It seems that the growth of darts has no bounds, and new Premier Leagues are springing up everywhere.
Several of The Newcastle football Team have got so into playing darts that they have developed their very own premier League.
In a report by Steve Brenner of Sun Newspaper he wrote that:
STEVE HARPER has revealed Newcastle’s secret weapon — darts.
"The Toon have gone arrows crazy as Glenn Roeder’s men hunt for UEFA Cup glory as well as trying to sneak into the Premiership top six.
Winger James ‘Machine Gun’ Milner is the Phil Taylor of St James’ Park, with keeper Harper seeded second.
Harper, who travels to Wigan today, said: “I took the dartboard to Belgium. James is the reigning champion but we have a Premier League now. There are eight of us.
“We’ve even started coming into training early to play. It’s good for team spirit — it’s really good banter.”
Maybe there could be an angle for a Premier Football Darts Premier League with each of the Top 8 clubs putting their best darter forward to pair with the current 8 Pro's in a yearly event?
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Priestly in action at home
Dennis Priestly will be taking the stage in his home Town this Thursday to maintain his number 1 position on top of The Premier League.
One of the most popular dart players ever, you can never under estimate Dennis determination and really affable qualities as once your toe to toe with the veteran dart legend there is only one thing on his mind.
Dennis faces Colin Lloyd and this should be a great game for all those local Sheffield fans.
One of the most popular dart players ever, you can never under estimate Dennis determination and really affable qualities as once your toe to toe with the veteran dart legend there is only one thing on his mind.
Dennis faces Colin Lloyd and this should be a great game for all those local Sheffield fans.
Peter Manley helping Charity
Peter Manley was up in Sunderland to open the new Betfred Shop.
The idea is that Peter will travel all over the UK opening the Betfred new stores while letting all comers have a chance of playing against him.
Manley also helped raise £150 for the Grace House Hospice when Betfred offered to convert the points scored by the 44-year-old and Echo reporter Ross Robertson into pounds.
The charity is close to his heart – in all his televised games he wears a pendant in memory of Roker schoolboy Peter Lane, 13, who died in a rope swing accident at Galley's Gill four years ago.
He has helped Peter's mum, Julie Reay, 42, of Roker Avenue, raise £40,000 for a computer and games room at the Grace House children's hospice to be built in Pallion.
Modest Manley added: "I just wear the badge. The family does all the hard work and does a great job raising lots of money."
Storey from Sunderland Today
The idea is that Peter will travel all over the UK opening the Betfred new stores while letting all comers have a chance of playing against him.
Manley also helped raise £150 for the Grace House Hospice when Betfred offered to convert the points scored by the 44-year-old and Echo reporter Ross Robertson into pounds.
The charity is close to his heart – in all his televised games he wears a pendant in memory of Roker schoolboy Peter Lane, 13, who died in a rope swing accident at Galley's Gill four years ago.
He has helped Peter's mum, Julie Reay, 42, of Roker Avenue, raise £40,000 for a computer and games room at the Grace House children's hospice to be built in Pallion.
Modest Manley added: "I just wear the badge. The family does all the hard work and does a great job raising lots of money."
Storey from Sunderland Today
Monday, February 26, 2007
Six Nations Darts
ENGLAND WIN THE SIX NATIONS CUP –
AT DARTS NOT RUGBY!
The England darts team, captained by MARTIN ADAMS, the reigning Lakeside World Professional Darts Champion, did what their rugby counterparts failed to do by winning the Six Nations Cup with a clean-sweep of victories.
Having beaten Wales 15-10 and The Netherlands 14-11 in the Group stages, they were victorious 13-10 conquers of Scotland in the Semi-Final, and then comprehensively beat The Netherlands 13-7 in the Final to become 2007 Six Nations Cup Champions.
The Six Nations Cup was played in Veldhoven, The Netherlands over the weekend of February 24th and 25th.
Full results:
GROUP A:
ENGLAND 15-10 WALES
WALES 11-14 NETHERLANDS
NETHERLANDS 11-14 ENGLAND
GROUP B:
N.IRELAND 11-14 SCOTLAND
SCOTLAND 12-13 REP OF IRELAND
REP.IRE 14-11 N.IRELAND
SEMI-FINALS:
REP.IRE 5-13 NETHERLANDS
ENGLAND 13-10 SCOTLAND
5TH PLACE PLAY-OFF:
WALES 13-8 N.IRELAND
FINAL:
ENGLAND 13-7 NETHERLANDS
AT DARTS NOT RUGBY!
The England darts team, captained by MARTIN ADAMS, the reigning Lakeside World Professional Darts Champion, did what their rugby counterparts failed to do by winning the Six Nations Cup with a clean-sweep of victories.
Having beaten Wales 15-10 and The Netherlands 14-11 in the Group stages, they were victorious 13-10 conquers of Scotland in the Semi-Final, and then comprehensively beat The Netherlands 13-7 in the Final to become 2007 Six Nations Cup Champions.
The Six Nations Cup was played in Veldhoven, The Netherlands over the weekend of February 24th and 25th.
Full results:
GROUP A:
ENGLAND 15-10 WALES
WALES 11-14 NETHERLANDS
NETHERLANDS 11-14 ENGLAND
GROUP B:
N.IRELAND 11-14 SCOTLAND
SCOTLAND 12-13 REP OF IRELAND
REP.IRE 14-11 N.IRELAND
SEMI-FINALS:
REP.IRE 5-13 NETHERLANDS
ENGLAND 13-10 SCOTLAND
5TH PLACE PLAY-OFF:
WALES 13-8 N.IRELAND
FINAL:
ENGLAND 13-7 NETHERLANDS
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Dennis Destroy's Lewis
The premier League Darts lived up too all its billed hype last night with possibly the best game ever seen since the event started.
