PHIL TAYLOR defeated Adrian Lewis 11-8 in the final of the PartyPoker.net European Championship to claim his fourth European title in a row.

The Power saw off the World Champion in a tense final thanks to a crucial break of throw in the 18th leg, with Taylor popping in a 180 before taking out 164 to move 10-8 ahead.

Both men hit two 140s in the next leg, but it was Taylor who was first to the double and hit double ten to claim the £50,000 winner’s cheque with a 109.29 average.

“It’s a great feeling and a great end to a fantastic event,” said Taylor. “The crowd were unreal and stuck behind the players throughout. The atmosphere has been brilliant. Adrian’s semi against Raymond was one of the best I’ve ever seen – he’s had a tougher day than me to get to the final.

“I’m looking forward to having a great holiday now and this trophy is down to 30 years of dedication,” added the World number one.

Lewis was on a high after winning a thrilling semi-final against Raymond van Barneveld, clinching a place in final with a 121 checkout against the throw in a deciding leg after hitting a nine-darter in the 17th leg before the Dutchman battled back.

“This is the best atmosphere I’ve played in and I hope we come here again,” said Lewis. “Phil was fantastic and thoroughly deserved the win. The 121 to win the semi was better than the nine-darter really but I’ve had a great weekend here and I’m full of confidence going into Dublin and beyond.”

Lewis jumped 2-0 ahead in the final but was pegged back to 3-3 by the Power and the Stoke pair continued to trade blow-for-blow with Taylor winning the bull before the match looking all the more crucial as they found themselves level at 8-8, before Taylor’s crucial 18th leg.

Earlier in the evening, Lewis pipped Van Barneveld in a final-leg decider of a pulsating semi-final that had it all. A nine-darter in the 17th leg from Lewis saw him move to within one leg of the match, but he missed a dart in the 18th leg to clinch it and six more darts in the 20th leg as the tension became almost unbearable. The momentum and the darts belonged to Van Barneveld, but with the Dutchman sitting on 24, Lewis took out 121 to reach the final.

Taylor and Whitlock had a lot to live up to and it was the World number one who prevailed as the Australian struggled on his doubles.

Taylor took the opening two legs before Whitlock registered, but when the Power moved 5-1 ahead, Whitlock had missed darts to win three of the legs. An 11th dart leg from Taylor made it 6-1 before Whitlock stopped the rot to take the eighth leg, but again, Taylor powered away from the Australian with three more legs to move within two of the final. Whitlock finally strung consecutive legs together, but with 14 missed darts at doubles during the match he found it hard to keep up with Taylor, who joined Lewis in the final with a 13-darter and a sixth break of throw.

The final
Phil Taylor 11-8 Adrian Lewis

Semi-finals
Adrian Lewis 11-10 Raymond Van Barneveld – ADRIAN LEWIS HITS NINE-DART FINISH
Phil Taylor 11-4 Simon Whitlock

Quarter-finals
Adrian Lewis 10-8 Kim Huybrechts
Raymond van Barneveld 10-8 James Wade
Phil Taylor 10-7 Paul Nicholson
Simon Whitlock 10-6 Peter Wright

AS IT HAPPENED – semi-finals and final

ADRIAN LEWIS v RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD
0-1 Van Barneveld off and running with a 180 from his first visit in a 15-dart leg.
1-1 Lewis levels with a solid throw.
1-2 Second 180 from Van Barneveld, Lewis has the first dart at a double but he misses double 14 for a 121 and Van Barneveld holds with a 13-darter.
2-2 Brilliant response from Lewis with a 150 checkout.
3-2 Lewis follows that with his first 180, a 140 leaves him with 41 and Van Barneveld out of sight. Lewis misses seven darts for the leg, Van Barneveld misses double 12 for a 138, Lewis then hits double one at the third attempt.
4-2 A 177 from Lewis leaves 24 and he takes a third consecutive leg.
5-2 Van Barneveld almost seals an 11-darter, Lewis leaves 62 and Van Barneveld misses three more at double 16, Lewis let’s him off the hook, but Van Barneveld misses three more, eight in total, and Lewis does punish him for a double break of throw.
6-2 Lewis takes 12 darts to leave tops and hits double ten for five on the trot.
6-3 Van Barneveld stops the rot with a 60 checkout
7-3 After a second maximum, Lewis misses tops for a 160 checkout, he busts when he returns to take it out but it matters not as he takes a four leg lead into the second break.
7-4 A 156 finish from Van Barneveld straight after the break
8-4 Van Barneveld looks for 170 to top the 156, but only manages the first 180 and Lewis holds.
8-5 A 25 checkout from Van Barneveld keeps him keen.
8-6 And he’s more than keen now as he breaks the Lewis throw after the World Champion misses a dart for a 76 checkout.
8-7 Fifth 180 for Van Barneveld who misses two darts for the leg, Lewis misses the bull for a 90 checkout and Van Barneveld closes the gap further.
9-7 Lewis hits his fourth 180 and a 12-darter comes with a fluid 99 checkout.
10-7 Fifth 180 from Lewis puts Van Barneveld under pressure, and he’s on a nine-darter. The treble 20 is in, as is the treble 19 – and he nails the double – ADRIAN LEWIS HITS A NINE-DARTER.
10-8 But it’s not over as Lewis misses tops to win, Van Barneveld has tops to break, hits the wrong bed but adjusts brilliantly.
10-9 Van Barneveld checks out 68 to hold.
10-10 Lewis opens the door on more than one occasion but Van Barneveld can’t capitalise – Van Barneveld needs 154 but cannot take it. Lewis misses three for the match though. But he hits tops going for big 20 and misses two at double 16. Three more missed by Lewis and Van Barneveld levels the match.
11-10 Lewis responds with his seventh 180, Van Barneveld on a 161 – leaves 24. Lewis on 121 – and he hits it!

PHIL TAYLOR v SIMON WHITLOCK
1-0 Taylor first on the scoreboard with a break despite Whitlock hitting the first maximum.
2-0 Taylor misses three darts for two in a row but Whitlock cannot respond with two missed darts at tops, Taylor hits double 14 at the fourth attempt.
2-1 Whitlock in the board with double 16.
3-1 Taylor misses double 16 for the leg but Whitlock cannot pressure him and he returns to close with ease.
4-1 Taylor hits his first maximum and is the first to miss tops for the leg – but comes back to take a three leg cushion into the break.
5-1 Whitlock has now missed darts to win three legs, Taylor takes out 96.
6-1 Taylor takes out 90 now to put five legs between them.
6-2 Taylor misses double 11 for a 142 checkout and Whitlock breaks.
7-2 A 177 from Taylor puts him right in the leg, he leaves 32 behind, Whitlock couldn’t take out 140 and Taylor has his five leg cushion back.
8-2 Taylor misses two at double 16 and but Whitlock cannot manage 108 and Taylor is 8-2 up at the second break with his fifth dart at double 16.
9-2 Whitlock’s double trouble continues with three more missed for the 11th leg and Taylor pinches it.
9-3 Whitlock’s fourth 180 puts him in the leg and Taylor misfires, but again the Australian misses a double. Taylor left on 120 but cannot take it out and Whitlock does win one back.
9-4 Taylor misses two darts at double eight for his tenth and Whitlock bites back to hold.
10-4 Taylor hits double 16 for a 64 checkout to move within one of the match.
11-4 When Whitlock needed a solid leg he cannot find it and Taylor takes the darts, Taylor leaves tops with Whitlock not on a finish, and he takes that out to reach the final against Adrian Lewis.

The final
PHIL TAYLOR v ADRIAN LEWIS
0-1 Taylor misses two darts for the leg and Lewis takes 121 out on the bull.
0-2 Bull again for Lewis for 130 – misses. Taylor on 119, leaves 60 back. Two more missed doubles from Lewis but then two more missed doubles from Taylor, Lewis takes it.
1-2 11-darter from Taylor after hitting the first 180 of the match
1-3 Lewis hits his first 180 – his 26th of the tournament – misses two at tops for the leg but comes back and takes it.
2-3 Taylor with an 80 checkout to bounce back.
3-3 Another Taylor 180 sees the Power break Lewis’ throw
3-4 Taylor misses four darts for the leg and Lewis takes out 102 to break back.
4-4 Both men hit 180s but it was Taylor’s that was decisive, leaving 24 which he takes out at the first attempt.
5-4 Taylor holds to lead for the first time in the final
5-5 Lewis misses a dart for 121, but Taylor is on a bogey behind. Lewis misses two at double 16 but nails double eight to level at the second break.
6-5 Taylor with a 180, Lewis responds with a 171, but Taylor takes out 121 to slam the door.
6-6 A great 134 from Lewis leaves 73, Taylor puts the pressure on but Lewis takes it out.
7-6 Taylor takes out 83 on the second dart.
7-7 Rough break for Lewis as his second dart plugs into the first; Taylor steals the darts and leaves 134. Lewis responds to leave 79 – Taylor leaves tops but Lewis wins a key leg on double 11.
8-7 52 checkout from Taylor on the second attempt at tops.
8-8 Lewis leaves 56 from 101, Taylor leaves 44 with a 140 but Lewis takes it out.
9-8 Taylor hits a 13-darter to nudge in front.
10-8 Massive moment in the match – Taylor hits a 180 then takes out 164 and suddenly he is throwing for the title.
11-8 Lewis fires back at Taylor though; two 140s gives him a chance to break with 98 with Taylor left with tops. Lewis cannot take it and Taylor hits double ten to win his fourth European Championship title.

