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Ally Pally Final Day – Adrian Lewis Retains PDC World Championship

steve — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 22:22:20 +0000

ADRIAN LEWIS retained the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship title with a 7-3 win over Andy Hamilton at Alexandra Palace on Monday night – and came close to hitting a second successive nine-darter in the final!

The Stoke ace had won last year’s title by hitting a perfect leg during a victory over Gary Anderson, and missed double 12 to repeat the feat in a brilliant display against Hamilton.

Lewis, 26, becomes only the third player in the sport’s history to win their first World Championship and retain the crown the following year, matching the achievements of Eric Bristow and Raymond van Barneveld, as he took the £200,000 first prize.

He hit 11 180s and also took out three ton-plus finishes to see off Hamilton, who had performed brilliantly in reaching only his second major final but could not see off his Stoke rival.

“It means the world to me to win the title again,” said Lewis. “It hasn’t really sunk in yet but I’m sure it will when I wake up again with the trophy!

“Andy never gave up and landed some superb checkouts himself, but I hit the right finishes at the right times. It was a little bit like my semi-final against James Wade when I was 5-1 – I refused to give in and that’s why I’m standing here once again with the trophy.”

The final began with Hamilton missing a chance at double ten for a 90 finish in the opener, although he was allowed to return when Lewis missed double 19 to break.

Lewis took the second and then broke on tops in the third after Hamilton missed two darts at double ten, although the 2007 Grand Slam finalist hit back by landing double eight to win the fourth leg.

Hamilton held advantage of throw in the deciding leg, but Lewis took the set with a fantastic 122 checkout, completed on the bullseye, to establish an early lead.

Hamilton, who defeated Simon Whitlock in the last four by taking the final three sets to come from 5-3 down, secured an early break of throw at the start of set two by hitting double 16.

Lewis hit double top with his first dart to break in the second, before Hamilton took the third leg against the darts, courtesy of an accurate attempt at double eight.

The fourth leg saw Lewis miss a dart at tops for a 117 finish, allowing Hamilton to hit double six to win the set and level the match.

Hamilton won the opening leg of the third set against the darts, before Lewis kicked-off of the second in blistering fashion with back-to-back maximums.

Lewis, then hit another treble 20, followed by treble 19, but his attempt at double 12 for an amazing nine-dart finish was just high of the target – ending of hopes of achieving the feat for the second successive World Championship final.

The 26-year-old won the leg in 11 darts and also took out a 14-darter amongst the next two to win the set 3-1.

Hamilton took the opening two legs of the fourth set, which featured a superb 147 checkout, before Lewis took the third on double top, only for the older man to seal the set in fine fashion with a 105 finish to level the game.

The world number two broke throw at the start of the set five, only for Hamilton to reply with a 15-dart finish to take the second.

Hamilton then hit a 104 finish to take third leg, but a missed dart at double top for the set as Lewis hit the same bed for the fourth leg and then checked out 11 to win the set.

Lewis then won the first leg of set six after Hamilton was off-target with a dart at double 16, but the number 17 seed made no mistake in the second with another 104 checkout.

Lewis hit double top to take the third leg, and landed double 15 at the first time of asking to win the set and move two-sets clear for the first time at 4-2.

Hamilton made a positive start to the seventh set by taking the opening two legs, which included a 13-darter in the first and a break of throw in the second.

Lewis fired his seventh 180 of the match in the third, but a missed dart at double top, to give Hamilton the opportunity to hit the same bed and reduce the gap to 4-3 with another 13-dart finish.

Both players held throw comfortably at the start of set eight, before the third leg saw Hamilton miss a dart at bullseye for a 129 checkout to break.

Lewis returned to hit double ten and followed that by landing double 11 in the next leg to move 5-3 up and restore his two-set advantage.

Hamilton defied a 177 from Lewis to take first leg of set nine on double five, before Lewis took the second, courtesy of a 67 finish.

Both players kicked-off the third leg with 180s before Lewis fired another maximum to raise the crowd’s hopes of a nine-dart finish for a second time in the night.

Those hopes were quashed when Lewis’ seventh attempt at a treble 20 was off-target, and he then missed two darts at doubles to win the leg.

However, Hamilton was unable to capitalise as he missed a dart at double four, and Lewis returned to land the same double and break throw.

Hamilton continued to fight and won the fourth leg with a pressure 74 finish to deny Lewis an opportunity of hitting double 14 for the set.

The deciding leg saw Hamilton miss a dart at the bullseye for the set, and that proved costly as Lewis stepped up to convert a 118 finish to pull further clear at 6-3.

Hamilton converted a 105 finish to make a winning start to the tenth set, and then hit double eight for a 2-0 advantage.

Lewis, though, won the third leg by hitting double ten, before recording an excellent 13-dart finish to take the fourth and move a leg away from the World Championship title.

The deciding leg saw both players hit 180s before Lewis hit scores of 140 and 139 to reach a finish first.

He initially missed two darts at double top, but Hamilton could not land the same double to complete a 125 checkout and Lewis returned to hit the bed to win his second World Championship.

“I’ve put the work in this year and it’s paid off,” added Lewis. “I looked a bit dodgy in the first round against Nigel Heydon and in the semis against James Wade, but this has proven why I’m the best in the world at the minute.

“The final was a bit scrappy but I got the job done and it doesn’t matter what the final average was when you’re holding the trophy.

“I was under pressure and people said I’ve had a bad year and written me off, but I got to the Premier League final, the European Championship final and semi-finals in the World Matchplay and Grand Slam and now won this again. I’ve shut the doubters up again!”

Hamilton took home a career-high £100,000 as runner-up and also moves up to seventh in the PDC Order of Merit, said: “I wanted to win so badly tonight and I was trying too hard, and it wasn’t to be in the end.

“Maybe Adrian had more big-game experience and was important, but I’ve learnt a lot about myself during this tournament and I know I will come back a better and stronger player.

“I’m disappointed with my performance in the final but just winning through to this stage is an achievement. It’s a brilliant way to start 2012 and I want to kick on from here now – I want to win a major title.”

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

Ally Pally Day 14 – Semi-final Results

steve — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 22:53:47 +0000

Andy Hamilton emerged victorious from a 2 hour plus battle with Simon Whitlock. Having initially taken a 3-1 lead courtesy of some big finishes, the Stoke chucker was pegged back by a Wizard firing in 140′s and 180′s for fun, as the treble eluded his own tungsten. At 5-3 to the Australian things we looking ominous for Hamilton.

Cue the Hammers fightback and some sloppy double attempts from Whitlock. At 5-4 down Hamilton had to break Whitlock in the tenth set to survive, he duly obliged and held his own throw in the next leg with a 110 checkout to treat the packed Alexandra Palace crowd to a final set thriller.