Colin Lloyd V Roland Scholten
Colin Lloyd stuck to is guns and got his first win of the Premier League against Roland Scholten. Scholten opened up with back to back maximums and you had the feeling that it may not be Colin’s night. However the ever smiling popular Lloyd went about his usual business and got a well earned win by 8 – 5.
Dennis Priestly V Adrian Lewis
What more can be said about Darts Renaissance man? At 56 the no nonsense Yorkshire man showed just what it was to grind a win out by the joint best ever margin 8 -1.
Lewis looked like a Rabbit in the headlights as he struggled to adapt his game to the purposeful style of Priestley.
Although not spectacular averages it was a true sporting spectacular as the determined Priestly pounced on every opportunity and wrapped the game up with consummate ease.
The score does not reflect the state of play in Lewis’s game in anyway, just another stage in the learning curve for him to conquer before he becomes the best player in the World.
Phil Taylor V Peter Manley
Phil Taylor took a step back towards his unbeatable style by dishing out another hammering of Peter Manley by 8-2.
The game lacked any real fizz as Manley just seemed to lay down and it resembled more of an exhibition game where some random punter from the pub got up to take his turn.
Manley is better than that and he knows it, and it would be great if he could get some teeth in the real big games as he has the ability to beat anyone and really get the crowd going.
Raymond Van Barneveld V Terry Jenkins
There is not much more can be said for this absolutely perfect match between two fantastic players both at the peak of their games which ended 7 a piece.
Terry Jenkins arrived on stage with a spring in his step and a steely determination in his eye and it didn’t take him long to establish a 4-1 lead over a shell shocked Barney.
However, as has been the case all year Barney sprung back to life with a 170 out shot to level the game.
The standard of the darts was amazing with both players around 108 averages and trading 12 & 13 darters per set.
This match was worthy of any World Championship final and cements the over looked Terry Jenkins reputation as one of the best players in the World.
Colin Lloyd V Roland Scholten
Colin Lloyd stuck to is guns and got his first win of the Premier League against Roland Scholten. Scholten opened up with back to back maximums and you had the feeling that it may not be Colin’s night. However the ever smiling popular Lloyd went about his usual business and got a well earned win by 8 – 5.
Dennis Priestly V Adrian Lewis
What more can be said about Darts Renaissance man? At 56 the no nonsense Yorkshire man showed just what it was to grind a win out by the joint best ever margin 8 -1.
Lewis looked like a Rabbit in the headlights as he struggled to adapt his game to the purposeful style of Priestley.
Although not spectacular averages it was a true sporting spectacular as the determined Priestly pounced on every opportunity and wrapped the game up with consummate ease.
The score does not reflect the state of play in Lewis’s game in anyway, just another stage in the learning curve for him to conquer before he becomes the best player in the World.
Phil Taylor V Peter Manley
Phil Taylor took a step back towards his unbeatable style by dishing out another hammering of Peter Manley by 8-2.
The game lacked any real fizz as Manley just seemed to lay down and it resembled more of an exhibition game where some random punter from the pub got up to take his turn.
Manley is better than that and he knows it, and it would be great if he could get some teeth in the real big games as he has the ability to beat anyone and really get the crowd going.
Raymond Van Barneveld V Terry Jenkins
There is not much more can be said for this absolutely perfect match between two fantastic players both at the peak of their games which ended 7 a piece.
Terry Jenkins arrived on stage with a spring in his step and a steely determination in his eye and it didn’t take him long to establish a 4-1 lead over a shell shocked Barney.
However, as has been the case all year Barney sprung back to life with a 170 out shot to level the game.
The standard of the darts was amazing with both players around 108 averages and trading 12 & 13 darters per set.
This match was worthy of any World Championship final and cements the over looked Terry Jenkins reputation as one of the best players in the World.
Grand Slam of Darts
It seems that the bridge between the 2 rival bodies of darts is taking a step closer to unification. Barry Hearn has announced a new event that will include the top stars of the BDO & WDF Darts world system to compete with the top players from the PDC.
The event is scheduled to go ahead in November and will be staged in Wolverhampton at the Civic centre.
The prize fund is a mouth watering £250,000 purse.
However, more than the money and which code has the best players the bottom line is that both codes Professional Dart Players all play the same game under the same rules and codes of conduct and it will be amazing for the darts public to see a totally new mix of matches and with it hopefully some really passionate head to heads.
This Grand Slam event will be the closest World Darts has had to as real World Championship in over 14 years.
The prize fund structure goes down to the first round players and inclusion in this event will guarantee at least £3,000.
This Grand Slam event will be the closest World Darts has had to as real World Championship in over 14 years.
The prize fund structure goes down to the first round players and inclusion in this event will guarantee at least £3,000.
Winner £60,000
Runner Up £30,000
Semi Finalists £15,000
Quarter Finalists £10,000
2nd Round losers £5,250
1st Round Losers £3,000
The 32 players will be chosen from the winners of the major dart events around the world and the relative ranking systems.
Taylor, Mason & Naish Fined
Chris Mason, Phil Taylor & Steve Naish have all been fined by the DRA following their actions at the recent 2006 Ladbrokes World Championships.
Chris Mason & Phil Taylor had a heated exchange during their match and Chris received a £750 fine for his unsportsmanlike conduct during the match and Taylor got a £400 fine for bad language during a televised interview.
Steve Naish was also fined £300 for behaving in a dangerous manner following his defeat to Waynand Havenga.