Source PDC/Chris Sargeant

And Taylor’s victory meant that BrianRedfearn was our winner of the Official Euro Sweep and receives a set of darts from Red Dragon.  Congratulations!

QUARTER FINALS (Afternoon session)

craigcartmell (Adrian Lewis) 10-8 TheWack72 (Kim Huybrechts)
crispy180 (Raymond van Barneveld) 10-8 DSAndeton (James Wade)
BrianRedfearn (Phil Taylor) 10-7 a180w (Paul Nicholson)
valkie180 (Simon Whitlock) 10-6 martyboy180 (Peter Wright)

SEMI FINALS (Evening session)

craigcartmell (Adrian Lewis) 11-10 crispy180 (Raymond van Barneveld)
BrianRedfearn (Phil Taylor) 11-4 valkie180 (Simon Whitlock)

FINAL (Evening session)

craigcartmell (Adrian Lewis) 8-11 BrianRedfearn (Phil Taylor)

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the #officialeurosweep, it’s been a fabulous competition and the banter has been brilliant.

Until next time, may the darts be with you….follow me @DerekDarts180 on twitter.

PHIL TAYLOR’S bid for a fourth European Championship title remains on track as he beat Paul Nicholson 10-8 in the quarter-finals of the PartyPoker.net European Championship in Dusseldorf on Sunday afternoon.

The hotly anticipated game swung both ways and looked likely to head to a final-leg shoot-out at 7-7, but the World number one moved away from Nicholson with a 129 checkout, a 13-dart leg and a 138 checkout to seal the win.

“Every time you play Paul it’s like a final, he gets the best out of you,” said Taylor. “It was a good atmosphere and a hard fought match, really nip and tuck and not the best scoring but very exciting – and it was great to finish on the 138.”

“There was massive tension out there, one of the best atmosphere’s I’ve ever played in and I felt tremendous,” said Nicholson – who led 3-0 after a fast start. “I played pretty well today but at times my first dart just wasn’t good enough and you cannot afford any slack darts against Phil. He was the better player today, no question.”

Taylor will face Simon Whitlock in Sunday evening’s semi-finals after the Australian beat Peter Wright 10-6. Whitlock was pegged back to 3-3 from 3-1 ahead, but a 124 checkout topped off a 12-darter in the ninth leg to make it 6-3 to the Australian.

Wright rallied once more to take the tenth leg and then edged a scrappy 11th leg to trail by one, but again, Whitlock found a second gear and record his third burst of three straight legs, starting with a 121 checkout in the 12th leg. A slight stutter came as Whitlock missed four darts for the match to allow Wright a sixth leg, but a 90 checkout in the 16th leg saw him home.

“I played Peter in Blackpool and he was good there so I knew he was going to be tough,” said Whitlock. “The crowd are great, very fair with all the players. Peter kept coming at me but I managed to hold him off.”

World Champion Adrian Lewis survived a scare from surprise package Kim Huybrechts – winning 10-8 after the young Belgian responded from being 5-0 down to push Lewis all the way in the opening quarter-final.

The Stoke ace opened up with a 12-dart leg and fired three 180s and a 100 checkout as he took the first five legs and threatened to whitewash Huybrechts but the Belgian registered got on the board in the sixth leg, and took two of the next three to close the gap to Lewis.

A 126 checkout from Huybrechts in the 11th leg raised his hopes of a stirring comeback, reducing the gap to three legs, and followed that with a 14-dart leg to put the pressure on the World number two.

Lewis’ lead at 8-6 was a slender one and he had a heart in the mouth moment as Huybrechts missed the bull for an 85 checkout in the 15th leg. The Belgian kept the game alive with a 13-dart leg and then put the cat amongst the pigeons with a 122 checkout for a 12-dart leg on the Lewis throw. But two visits of 140 and a maximum from Jackpot put Huybrechts under pressure and it told – Lewis missed his first darts for the match but Huybrechts stuttered on his two darts to take it to a decider and Lewis closed the match out on double five.

“It was squeaky bum time out there,” said Lewis. “He really fired in some big scores and was enjoying it. There was big pressure at the end and if it had gone 9-9 the momentum was with Kim. If he keeps playing like that he’ll be knocking on the door of the top 16 in no time.”

Lewis meets Raymond van Barneveld in the first semi-final after the Dutchman saw off James Wade with a 10-8 victory.

Van Barneveld signalled his intent in the fourth leg with a brilliant 167 checkout, but Wade responded with a 121 checkout in the sixth leg to level at 3-3. The Dutchman threatened to run away with the match as he strung three 14-dart legs together from there and a 13-darter made it 7-4.

Wade hit a purple patch of 180s with four in four legs from the 10th leg, but was unable to break the Van Barneveld throw until the Dutchman had already moves to within one of the match. Wade’s break was in vain thought as Van Barneveld repeated the trick on him with a 15-dart leg and a 72 checkout to take the match.

“Facing Adrian is always a challenge but I’m very pleased with the way I’m playing,” said Van Barneveld. It’s always 50-50 against the top eight and James beat me last week, now I’ve beaten him, the standard is that high.”

The semi-finals of the PartyPoker.net European Championship begin at 8pm local time and are live on ITV4.

Quarter-final results
Adrian Lewis 10-8 Kim Huybrechts
Raymond van Barneveld 10-8 James Wade
Phil Taylor 10-7 Paul Nicholson
Simon Whitlock 10-6 Peter Wright

Semi-finals – 8pm
Adrian Lewis v Raymond van Barneveld
Phil Taylor v Simon Whitlock

ADRIAN LEWIS v KIM HUYBRECHTS
1-0 Lewis into the groove straight away – first 180 of the match and an 84 checkout.
2-0 Huybrechts misses three darts for the leg, Lewis lets him off but when the Belgian comes back for double ten, he busts in double 15 and Lewis pinches from miles behind
3-0 Lewis takes out a ton on double ten.
4-0 Tops at the second attempt for 4-0 to the World Champion
5-0 Third 180 from Lewis, but Huybrechts is first at a double, misses double 16 for a 110 checkout and Lewis hits tops again for a clean sweep at the break.
5-1 Chance for Huybrechts and he takes it, 68 checkout on double 16 to get on the scoreboard.
6-1 Normal service resumed by Lewis with a hold of throw.
6-2 Lewis misses the bull for the eighth leg, Huybrechts takes out 80.
6-3 Huybrechts picks the perfect time for his first 180, he then misses double 12 for a 141 checkout, Lewis misses tops for a 110, and Huybrechts breaks the Lewis throw.
7-3 Lewis breaks straight back with a 13-darter.
7-4 Great 126 checkout on the bull for Huybrechts.
7-5 The pair trade maximums, Huybrechts sets up tops for another leg, Lewis misses double 16 for a 143 and Huybrechts nabs it on double ten
8-5 Lewis stops the Huybrechts comeback with a solid hold.
8-6 Lewis misses the bull for a 121, Huybrechts takes out 78.
9-6 Huybrechts misses the bull for an 85 checkout, Lewis sweating on that shot, but he returns for double ten to move to within one leg of victory.
9-7 13 dart leg for Huybrechts to keep it alive
9-8 Huybrechts takes the darts, but Lewis hits back with a 180 – Huybrechts has 122 and takes it out on double seven for a break.
10-8 Crucial 180 from Lewis to leave 41, Huybrechts on 170 hits the first treble but no more. Lewis misses two at tops, Huybrechts misses two at double 12 and Lewis misses two at double ten but hits double five for the match.

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD v JAMES WADE
1-0 First 180 of the match for Van Barneveld with a 12-darter
1-1 Double ten for a hold for Wade
1-2 Bad time for a bounce out for Wade but Van Barneveld can’t hit a treble to pressure Wade who breaks the throw on double 12
2-2 Van Barneveld answers in style though with a 167 checkout
3-2 Van Barneveld lifted by that checkout takes the fifth leg after Wade missed a double to edge ahead.
3-3 A 121 from Wade brings him back to parity.
4-3 Van Barneveld misses two at double eight for the leg, but switches over and nails double four to take it.
5-3 Second 177 from Van Barneveld and follows with a 180, he misses two at double 16 – Wade lurking on 120, cannot hit it and Van Barneveld breaks the throw.
6-3 14 dart leg taken out on 80 from Van Barneveld
6-4 Big finish when he needed it – Wade takes out 107
7-4 Wade hits his first 180 but two 140s from Van Barneveld sees him in control and it’s a 13-dart leg for the Dutchman
7-5 Wade replies with a 13-dart leg of his own
8-5 Wade’s 180 is followed by another 177 from Van Barneveld, who misses his first at double 12 but hits it at the second time of asking.
8-6 Wade’s fourth 180, he misses tops for an 81 checkout but Van Barneveld is way back and Wade hits double ten for a 13-dart leg.
9-6 106 checkout from Van Barneveld
9-7 Van Barneveld has 144 for the match, can’t take it and Wade keeps the game alive.
9-8 Van Barneveld has six darts at 170 for the match, returns on 112 with Wade still not on a shot out and the Dutchman leaves 60 but misses two at tops. Wade on 56 – takes it to keep this one going to the wire.
10-8 Wade misses tops for a 99 checkout to level, Van Barneveld on 72, and he hits tops to meet Lewis in the semi-finals.

