcame Wales in a repeat of the 2010 final. Van Gerwen opened the final with a 4-0 whitewash of UK Open finalist Price, before Webster clinically saw off Van Barneveld 4-1 to level matters. The Dutch raced into a 3-0 lead in the Doubles tie, before Price responded to Van Gerwen's 107 checkout by taking out 100 with the aid of two double tops as Wales hit back, but double 16 sealed a 4-1 result. Van Barneveld then came from a leg down to defeat Price 4-2 in the final's third Singles tie, hitting a 136 checkout in the process of sealing his World Cup hat-trick and a share of the £60,000 top prize. "This is fantastic," said Van Gerwen. "Only once a year we can play as a team and we're going to enjoy this. "If you're in the tournament you want to win it, On paper we were the strongest couple but you still have to do it and we played well, especially in the Pairs games we were absolutely fantastic." Van Barneveld added: "It was an amazing tournament and I'm so happy with my third World Cup title. "Michael was really in agony on Friday and Benito came to be there if Michael couldn't play. I'm happy he played, he's a fighter and a battler and he was always there for me. "If you look back to the Pairs, it was unreal what we averaged. I was struggling in the Singles but the Pairs was our key thing, and I'm extremely happy with this." Wales' run to the final was their best finish in the tournament since Webster had been joined by Barrie Bates as they reached the 2010 decider, as they saw off Russia - for the loss of just one leg - and Belgium on Sunday. "From day one we played pretty well, and if I knew on Thursday we'd be in the final I would have taken it," said Price. "I'm thrilled to be in the final. "It's disappointing to lose, but it's hard to pull out a big performance against people like Raymond and Michael, they're on top of their game all the time." Webster added: "We believed we could win but they hit the big shots at the right time. I'm really proud of what we've done, I've had a great weekend with Gezzy and enjoyed every minute of it." Belgian duo Kim and Ronny Huybrechts had been bidding to emulate their run to the 2013 final as they saw off Singapore in a Doubles decider at the quarter-final stage. That win over Singapore included younger brother Kim's stunning 121.97 average as he overcame Paul Lim 4-1 in the opening Singles tie of the day, recording the second highest televised average in history. Host nation Germany took the Netherlands to a Doubles decider, with youngster Martin Schindler having led 2-0 before losing to Van Gerwen before Max Hopp overcame Van Barneveld 4-3, only for the Dutch to prevail 4-1 after pairing up once more. Austria took England to a Doubles decider after Mensur Suljovic whitewashed Lewis in their opener, landing a 170 finish in the process, with Chisnall then seeing off Rowby-John Rodriguez 4-1 before the reigning champions edged through. However, Lewis was made to pay for missing the bull to defeat Van Gerwen in their semi-final, before Van Barneveld's 4-2 defeat of Chisnall ended England's bid to win a fifth World Cup. Betway World Cup of Darts Sunday June 4 Afternoon Session Quarter-Finals Singapore v Belgium Singles One: Paul Lim 1-4 Kim Huybrechts Singles Two: Harith Lim 4-2 Ronny Huybrechts Doubles: Lim/Lim 2-4 Huybrechts/Huybrechts Final Result: Singapore 1-2 Belgium Russia v Wales Singles One: Aleksandr Oreshkin 1-4 Gerwyn Price Singles Two: Boris Koltsov 0-4 Mark Webster Doubles: Oreshkin/Koltsov v Price/Webster - Not needed Result : Russia 0-2 Wales England v Austria Singles One: Adrian Lewis 0-4 Mensur Suljovc Singles Two: Dave Chisnall 4-1 Rowby-John Rodriguez Doubles: Lewis/Chisnall 4-2 Suljovic/Rodriguez Results: England 2-1 Austria Germany v Netherlands Singles One: Martin Schindler 2-4 Michael van Gerwen Singles Two: Max Hopp 4-3 Raymond van Barneveld Doubles: Schindler/Hopp 1-4 Van Gerwen/Van Barneveld Result: Germany 1-2 Netherlands Evening Session Semi-Finals Belgium v Wales Singles One: Kim Huybrechts 2-4 Gerwyn Price Singles Two: Ronny Huybrechts 2-4 Mark Webster Doubles: Huybrechts/Huybrechts v Price/Webster - Not Needed Result: Belgium 0-2 Wales England v Netherlands Singles One: Adrian Lewis 3-4 Michael van Gerwen Singles Two: Dave Chisnall 2-4 Raymond van Barneveld Doubles: Lewis/Chisnall v Van Gerwen/Van Barneveld - Not Needed Result: England 0-2 Netherlands Final Wales v Netherlands Singles One: Gerwyn Price 0-4 Michael van Gerwen Singles Two: Mark Webster 4-1 Raymond van Barneveld Doubles: Price/Webster 1-4 Van Gerwen/Van Barneveld Singles Three: Gerwyn Price 2-4 Raymond van Barneveld Singles Four: Mark Webster v Michael van Gerwen - Not Needed Result: Wales 1-3 Netherlands Singapore produced one of the biggest shocks in the history of the Betway World Cup of Darts as they defeated number one seeds Scotland 5-2 on the opening day of the tournament.