Chris Mason & Phil Taylor had a heated exchange during their match and Chris received a £750 fine for his unsportsmanlike conduct during the match and Taylor got a £400 fine for bad language during a televised interview.
Steve Naish was also fined £300 for behaving in a dangerous manner following his defeat to Waynand Havenga.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Premier League Week 4
With the Premier League moving to the Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle there is a huge swathe of darts fans on the East Coast.
Colin Lloyd v Roland Scholten
Colin Lloyd cannot surely keep playing as well as he has and lose again, and so Colin should run out a close winner in this one with a huge English crowd behind him.
Adrian Lewis v Dennis Priestley
With both these players in arguably the best form of their lives this will be a humdinger of a game and Adrian Lewis must adapt the pace of his game to deal with Priestly. If he can this one will go to the wire and the old head from Sheffield may just sneak it.
Peter Manley v Phil Taylor
Manley has shown some green shoots of recovery out in Holland, but his latest hammering at the hands of Barney would be enough to dent the confidence of anyone, and so if Phil Taylor settles into his usual canter he should take this game.
Terry Jenkins v Raymond van Barneveld
Jenkins has showed over the passed 6 months that he really is becoming a big game player, and you can clearly see that he enjoys every minute on stage, which is going to need to when playing the Dutch Robot Barney. Taking nothing away from Jenkins he may not yet have the fire power to deal with Barneveld and so Barney should win this encounter.
Colin Lloyd v Roland Scholten
Colin Lloyd cannot surely keep playing as well as he has and lose again, and so Colin should run out a close winner in this one with a huge English crowd behind him.
Adrian Lewis v Dennis Priestley
With both these players in arguably the best form of their lives this will be a humdinger of a game and Adrian Lewis must adapt the pace of his game to deal with Priestly. If he can this one will go to the wire and the old head from Sheffield may just sneak it.
Peter Manley v Phil Taylor
Manley has shown some green shoots of recovery out in Holland, but his latest hammering at the hands of Barney would be enough to dent the confidence of anyone, and so if Phil Taylor settles into his usual canter he should take this game.
Terry Jenkins v Raymond van Barneveld
Jenkins has showed over the passed 6 months that he really is becoming a big game player, and you can clearly see that he enjoys every minute on stage, which is going to need to when playing the Dutch Robot Barney. Taking nothing away from Jenkins he may not yet have the fire power to deal with Barneveld and so Barney should win this encounter.
Barry Hearn hints at PDC Venue move
In a recent interview with the BBC Barry Hearn turned up the temperature in the bitter row between the PDC & the BDO by saying that he wishes "they would pack up and sell to me - I could change the face of grass roots darts".
However, putting the playground action aside for one minute a change in venue to hold a larger audience would be a great thing for darts, as it may get back towards the old News of the World days when as many as 15,000 Darts fans would go to see the finals.
Professional Darts has so much competition from other sports and any drive to make it a mainline sport is a welcome one, especially if it helps in the bid to get Darts recognised as an Olympic Sport.
However, putting the playground action aside for one minute a change in venue to hold a larger audience would be a great thing for darts, as it may get back towards the old News of the World days when as many as 15,000 Darts fans would go to see the finals.
Professional Darts has so much competition from other sports and any drive to make it a mainline sport is a welcome one, especially if it helps in the bid to get Darts recognised as an Olympic Sport.
Peter Manley Gets New Main Line Sponsor
Peter Manley picked up a new mainline sponsor from Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding.
It is great to see the growth in player sponsorship from outside of the Darts industry as it shows that darts is already reaching a wider audience and is seen as a key marketing tool for several businesses.
It is great to see the growth in player sponsorship from outside of the Darts industry as it shows that darts is already reaching a wider audience and is seen as a key marketing tool for several businesses.
Nixy loses to 13 year Whizz Kid
Report Courtesy of the Sunderland Echo:
http://www.sunderlandtoday.co.uk/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=2054272&SectionID=1107
DARTS daft David Worthington, 13, hit the bull's-eye when he beat world championship finalist Phill Nixon in a one-off challenge.
To thank his North East supporters, the County Durham ace Nixy is touring workingmen's clubs taking on all-comers in exhibition matches. But he hadn't bargained on dead-eye shot David who left the Lakeside World Championship Finalist in his wake with a display of magic darts.
In their match Nixon started on 501 and David on 301. Nixon, a 50-year-old dad-of-eight from Ferryhill, was stuck on 164 when his teenage opponent hit the decisive double 10 to claim victory.
Seaham School of Technology pupil David, who dreams of being a darts player when he grows up, was shaking with nerves when he went head-to-head with his idol.
http://www.sunderlandtoday.co.uk/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=2054272&SectionID=1107
DARTS daft David Worthington, 13, hit the bull's-eye when he beat world championship finalist Phill Nixon in a one-off challenge.
To thank his North East supporters, the County Durham ace Nixy is touring workingmen's clubs taking on all-comers in exhibition matches. But he hadn't bargained on dead-eye shot David who left the Lakeside World Championship Finalist in his wake with a display of magic darts.
In their match Nixon started on 501 and David on 301. Nixon, a 50-year-old dad-of-eight from Ferryhill, was stuck on 164 when his teenage opponent hit the decisive double 10 to claim victory.
Seaham School of Technology pupil David, who dreams of being a darts player when he grows up, was shaking with nerves when he went head-to-head with his idol.
Welsh Darts Premier Qualifiers
Welsh Darts Premier (Qualifiers)
17th March Doors open 10.00 am
Toe the oche 12.00 prompt registartion closes at 11.30am
Entrance fee £10.00
3 Players will qualify on the day to play the bottom 3 players from last years league in a first to 7 legs.
Winners will then be included into 07/08 League.