PHIL TAYLOR v PAUL NICHOLSON
0-1 Nicholson holds with a 107 checkout.
0-2 And The Asset fires in a 180 as he breaks the Taylor throw.
0-3 Fired up Nicholson needs just two darts for a 60 checkout.
1-3 Nicholson fires a second 180 to pressure the Taylor throw but The Power gets on the board.
2-3 Back-to-back 180s for Nicholson but two visits of 41 lets Taylor in – he leaves 111, and he takes it out on double 16.
3-3 Three in a row for Taylor, takes out 86 with his second dart at double 16
4-3 Taylor misses two darts at tops for a 65 checkout, Nicholson on 108 but cannot bite back and Taylor makes it four on the spin.
5-3 A 140 from Nicholson is his first score of note for a couple of legs but leaves himself 101, cannot take it and Taylor holds with a 51 checkout.
5-4 Nicholson takes out 100 with Taylor hot on his heels with 40 left.
6-4 12 dart leg from Taylor with a 177 thrown in and he is two legs ahead at the break with an 88 checkout.
6-5 Nicholson misses the bull for a 170 but comes back to reduce the deficit.
6-6 Nicholson’s fourth 180 has Taylor under pressure, but he hits his first 180. Nicholson misses double 18 for a 98 checkout, Taylor misses double 16 for a 63 checkout and Nicholson levels.
6-7 Pressure is on Nicholson and he responds with a 61 checkout on his final dart.
7-7 Second 180 from Taylor who holds with a 13-dart leg
8-7 A 177 from Taylor is followed by a 180 from Nicholson – and a 129 checkout from Taylor breaks the throw with Nicholson on a two-darter.
9-7 Taylor has six darts at 122, hits double 16 for a 13-darter
10-7 Nicholson misses a dart for a 130 checkout and Taylor makes him pay with a stunning 138 checkout to reach the second semi-final

SIMON WHITLOCK v PETER WRIGHT
0-1 Wright breaks in the opening leg.
1-1 Whitlock breaks straight back with an 80 checkout.
2-1 Whitlock breaks this time with his first dart at tops
3-1 The Australian gets a let off there, Wright misses three at tops to break and Whitlock takes out 108
3-2 Wright reduces the arrears before the break.
3-3 Whitlock’s second 180 comes in the sixth leg, Wright has the chance to level though with 96 – and he only uses two darts to do so.
4-3 Wright misses a double to edge ahead, and Whitlock takes 45 out to break
5-3 Wright races to the board to save his ton, Whitlock responds with his third 180 and takes out the 32 he left behind.
6-3 Brilliant 124 checkout from Whitlock that opens a three-leg gap.
6-4 A 180 from Wright, Whitlock misses the bull for a 121 and Wright stops the Whitlock streak.
6-5 The Australian misses two darts for the first leg back and Wright pounces.
7-5 Whitlock holds his throw to move two ahead again.
8-5 Whitlock’s sixth 180 comes in the 13th leg, he misses one dart for the leg, Wright misses the bull for a 70 checkout and Whitlock nails double seven to break.
9-5 Whitlock’s 140 leaves him 76 and he takes it on the bull.
9-6 The Australian has four chances to take the match but fluffs his lines, and Wright keeps the game alive.
10-6 A 180 from Wright leaves 81, he misses the bull, Whitlock has the 90 and he hits the bull to meet Phil Taylor in the semi-finals.

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

ADRIAN LEWIS turned on the style at the PartyPoker.net European Championship in Dusseldorf, reaching the quarter-final with an electric 10-5 win over Dave Chisnall.

The World Champion was tied at five apiece against the St Helens man, but when they returned from the break Lewis fired in four 180s and took out 146 and 104 as he won five in a row, then clinched the match with a 123 checkout to send a message to the rest of the field with a 105.80 average – with the eight players in action tonight averaging 100.14 between them.

Lewis will face Kim Huybrechts in Sunday’s quarter-finals after the Belgian won a tense match with World number seven Wes Newton 10-8.

“It was a fantastic match, one that deserved a nine-darter,” said Lewis. “I’ve never played Dave on TV and he’s got a lot of bottle. I’m just happy to get through that. I don’t know much about Kim but he’s done well to get past Wes so I will have to be at the top of my game because he’s bound to be on a high.”

The 25 year-old Belgian was on the edge of the top 100 in the PDC before the match but will make great strides for reaching the last eight, and will be dreaming of going even further after defeating the in-form Fleetwood man.

The eighth leg appeared to be crucial as Newton fired a brilliant 143 checkout having fallen to close the gap to two legs, and won the next two for a share at 5-5. Huybrechts took out 96 to edge ahead again, only to be pegged back by Newton who moved 7-6 ahead. But the young Belgian dug deep and capitalised on a crucial mistake from Wes when he looked set to take out 100, Huybrechts made it 7-7. Huybrechts went in for the kill and made it three on the trot, and although Newton rallied to take the 17th leg, a 13-darter from Huybrechts saw him complete his biggest ever win.

“It was a really tough game, I started well but it started slip away so I had to keep telling myself to concentrate to get it back together,” said Huybrechts. “It was tight the last time I played Wes so I had a bit of confidence going into this, but that was an amazing experience and I can’t wait to get out there again tomorrow. I will take on Adrian like I take on any game – play the board and just enjoy it.”

World number three James Wade admitted Ronnie Baxter let him off in their second round clash, as the Blackpool man missed six darts to move 4-0 ahead. Wade won five legs on the trot to move 8-5 ahead from 5-3 down, Baxter answered back to Wade’s 11-dart leg to stave off the defeat, but the Aldershot ace closed the match out 10-7.

Wade will face Raymond van Barneveld on Sunday after the Dutchman treated the German crowd to a finishing master class in his 10-5 win over Mark Walsh.

Van Barneveld moved 6-3 ahead with a 100 per cent checkout percentage, including back-to-back 121 checkouts. Walsh was playing well himself and at 7-3 behind he closed the gap to two legs and missed the bull to trail 7-6. Van Barneveld’s 70 checkout was the key as he made it 8-5 and the Dutchman – who faced Wade in the quarter-final of the World Matchplay last week – won the match in the grand manner, taking out 161 for a 10-5 triumph.

“Mark started really well so I had to play that well to get through, those 121 checkouts were so crucial,” said Van Barneveld. “Playing James is always 50-50, last week he beat me in the World Matchplay, but I’m feeling confident and relaxed.”

The quarter-finals of the PartyPoker.net European Championship from the Maritim Hotel in Dusseldorf start at 2pm local time on Sunday afternoon, live on ITV4 in the UK.

Second rounds results – evening session
Wes Newton 8-10 Kim Huybrechts
Adrian Lewis 10-5 Dave Chisnall
James Wade 10-7 Ronnie Baxter
Raymond van Barneveld 10-5 Mark Walsh

Sunday July 31
Quarter-Finals
2pm onwards
Adrian Lewis v Kim Huybrechts
Raymond van Barneveld v James Wade
Phil Taylor v Paul Nicholson
Simon Whitlock v Peter Wright

Semi-Finals
8pm onwards
Taylor/Nicholson v Whitlock/Wright
Lewis/Huybrechts v Van Barneveld/Wade

WES NEWTON v KIM HUYBRECHTS
0-1 Newton misses two darts for the opening leg a Huybrechts nicks it
1-1 Huybrechts fires in the first 180 of the match but Wes breaks back
2-1 Newton into the groove as he takes out 78.
2-2 Second attempt at tops levels the match.
2-3 Another 180 for Huybrechts, nearly a second for the Belgian who leaves 64 after nine darts, a Newton 180 pressures Huybrechts but he takes it in two darts.
2-4 Huybrechts misses double 16 for the leg, but Newton misses tops for 110 and the Belgian makes it three legs on the spin.
2-5 Great set up to leave Huybrechts with double 16, but three darts for the leg go astray – Newton follows suit and Huybrechts nails double four to open a three leg lead.
3-5 Huybrechts third 180 leaves him with 82 – but he misses tops and Newton clinches a crucial leg against the throw with a 143 checkout.
4-5 And Wes begins to turn the tide with a 60 checkout.
5-5 A brilliant 12-dart leg from Newton levels a classic clash at the break.
5-6 The eighth maximum belongs to Huybrechts and he takes out 96 with his second dart at double 18
6-6 Wes is fired up, and he fires in his fifth 180, Huybrechts misses tops for a 107 checkout and Newton pounces to level.
7-6 Newton misses tops allowing Huybrechts the chance to pinch it with 81 – he misses tops too though and Newton registers a rare hold of throw in this match.
7-7 Wes fluffs his lines on tops trying to take out 100 and Huybrechts levels
7-8 And Huybrechts now moves ahead as Newton dwells on the previous leg
7-9 A very solid 13 dart leg sealed on tops as Huybrechts sniffs victory
8-9 Newton not giving up yet, closes the gap.
8-10 Great final leg from Huybrechts who knocks out Wes Newton on double 16.