The 32-nation tournament opened at the Eissporthalle in Frankfurt with the opening eight first round games on Thursday night, with former World Champion Gary Anderson and UK Open champion Peter Wright being dumped out at the first round stage. Paul Lim, making his fourth consecutive appearance at the World Cup, opened the match by hitting a 180, which set the tone for the rest of the encounter, as Singapore broke throw in the opening leg. Scotland looked to have restored order as they immediately broke back, with Gary Anderson hitting tops in the second leg. However, Lim and his partner Harith Lim regained their lead by breaking the throw again in the third leg. The match looked to be swinging back Scotland’s way as Singapore missed five darts for a second break in the fifth leg, allowing Scotland to close the gap to one. However, it was to be the oldest player in the tournament who produced the magic moment as Paul Lim took out 100 on tops to seal a memorable win. “This is a massive moment for Singapore, its a great win,” said Harith Lim after the match. “When we saw the draw we were just happy to play against two of the best players in the world. “I knew if we put them under pressure we would have a chance but to win the match is so fantastic.” Added 63-year-old Paul Lim. Singapore will now face Spain who were provided with with a serious test before the pairing of Antonio Alcinas and Cristo Reyes prevailed in a 5-3 victory over Japan. The Japanese side of Haruki Muramatsu and Yuki Yamada raced in to a 3-1 lead before a run of four straight legs confirmed the victory for the Spanish. The 2017 Betway World Cup of Darts opened with the Greek team of John Michael and Ioannis Selachoglou having to battle back from 3-1 down to overcome Thailand in a 5-3 victory. The Greeks will face Belgium who needed an impressive individual performance from Kim Huybrechts to help pull himself and his brother Ronny past New Zealand. The match looked a tough draw for 2013 finalists Belgium but world number 12 Huybrechts showed his class hitting four maximums, as they ran out 5-2 winners. “Ronny and I know that even when one of us played badly, the other can pull us through.” Said Kim. “I played well today but I know next time I might need Ronny and I believe he will be there for me.” Eighth seeds Australia then had to survive a match-dart as they snuck past Denmark to reach the second round. The team of Kyle Anderson and Simon Whitlock were expected to have far too much for Per Laursen and Alex Jensen but the Dane’s had other ideas. The third leg saw Australia break throw but Laursen returned the favour in the very next leg, taking out 116 to break back and level the match. The encounter then went with throw until the deciding leg where Laursen missed tops for an unlikely win. Whitlock, who was struggling with a wrist injury needed his partner to land the winning double. “I needed my partner there.” Said Whitlock. “My wrist is in a lot of pain so I just had to stick in there and let Kyle do the business.” Added the ‘Wizard’. Kyle Anderson, who is making his second appearance at the Betway World Cup of Darts was happy to take the lead role. “I had to play well tonight and I think I did that. “I started a bit nervy but once I found my range it was all ok. Im delighted to get through that one.” Said Anderson. Australia’s second round opponents will be Russia as Borris Koltsov produced a moment of magic to secure their place in the next round as they beat Hong King 5-3. With the match going with throw the Russian took out 111 on double 16 to break the throw, a break which would ultimately win them the match. The Republic of Ireland booked a second round clash with Wales after beating Poland 5-3 in a close encounter. William O’connor started the match in style, taking out 106 to hold in the opening leg of the match. However, it was Poland who were first to break the throw, pinning tops in the fifth leg for a 3-2 lead. Mick McGowan then found double eight in the very next leg to break back immediately as Ireland went on to win three legs in a row and seal the win. Mark Webster and Gerwyn Price had to average 100.14 and survive two match-darts as Wales snuck past Finland in a last leg decider. The final match of the opening day of action in Frankfurt began with Finland moving in to a 2-0 lead to put the pressure on Wales. However, Webster rose to the occasion taking out 124 on the bull to break back immediately. The match then went with throw, including a seventh leg 141 finish from Finland as the match went to a deciding leg. Finland then had two opportunities to win the tie but Kim Viljanen missed two darts at tops to seal the victory. It was Webster who found the winning double, pinning double five before speaking of his relief. “That was was tough! The guys played so well but fortunately I had Gerwyn with me, he was brilliant. The scoring from him was great and fortunately I was there to tidy it up at the end.” Price who hit four maximums and a 177 during the game was pleased with the win. “It’s great to get over the line, I scored well but this is a team game and Mark hit the most important double of the night.” Said the 32-year old. The first round concludes on Friday evening with the remaining eight games, including reigning champions England - represented by World cup debutant Dave Chisnall and Adrian Lewis - up against Gibraltar's Dyson Parody and Dylan Duo. Betway World Cup of Darts Thursday June 1 (8pm local time, 7pm BST) First Round Greece 5-3 Thailand Russia 5-3 Hong Kong Republic of Ireland 5-3 Poland Spain 5-3 Japan Belgium 5-2 New Zealand Australia 5-4 Denmark Singapore 5-2 Scotland Wales 5-4 Finland Friday June 2 USA v Italy Hungary v Canada Austria v China South Africa v Sweden Brazil v Switzerland Northern Ireland v Germany England v Gibraltar Netherlands v Czech Repulic ANDERSON SEES OFF TAYLOR AS DUBAI DUTY FREE DARTS MASTERS BEGINS