The Prize for winning the Premier League is £1000.00 plus the opportunity to play a player in the top ten in the World BDO or PDC.
First to 18 legs worth about £250.00 to £500.00
Every point won in league is worth £3.00 and every 180 is worth £3.00.
http://www.welshdarts.co.uk/
17th March Doors open 10.00 am
Toe the oche 12.00 prompt registartion closes at 11.30am
Entrance fee £10.00
3 Players will qualify on the day to play the bottom 3 players from last years league in a first to 7 legs.
Winners will then be included into 07/08 League.
The Prize for winning the Premier League is £1000.00 plus the opportunity to play a player in the top ten in the World BDO or PDC.
First to 18 legs worth about £250.00 to £500.00
Every point won in league is worth £3.00 and every 180 is worth £3.00.
http://www.welshdarts.co.uk/
Pub Fundraisers on Target
Report Courtesy of Bedford Today:
http://www.bedfordtoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=543&ArticleID=2051228
It's time to raise your glasses to a Dunstable pub which has been raising charity cash from events including a 12-hour darts marathon. The Sportsman, in Katherine Drive, collected £300 for Cancer Research UK from a Christmas raffle. And that's on top of the £1,800 raised for the charity by a 12-hour dartathon involving the pub darts team and other customers.
Darts team member Dave Chapman, 45, of Evelyn Road, said that the players decided to support the charity because cancer affects the lives of so many people.
To find out more about Cancer Research UK, visit www.cancerresearchuk.org or call your local fundraising office via 08701 602040.
http://www.bedfordtoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=543&ArticleID=2051228
It's time to raise your glasses to a Dunstable pub which has been raising charity cash from events including a 12-hour darts marathon. The Sportsman, in Katherine Drive, collected £300 for Cancer Research UK from a Christmas raffle. And that's on top of the £1,800 raised for the charity by a 12-hour dartathon involving the pub darts team and other customers.
Darts team member Dave Chapman, 45, of Evelyn Road, said that the players decided to support the charity because cancer affects the lives of so many people.
To find out more about Cancer Research UK, visit www.cancerresearchuk.org or call your local fundraising office via 08701 602040.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Barneveld batters Manley
Peter Manley was on the back of a royal hiding from the Dutch darts terminator Raymond Van Barneveld as he went down 7-0 in the final of the Keuken Concurrent World Masters.
Manley had been playing amazing darts all week, and had beaten Van Barneveld 5-3 earlier in the week.
Manley could not hold a torch to Barney's power play and a very happy Van Barneveld said that this was quite possibly the best darts he had ever produced in a final.
However, all told it was a fantastic week of darts where the overall England V Holland match that was played inbetween the individual Championship was won by England.
Van Gerwin 9 Darter
Micheal Van Gerwin was in hot form at the recent Keuken Concurrent World Masters as he threw a superb 9 darter against Raymond Van Barneveld in the Semi Finals.
http://viralvids.web-log.nl/viralvids/2007/02/9_darter_nine_d.html
However, even this was not good enough to beat a very modest Raymond Van Barneveld, who could not praise his 17 year old opponent enough after winning by 6 -4.
Barneveld has said that he will need to improve on his fitness if he is to continue competing at the very top and it is interesting to see that Phil Taylor has also embarked on a fitness campaign.
Arguably the 2 best players in the World have seen that the younger guys are not carrying as much weight and can handle the extreme heat of the stage a little better.
Fitter looking Dart players is a great thing for them personally but maybe more so for the global image of darts that is still seen by many as a beer swilling pub game.
http://viralvids.web-log.nl/viralvids/2007/02/9_darter_nine_d.html
However, even this was not good enough to beat a very modest Raymond Van Barneveld, who could not praise his 17 year old opponent enough after winning by 6 -4.
Barneveld has said that he will need to improve on his fitness if he is to continue competing at the very top and it is interesting to see that Phil Taylor has also embarked on a fitness campaign.
Arguably the 2 best players in the World have seen that the younger guys are not carrying as much weight and can handle the extreme heat of the stage a little better.
Fitter looking Dart players is a great thing for them personally but maybe more so for the global image of darts that is still seen by many as a beer swilling pub game.
Friday, February 16, 2007
180 Things I hate about you
180 Things I hate about you is a fantastic screen printed Dartboard display in a London Gallery.
The Dartboards were designed by a collection of modern artists and provide a really nice alternative view on how to use dartboards as an expression.
So click the link: http://www.180thingsihate.co.uk/ and have a look at the Dartboards.
Do you think you could do any better?
Well interestingly if you do there is a way that you can consider launching your very own Digital dartboard range.
Checkout DartArt http://www.dart-art.com/ as they can put absolutely anything you like on dartboard.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Week 3 Premier League Darts
With week 3 of the Premier League played in front of a record 3500 crowd in Nottingham, the darts did not disappoint.
Phil Taylor restored some of his form to see off the Terry Jenkins in a game that had several high's and lows, but Taylor’s skill and experience paid off as he edged through 8 - 6.
Barneveld and Manley had a fantastic tussle (on the oche I'm glad to say) where Barneveld came from a leg down to earn a draw.
Manley has slowed his throwing down and it seems to be working for the big man, who continues in his rich vein of form.
Adrian Lewis again showed why he's tipped for big things when he raced out of the blocks against a shell shocked Colin Lloyd, and wrapped his match up 8 – 5. Colin is not playing badly at all and must be left scratching his head as he finds himself without a win in the Premier League.
However, storey of the night was ever green Dennis “The Menace” Priestley who is dispatching opponents with consummate ease.
Scholten was tipped by many to take this game but in the end did well not to be white washed by the Rip Roaring Northerner who won easily by 8 – 3.