ADRIAN LEWIS v DAVE CHISNALL
1-0 The World Champion breaks throw in the opening leg.
2-0 And as quick as a flash Lewis moves two-up.
2-1 Both players register maximums, but Lewis trips up on double 12 for 3-0 and Chisnall gets on the scoreboard.
2-2 And now we’re level as Chisnall hits double 18 at the second attempt.
2-3 Lewis misses the bull to break, and Chisnall takes three in a row
3-3 Lewis back with a 180 which is followed by a 140 as he levels
4-3 Lewis misses the bull for a 121 checkout but he cleans up to move ahead.
4-4 Deafening atmosphere in Dusseldorf, 68 checkout for a share of the eight legs for Chisnall.
4-5 Lewis’ third maximum to match Chisnall, but he misses tops for the leg and then two darts at double five – Chisnall nails tops to edge ahead.
5-5 A maximum apiece in the tenth leg, Adrian misses tops for the leg again, Chisnall needs 100 – misses double ten. Lewis hits double ten at the third attempt to square a brilliant match.
6-5 Superb 146 checkout from Lewis sees him nudge in front.
7-5 A fantastic 180 from Lewis but Chisnall is on his back – Adrian takes out 104 with Dave lurking.
8-5 Lewis really stepping on the gas here, misses three darts for the leg but Chisnall lets him off and its four consecutive legs for Lewis.
9-5 Lewis is on a nine-darter – can’t quite get there but it matters not to the World number two who powers towards victory,
10-5 Lewis hits his eighth 180 and takes out 123 on the bull for a fantastic win.

JAMES WADE v RONNIE BAXTER
0-1 Baxter breaks in the opening leg.
0-2 Wade yet to wake up and Baxter capitalises with a solid hold.
0-3 The first 180 belongs to Ronnie, who opens a real gap with a 116 checkout.
1-3 Baxter misses six darts for a four leg lead that allows Wade in with an 81 checkout.
2-3 Both men hit 180s – Wade leaves double tops, Baxter can’t make a dent in 164 and Wade hits tops at the third attempt.
2-4 Two 180s in the leg from Wade, misses the big one though and Baxter is behind him with tops, he hits it to level.
3-4 Tops missed from Wade, but he’s back with double ten.
3-5 Baxter bounces back with a 180, and a clinical 66 checkout restores the two-leg advantage.
4-5 Wade won’t go away though; his fifth maximum closes the gap.
5-5 Baxter misses the bull for an 86 checkout, Wade nails double top at the third attempt to level.
6-5 Wade leads for the first time with a hold of throw.
7-5 Tops again for Wade who has put his foot down now.
8-5 Fine 105 checkout from Wade who has won five in a row.
8-6 Baxter stops the rot with a 56 checkout.
9-6 Fourth 180 in as many legs for Baxter but an 11-darter moves Wade to within one of the win.
9-7 Double 16 for Baxter to stay in the match.
10-7 Wade takes out 61 to march through to the quarter-finals.

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD v MARK WALSH
0-1 Break of throw from Walsh in the opening leg.
0-2 Van Barneveld leaves himself 24 to break back – but Walsh takes out 120 to deny him the chance.
1-2 The Dutchman lands his first dart at a double to take out 106.
1-3 Walsh holds to reopen the two leg lead.
2-3 The first 180 of the match goes to Van Barneveld, who takes out 46 for the fifth leg.
3-3 Walsh misses tops for a 110 checkout, and Van Barneveld makes him pay with a 121 checkout to level.
4-3 Two maximums from Walsh to no avail as Van Barneveld hits the bull for back-to-back 121 checkouts.
5-3 Van Barneveld is five-out-of-five for his doubles now, four legs in a row.
6-3 180 from Van Barneveld, a 12-dart leg and still 100 per cent on the doubles.
7-3 Van Barneveld finally misses darts at doubles – three in fact – but he returns to win six on the spin to take control.
7-4 12 dart leg against the throw from Walsh with an 81 checkout.
7-5 Walsh capitalising on a dip from Van Barneveld, 13 dart leg sealed with tops.
8-5 Almost a third leg in a row for Walsh, but he misses the bull and the Dutchman halts the Walsh comeback with a 70 checkout.
9-5 Great pressure on the Walsh throw from Van Barneveld, and he’s rewarded with a 76 checkout to move to within one leg of victory.
10-5 What a way to finish from the Dutchman – a 161 checkout sees him complete the quarter-final line-up.

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

PHIL TAYLOR will meet Paul Nicholson in the quarter-finals of the PartyPoker.net European Championship in Dusseldorf after both men completed convincing second round wins.

Defending champion Taylor defeated Mervyn King 10-3 to register his 17th straight European Championship win, to follow Nicholson’s 10-4 win over Terry Jenkins at the sold-out Maritim Hotel venue.

Nicholson has had some strong words to say about the World number one recently, and Taylor said that their match tomorrow will be compulsive viewing live on ITV4.

“Everyone wants to watch us play each other now, it’s something not to be missed,” said Taylor. “Paul played really well and was very calm, and I’m sure he’ll bring his best game. I moved through the gears nicely today and will be right up there tomorrow so it’ll be great to watch.”

“My life is really good right now,” said Nicholson. “I’m happy and I’m fit and you can’t ask for more than that. I’m living my dream – I know I can beat anybody and getting into the top ten in the world is already the biggest achievement of my career.”

Taylor got straight into the groove against King with two ton visits and a maximum before taking out 121 – and that was the first of three legs on the bounce for the Stoke ace. King countered to trail by one leg after five exchanges, but Taylor found the accelerator again with four straight legs after the break taking him 7-2 ahead. A fantastic 105 checkout from King stopped the rot but Taylor was not to be denied, clinically polishing off a 10-3 win with an average just shy of 103.

The key to Nicholson’s win was his heavy hitting of 140s to streak away from Jenkins after the pair shared the opening four legs. Nicholson fired 18 140-plus scores to Jenkins’ nine as the fiery Geordie-Aussie found his rhythm to move 6-2 ahead. Jenkins found relief with a 101 checkout in the ninth leg, but that merely stirred Nicholson to respond again, with three legs on the trot taking him to the brink of a victory he sealed with three 140s in the 14th leg.

Simon Whitlock cruised into the quarter-finals with a dominant 10-2 victory over Colin Lloyd in the opening match of the afternoon session. The Australian all but sealed victory in the opening stanza by taking the first five legs, and with the score at 6-2, he took four on the trot to stroll into Sunday’s action.

The Australian will face Peter Wright in Sunday’s quarter-finals after Snakebite stunned Gary Anderson in the final second round clash of the afternoon session. The in-form Scot held a 4-2 lead of Wright but the Lowestoft man punished Anderson for missing doubles, taking out 121 to level at five-each and then repeating the trick in the 14th leg to move 9-5 ahead. Wright had a dart at tops to take out 114 to win in real style, but it did not cost him as he returned to register his fifth leg in a row to cap a remarkable comeback.

The second round of the PartyPoker.net European Championship concludes tonight in Dusseldorf at 8pm local time, with Wes Newton taking on Kim Huybrechts, Adrian Lewis facing Dave Chisnall, James Wade meeting Ronnie Baxter and Raymond van Barneveld completing the night against Mark Walsh.

Saturday July 30
Second Round
Afternoon Session
Simon Whitlock 10-2 Colin Lloyd
Terry Jenkins 4-10 Paul Nicholson
Phil Taylor 10-3 Mervyn King
Gary Anderson 5-10 Peter Wright

Evening Session (8pm local time, 7pm BST)
Wes Newton v Kim Huybrechts
Adrian Lewis v Dave Chisnall
James Wade v Ronnie Baxter
Raymond van Barneveld v Mark Walsh
All games are the best of 19 legs.

SIMON WHITLOCK v COLIN LLOYD
1-0 A pair of 140s for Whitlock sets him on his way to a solid hold of throw.
2-0 Fabulous 132 checkout from Whitlock on the bull to break the throw with Lloyd left with tops.
3-0 14 dart leg for Whitlock as the pair post their first maximums.
4-0 An 87 checkout on the bull for Whitlock to make it four in a row.
5-0 Scrappy leg and Lloyd misses two darts to register, Whitlock misses three, but Lloyd busts and the Aussie cleans up on double eight.
5-1 Lloyd stays on the board during the break and takes out 46 to disturb the score.
6-1 Six perfect darts from Whitlock, he leaves 58 and it’s a 12-darter for the Wizard.
6-2 Whitlock misses the bull for a 170 and Lloyd takes out 110.
7-2 Whitlock again misses the bull for a big checkout but Lloyd is unable to pressure him and Simon moves five legs clear again.
8-2 Double 16 makes it six legs the difference.
9-2 Whitlock closes in on victory with a solid hold of throw.
10-2 Lloyd misses tops for a 114, then Whitlock misses the bull for an 84, but Lloyd misses three at tops and the Aussie is the first man through.