Both players held throw as the first 4 legs were shared, but at 2 each Hamilton pulled away taking the set 4-2 (final set has to be won by 2 clear legs) to book his place in the final of the 2012 PDC World Championship.

Andy Hamilton 6 v 5 Simon Whitlock

(3-0, 2-3, 3-1, 3-1, 0-3, 2-3, 0-3, 0-3, 3-2, 3-1, 4-2)

The second semi-final of the evening was tainted by an issue with a draught on stage, which left the audience chanting ‘we want darts’ as the players left the stage on more than one occasion whilst Engineers investigated.

With the score poised at 2-0 to James Wade, defending champion Lewis darts seemed to be most affected by the problem which prompted both Tommy Cox and Matt Porter of the PDC to appear in front of the cameras to rationalise the issue, which was attributed to natural movement of air and unusually warm outside temperatures for the time of year, rather than any air conditioning system.

When play eventually re-started it was the Machine who maintained his cool, as he breezed into a 4-1 lead. Surfacing from the break (was it necessary?) at the witching hour, Wade maintained his advantage and at 5-1 Lewis had the look and luck of a beaten man, having suffered two bounceouts.

Hungry to retain his title though, the World Champion then found some fluency as he took the 7th set to reduce the arrears to 3 sets, and then went on to break Wade in the first leg of the 8th set, only for wade to break back. At two legs each in the set The Machine, looking for his place in the final couldn’t finish 108, but Jackpot stepped up and took his chance, and the set with a two dart 98 checkout.

Lewis then proceeded to take the ninth set in less than 6 minutes, hit 6 perfect darts in breaking Wade in the first leg of the tenth set, eventually taking out double, thanks to Wades failed attempt at tops. Wade visibly on the rocks relinquished the set 0-3 to send the match to 5-5 and another final set showdown.

So to the eleventh and final set, Wade bereft of scoring and double hitting ability (apart from an inadvertent double 17 in the first leg) was all but finished. Jackpot took all three legs, the second of which saw both players in the madhouse. The defending champion and 6-5 winner showed true grit but Wade will rue letting his big chance chance slip away.

Adrian Lewis 6 v 5 James Wade

(1-3, 2-3, 3-2, 0-3, 1-3, 1-3, 3-1, 3-2, 3-0, 3-0, 3-0)
This sets up an all Stoke 2012 PDC World Championship final between Andy Hamilton v Adrian Lewis

PDC Report Below:

ADRIAN LEWIS came from 5-1 down to win through to the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship final with a dramatic final-set win over James Wade, and will meet Andy Hamilton in all-Stoke decider at Alexandra Palace on Monday.

Hamilton came from 5-3 down to win a see-saw thriller with 2010 runner-up Simon Whitlock, who took four successive sets to move close to victory only to be overhauled by the Stoke ace.

However, Hamilton’s comeback was bettered in the second semi-final by reigning champion Lewis, who produced arguably the sport’s best ever fightback when he took five successive sets to turn a 5-1 deficit into a 6-5 triumph.

Play was briefly suspended early in the game with Wade two sets up when the pair were affected by a crosswind on stage, with the duo returning following a 20-minute break.

Lewis took the third set, but Wade won nine legs out of the next 11 to move into a 5-1 lead and edge a a set away from the victory with some superb darts.

Lewis fought back to level the match with a run of seven successive legs, and then extended the run of winning legs to ten by taking the deciding set 3-0 – sealing an amazing comeback with a stunning 161 checkout.

“This is probably my greatest ever win,” said Lewis. “The problems with the draught did affect me for a time, but I think tonight I showed that I’m a true champion.

“I do not want to lose my grip on this trophy. I’m going to get a good night’s sleep now, relax, and prepare myself properly before I play Andy in the final.”

Hamilton will now compete in only his second major final, with the previous coming at the 2007 Grand Slam of Darts, as he looks to take the £200,000 title on Monday.

“I’m on top of the world,” said Hamilton. “To be in the World Championship final means everything to me and I’ll be give it all I’ve got on Monday.

“At 5-3 down I never thought I was going out, I’m a fighter and I had to dig in, and I think I had more fighting power in me at the end.

“If I can perform, concentrate and be solid I can win this. I’m showing that I’ve got nerve, and I’m in for a fight in the final, but I’m ready for it.”

Australian star Whitlock was philosophical following his defeat, having had a six-week break ahead of the tournament when he suffered a broken ankle in October.

“I didn’t expect to get past the first round, so to reach the semi-finals is a great achievement,” said Whitlock.

“I was told by doctors that I wouldn’t play in this tournament, so I’m over the moon to get to the semi-finals and hopefully I’ll have a big year in 2012 because I’ve got my desire back after missing two TV tournaments with the injury.

“I’m obviously disappointed to lose this game but Andy was great and I hope he goes on to win the title now. There’s no stopping him when he gets on a roll and he threw brilliant darts.”

Ladbrokes World Darts Championship
Semi-Finals
Sunday January 1
Andy Hamilton 6-5 Simon Whitlock
Adrian Lewis 6-5 James Wade

Final
Monday January 2 (8pm)
Andy Hamilton v Adrian Lewis
Best of 13 sets

ANDY HAMILTON 6-5 SIMON WHITLOCK
(3-0, 2-3, 3-1, 3-1, 0-3, 2-3, 0-3, 0-3, 3-2, 3-1, 4-2)
ANDY HAMILTON secured a place in his first Ladbrokes World Darts Championship final after overcoming Simon Whitlock 6-5 in a titanic semi-final at Alexandra Palace on Sunday.

The Stoke ace continued his thrilling run in the tournament with another gritty and determined display as he saw off the Australian star to reach only the second major final of his career.

Hamilton had come from 15-8 down to defeat Whitlock 17-15 in the World Matchplay quarter-finals in July held the advantage in the early stages of the contest as he led 3-1.

However, Whitlock then produced some superb darts to take 12 of the next 14 legs in the process of moving 5-3 up and a set away from his second final in three years.

But Hamilton, who was 200-1 to win the tournament with sponsors Ladbrokes ahead of the event, hit back to claim the next three sets and seal an amazing triumph.

“I’m quite emotional at the moment,” said a delighted Hamilton. “I worked so hard tonight and I wouldn’t be denied.

“My performance wasn’t as good as some of the others I’ve had in this tournament, but I will take it!. I’m so happy to be in the final and I prepared for another fight – this is my chance to achieve my darting dream.”

Hamilton, who was impressive in defeating Belgium’s Kim Huybrechts in the quarter-finals, hit double eight to take the first leg, before hitting tops at the first time of asking to break throw in the second.

The Stoke ace then took out a 68 finish to take third leg and seal the set to make an ideal start to his first World Championship semi-final since 2007.

Both players held throw in the opening two legs of the second set and the Australian, who triumphed over Gary Anderson in the last eight, hit double top to take the third leg.

Whitlock missed three chances to win the set in the fourth leg, allowing Hamilton take it on double top at the first time of asking.