The Premier League format is clearly what the paying dart punters want to see, and with the league moving up to Sheffield it will take a big darter to stop Priestley’s march at the top of the table in front of a home crowd.
Andy Fordham On The Mend
Andy Fordham is making a good recovery at home is overwhelmed at the support he has recieved from everyone who has sent him good luck wishes.
The Gentle Giant from Kent will be a big loss to the darts scene for a while but he has vowed to get back on his feet and make a come back.
All major International Sports needs the household legends to be competing and winning events, and Andy is no exception.
Andy is under no illusions and knows the road back will be a hard one and hopefully with a great deal of support he really can settle down to a more balanced lifestyle to get back doing what he loves most and playing great darts.
The Gentle Giant from Kent will be a big loss to the darts scene for a while but he has vowed to get back on his feet and make a come back.
All major International Sports needs the household legends to be competing and winning events, and Andy is no exception.
Andy is under no illusions and knows the road back will be a hard one and hopefully with a great deal of support he really can settle down to a more balanced lifestyle to get back doing what he loves most and playing great darts.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Premier Leauge Darts - Week 3
PHIL TAYLOR V TERRY JENKINS
Phil Taylor's game is off the pace and he may struggle against an in form Terry Jenkins who is looking to really make his mark as a World Class Darter.
According to Sky's legendary darts commentator, cat on acid Sid Waddell, Taylor is struggling with his grip and is not stacking the darts as he likes to.
Although probably technically correct it may also have something to do with the standard of darts rising by the prizes at stake.
Fellow Dart Professionals have adopted Taylor’s disciplined practice strategies to enable them to compete with him at his own game.
Whatever the outcome matches that can go either way are absolutely fantastic for darts viewers and the Taylor domination slipping away is no bad thing.
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD v PETER MANLEY
A cracker as both players are larger than life on stage and can be very aggressive, however, Manley’s ability to finish the job off can sometimes be called into question and so Barney should take this one.
ADRIAN LEWIS v COLIN LLOYD
A very tough call on this match as Adrian Lewis is starting to mature towards the player that they said he would be, but is still needs to maintain his concentration throughout the entire match. Colin Lloyd has been on the back of some huge games over the passed few months and just seems to be getting the monkey off his back and should just be able to squeeze this one.
DENNIS PRIESTLEY v ROLAND SCHOLTEN
With Dennis back in the form of his life and a very deliberate throwing style he will be hard to beat, and should move passed Scholten if the form book holds.
Phil Taylor's game is off the pace and he may struggle against an in form Terry Jenkins who is looking to really make his mark as a World Class Darter.
According to Sky's legendary darts commentator, cat on acid Sid Waddell, Taylor is struggling with his grip and is not stacking the darts as he likes to.
Although probably technically correct it may also have something to do with the standard of darts rising by the prizes at stake.
Fellow Dart Professionals have adopted Taylor’s disciplined practice strategies to enable them to compete with him at his own game.
Whatever the outcome matches that can go either way are absolutely fantastic for darts viewers and the Taylor domination slipping away is no bad thing.
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD v PETER MANLEY
A cracker as both players are larger than life on stage and can be very aggressive, however, Manley’s ability to finish the job off can sometimes be called into question and so Barney should take this one.
ADRIAN LEWIS v COLIN LLOYD
A very tough call on this match as Adrian Lewis is starting to mature towards the player that they said he would be, but is still needs to maintain his concentration throughout the entire match. Colin Lloyd has been on the back of some huge games over the passed few months and just seems to be getting the monkey off his back and should just be able to squeeze this one.
DENNIS PRIESTLEY v ROLAND SCHOLTEN
With Dennis back in the form of his life and a very deliberate throwing style he will be hard to beat, and should move passed Scholten if the form book holds.
Andy Fordham Update
Andy Fordham is recovering at home with the support of his wife Jenny and children Raymond and Emily, following a mild stroke.
Andy was taken ill during the 2007 Lakeside World Professional Darts Championships in January and following hospitalisation had been making a steady recovery.
“Andy is one of the most popular players and personalities in darts”, says Olly Croft of the BDO, “and we all want to see him back where he belongs – on the oche playing the type of darts that earned him the Lakeside World Professional Darts Championship title in 2004”.
“He is such a huge and well-loved character that he and the family not only have the support of the BDO, but also the worldwide support of everyone in darts.”
“Needless to say, we all wish him a speedy return to good health”.
Andy was taken ill during the 2007 Lakeside World Professional Darts Championships in January and following hospitalisation had been making a steady recovery.
“Andy is one of the most popular players and personalities in darts”, says Olly Croft of the BDO, “and we all want to see him back where he belongs – on the oche playing the type of darts that earned him the Lakeside World Professional Darts Championship title in 2004”.
“He is such a huge and well-loved character that he and the family not only have the support of the BDO, but also the worldwide support of everyone in darts.”
“Needless to say, we all wish him a speedy return to good health”.
England Darts Organiation Takes Flight
The England Darts Organisation (EDO) has formed in conjunction with the BDO as a restructuring of Darts in the UK from 2006.
The EDO has replaced the direct control of “BDO England” over English Darts and the International Teams and they have entered into a 5 year Agreement with Winmau as the exclusive dartboard supplier to the EDO.
The EDO was first originated to more clearly distinguish English Darts and the players and to standardise the Organisation to bring them in line with Wales, Scotland & Ireland – whose independence is similar to the original idea of the Home Nations. The EDO was created from several leading BDO officials who understand exactly what it takes to run a darts organisation in the best interests of its members. The EDO will represent England in all areas of the International Darts scene, signifying the EDO’s expansive view and freedom of thought to develop darts events further in England.