GARY ANDERSON began the defence of his Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters title with an impressive 10-3 victory over Phil Taylor on Wednesday, as Michael van Gerwen, Peter Wright and Gerwyn Price also picked up wins in Dubai. The year's opening World Series of Darts event began at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium as the eight players competed in the quarter-finals on the opening night. Reigning champion Anderson was arguably the night's most impressive performer as he denied Taylor the chance to claim a farewell victory in Dubai in his final year on the circuit. The two-time World Champion strung together a sequence of six straight legs to open up a 7-1 lead over the Stoke legend, averaging over 104 at the time. Taylor did manage a single break of throw and looked set to break again in the 11th leg before Anderson took out a key 120 to move within two legs of the victory. The Scot hit eight maximums and ended Taylor’s hopes of a first title in Dubai in what could be the 16-time World Champion’s last appearance in the desert, as he set up a last four clash with Wright. “We all want to win, we’re all after the title and you just have to beat everyone.” said Anderson. “It’s always nice to get past the first round and Peter will be tough to beat. “I’ll do my best and try and win here again but it’s never easy these days, let’s see what happens.” Anderson’s fellow countryman had earlier booked his place in the semi-finals of the Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters with an impressive 10-5 victory over Dave Chisnall. Wright broke the Chisnall throw twice in the opening five legs to steam in to a 4-1 lead. Despite an 11-dart hold in leg nine, Chisnall never really looked like getting back in to the contest as the UK Open champion averaged 101.57 in moving through to the last four. “I believe I’ve just beaten the best player in terms of form in the tournament but I know I still need more,” said Wright, the 2014 finalist in Dubai. "I just want to hit loads of 180’s and play better. I was ok today but tomorrow I will be better." World Champion Van Gerwen began his quest to claim a fourth Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters title with a 10-5 victory over fellow Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld. Van Gerwen, who has only been beaten once in Dubai in the previous four years of the event, went in to the first break with a commanding 4-1 lead. Van Barneveld then produced a moment of magic in the sixth leg taking out a 170 finish to close the gap to two. The telling moment of the encounter came in the tenth leg though, as Van Barneveld missed double five for a 130 finish to break the throw, with Van Gerwen responding with a crucial 150 checkout tore-establish a four leg cushion. Van Gerwen completed the 10-5 win, averaging 104.87 and will face Gerwyn Price in the semi-finals. "I'm not playing perfectly but I am getting closer, I want to win this tournament," said Van Gerwen. “Gerwyn made the final of the UK Open this year and deserves to be here. My experience will make a difference but he is a good player and I will have to play well." World Series debutant Price overcame James Wade in a last leg decider in their quarter-final, with the left-hander falling to defeat despite missing double 12 for a nine-dart finish during the match. Wade made a good start, breaking in the opening leg before going on to miss the final dart of a perfect leg in leg four - which would have been the first nine-darter in the unique outdoor setting in Dubai. The match then went with throw until the tenth leg where Price broke on double 12 with a 14-darter to level the score at 5-5. The Welshman then moved in to the lead of the first time in the next leg taking out 56 on tops. Wade regained control again breaking in the 13th leg and looked set to take the victory when he moved 9-7 up, before Price levelled again to take the match to a deciding leg. Price sealed the victory on double six to condemn Wade to his fourth consecutive first round defeat in Dubai. “I think I’ve worked hard this year and have earned my place." said Price. "I was over-thinking things at the start of the match so had to keep my cool and realise it was just one break. “I knew I had the game in me to win and I’ve proved that again tonight." The Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters will conclude on Thursday with the semi-finals and final (8pm local time), as the first World Series of Darts champion of 2017 is discovered. 2017 Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters Wednesday May 24 Quarter-Finals Gerwyn Price 10-9 James Wade Peter Wright 10-5 Dave Chisnall Gary Anderson 10-3 Phil Taylor Michael van Gerwen 10-5 Raymond van Barneveld Best of 19 legs Thursday May 25 (8pm) Semi-Finals Michael van Gerwen v Gerwyn Price Gary Anderson v Peter Wright Best of 21 legs Final Van Gerwen/Price v Anderson/Wright Best of 21 legs Tickets: www.dubai-darts.com |
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