The deciding leg saw Whitlock hit a 170 score to leave double top, but three missed doubles allowed Hamilton a chance to steal the set.

However, he was just off-target with his attempt at the bullseye for a 2-0 lead, and Whitlock returned to hit double ten to level the match.

Hamilton took the first leg of set three, which featured a 177, but the Stoke man missed a dart at double six to take the second, which Whitlock won on double two.

Whitlock hit a maximum in the next, but Hamilton won the leg with a clinical two-dart 84 finish, before winning the set on double four.

Whitlock hit double eight to win the first leg of the fourth set, and had a chance to take the second, but a missed attempt at bullseye for a 170 checkout proved expensive as Hamilton took out 118.

The Stoke ace then hit back-to-back 12-dart legs, featuring two more maximums, as he took the set and moved 3-1 up in the game.

Both players failed with attempts at bullseye claim the first leg of the fifth set, before Whitlock hit double eight to secure a break of throw.

Hamilton hit his sixth 180 of the match in the next, but Whitlock won the leg with a fantastic 170 checkout to go 2-0 up, and then finished a 13-darter to take the set and reduce the gap to one.

Hamilton broke throw to make a positive start to set six, by landing double top at the first time of asking, before taking out 89 to win the second with a 14-darter.

Whitlock hit back to win the third leg on double eight, before recording a 14-darter of his own to claim the fourth against the throw.

The deciding leg saw Whitlock hit his seventh 180, and that was followed by a 74 finish as he won the set and squared the match at three-all.

The Australian kept up the momentum in the seventh set, as he broke throw to take the first leg, before the second followed with a 13-dart finish.

Hamilton hit a 180 in the third leg, but it was not enough as Whitlock landed double 18 to win his sixth leg in a row and lead the match for the first time.

The 2010 runner-up was now in full cry as he hit a 101 checkout to open the eighth set, before taking the second leg with a 13-dart finish.

The third leg saw Whitlock off-target with two attempts at double 16, but Hamilton was unable to hit the bullseye, allowing him to return and hit double 16 with his first dart to move a set away from the final.

Hamilton held throw to take the first leg of the ninth set, after Whitlock was guilty of wasting four darts at double 16.

Whitlock hit his tenth maximum in the process of winning the second leg, but Hamilton recorded an excellent 130 checkout to take the third.

Whitlock hit double 16 to move a leg away from victory, after both players had traded 180s, before Hamilton hit an excellent 13-dart finish in the deciding leg to take the set and keep the match alive.

Whitlock missed three shots at doubles at the beginning of set ten, but Hamilton was unable to capitalise as he missed two chances of his own to claim the leg as the Australian landed double ten for an early advantage.

Hamilton registered a 115 checkout to take the second, and then won the next by landing double eight with his third dart.

The fourth leg saw Whitlock miss three darts at doubles, which proved costly as Hamilton hit a superb 110 finish to send the match into a deciding set.

Both players held throw in the first two legs of the final set, and Hamilton continued that trend by winning the third on double ten to move a leg away from the match.

Whitlock converted a pressure 68 finish, by landing double 16 with his third dart, before Hamilton hit a 13-darter to lead for the third time in the set.

Whitlock kicked-off the sixth leg with a 180, but Hamilton produced the more consistent scoring, and the Stoke star landed double eight to seal a place in the final.

“I’m on top of the world,” said Hamilton. “To be in the World Championship final means everything to me and I’ll be give it all I’ve got on Monday.

“At 5-3 down I never thought I was going out, I’m a fighter and I had to dig in, and I think I had more fighting power in me at the end.

“If I can perform, concentrate and be solid I can win this. I’m showing that I’ve got nerve, and I’m in for a fight in the final, but I’m ready for it.”

Whitlock was philosophical following his defeat, having had a six-week break ahead of the tournament when he suffered a broken ankle in October.

“I didn’t expect to get past the first round, so to reach the semi-finals is a great achievement,” said Whitlock.

“I’m obviously disappointed to lose this game but Andy was great and I hope he goes on to win the title now. There’s no stopping him when he gets on a roll and he threw brilliant darts.”

ADRIAN LEWIS 6-5 JAMES WADE
(1-3, 2-3, 3-2, 0-3, 1-3, 1-3, 3-1, 3-2, 3-0, 3-0, 3-0)
REIGNING Ladbrokes World Darts Champion Adrian Lewis staged arguably the sport’s greatest ever fightback as he came from 5-1 down to defeat James Wade 6-5 in a classic semi-final and keep alive his hopes of retaining the £200,000 title on Monday night.

Wade seemed set to cruise into his first World Championship final when he won the game’s first two sets before a brief suspension of play, when the pair were affected by a crosswind on stage to win the third, saw play delayed for 20 minutes.

Although Wade won the third set, Wade turned on the style to win nine out of the next 11 legs to assume a 5-1 lead – only to miss one match dart at double 18.

Lewis fought back to level the match with a run of seven successive legs, and after Wade missed one match dart he then extended the run of winning legs to ten by taking the deciding set 3-0 – sealing an amazing comeback with a stunning 161 checkout.

“This is probably my greatest ever win,” said a triumphant Lewis, who will now face Andy Hamilton in an all-Stoke final for the £200,000 first prize.

“The problems with the draught coming on to the stage did affect me for a time, but I think tonight I showed that I’m a true champion.

“I do not want to lose my grip on this trophy. I’m going to get a good night’s sleep now, relax, and prepare myself properly before I play Andy in the final.”

Lewis won the first leg of the match on double top, before Wade converted a 76 finish which was followed by a fantastic 157 as he took the third.

Wade then won the set in the next by hitting double top at the first time of asking, before starting the second set in positive fashion, courtesy of a 96 finish.

Lewis hit back superbly by taking the next two legs with ton-plus finishes of 105 and 130, before Wade took the fourth after Lewis was off-target with three darts at double top for the set.

The decider saw Wade land double ten for the second successive leg to win the set and establish early command of the contest, although play was halted for around 20 minutes as the source of an on-stage draught was identified.

Following the resumption, Wade continued his dominance by winning the opening two legs of set three before Lewis produced a superb 11-darter in the third to kick-start his challenge.

He then levelled in the fourth, hitting a maximum in a 13-darter, before taking out 114 to win the set and halve the deficit.

Wade, though, found another gear himself to power through the fourth set in only 44 darts, finishing 104 and 143 as well as hitting a 14-dart finish to break Lewis’ throw in restoring a two-set cushion.

Lewis posted double top to win the first leg of set five, but Wade levelled with an 80 finish before recording a 126 checkout to break throw with a 12-darter.

The number three seed hit double top in the fourth leg to complete a 13-dart finish and win his fourth set to leave Lewis with an increasingly difficult task.

The sixth set began with Wade missing a dart at double top for a 120 checkout, allowing Lewis to hit double five and secure a break of throw with a 14-dart leg.