The agreement with the EDO and Winmau shows that the company has entrusted the EDO to simplify English Darts and the International Teams global identity. The EDO will be positioned to communicate Winmau®’s reputation for technically advanced equipment across darts events World Wide.
Ian Flack, Sales & Marketing Director, explained the changes, “From a darts business viewpoint the organisational change is very exciting – Winmau®’s global icons like Andy Fordham & Trina Gulliver, will now be able to represent the EDO and its values as a whole and we can further highlight our commitment to the sport of darts and the EDO.”
“We’ve also been surprised how quickly Dart players have adapted to the EDO as the governing body and their affection for Winmau equipment is as strong as ever”
The EDO has replaced the direct control of “BDO England” over English Darts and the International Teams and they have entered into a 5 year Agreement with Winmau as the exclusive dartboard supplier to the EDO.
The EDO was first originated to more clearly distinguish English Darts and the players and to standardise the Organisation to bring them in line with Wales, Scotland & Ireland – whose independence is similar to the original idea of the Home Nations. The EDO was created from several leading BDO officials who understand exactly what it takes to run a darts organisation in the best interests of its members. The EDO will represent England in all areas of the International Darts scene, signifying the EDO’s expansive view and freedom of thought to develop darts events further in England.
The agreement with the EDO and Winmau shows that the company has entrusted the EDO to simplify English Darts and the International Teams global identity. The EDO will be positioned to communicate Winmau®’s reputation for technically advanced equipment across darts events World Wide.
Ian Flack, Sales & Marketing Director, explained the changes, “From a darts business viewpoint the organisational change is very exciting – Winmau®’s global icons like Andy Fordham & Trina Gulliver, will now be able to represent the EDO and its values as a whole and we can further highlight our commitment to the sport of darts and the EDO.”
“We’ve also been surprised how quickly Dart players have adapted to the EDO as the governing body and their affection for Winmau equipment is as strong as ever”
Monday, February 12, 2007
Keukenconcurrent Masters of Darts
With the Keukenconcurrent Masters of Darts into the second days play only 3 players remain unbeaten.
That is Peter Manley, Mervyn King and Michael Van Gerwin.
Mervyn King followed up his impressive win over Lakeside World Champion 2006 Jelle Klassen with a stunning victory over this years PDC World Champion Raymond Van Barneveld by 4-2, and after trailing by 2 sets to 1.
Van Gerwin kept up his 100% record with a very cool display against Wayne Mardle in a match that contained nine 180's.
Night Two Results
Roland Scholten 1 - 3 Phil Taylor
Van Barneveld 2 - 3 Mervyn King
Michael Van Gerwin 3 -1 Wayne Mardle
Jelle Klassen 3 - 2 Colin Lloyd
Vincent Van Der Voort 2 - 3 Peter Manley
That is Peter Manley, Mervyn King and Michael Van Gerwin.
Mervyn King followed up his impressive win over Lakeside World Champion 2006 Jelle Klassen with a stunning victory over this years PDC World Champion Raymond Van Barneveld by 4-2, and after trailing by 2 sets to 1.
Van Gerwin kept up his 100% record with a very cool display against Wayne Mardle in a match that contained nine 180's.
Night Two Results
Roland Scholten 1 - 3 Phil Taylor
Van Barneveld 2 - 3 Mervyn King
Michael Van Gerwin 3 -1 Wayne Mardle
Jelle Klassen 3 - 2 Colin Lloyd
Vincent Van Der Voort 2 - 3 Peter Manley
Barney Tops Premier League Darts
Raymond Van Barneveld heads the Premier League Darts table after an 8-6 win over Colin Lloyd in Wolverhampton.
The Dutchman's latest put him a point ahead of Dennis Priestley.
Priestley followed up his opening victory against Terry Jenkins with a draw against defending Premier League champion Phil Taylor.
Newcomers Jenkins and Adrian Lewis both gained their first wins in the event, beating Roland Scholten and Peter Manley, respectively.
Jenkins took the final four legs to come from 6-4 down against the Dutchman.
Lewis threw the night's best checkout of 164 in a run of six successive legs on his way to defeating Manley.
The Dutchman's latest put him a point ahead of Dennis Priestley.
Priestley followed up his opening victory against Terry Jenkins with a draw against defending Premier League champion Phil Taylor.
Newcomers Jenkins and Adrian Lewis both gained their first wins in the event, beating Roland Scholten and Peter Manley, respectively.
Jenkins took the final four legs to come from 6-4 down against the Dutchman.
Lewis threw the night's best checkout of 164 in a run of six successive legs on his way to defeating Manley.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Premier League Darts
Holstein Premier League Darts
Wolverhampton
With the Second Premier League Darts underway there was another fantastic turnout for the event with the Darts fans in a real party mood, despite the efforts of the weather.
Results:
Colin Lloyd 6 V Raymond Van Barneveld 8
Roland Scholten 6 V Terry Jenkins 8
Phil Taylor 7 V Dennis Priestly 7
Peter Manley 4 V Adrian Lewis 8
Wolverhampton
With the Second Premier League Darts underway there was another fantastic turnout for the event with the Darts fans in a real party mood, despite the efforts of the weather.