TERRY JENKINS v PAUL NICHOLSON
0-1 Both players miss the bull for big checkouts – Nicholson breaks with double eight
0-2 13 darter for Nicholson to go two-up
1-2 78 checkout for Jenkins as Nicholson lurked behind him.
2-2 Jenkins fires the first 180 of the match and levels with a 76 checkout.
2-3 It’s another break of throw as Nicholson nudges ahead with a 48 checkout
2-4 Nicholson gets breathing space hitting tops at the second attempt for a 57 checkout
2-5 Jenkins misses tops to hold and Nicholson makes him pay with a clinical two-dart 85 checkout.
2-6 Solid as you like from Nicholson who begins to look the winner here.
3-6 Important 101 checkout from Jenkins to stay in touch.
3-7 Bounce out robs Terry of a 180, Nicholson misses double 16 for the leg but Jenkins misses three darts for the leg and Nicholson gobbles up leg 10
3-8 Paul edges closer to victory with a fourth break of throw
3-9 Jenkins misses two at tops and Nicholson makes him pay to move within one of victory.
4-9 Paul misses the bull for a 121 and Jenkins keeps the game alive
4-10 Paul hits his 18th 140+ shot and takes tops for the match

PHIL TAYLOR v MERVYN KING
1-0 The Power hits the first 180 then takes out 121 to go ahead
2-0 14 leg dart against the throw for the World number one.
3-0 Taylor extends his lead with a solid hold.
3-1 King registers his first leg…
3-2 …and then as Taylor misses three darts for 4-1 King reduces the deficit
4-2 Taylor gets back on the board despite three missed darts at double 16, hitting it on the fourth attempt.
5-2 The three leg cushion is back as Taylor takes out 90 on double 15.
6-2 Three on the trot for Taylor who takes out 80 with his second dart at double ten.
7-2 Taylor’s average touching 105 as he moves five legs clear.
7-3 An impressive 105 checkout for King to stay in touch at the break.
8-3 Chance missed by King, two at double eight, Taylor accepts the reprieve to move within two of victory
9-3 Taylor relentless on the King throw, leaves double 16 and takes it on the second attempt
10-3 The Power totally in control of the 13th leg, affords two missed darts for the match, but nails the third

GARY ANDERSON v PETER WRIGHT
1-0 Anderson breaks in the opening leg as both men struggle.
1-1 A break apiece as Snakebite levels.
1-2 Tops for Wright at the first time of asking for the first hold of throw.
2-2 Anderson levels comfortably as both players start to settle
3-2 Felt like a big leg and it goes to Anderson against the throw
4-2 Three in a row for the Scot
4-3 Wright holds with double nine
4-4 Anderson misses a dart a double seven for the leg and Wright levels
5-4 Anderson misses double 10 for a 140 but Wright unable to pressure the Scot who comes back to break
5-5 Fabulous 121 checkout from Wright to level matters
5-6 13 dart leg for Wright
5-7 Crucial 116 checkout for Wright to open a lead.
5-8 Peter moves to the brink of a famous win with a fifth leg on the trot.
5-9 Wright repeats the trick of the tenth leg – Anderson misses a dart to take out 106 and Peter punishes him with a second 121 checkout.
5-10 Wright misses tops for a 114 checkout but Anderson cannot capitalise and Wright reaches the quarter-finals.

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

1ST ROUND RESULTS

180RobLFC (Mervyn King) 6-1 PitchfArk (Co Stompe)

shancalfe (Alan Tabern) 4-6 jayandrewswba (Colin Lloyd)

matthastwell (John Part) 5-6 martyboy180 (Peter Wright)

lizforster9 (Justin Pipe) 3-6 a180w (Paul Nicholson)

valkie180 (Simon Whitlock) 6-2 Sashalou26 (Mensur Suljovic)

BrianRedfern (Phil Taylor) 6-3 Joet16 (John Michael)

Kicking__King (Mark Webster) 4-6 clarabel73 (Terry Jenkins)

Gorilla9Darts (Gary Anderson) 6-3 grayslinkey (Jamie Caven)

themysterylady (Wane Jones) 5-6 hankdeplank (Mark Walsh)

jamiedoswell (Jelle Klaasen) 4-6 KeithCase_wCd (Dave Chisnall)

DartsBeersCheers (Ronnie Baxter) 6-4 ScottJamesBurr (Michael van Gerwen)

TheWack72 (Kim Huybrechts) 6-2 Big_G_aroo (Antonio Alcinas)

DSAnderton (James Wade) 6-1 danlfc1982 (Magnus Caris)

craigcartmell (Adrian Lewis) 6-4 mad4darts50 (Vincent van der Voort)

dinkyrach (Wes Newton) 6-2 bdopdcmc (Andy Smith)

crispy180 (Raymond van Barneveld) 6-4 dartsfanatic (Andy Hamilton)

The second round begins today over 2 sessions, 1pm and 7pm British time.

Afternoon Session (2pm local time, 1pm BST)

valkie180 (Simon Whitlock) v jayandrewswba (Colin Lloyd)
clarabel73 (Terry Jenkins) v a180w (Paul Nicholson)
BrianRedfearn (Phil Taylor) v 180RobLFC (Mervyn King)
Gorilla9Darts (Gary Anderson) v martyboy180 (Peter Wright)

Evening Session (8pm local time, 7pm BST)

dinkyrach (Wes Newton) v TheWack72 (Kim Huybrechts)
craigcartmell (Adrian Lewis) v KeithCase_wCd (Dave Chisnall)
DSAnderton (James Wade) v DartsBeersCheer (Ronnie Baxter)
crispy180 (Raymond van Barneveld) v hankdeplank (Mark Walsh)

All games are the best of 19 legs.

Follow me on twitter @DerekDarts180

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD came from 3-1 down to defeat Andy Hamilton in a thriller at the PartyPoker.net European Championship, while World Champion Adrian Lewis and James Wade both progressed safely into the second round in Dusseldorf.

Van Barneveld produced a superb performance in winning five of the final six legs against Hamilton, hitting six 180s in the match and ending the game with a 101.98 average.

Hamilton had opened the game with a 146 checkout and continued the form which had seen him reach the World Matchplay semi-finals last week, but was edged out as the Dutchman moved into the last 16.

“I’m very pleased,” said van Barneveld. “I struggled in the first couple of legs and at 3-1 down I knew I had to fight back, and I think I played really well.

“Andy was fantastic in the World Matchplay and we always have great battles when we play, and this was another. It was a great game to be involved in.”

World Champion Lewis, the 2008 European Championship runner-up, made a solid start to his challenge at the Maritim Hotel with a 6-4 defeat of Vincent van der Voort.

The number two seed hit finishes of 128 and 106 in moving 4-1 up, and although he missed 22 darts at a double during the game held on to secure the victory.

“My scoring was good but I missed too many doubles,” said Lewis. “I got the job done but I know I’ve got to improve.”

Lewis now takes on St Helens’ Dave Chisnall, who overcame some nervous doubles to come from 2-0 down to defeat Jelle Klaasen 6-4.

World number three James Wade, last week’s World Matchplay runner-up, opened with a 6-1 defeat of Sweden’s Magnus Caris, and now plays Blackpool’s Ronnie Baxter, who impressed in a 6-4 win over Michael van Gerwen.

Both players averaged over 101 and van Gerwen hit a 135 finish, but Baxter proved too strong to move into the last 16.

Number seven seed Wes Newton swept aside Andy Smith 6-2, hitting a 167 finish, and will now take on Belgium’s Kim Huybrechts, who enjoyed a dream televised debut by defeating Antonio Alcinas 6-2.

Huybrechts hit four 180s and averaged 99.25, as well as finishing six from 11 attempts at a double as he overcame the Spaniard.

“It was a brilliant debut for me,” said Huybrechts. “I wanted to play well but it was great for me, and if I can play this kind of game over the weekend I hope I can surprise a few people.”

Mark Walsh set up a second round clash with van Barneveld with a deciding-leg victory against last year’s runner-up Wayne Jones, who missed three darts to win the game in the tenth leg before the Hertfordshire ace took the win with a 14-dart leg.

The second round will be played across two sessions on Saturday, with reigning champion Phil Taylor in action against Mervyn King during the afternoon.

Simon Whitlock faces Colin Lloyd in the opening second round game, while Terry Jenkins meets Paul Nicholson and Gary Anderson plays Peter Wright.