However, Wade immediately hit back by landing double top to win the second leg against the throw in 14 darts, and that was bettered when he took the third in just 13 darts on double 14.

The fourth leg saw Wade hit double seven to take his third successive set and move 5-1 clear – and only a set away from a place in the final.

Lewis won the opening leg of set seven, but wasted three chances to take the next and Wade capitalised with a successful attempt at double two.

Lewis won the third leg with a 70 finish, before taking the set in clinical fashion by following a 180 by taking out 94 in two darts to keep the match alive.

The world number two maintained the momentum at the start of the set eight by taking out an 85 finish to win the first leg in 12 darts, and then won the second with the aid of a 180.

Wade hit double top to win the third leg and also took the fourth by landing double five with a pressure third dart, after Lewis missed a dart at double top for the set.

The deciding leg saw Wade miss an opportunity at double 18 for the match, and Lewis took out 98 with two superbly placed darts to win his third set and crucially deny Wade a second chance to take victory.

Lewis won the ninth set without reply to reduce the gap to just one set, leaving Wade with something to think about as he took out double top twice and double 19 once.

The tenth set began in amazing fashion as Lewis hit back-to-back maximums to leave the opportunity of a nine-dart finish to repeat the feat he achieved 12 months ago in the final.

That was not to be as Lewis missed a seventh treble 20, and he then missed three darts at doubles before being handed a reprieve when Wade was unable to capitalise with two darts at doubles, returning to hit double one to end a dramatic leg.

Wade was unable to stem the tide as Lewis hit an 81 finish to take the second leg in 12 darts, and he hit double top to send the match into a deciding set.

Lewis made a winning start to set eleven by hitting double top, but a dramatic second leg saw him miss six darts at doubles.

However, Wade was guilty of missing seven chances of his own to level, and Lewis landed double one to move a leg away from the victory with his ninth successive leg.

The pair both hit two 140s in leaving 161 after nine darts in the next, and Lewis completed a remarkable comeback in emphatic style as he hit the showpiece finish.

Lewis added: “I think Andy’s been the best player in the tournament so far, but I’ve won it before and I think I’ll turn him over on Monday.

“It will be a great game and I’m pleased for him to have got this far – but friendship goes out of the window when we get on stage!”

Photogrpahs – Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Ally Pally Day 13 – Evening Session, Whitlock & Lewis Reach Semi-finals

steve — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:04:28 +0000

REIGNING Ladbrokes World Darts Champion Adrian Lewis held off a thrilling Terry Jenkins fightback to reach the semi-finals of the £1 million tournament as Simon Whitlock knocked out Gary Anderson at Alexandra Palace on Friday night.

Lewis looked on course to storm into the semis when he powered to the first three sets with a brilliant opening to the match, taking nine out of 11 legs.

Jenkins, though, won the fourth set and kick-started his fightback by coming from 2-0 down in the fifth, winning six straight legs to level the game.

Lewis won a crucial seventh set 3-1 and then came from a leg down in the next to seal victory and set up a semi-final with world number three James Wade on Sunday.

“I took the 3-0 lead and thought I was going to win 5-0, but Terry came back brilliantly,” said Lewis. “Every dart I threw for a while in those three sets was on the wire and Terry put me under pressure.

“As soon as I’m under pressure, I fire, and I’m in the semi-finals now. Wadey’s got a good record against me but I’m ready for a battle.”

2010 runner-up Whitlock, meanwhile, set up a semi-final against Andy Hamilton with his 5-1 win over last year’s beaten finalist Gary Anderson, who had been the favourite with sponsors Ladbrokes going into the quarter-finals.

The Scot took the game’s first set but would win only seven more legs in the match as Whitlock took five successive sets to storm to victory, continuing to defy the discomfort of his recovering broken ankle.

“I’m over the moon,” said Whitlock. “Gary missed a lot of doubles which made it easier for me, but I concentrated on my darts and enjoyed the game.

“I fully believe I can win this World Championship, even with a broken leg! I actually think it’s helped me because my concentration levels are higher and I’m going slower and trying to make every dart count.”

Left-hander Wade had earlier won his second World Championship semi-final place with victory over Canadian ace John Part in a sudden-death thriller.

Part hit back from 3-1 down to lead 4-3, before Wade levelled and forced a decider which went all the way to an 11th leg which the world number three took with a fine 14-darter.

Hamilton powered to a 5-1 win over Belgium’s Kim Huybrechts in the other quarter-final, hitting 11 180s, three ton-plus finishes and averaging over 102.

Lewis is now the 13/8 favourite to lift the £200,000 title on January 2, with Whitlock 9/4, Wade rated at 5/2 and Hamilton the 6/1 outsider in his bid for a first major title.

Ladbrokes World Darts Championship
Quarter-Finals
Friday December 30
Andy Hamilton 5-2 Kim Huybrechts
John Part 4-5 James Wade
Simon Whitlock 5-1 Gary Anderson
Adrian Lewis 5-3 Terry Jenkins

Semi-Finals
Sunday January 1 (7.30pm)
Andy Hamilton v Simon Whitlock
Adrian Lewis v James Wade
Best of 11 sets

SIMON WHITLOCK 5-1 GARY ANDERSON
(1-3, 3-2, 3-1, 3-2, 3-0, 3-2)
SIMON WHITLOCK reached the semi-finals of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a fine 5-1 victory against Gary Anderson.

Whitlock had come into the tournament unfancied to make an impact after spending almost two months sidelined ahead of the event with a broken ankle sustained at the end of October.

However, he produced another determined effort to see off Anderson, who won the first set of the match but missed 29 darts at doubles as Whitlock claimed the next five sets to win the match.

“I’ve got belief in myself at the moment, and I’m not letting my ankle problem be a handicap to me,” said Whitlock, who is looking to play in his second World Championship final in the space of three years.

“I think Gary struggled with the pace of the game a little because I was having take more time with my throw, because of the injury.

“Gary missed a lot of doubles which made it easier for me, but I concentrated on my darts and enjoyed the game. I fully believe I can win this World Championship now.”

Anderson hit a maximum in the process of taking the first leg of the match before Whitlock levelled by taking the second on double top.

The Premier League Darts champion, who defeated Colin Lloyd in the third round, hit a 151 checkout to take the third leg and landed double five in the next to establish an early advantage.

Whitlock, who was taken to a final set by Michael van Gerwen in his third round match, hit double 18 to take the opening leg of set two, and after both players traded 180s in the next he took out a fabulous 121 checkout, finishing on the bullseye.

Anderson broke his opponent’s throw in the third leg, by landing double top with his third dart, and then won the fourth in 13 darts.

Whitlock held advantage of throw in the deciding leg, and he made that count with an accurate attempt at double four to take the set and level the match.