Results:
Colin Lloyd 6 V Raymond Van Barneveld 8
Roland Scholten 6 V Terry Jenkins 8
Phil Taylor 7 V Dennis Priestly 7
Peter Manley 4 V Adrian Lewis 8
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
King move causes huge darts row
Mervyn King's move from the British Darts Organisation to the Professional Darts Corporation has bought the huge divide between the 2 rival dart bodies to a head. King follows top dart players like Raymond van Barneveld, Jelle Klaasen and Michael van Gerwen across darts most acrimonious divide. BDO spokesman Robert Holmes told BBC Sport: "All the PDC are doing is buying and poaching players. It's the only way they can survive." But PDC chairman Barry Hearn responded: "'Poaching' is a silly, emotive word." Following the announcement of King's move on Tuesday, Holmes said: "We at the BDO wouldn't want to run a sport in that way - in fact we would not even describe the PDC as a sport. We look after the sport of darts - over 20,000 players of all abilities and of both sexes - and we have a system in place for producing quality players. "In effect, the PDC is just a private club of a few players and the only way they have got that far, and the only way they can survive, is by poaching our players." And Holmes insisted the BDO will not accept King and Klaasen's exits lightly, adding: "I'm personally very disappointed. "Mervyn has always said he would rather pack in darts than join the PDC and twice during the Lakeside World Championships I went on record to say as much. And now this - I'm stunned. "We are taking legal advice on his situation, as well as Klaasen's. As far as we're concerned it's a breach of contract. We'll be meeting with our lawyers this week to see what the next step will be." Hearn responded: "Mervyn King wants to play every week and earn decent money. Any player with ambition would be mad not to join the PDC. "You can't be a professional darts player with the BDO because there are so few events that pay money - decent money. "We've never bought a player, there are no restrictions on who plays whatsoever. None of our players have been paid to join us, what we offer them is a future." And Hearn was happy to admit that the BDO expects to welcome more players crossing the divide in the future. "There's a good case to say we need the BDO to survive," Hearn told BBC Sport. "They provide a conveyor-belt of talent. "We have 350 to 400 players worldwide, with the top 16, maybe top 32, making a good living. I feel the BDO put more into the sport than I do. "We want to take advantage of that and continue to be a part of it. We're the dream factory of darts." Holmes suggested the movement of players would not continue to be "one-way traffic" and claimed, "There are a lot of disillusioned players in the PDC." Hearn said: "I've not heard of more than one player going back but if they want to be a good pub player, the BDO is fabulous for them."They should go where they're happy. It's easier to play for Leyton Orient than in the Premiership."
Prince Charles Loses at Darts
Prince Charles knows how to have a good time at the bar but don't waste your time challenging him to play darts.
Britain's royal enjoyed a pint of ale and lost a game of darts when he visited an English bar on Monday.
The prince made an official visit to Britain's first cooperatively run public house, the Old Crown in Hesket Newmarket, Cumbria.
The bar became a cooperative after 150 villagers paid £2,000 each to buy a share in it.
The prince toured the Old Crown's own microbrewery where he tasted the dark porter ale, called "Great Cockup," which is brewed there.
Landlord Malcolm Hawksworth told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper. "He liked it in the brewery and asked for it in the pub."
The prince drank his pint before losing at darts, when he was challenged by pub regular Sally Richardson.
Britain's royal enjoyed a pint of ale and lost a game of darts when he visited an English bar on Monday.
The prince made an official visit to Britain's first cooperatively run public house, the Old Crown in Hesket Newmarket, Cumbria.
The bar became a cooperative after 150 villagers paid £2,000 each to buy a share in it.
The prince toured the Old Crown's own microbrewery where he tasted the dark porter ale, called "Great Cockup," which is brewed there.
Landlord Malcolm Hawksworth told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper. "He liked it in the brewery and asked for it in the pub."
The prince drank his pint before losing at darts, when he was challenged by pub regular Sally Richardson.
King controversy at centre of darts
Mervyn King was today threatened with legal action by the British Darts Organisation, after confirming he is switching to play on the rival Professional Darts Corporation circuit.
The former World Masters champion is following three top Dutch darts players belonging to the same management company - Michael van Gerwen, Jelle Klaasen and Vincent van der Voort - who also contested this year's Lakeside World Championship, before crossing the sport's bitter divide.
But apparently the 40-year-old is bound to the BDO under the terms of a contract he signed, stating that any player who reached the semi-finals at the Lakeside this year would return to contest the event in 2008. King was beaten in the last four by eventual champion Martin Adams.
Both players could now be the subject of legal action by the BDO.
The former World Masters champion is following three top Dutch darts players belonging to the same management company - Michael van Gerwen, Jelle Klaasen and Vincent van der Voort - who also contested this year's Lakeside World Championship, before crossing the sport's bitter divide.
But apparently the 40-year-old is bound to the BDO under the terms of a contract he signed, stating that any player who reached the semi-finals at the Lakeside this year would return to contest the event in 2008. King was beaten in the last four by eventual champion Martin Adams.
Both players could now be the subject of legal action by the BDO.
King joins PDC circuit
Mervyn King has stunned the British Darts Organisation by joining the Professional Darts Corporation, despite insisting that he would not last month.
An angry King threatened to pull out of the Lakeside World Championship after refuting a link with the PDC circuit.
However the Norfolk player has now moved, joining Raymond van Barneveld and Jelle Klaasen in leaving the BDO.
"I'm looking to further my darts career and have noticed for a couple of years the strength in depth of the PDC," he said.
"I want to be a part of that and move forward with it in the coming years.
"It's a new challenge for me. It's a frightening prospect but an exciting one at the same time."
Great Yarmouth-based King reached the semi-finals of this year's Lakeside tournament and has twice lost in the final at Frimley Green, to Tony David in 2002 and Winmau's Andy Fordham two years later.
However, the 40-year-old is now expected to make his debut on the PDC Pro Tour in the Blue Square UK Open South-East Regional Final in London at the start of March.
PDC chairman Barry Hearn said: "We're delighted to welcome Mervyn into the PDC ranks. He is a quality player capable of winning major tournaments.