PartyPoker.net European Championship
Friday July 29
First Round
Wayne Jones 5-6 Mark Walsh
Jelle Klaasen 4-6 Dave Chisnall
Ronnie Baxter 6-4 Michael van Gerwen
Kim Huybrechts 6-2 Antonio Alcinas
James Wade 6-1 Magnus Caris
Adrian Lewis 6-4 Vincent van der Voort
Wes Newton 6-2 Andy Smith
Raymond van Barneveld 6-4 Andy Hamilton

Saturday July 30
Second Round
Afternoon Session (2pm local time, 1pm BST)
Simon Whitlock v Colin Lloyd
Terry Jenkins v Paul Nicholson
Phil Taylor v Mervyn King
Gary Anderson v Peter Wright

Evening Session
Wes Newton v Kim Huybrechts
Adrian Lewis v Dave Chisnall
James Wade v Ronnie Baxter
Raymond van Barneveld v Mark Walsh
All games are the best of 19 legs.

WAYNE JONES v MARK WALSH
1-0 – Walsh misses double top for a 105 finish and Walsh checks out double 18.
1-1 – Walsh kicks off with a maximum and breaks back with a two-dart 64 finish.
1-2 – Jones lands a 180 of his own, but Walsh again takes out 64 on double top.
2-2 – Jones levels the match with double top.
2-3 – Walsh lifts his average to almost 105 with a fine 11-darter, which includes a 180 and double top.
3-3 – Jones levels once more on double eight.
3-4 – Jones clips the wire of double 18 for a 116 finish, and Walsh follows an earlier 180 with double top to hold throw.
4-4 – Jones misses the bull for a 121 finish but Walsh’s attempt at tops lands just below the bed and the Wolverhampton man returns on double eight.
5-4 – Jones secures a crucial break of throw on double 16 to lead.
5-5 – The 2010 runner-up posts a 180, but misses three darts at double 16 for the match and Walsh takes out a pressure 106 on double 16.
5-6 – Walsh is first to a double, leaving 40 after 12 darts before returning to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, hitting double top for a 14-darter.

JELLE KLAASEN v DAVE CHISNALL
1-0 – Chisnall misses five darts for the opening leg and Klaasen breaks throw immediately.
2-0 – Chisnall hits back-to-back 180s to leave 48 after nine darts – but misses seven darts for the leg and Klaasen eventually claws back to hit double eight.
2-1 – Chisnall lands his first double, finishing 116 on double top.
2-2 – Chisnall levels the match with double top.
2-3 – The St Helens ace takes the lead with double top.
2-4 – Chisnall wins a fourth successive leg, hitting a 177 before replying to a Klaasen 180 with double 16.
2-5 – Klaasen posts a 180 but Chisnall lands double top for a fifth leg in a row as he edges towards victory.
3-5 – Klaasen lands double 11 to keep the match alive.
4-5 – Klaasen wins another leg, hitting double ten.
4-6 – Chisnall finally secures victory, finishing 87 in two darts.

RONNIE BAXTER v MICHAEL VAN GERWEN
1-0 – Baxter opens the game with a 180 and wins the leg in 14 darts.
2-0 – Baxter breaks on double eight to double his lead.
2-1 – Baxter misses two darts at double 16 to win a third successive leg, and van Gerwen brilliantly replies with a 135 finish of 25, treble 20 and bull.
3-1 – Baxter wins his third leg by landing double eight.
3-2 – Baxter lands a 180 but van Gerwen takes the leg to cut the gap.
3-3 – Another 180 puts Baxter to a finish first but he misses five darts at a double, and van Gerwen lands double five to level.
4-3 – Baxter wins his first leg in three to edge back ahead.
5-3 – van Gerwen opens with a 180 and leaves himself on a finish but can only watch as Baxter takes out 101 on double 16.
5-4 – Baxter opens with a 180 against the throw, but van Gerwen takes the leg to stay in the game.
6-4 – Baxter wins the game on double 16, as both players finish the match with averages above 101.

KIM HUYBRECHTS v ANTONIO ALCINAS
1-0 – Alcinas misses three darts at a double and Huybrechts capitalises on double top.
2-0 – Huybrechts doubles his lead on double 16.
2-1 – The players trade 180s and Alcinas finishes 121 on double 14 to get off the mark.
3-1 – Huybrects lands another 180 and double 16.
3-2 – Alcinas lands back-to-back 180s and finishes double 16 for a 12-darter.
4-2 – Huybrechts hits his third 180 of the game, and double eight sees him win his fourth leg.
5-2 – The Belgian debutant hits another 180 and punishes a missed double top from Alcinas to hit the same bed and edge towards victory.
6-2 – Huybrechts completes a dream TV debut, initially missing the bull for a 170 finish but returning to hit double 16 – ending the game with a 99 average and 55 percent checkout ratio.

JAMES WADE v MAGNUS CARIS
1-0 – Wade opens his account on double ten.
1-1 – Caris misses two darts at a double but when Wade fails to finish with three darts at double eight the Swede returns to hit double ten.
2-1 – Wade picks up his second leg of the game.
3-1 – Wade hits a 180 but is given a reprieve for his own missed doubles when Caris fails to finish, and the left-hander returns to post double top.
4-1 – Wade posts another maximum and hits double ten to win his fourth leg.
5-1 – The players trade 180s, but Caris misses the bull and two darts at double eight before Wade lands double 12 to move a leg away from the win.
6-1 – Wade completes a comprehensive victory with a 116 finish to set up a second round clash with Ronnie Baxter.

ADRIAN LEWIS v VINCEINT VAN DER VOORT
1-0 – Lewis misses four darts at double top, but a slow opening from van der Voort allows him to land double ten.
1-1 – van der Voort levels by hitting double 16.
2-1 – Lewis finishes double 16 for a 106 finish.
3-1 – Lewis picks up the first break of throw on double nine.
4-1 – Lewis finishes 128 on double ten to move three legs clear.
4-2 – Lewis hits a 180 but misses the bull and two darts at double eight to allow van der Voort back in.
5-2 – Lewis opens with a 180 and lands double eight to move a leg away from the win.
5-3 – The World Champion is first to a finish but fails to leave a double when needing 90 and van der Voort posts double top to stay in the game.
5-4 – Lewis opens with scores of 174 and 140, but misses eight darts for the match as van der Voort replies with a 180 and eventually hits double four to stay alive.
6-4 – Lewis finally secures the victory by hitting double top.

WES NEWTON v ANDY SMITH
1-0 – Newton kicks off the match with a 180 and wins the opening leg.
2-0 – Newton doubles his lead with a superb 167 to break throw.
3-0 – Smith misses double top for a 160 checkout and three darts at double ten, and Newton pins double 16 for a 70 finish.
4-0 – Newton breaks again by hitting double 16 for a 13-darter.
4-1 – Smith lands a 180 and hits double ten to get off the mark.
4-2 – Another double ten finish sees Smith break back.
5-2 – Newton misses the bull for a 170 checkout but returns to land double eight.
6-2 – Newton secures victory another double eight finish.

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD v ANDY HAMILTON
0-1 – Hamilton makes a brilliant start with a 146 checkout.
1-1 – The pair trade 180s before van Barneveld levels on double top.
1-2 – Hamilton lands a 180 and steps in after the Dutchman misses double 18 and nine to hit tops to break for a second time.
1-3 – Hamilton holds throw with double top for an 80 finish.
2-3 – Hamilton posts a 180 but van Barneveld replies with back-to-back maximums before sealing a 12-darter on the bull.
3-3 – van Barneveld hits double eight for a 14-dart leg, with Hamilton waiting on 16.
4-3 – The Dutchman lands a fourth 180 of the game before hitting the front for the first time.
4-4 – Hamilton levels on double 16, despite another 180 from van Barneveld.
5-4 – van Barneveld lands double ten to move a leg away from victory.
6-4 – The Dutchman hits a sixth 180 before punishing a miss at double top from Hamilton by posting double ten for the win.

Source PDC/Lawrence Lustig

PHIL TAYLOR overcame the brave challenge of Greek debutant John Michael to begin the defence of his PartyPoker.net European Championship title with a 6-3 victory in Dusseldorf on Thursday night.

Taylor, who has won the title in the last three years, had to come from a leg down against the newcomer from Athens, who also picked up two more legs and hit a brace of 180s.

However, he was unable to match Taylor’s clinical finishing as the world number one hit six doubles from seven attempts in the match, with his only miss coming in the opening leg which Michael won with a 102 finish.

“John played well and I was impressed with him,” said Taylor, who won a 12th World Matchplay title last Sunday.

“It was a tough game to start with because I didn’t know what to expect from John and he came out flying, but I was very pleased with my finishing and hopefully I can keep it up throughout the weekend.”

Taylor will now play Mervyn King in Saturday’s second round at the Maritim Hotel in Dusseldorf, after the former Premier League Darts finalist produced an impressive 6-1 victory in the tournament’s opening game against Co Stompe.

King has struggled recently with a bout of tennis elbow and was a first round victim in the World Matchplay, but King hit three 13-dart legs in sweeping to the win.

“I’ve been put onto some new anti-inflammatories by my doctor and my elbow has eased down,” said King. “It was great to play without any pain and flowly freely, and this is a fantastic result after the way I’ve been playing for the last year.