The start of set three saw Anderson miss five chances to win the first leg, but Whitlock missed four of his own to allow him to return and hit double one.

Whitlock landed double top to take the second leg in 13 darts, and the third also fell the way of the Australian as he took out 74 after Anderson wasted five darts at doubles.

Anderson missed a dart at the bullseye in the fourth leg, and Whitlock landed double eight to seal the set and lead the match 2-1.

Whitlock hit two maximums in the process of taking the first leg of the fourth set, and then landed double 16 with his first dart to take the second.

Anderson broke back with a 14-dart finish to win the third, and then hit double top to win the fourth leg, before Whitlock kicked-off the fifth with a 180.

That maximum pushed the 2010 runner-up to a finish first, and he hit double seven to take the set and move two clear of Anderson.

Whitlock capitalised on two more missed darts at doubles from his opponent to make a winning start to the fifth set, before Anderson hit a 177 at the start of the second leg.

The Scot was again first to a finish, but a missed dart at double top was punished by Whitlock, courtesy of an 81 finish.

That put the Australian in command of the set, and an accurate attempt at double ten in the third leg put Whitlock 4-1 ahead with a second 14-darter against the throw to leave him a set away from the semi-finals.

Anderson took the opening two legs of the sixth set with finishes of 68 and 76, before Whitlock hit another 14-dart finish to take the third.

The fourth leg saw Anderson off-target with five chances to win the set, and Whitlock hit double two with his third dart to level.

Anderson hit a 180 in the fifth leg, but a missed dart at tops proved expensive as Whitlock landed double eight to secure the match.

Whitlock now meets Andy Hamilton in the semi-finals, having lost 17-15 to the Stoke ace in the World Matchplay quarter-finals in July when his opponent won nine successive legs to come from 15-8 down to take victory.

“Andy Hamilton will be a tough opponent in the semi-finals,” added Whitlock. “He’s playing some fantastic darts at the moment, and he seems to thrive under pressure.

“I don’t want to get in a close match with him because Andy is one of the best players when it gets in a tight match, as he’s shown in the last few matches here.

“I want to get revenge for that but it’s nice to see him playing well because he’s a fantastic player and a really good friend as well.”

Anderson admitted: “I was miles off and deserved to get beaten. I wasn’t good enough on the night and I’ll put it behind me now and move on to next year.”

ADRIAN LEWIS 5-3 TERRY JENKINS
(3-1, 3-1, 3-0, 1-3, 2-3, 0-3, 3-1, 3-1)
ADRIAN LEWIS remains on course to defend his Ladbrokes World Darts Championship title after overcoming the challenge of Terry Jenkins with a 5-3 quarter-final victory at Alexandra Palace.

Lewis romped into a three-set lead and lost just two legs in the process before Jenkins fought back to win three of his own to leave the match finely balanced.

However, Lewis managed to win six of the next eight legs to end Jenkins hopes of claiming a first major title and progress to a semi-final with number three seed James Wade.

“I had to dig really deep to pull that off,” admitted Lewis. “I lost my way during the middle of the match, but I pulled myself together and got the job done, which I’m delighted with.

“Terry came back brilliantly and every dart I threw for a while in those three sets was on the wire. Terry put me under pressure but, as soon as I’m under pressure, I fire.”

Lewis, who enjoyed a straight-sets victory against Wayne Jones in the last 16, started the match in excellent fashion by taking first two legs with finishes of 89 and 101.

Jenkins managed to win the third leg on double top, after Lewis missed the bullseye for the set, but the Stoke star made no mistake in the next leg as he recorded a 71 finish to take first blood.

The second set began with Jenkins hitting double top, before Lewis left a chance of hitting a nine-dart finish after kicking-off the second with back-to-back 180s.

His hopes of achieving that feat for the second time in as many years at Alexandra Palace where ended when his seventh attempt at the treble 20 was off-target, but he posted double four to win the leg and then broke throw for a 2-1 lead.

Lewis added another maximum in the fourth leg, and secured the set by landing double ten to move 2-0 up.

The defending champion’s high standard continued into the third set as he hit a 13-dart finish to take the first leg, followed a clinical 76 checkout in the second.

Lewis then hit double 18 to win the third set without reply, and took out an 87 finish for a 12-darter to claim his sixth leg in a row at the start of the fourth.

Jenkins stopped the rot with a 117 finish to win just his third leg of the match, and the Ledbury man then recorded a 14-darter in the next.

Lewis was off-target with a dart at bullseye to take the fourth leg and Jenkins managed to hit double five to reduce the match score to 3-1.

Lewis won the opening two legs of set five, which included a 136 in the second to break his opponent’s throw with another 12-darter.

Lewis also hit a 180 in the third leg, but a missed dart at double top for the set, allowing Jenkins to step in on double 12.

Jenkins then hit double 15 to win the fourth leg against the darts, and he took the decider by hitting double ten to edge closer to Lewis at 3-2.

He then made a positive start to set six by taking the first leg, after Lewis was off-target with two darts at doubles.

The tenth seed hit double top at the first time of asking to take his fifth leg in a row, and then won the set in style with a two-dart 100 checkout to level the match.

The seventh set started in sensational fashion, as players kicked-off with 180s, and Lewis managed to take the opening leg on double five to end Jenkins’ run of six winning legs.

Jenkins won the second in 13 darts, but missed a chance to break throw in the third as he missed a dart at tops for 104 checkout.

Lewis hit double ten to win the leg and then took out double eight at the first time of asking to take the set and lead 4-3, after Jenkins crucially missed three darts at double top to force a deciding leg.

Jenkins won the first leg of the eighth set, courtesy of accurate dart at double ten after Lewis missed two chances for a break of throw on tops.

Lewis regained his range on tops to win the next two leg, and when Jenkins missed four chances to force a deciding leg, the reigning champion made him pay by finishing 90 with a bullseye-double top combination to seal victory in style.

Lewis, who now faces James Wade for a place in the final, added: “James has a very good record against me, but he has never won a World Championship and I have, so that gives me the advantage.”

Jenkins said: “Adrian started off like a train and there wasn’t much I could do.

“I wasn’t playing that badly and when I got back to three-each he was gone, but then I couldn’t find that treble 20. He started to crumble but I couldn’t make it count and if I’d have played a steady game he might not have come back.

“I’m a bit disappointed about losing it now and I feel I had my chances. I’ve had a good tournament, my form’s come back and I feel confident that I can be dangerous next year.”

Source -PDC/Lawrence Lustig

Ally Pally Day 13 – Afternoon Session, Hamilton & Wade Reach Semi-Finals

steve — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:06:44 +0000

JAMES WADE defeated John Part in a sudden-death leg to win one of the greatest games in the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship’s history at Alexandra Palace on Friday, as Andy Hamilton joined him in the semi-finals by seeing off Kim Huybrechts.