"He has proved by joining the PDC that he has the ambition and desire to compete against the best players in the world on the game's biggest stages."
An angry King threatened to pull out of the Lakeside World Championship after refuting a link with the PDC circuit.
However the Norfolk player has now moved, joining Raymond van Barneveld and Jelle Klaasen in leaving the BDO.
"I'm looking to further my darts career and have noticed for a couple of years the strength in depth of the PDC," he said.
"I want to be a part of that and move forward with it in the coming years.
"It's a new challenge for me. It's a frightening prospect but an exciting one at the same time."
Great Yarmouth-based King reached the semi-finals of this year's Lakeside tournament and has twice lost in the final at Frimley Green, to Tony David in 2002 and Winmau's Andy Fordham two years later.
However, the 40-year-old is now expected to make his debut on the PDC Pro Tour in the Blue Square UK Open South-East Regional Final in London at the start of March.
PDC chairman Barry Hearn said: "We're delighted to welcome Mervyn into the PDC ranks. He is a quality player capable of winning major tournaments.
"He has proved by joining the PDC that he has the ambition and desire to compete against the best players in the world on the game's biggest stages."
Monday, February 05, 2007
REVIEW OF BETTING RULES
BRITISH DARTS ORGANISATION
ANNOUNCES REVIEW OF BETTING RULES
Following on from its signature last year of the DCMS sponsored Code of Practice on Integrity in Sports Betting, and in preparation for the coming into force later this year of the Gambling Act, which will liberalise the UK gambling market and so further encourage the upward trend in betting on sports such as darts, the BDO has today announced that it has instituted a root-and-branch review of its rules and regulations.
This has been done to ensure that the BDO follows best practice in relation to activities such as betting and the use of inside information by darts players.
It is a decision that reflects the commitment of the BDO, as the sport’s governing body, to do everything in its power to protect the integrity of the sport in the face of this increasing betting activity.
BDO Chairman, Dave Alderman, said: “The DCMS recognised last year that the liberalising effect of the Gambling Act would increase the risk of corrupt betting practices in relation to sports events, where gambling activity is already significant.
“The DCMS also recognised that sports bodies would have a key role in keeping sport fair and crime-free in the face of those risks.
“The BDO is committed to playing its part in full, by ensuring that darts players participating in its events avoid any form of conduct that could undermine public confidence in the integrity of those events.
“The root-and-branch review announced today will ensure that our rules and regulations reflect best practice in this area.
“We look forward to engaging with the Gambling Commission on this and related topics when they publish their forthcoming Issues Paper relating to gambling and the sports sector.”
He also called upon the government to play its part in preserving the integrity of sport against corrupt betting practices, in two principal ways: (1) by requiring licensed gambling operators to share information about betting activity around sports events with the relevant sports bodies, such as the BDO; and (2) more fundamentally, by assisting in the creation of a mechanism to secure fair payment for betting companies’ use of the sporting product, to assist in financing both integrity efforts and the development of the sport more generally.
Alderman added: “The betting industry makes huge profits from sports betting, and it is only fair that it should pay something in return, particularly when sports bodies have to commit substantial resources to ensure that betting activity does not threaten the integrity of the sport.
“At several meetings with representatives of the Gambling Commission, we have stood with our counterparts at other sports bodies such as the FA, the LTA and the RFU in asking the Gambling Commission to ensure that these important issues are addressed within the new regulatory framework, and we are hopeful that that message has been heard and understood.”
ANNOUNCES REVIEW OF BETTING RULES
Following on from its signature last year of the DCMS sponsored Code of Practice on Integrity in Sports Betting, and in preparation for the coming into force later this year of the Gambling Act, which will liberalise the UK gambling market and so further encourage the upward trend in betting on sports such as darts, the BDO has today announced that it has instituted a root-and-branch review of its rules and regulations.
This has been done to ensure that the BDO follows best practice in relation to activities such as betting and the use of inside information by darts players.
It is a decision that reflects the commitment of the BDO, as the sport’s governing body, to do everything in its power to protect the integrity of the sport in the face of this increasing betting activity.
BDO Chairman, Dave Alderman, said: “The DCMS recognised last year that the liberalising effect of the Gambling Act would increase the risk of corrupt betting practices in relation to sports events, where gambling activity is already significant.
“The DCMS also recognised that sports bodies would have a key role in keeping sport fair and crime-free in the face of those risks.
“The BDO is committed to playing its part in full, by ensuring that darts players participating in its events avoid any form of conduct that could undermine public confidence in the integrity of those events.
“The root-and-branch review announced today will ensure that our rules and regulations reflect best practice in this area.
“We look forward to engaging with the Gambling Commission on this and related topics when they publish their forthcoming Issues Paper relating to gambling and the sports sector.”
He also called upon the government to play its part in preserving the integrity of sport against corrupt betting practices, in two principal ways: (1) by requiring licensed gambling operators to share information about betting activity around sports events with the relevant sports bodies, such as the BDO; and (2) more fundamentally, by assisting in the creation of a mechanism to secure fair payment for betting companies’ use of the sporting product, to assist in financing both integrity efforts and the development of the sport more generally.
Alderman added: “The betting industry makes huge profits from sports betting, and it is only fair that it should pay something in return, particularly when sports bodies have to commit substantial resources to ensure that betting activity does not threaten the integrity of the sport.
“At several meetings with representatives of the Gambling Commission, we have stood with our counterparts at other sports bodies such as the FA, the LTA and the RFU in asking the Gambling Commission to ensure that these important issues are addressed within the new regulatory framework, and we are hopeful that that message has been heard and understood.”
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