“I’m coming off an 18-month spell of some pretty mediocre darts and I know the size of the challenge on Saturday. He’s the guv’nor and I’ll have to be at my best to beat him.”

Simon Whitlock bounced back in style from his World Matchplay heartbreak with a 6-2 defeat of Austria’s Mensur Suljovic.

The Australian had lost nine straight legs to move from 15-8 up to lose 17-15 to Andy Hamilton in the quarter-finals in Blackpool, but took the first four legs without reply against Suljovic before going on to seal the win.

“That was pretty solid for the first game and I’m very happy with that,” said Whitlock. “My finishing was pretty good and it’s filled me with confidence for the rest of the weekend.”

Whitlock now meets Colin Lloyd in round two, after the Essex ace overcame some mid-game missed doubles to come from 3-1 down to win 6-4 against left-hander Alan Tabern.

World number nine Terry Jenkins also came from 3-1 down to win 6-3 in his clash with another left-handed player, Welshman Mark Webster.

The number eight seed started superbly but saw Jenkins hit 180s in three successive legs before sealing the with with a 13-dart leg.

Jenkins will play Paul Nicholson in the second round, with the 2010 Players Championship Finals winner overcoming Justin Pipe 6-3, despite the Taunton ace hitting a 121 finish.

Number four seed Gary Anderson swept past Jamie Caven 6-3 and will now play Lowestoft’s colourful Peter Wright, after he edged out John Part 6-5 in a tense battle, taking victory with a 13-dart finish.

The first round continues on Friday night, with World Champion Adrian Lewis playing Vincent van der Voort, UK Open winner and World Matchplay finalist James Wade taking on Sweden’s Magnus Caris and Raymond van Barneveld playing Andy Hamilton.

Watch coverage live in the UK on ITV4 from 7pm, as well as live on Sport1 in Germany, RTL7 in Holland and through www.livepdc.tv.

PartyPoker.net European Championship
Thursday July 28
First Round
Mervyn King 6-1 Co Stompe
Alan Tabern 4-6 Colin Lloyd
John Part 5-6 Peter Wright
Justin Pipe 3-6 Paul Nicholson
Simon Whitlock 6-2 Mensur Suljovic
Phil Taylor 6-3 John Michael
Mark Webster 4-6 Terry Jenkins
Gary Anderson 6-3 Jamie Caven

Friday July 29 (8pm local time, 7pm BST)
First Round
Wayne Jones v Mark Walsh
Jelle Klaasen v Dave Chisnall
Ronnie Baxter v Michael van Gerwen
Kim Huybrechts v Antonio Alcinas
James Wade v Magnus Caris
Adrian Lewis v Vincent van der Voort
Wes Newton v Andy Smith
Raymond van Barneveld v Andy Hamilton
All games the best of 11 legs

MERVYN KING 6-1 CO STOMPE
1-0 – King takes the opening leg to get off the mark.
2-0 – The Englishman hits three 140s and finishes double 12 for a 13-darter to break.
2-1 – Stompe hits a 180 in reply and is given a reprieve for three missed doubles when King is unable to land double 16 or eight, and the Dutchman posts double two to break back.
3-1 – King misses the bull for a 128 finish, but Stompe fails to finish double top or ten and King returns for another break, hitting double eight.
4-1 – King hits a 177 to set up double 12, which he hits at the first time of asking for another 13-darter.
5-1 – Stompe’s nightmare on doubles continues as he misses three darts at tops, and King capitalises on double eight.
6-1 – The players trade 180s before King hits another 177 to leave 24, and hits double 12 for a third 13-darter to secure the win, hitting six doubles from seven attempts.

ALAN TABERN 4-6 COLIN LLOYD
1-0 – Tabern wins the opening leg in 15 darts on double 16.
1-1 – Lloyd levels on double top.
2-1 – Lloyd is first to a finish, but misses the bull for a 121 finish and two darts at double eight to allow Tabern in to hold throw on double ten.
3-1 – Lloyd opens with a 180 and is first to the finish, but misses a total of seven darts to win the leg before Tabern takes out 76 on double 18 to break.
3-2 – Lloyd regains his touch on the doubles by finishing 62 in two darts to break back.
3-3 – Both players miss a dart at double top, and Lloyd returns to post double ten and level.
3-4 – Lloyd is first to a finish against the throw, and finishes double 16 for a 14-darter to lead for the first time.
3-5 – Lloyd moves a leg away from the win by posting a confident double top, despite his earlier misses.
4-5 – Tabern wins his first leg in five on double ten, having earlier missed three darts at doubles.
4-6 – Lloyd secures his victory with a 64 finish, ending on double top.

JOHN PART 5-6 PETER WRIGHT
1-0 – Part opens the match by hitting double eight
1-1 – Part hits a 180 but Wright replies by landing double ten
2-1 – Part misses double top for a 150 finish, but Wright cannot convert double 18 for a 144 checkout and the Canadian hits double top.
2-2 – Wright misses three darts at double ten and five, but Part is unable to break on double 12 and he returns to post double two.
2-3 – Double two again comes to Wright’s rescue.
3-3 – Part breaks back on double top at the first time of asking.
3-4 – Wright breaks again on double eight to edge back ahead.
4-4 – Part hits back immediately on double 16.
5-4 – The tension mounts as both players miss a host of doubles before Part wins a crucial leg on double one.
5-5 – Wright lands his first 180 of the match, and sends the game into a deciding leg on double five.
5-6 – Wright finishes with a flourish to take victory, hitting a 13-darter to win the game on double 12.

JUSTIN PIPE v PAUL NICHOLSON
0-1 – Nicholson wins the opening leg on double top.
0-2 – Pipe sees his chance to level slip away with missed doubles, and Nicholson breaks on double four.
1-2 – Nicholson opens with a 180 but misses double 13 for an 81 finish and Pipe brilliant takes out 121 on double 14.
2-2 – Nicholson misses four darts to win the leg, and Pipe returns to hit double nine.
2-3 – Both players miss with darts at double 16 before Nicholson holds his nerve to edge back ahead.
2-4 – Nicholson hits a 180, and returns following a miss at double ten from Pipe to land double eight and break.
3-4 – Pipe opens with a 180 and, after missing the bull for a 121 finish, returns to hit an improvised 25 finish of single 12, five and double four.
3-5 – Nicholson wins a key leg, with Pipe missing three darts to level on double top and ten before the world number ten finishes 86 with single 18, double 18 and double 16.
3-6 – Nicholson secures a hard-fought victory on double ten.

SIMON WHITLOCK v MENSUR SULJOVIC
1-0 – Whitlock opens the match with double eight.
2-0 – Whitlock doubles his lead on tops in an impressive start to the game.
3-0 – Another double top finish sees Whitlock win a third leg.
4-0 – Whitlock finishes 101 on double 16 for a fourth successive leg.
4-1 – Suljovic avoids a whitewash by landing double ten to get off the mark, but only after Whitlock misses double 18 for a 144 finish.
4-2 – The Austrian wins a second successive leg, this time on double 16, to halve the gap.
5-2 – Whitlock lands a 180 and double 16 puts him a leg away from victory.
6-2 – The Australian lands a 171 score to leave 24 after 12 darts, and finishes double six to seal the victory and erase the memories of his quarter-final loss in the World Matchplay last week.

PHIL TAYLOR v JOHN MICHAEL
0-1 – Greek debutant Michael makes an amazing start, hitting a 180 with his second visit to the oche and punishing a missed double 16 from Taylor by hitting the same bed for a 102 finish to break throw.
1-1 – Taylor replies with a 180 of his own before finishing 77 on double top to break back.
2-1 – Taylor moves ahead by finishing 81 on double 16 for a 12-darter.
3-1 – Michael lands his second 180, but Taylor hits the winning double, again posting double 16 to take a third straight leg.
4-1 – Taylor wins a third straight leg on double 16.
4-2 – Michael wins his second leg, finishing double 19 to hit back.
5-2 – Taylor replies in style, hitting a 180 to open the seventh leg and finishing 84 for an 11-darter.
5-3 – Michael wins a third leg, taking out double nine at the second time of asking.
6-3 – Taylor seals victory with a 13-darter, finishing on double 12.

MARK WEBSTER v TERRY JENKINS
1-0 – Webster lands a 180 and hits double 16 at the fourth time of asking to lead.
2-0 – Webster doubles his advantage on tops.
2-1 – Jenkins gets off the mark by hitting double eight with his fourth dart at the bed.
3-1 – Webster edges two legs clear again by hitting double four.
3-2 – Jenkins wins his second leg, hitting double top at the third time of asking.
3-3 – Jenkins opens with a 180 and breaks with an 84 finish on the bull.
3-4 – Jenkins lands another maximum and finishes 61 on double 18 to lead for the first time.
4-4 – Jenkins kicks off the leg with another maximum, but fails to close out the leg and Webster posts double ten to hit back.
4-5 – A tense ninth leg sees Jenkins first to a finish as he posts double eight to move a leg away from the win.
4-6 – Jenkins seals victory in style with a 13-darter, which he completes on double 12.