World number three Wade, seeking his maiden World Championship title, held off a thrilling fightback from the Canadian as he set up a last four clash with either reigning champion Adrian Lewis or Terry Jenkins on Sunday.

The left-hander led 3-1 after winning 11 of the game’s first 14 legs, with Part claiming the second set with a 167 checkout before fighting back to win three in a row and edge ahead in the match.

Wade won the eighth set to sent the match into a decider, which Part led 4-3 before Wade won two of the next three to send a classic game into a sudden-death leg which he won with a clinical 85 finish.

“That was probably one of the toughest games I’ve ever come through,” admitted Wade. “At stages there I could have lost it, but I hit the 85 when it counted.

“I had a great start to the match and felt like I had established control, but before I knew it, John was 4-3 ahead and I was struggling. I did recover and I’m delighted to be in with a chance of becoming World Champion.”

Part joked: “That’s the greatest game I’ve lost!

“I couldn’t get going early on and James lived up to his nickname because he was like a machine. It’s a game of sets and I played really well, and just one dart here or there proved the difference.”

Earlier in the day, Andy Hamilton won through to the semi-finals for the first time since 2007 by seeing off Belgium’s Kim Huybrechts 5-2.

The Stoke star hit 11 maximums, three ton-plus finishes and averaged over 102 in an impressive display as he continued his challenge to win his first major title.

“I feel so comfortable on stage and I’m proving how well I can play on stage,” said Hamilton. “I’m believing in myself now and we’ll see how far I can go in this.

“In the middle of the game, he wasn’t pressurising me enough and I lost my concentration but I won’t do that in the semis.

“I’m prepared for Gary Anderson or Simon Whitlock – I beat them both in the World Matchplay so they’ll be as scared of me as I would be of them, and it will be a great game.”

The evening session sees the last two years’ beaten finalists, Simon Whitlock and Gary Anderson, clash before reigning champion Adrian Lewis plays Terry Jenkins.

Ladbrokes World Darts Championship
Quarter-Finals
Friday December 30
Afternoon Session
Andy Hamilton 5-2 Kim Huybrechts
John Part 4-5 James Wade

Evening Session (7.30pm)
Simon Whitlock v Gary Anderson
Adrian Lewis v Terry Jenkins
Best of nine sets

ANDY HAMILTON 5-2 KIM HUYBRECHTS
(3-1, 3-2, 0-3, 3-1, 3-0, 1-3, 3-1)
ANDY HAMILTON reached his second World Championship semi-final courtesy of a 5-2 victory against Belgium’s Kim Huybrechts in the first quarter-final of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

The Stoke ace produced a fine display to reach the last four, which included 11 maximums, three ton-plus finishes and a three-dart average of over 102.

Hamilton took early command by taking the first two sets before Huybrechts won the third without reply to get back into the contest.

The number 17 seed, though, pulled away again by taking the next two sets to lead 4-1 and, after Huybrechts kept fighting by taking the sixth, hit three maximums to end the newcomer’s spirited challenge.

“I played a good game again today and I still feel incredibly focused and relaxed,” said Hamilton, who will now face either Simon Whitlock or Gary Anderson for a place in the final.

“It’s been a childhood dream to win this title, and I have visions of picking it up on Monday night.

“If I keep producing the good averages that I have achieved in my previous couple of matches then I have nothing to worry about.”

Hamilton, who overcame Dave Chisnall in the third round, hit a two-dart 98 finish to take the first leg before Huybrechts landed double three to win the second.

The Stoke ace broke Huybrechts’ throw for the second time in the set with a 100 checkout, and a 13-darter in the fourth leg gave Hamilton the first set.

Both players held throw at the start of the second set, before Huybrechts won the third leg against the darts with an 84 finish, completed on double 11.

Hamilton hit back immediately with a 14-dart finish in the fourth leg, and a 180 from the 2007 World Championship semi-finalist, followed by a 67 finish, secured a two-set lead.

Huybrechts, who defeated Paul Nicholson with a fine display to reach this stage, won the first leg of set three after Hamilton was guilty of wasting several chances at doubles.

The Belgian then hit double eight to claim the second, and took the next with the aid of two maximums to win the set and reduce the deficit to 2-1.

Huybrechts took his fourth successive leg by converting an 84 finish to take the first leg of the fourth set, before Hamilton hit double ten to level.

Hamilton then hit a two-dart 80 finish to take the third leg, and won the set in style with a superb 122 checkout to restore his two-set advantage.

Hamilton broke throw at the start of the fifth set by hitting double eight, after Huybrechts was off-target with a dart at bullseye for a 167 checkout.

The second leg also fell the way of the Stoke thrower before he fired in two 180s in the next, followed by an 84 finish, to move 4-1 ahead.

Both players hit maximums in the first leg of set six, but Huybrechts won it against the darts with a 128 checkout, and then landed double 20 to take the second.

Hamilton hit double 16 to take the third leg but Huybrechts took out 62 to win the set and reduce the deficit to 4-2.

Hamilton started set seven in positive fashion, as he recorded checkouts of 110 and 96 to move a leg away from victory.

Huybrechts hit double top at the first time of asking to win the third, only for Hamilton to fire another maximum, before taking out an 84 finish to triumph.

Huybrechts, who has made his breakthrough in 2011, said: “These last couple of weeks have been a great experience for me.

“It’s the biggest achievement of career to date and I am extremely happy, despite today’s loss.

“Andy was the better player today. He’s had some tough games in the previous rounds and deserves to go all the way in this competition.

“I hope to be back on the big stages again very soon. I have new sponsors and I’ll be playing the whole circuit for the next two years, so I hope to improve and possibly go further in this event.”

JAMES WADE 5-4 JOHN PART
(3-0, 2-3, 3-0, 3-0, 2-3, 0-3, 2-3, 3-1, 6-5)
JAMES WADE came out on top against John Part in one of the greatest games ever seen in the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a 5-4 triumph in the quarter-finals.

The match was a repeat of their classic quarter-final encounter back in 2008, which Part won 5-4 before going on to claim his third World title, and lived up to its billing throughout a dramatic two hours

Wade led the match 3-1 in the early stages, taking nine of the first eleven legs of the match to establish early control.

However, Wade missed a chance to move 4-1 ahead, and the three-time World Champion threw superb darts to take the next three sets and lead 4-3.

Wade won the eighth set before edging a dramatic deciding set in a sudden-death shoot-out, which he won with an 85 finish to reach the World Championship semi-finals for the first time since 2009.

“The 85 finish was fantastic, and I’m delighted to have hit that treble 15 under pressure to leave the opportunity at double top,” said a delighted Wade, who will now face either Adrian Lewis or Terry Jenkins.

“I had a great start to the match and felt like I had established control, but before I knew it, John was 4-3 ahead and I was struggling.

“I did recover from that and I’m delighted to be in with a chance of becoming World Champion.”

Wade, who had dropped just one set in his previous three matches, made a quickfire start to the game by taking the first set without reply.