GARY ANDERSON v JAMIE CAVEN
1-0 – Anderson makes a solid start, opening with double top for a 15-dart leg.
2-0 – Caven hits a 171 score to leave 32, but Anderson finishes 80 in two darts to double his lead.
2-1 – Caven hits double three to get off the mark.
2-2 – Anderson misses his chances to restore a two-leg lead as Caven makes him pay on double eight to level.
3-2 – Anderson opens with a 180 and wins the leg on double top with a 12-darter.
3-3 – Caven misses the bull but Anderson is unable to hit double top and the Derby ace finishes double seven to level.
4-3 – Double top gives Anderson a fourth leg.
5-3 – Anderson posts a 180 and hits double top to break and move a leg away from the win.
6-3 – Anderson lands another 180 and hits double ten to seal the win.

Source PDC/Lawrence Lustig

Taylor has won the previous three stagings of the European Championship since the tournament was introduced in 2008, defeating Adrian Lewis, Steve Beaton and Wayne Jones in the respective finals.

The 50-year-old from Stoke has drawn debutant qualifier John Michael, a Greek player who will be making his first televised appearance, in Thursday’s first round, with the game over the best of 11 legs.

Taylor retained his World Matchplay title for a fourth successive year in Blackpool last week, defeating James Wade in the final, and is targeting a repeat of that success in the ITV4-televised event in Germany.

“I was delighted to win the World Matchplay and my target now is to keep hold of the European Championship title too,” said Taylor, who is unbeaten in 15 previous matches in the event.

“I’ve enjoyed this event for the last three years and it’s my plan to make it four in a row.

“I don’t know much about John but I’ve seen him a couple of times and he’s a good player. In a short format I know I’ll have to be on top of my game on Thursday and will have to start well.”

The PDC’s top 16 players are joined by eight Players Championship Order of Merit qualifiers and eight European Order of Merit qualifiers in the event, with Greek ace Michael earning his place by virtue of his displays in Players Championships held in Germany, Austria and Holland earlier this year.

Thursday’s eight first round games feature the 16 players in the top half of the draw, and include world number four Gary Anderson up against Derby’s Jamie Caven, a quarter-finalist in last year’s European Championship.

Simon Whitlock, the number five seed, takes on Austria’s Mensur Suljovic as he looks to bounce back from his quarter-final defeat to Andy Hamilton in the World Matchplay, which saw him lose nine successive legs from 15-8 up to lose 17-15.

The night also features a clash between the players ranked eighth and ninth in the world, Mark Webster and Terry Jenkins – who was a semi-finalist in last year’s European Championship.

The tournament will open when Mervyn King plays Dutch ace Co Stompe, while Justin Pipe meets Paul Nicholson, Alan Tabern faces Colin Lloyd – also a semi-finalist in the 2010 European Championship – and Canada’s three-time World Champion John Part takes on Peter Wright.

Friday sees World Champion Adrian Lewis take on Vincent van der Voort, having defeated the Dutchman 13-5 in the second round of the World Matchplay, while number three seed James Wade takes on Magnus Caris.

Wade won June’s UK Open and was the runner-up in the World Matchplay, and said: “I’ve been in good form recently but I can’t take anything for granted because Magnus is a good player with a lot of experience, and I have to make sure I perform well on Friday.”

Five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld takes on Andy Hamilton, who reached the semi-finals of the World Matchplay last week in a return to form which saw him move back into the world’s top 16 and qualify for the European Championship.

Wes Newton is the other seeded player in the bottom half of the draw, having risen to seventh in the world following his quarter-final appearance in the World Matchplay.

The in-form Fleetwood ace takes on Andy Smith in the first round, having defeated the same opponent 10-2 in his opener in Blackpool recently, but said: “It will be a different game on Thursday and I’m expecting a tough test from Andy.

“He’s been playing well this year and is very dangerous in the short format, but I’m happy with how I’m playing and looking forward to it.”

Friday also sees Belgium’s Kim Huybrechts make his debut in a major TV event when he plays Spain’s emerging Antonio Alcinas, with both players having performed well in the European-based events this year.

Dutch pair Jelle Klaasen and Michael van Gerwen take on Dave Chisnall and Ronnie Baxter respectively, while last year’s runner-up Wayne Jones meets Mark Walsh.

The second round of the £200,000 event will be played across two sessions on Saturday, with the quarter-finals taking place on Sunday afternoon and both the semi-finals and final being played on Sunday evening in one dramatic session.

Coverage of the PartyPoker.net European Championship is live in the UK on ITV4, and will also be screened live in LIVEPDC.TV for International Pass Subscribers.

PartyPoker.net European Championship
First Round Schedule of Play
Thursday July 28
8pm-12am local time, 7pm-11pm BST
Mervyn King v Co Stompe
Alan Tabern v Colin Lloyd
John Part v Peter Wright
Justin Pipe v Paul Nicholson
Simon Whitlock v Mensur Suljovic
Phil Taylor v John Michael
Mark Webster v Terry Jenkins
Gary Anderson v Jamie Caven

Friday July 29
8pm-12am local time, 7pm-11pm BST
Wayne Jones v Mark Walsh
Jelle Klaasen v Dave Chisnall
Ronnie Baxter v Michael van Gerwen
Kim Huybrechts v Antonio Alcinas
James Wade v Magnus Caris
Adrian Lewis v Vincent van der Voort
Wes Newton v Andy Smith
Raymond van Barneveld v Andy Hamilton

ENDS

Further Information:
Tournament Draw Bracket
Phil Taylor (1, ENG) v John Michael (GRE)
Mervyn King (ENG) v Co Stompe (NED)
Mark Webster (8, WAL) v Terry Jenkins (ENG)
Justin Pipe (ENG) v Paul Nicholson (AUS)
Simon Whitlock (5, AUS) v Mensur Suljovic (AUT)
Alan Tabern (ENG) v Colin Lloyd (ENG)
Gary Anderson (4, SCO) v Jamie Caven (ENG)
John Part (CAN) v Peter Wright (ENG)
Adrian Lewis (2, ENG) v Vincent van der Voort (NED)
Jelle Klaasen (NED) v Dave Chisnall (ENG)
Wes Newton (7, ENG) v Andy Smith (ENG)
Kim Huybrechts (BEL) v Antonio Alcinas (ESP)
Raymond van Barneveld (6, NED) v Andy Hamilton (ENG)
Wayne Jones (ENG) v Mark Walsh (ENG)
James Wade (3, ENG) v Magnus Caris (SWE)
Ronnie Baxter (ENG) v Michael van Gerwen (NED)

Schedule of Play (times local, BST+1)
Thursday July 28
First Round
8.05pm Mervyn King v Co Stompe
8.35pm Alan Tabern v Colin Lloyd
9.05pm John Part v Peter Wright
9.35pm Justin Pipe v Paul Nicholson
10.05pm Simon Whitlock v Mensur Suljovic
10.35pm Phil Taylor v John Michael
11.05pm Mark Webster v Terry Jenkins
11.35pm Gary Anderson v Jamie Caven

Friday July 29
First Round
8.05pm Wayne Jones v Mark Walsh
8.35pm Jelle Klaasen v Dave Chisnall
9.05pm Ronnie Baxter v Michael van Gerwen
9.35pm Kim Huybrechts v Antonio Alcinas
10.05pm James Wade v Magnus Caris
10.35pm Adrian Lewis v Vincent van der Voort
11.05pm Wes Newton v Andy Smith
11.35pm Raymond van Barneveld v Andy Hamilton

Saturday July 30
Second Round
2.10pm Whitlock/Suljovic v Tabern/Lloyd
3.10pm Webster/Jenkins v Pipe/Nicholson
4.10pm Taylor/Michael v King/Stompe
5.10pm Anderson/Caven v Part/Wright

8.10pm Newton/Smith v Huybrechts/Alcinas
9.10pm Lewis/van der Voort v Klaasen/Chisnall
10.10pm Wade/Caris v Baxter/van Gerwen
11.10pm van Barneveld/Hamilton v Jones/Walsh

Sunday July 31
Quarter-Finals
2pm onwards
Order TBC

Semi-Finals
8pm onwards
Order TBC

Final
Approx 10.30pm

Format
First Round – Best of 11 legs
Second Round – Best of 19 legs
Quarter-Finals – Best of 19 legs
Semi-Finals – Best of 21 legs
Final – Best of 21 legs

Prize Fund
Winner £50,000
Runner-Up £20,000
Semi-Finalists £10,000
Quarter-Finalists £7,500
Second Round Losers £5,000
First Round Losers £2,500
Total £200,000
NB – there is no bonus for a nine-dart finish

Previous Winners
2008 – Phil Taylor defeated Adrian Lewis 11-5 (Frankfurt, Germany)
2009 – Phil Taylor defeated Steve Beaton 11-3 (Hoofddorp, Holland)
2010 – Phil Taylor defeated Wayne Jones 11-1 (Dinslaken, Germany)