The seven-time major champion hit double ten at the first attempt to take the opening leg, and followed that by breaking throw in the second.

Wade took the third leg to claim the set before Part managed to get off the mark at the start of set two by landing double top to hold throw.

Wade hit double top to claim the second leg, but missed two darts at the same double in the next, which Part edged on double five.

The world number three hit an 82 finish to win the fourth leg before the Canadian ace took out a fantastic 167 checkout to win the set and the match.

Wade won the first leg of set three on double ten, and then claimed the second against the darts by taking out 65.

The Aldershot star then produced a confident 13-dart finish, which was completed by hitting double ten for the second time in three legs, to lead 2-1.

Wade made an excellent start to the third set by taking out finishes of 108 and 140 to claim the opening two legs.

Wade continued the high standard by landing double top at the first attempt to win his sixth successive leg and move 3-1 up.

Wade, who won a second UK Open title in June, hit a 103 finish to take the first leg of set five, before Part landed double ten in the next to win his first leg in eight.

Wade took out 84 to win the third leg, but missed a dart at the bullseye to take the set in the next, with double five from part forcing a fifth leg.

The deciding leg saw Part hold his nerve to convert a 97 finish, landing double top with a pressure third dart whilst Wade was waiting on the same double.

The Canadian made an excellent start to the sixth set by taking the first leg and then hit a 116 checkout, capitalising two missed darts at double ten from Wade.

Part kept up the momentum by taking out 75 to win the set and leave the match finely balanced at three-all.

The opening two legs of the seventh set where shared after both players hit double top, before Wade won the third with an 82 finish, which included a maximum.

Part hit a 180 of his own in the process of taking the fourth leg, before a dramatic deciding set saw both players miss a dart for the set, before the Canadian returned to hit tops to lead the match for the first time.

Wade made a good start to the eighth set by taking the opening two legs, which included an 81 finish in the second.

Part hit double top to win the third, but the Canadian missed two darts at double 16 in the fourth, and Wade took the chance to hit double top to send the match into a deciding set.

Wade missed two darts at doubles to win the opening leg, but Part missed one chance at double 16, allowing him to return and hit double five.

Part hit double 16 to claim the second before a tense third leg saw the three-time World Champion miss four chances to break throw and Wade hit double two.

Part posted back-to-back maximums in the process of taking the fourth leg, before Wade hit a fantastic 124 checkout to win the fifth.

The sixth leg saw Wade agonisingly off-target with two darts to win the match, and Part kept his composure to hit double two.

The Canadian secured a vital break of throw by taking out 64, only for Wade to hit back superbly and take the eighth leg with a 108 finish.

Wade fired in back-to-back 180s in a 12-darter to move a leg away from the match, but Part hit double top at the first attempt to force a sudden-death shoot-out.

Wade won the advantage of throw but consistent scoring from the Canadian saw him 40 after 12 darts, having left the double when he was unable to finish 128.

Wade, though, stepped up to take out 85 for a 14-dart finish to end an enthralling contest and seal a place in the last four.

“It was a great standard from both of us, said Part. “I live to play games like this and I give great credit to James for the way he played.

“Without question, this is the greatest game I’ve ever lost!”

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

Ally Pally Day 12 – Evening Session Round-up

steve — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:30:22 +0000

DAVE CHISNALL’S dream debut at the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship was ended with a 4-0 defeat to Andy Hamilton on Thursday night, as former finalists Gary Anderson and Simon Whitlock set up a high-profile quarter-final clash at Alexandra Palace.

Chisnall created history on Tuesday night with a 4-1 defeat of 15-time World Champion Phil Taylor, but his hopes of following that with his first major title were shattered by Hamilton.

The St Helens ace failed to reproduce the clinical finishing which had proved the difference against Taylor as another Stoke ace, Hamilton, took full advantage.

Hamilton now meets Kim Huybrechts in the quarter-finals on Friday afternoon, and was delighted to see off Chisnall by dropping only five legs after being taken to a deciding set in the previous two rounds.

“I was prepared for a battle and I went in there solid, but maybe this will be good for me going into the quarter-finals,” said Hamilton. ”

“Dave threw brilliantly against Phil Taylor and I thought he was going to hit me with everything. When he didn’t I knew I had to close the game out quickly, and I did that.

“I’ve proven I’ve got the whole game to beat anybody – I came come from behind and I’ve won from in front. I’m on top of the world and can’t wait for the quarter-finals.”

Chisnall admitted: “Andy played well and deserved to win, but I didn’t get going. I missed a few doubles early on and after that I didn’t get going.

Last year’s beaten finalist Gary Anderson hit top gear for the first time in the 2012 tournament with a thrilling 4-1 win over Essex’s Colin Lloyd.

The Scot hit a ten-dart finish and two 11-darters as well as ten 180s in a brilliant display which included one set that lasted only four minutes and 13 seconds and used 36 darts!

“I’ve been struggling so it’s nice to wake up and it came good tonight,” said Anderson, who averaged 100.65 in the display. “Colin’s the type of player I like to play against, and it produced some good darts.”

Anderson now meets 2010 runner-up Simon Whitlock in the last eight on Friday night, after the Australian held off Michael van Gerwen’s superb fightback.

Whitlock, continuing to play through the pain of his recovering broken ankle, took ten of the game’s first 11 legs to open up a three-set lead before van Gerwen overcame his early double trouble to hit back.

The 22-year-old Dutchman won the next three sets to level, but crucially missed two darts to win the opening leg of the decider, and Whitlock pounced to take victory.

“I kept thinking to myself I had to show some bottle and I knew how much I wanted this match, and that got me through,” said Whitlock. “I’m like when I was 15, I’m so keen again to get back on my feet and I want everything.

“I’m looking forward to the tough matches. That feeling you get when you’re under the pump is the best feeling in the world, when you know you have to throw good darts to win – and when you do it, it’s a wonderful feeling.”

The quarter-finals will kick off with Hamilton meeting impressive Belgian debutant Huybrechts in the opening clash, before three-time World Champion John Part meets number three seed James Wade.

Whitlock meets Anderson in the evening’s opening game before reigning champion Adrian Lewis takes on Terry Jenkins.

Ladbrokes World Darts Championship
Third Round
Wednesday December 28
Adrian Lewis 4-0 Wayne Jones
Justin Pipe 1-4 Terry Jenkins

Thursday December 29
Afternoon Session
John Part 4-2 Kevin Painter
James Wade 4-0 Steve Farmer
Kim Huybrechts 4-1 Paul Nicholson

Evening Session
Simon Whitlock 4-3 Michael van Gerwen
Dave Chisnall 0-4 Andy Hamilton
Gary Anderson 4-1 Colin Lloyd

Quarter-Finals
Friday December 30
Afternoon Session (2pm)
Andy Hamilton v Kim Huybrechts
John Part v James Wade

Evening Session (7.30pm)
Simon Whitlock v Gary Anderson
Adrian Lewis v Terry Jenkins

SIMON WHITLOCK 4-3 MICHAEL VAN GERWEN
(3-0, 3-1, 3-0, 1-3, 2-3, 0-3, 3-0)
SIMON WHITLOCK survived an incredible comeback from Michael van Gerwen to reach the last eight of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a thrilling 4-3 victory on Thursday evening at Alexandra Palace.

Whitlock won nine of the first ten legs to move in 3-0 ahead, and looked likely to move into the quarter-finals with a comfortable victory – which would have been much-needed to ease the strain on his injured right ankle.

However, van Gerwen produced an inspired display to take the next three sets and create a thrilling climax.

The first leg of the final set proved crucial as van Gerwen missed two darts to continue his resurgence, and Whitlock stepped in to take the leg and the next two to win the match.

“I’m very relieved to have won that,” admitted Whitlock, will now play fellow Alexandra Palace runner-up Gary Anderson for a semi-final place.

“I give full credit to Michael for the comeback he produced. He hit some amazing darts and had me very worried, but I managed to pull myself together, and taking the first leg against the darts in the final set was really important.”

Both players hit maximums in the first leg, which was won by Whitlock against the darts after van Gerwen missed four darts at doubles.

Van Gerwen hit another 180 in the second leg, but Whitlock took out 68 to double his lead and then won the third leg with a 62 finish to seal the opening set despite three maximums from the youngster.

The Dutch star, who defeated Colin Osborne and Mervyn King in his first two matches, took the opening leg of set two against the darts with a 70 finish.

Van Gerwen missed three darts to claim the second, which Whitlock won by landing double five with his third dart.

Whitlock hit double top to win the third leg and the fourth also fell in the Australian’s favour, as he recorded a 12-dart finish to seal a two-set advantage.

The opening two legs of the third set followed a similar pattern as van Gerwen missed three darts at doubles in both legs to allow Whitlock to move a leg away from a three-set lead.

The 2010 runner-up, who saw off Steve Beaton in the second round, hit a clinical 112 checkout to wrap up the set and then landed an 11-darter at the start of the fourth.

Van Gerwen then hit double 16 at the first time of asking to win just his second leg of the match to level the set also also took the next with a 72 finish.

Van Gerwen then won his third successive leg by landing double ten to win the set and reduce the gap to 3-1.

The 22-year-old hit double eight to keep the winning run going at the start of set five, but Whitlock stopped the rot by taking the next two with checkouts of 81 and 82, which both featured 180s.

Van Gerwen hit double 12 to win the fourth, with his opponent waiting on double eight for the game, and the Australian would get the chance to close out victory in the next only to miss two match darts as the youngster posted tops to win a second set and keep his hopes alive.

Van Gerwen broke throw at the start of the sixth set with a brilliant 11-darter, and then hit a 78 finish in two darts to take the second leg.

Whitlock hit a 180 in the third, but two missed darts at doubles allowed van Gerwen to hit double eight and force a deciding set by squaring the game.

With the momentum having turned van Gerwen’s way, the Dutchman crucially allowed a golden chance to lead in the seventh set slip when he missed two darts to win the opening leg.

Whitlock stepped in to finish 60 on double ten before taking the second leg in 12 darts with a 96 checkout to move a leg away from the win, and when van Gerwen missed tops to keep his hopes alive the Australian returned to hit the same bed for victory.

Whitlock added: “I’m relieved to have won that. When I was three sets up I started to feel comfortable and then Michael started hitting everything and it was a great comeback.

“Even though he made it hard for me it’s great to see him playing so well.

“I kept thinking to myself I had to show some bottle and I knew how much I wanted this match, and that got me through. I’m like when I was 15, I’m so keen again to get back on my feet and I want everything.

Van Gerwen said: “I started the game awfully and left myself with so much to do. I kept giving Simon chances and he kept taking them.

“I’m pleased that I made a match of it after that and I played well to take the next three sets. It’s just a disappointment that I couldn’t carry that on in the decider.

“I’m proud that I have reached the third round of the World Championship for the first time, and I will go away and work harder to improve my game.”

ANDY HAMILTON 4-0 DAVE CHISNALL
(3-1, 3-2, 3-1, 3-1)
ANDY HAMILTON ended Dave Chisnall’s dream Alexandra Palace debut with a convincing 4-0 victory in the third round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

Chisnall had created shockwaves in the sport by dumping out Phil Taylor in the second round, but was unable to recapture the magic which saw him triumph over the world number one 48 hours earlier.

The St Helens ace won just five legs in the four sets, as the clinical finishing which had proven so devastating against Taylor deserted him against another Stoke ace.

Hamilton, a semi-finalist in July’s World Matchplay, produced an excellent display to reach a World Championship quarter-final for the first time since 2007, ending with a three-dart average over 99.

“I just concentrated on my game and didn’t really take notice of the hype following Dave’s victory over Phil Taylor,” said a delighted Hamilton, will now play Kim Huybrechts in the last eight.

“I’m enjoying myself out there and I’m so focused. I fully believe that I can win this Championship and achieve my childhood dream.

“Kim played excellently against Paul Nicholson today, but if he doesn’t take his chances against me, then I will make him pay.”

Both players held throw in the opening two legs of the match, before Hamilton took the third with a 67 finish.

The fourth leg saw Hamilton miss double 19 for a 155 finish, but Chisnall failed with four attempts of his own to take the leg and the Stoke star returned to hit double 12 and win the set.

Chisnall held throw to take the first leg of the second set, before Hamilton levelled by landing double 16 for a 15-darter.

Both players hit maximums in the third leg, which Chisnall won with a 127 checkout, but a miss at tops for the set in the fourth proved costly as Hamilton hit double 12 to level.

Hamilton, who defeated Vincent van der Voort in an exciting second round encounter, then won the deciding leg courtesy of a 120 checkout to confirm his two-set advantage.

He then made a winning start to set three, with the aid of his third 180 of the game, but wasted three chances to take the second, allowing Chisnall to hit double top to level.

Both players fired 180s in the third leg, which Hamilton won on double 18, and he won the set in the next with an excellent 88 finish, completed on the bullseye, to pull further clear of his opponent with checkouts of 13 and 12 darts.

Chisnall hit double nine to take opening leg of set four, before Hamilton hit double 18 to claim the second and level the set.

Hamilton fired in an excellent 13-darter to secure the third leg to move a leg away from the sealing the match, and although Chisnall hit a fifth 180 in the next leg, the Stoke ace landed double eight to seal a place in the last eight.

“I was prepared for a battle and I went in there solid, but maybe this will be good for me going into the quarter-finals,” said Hamilton. ”

“Dave threw brilliantly against Phil Taylor and I thought he was going to hit me with everything. When he didn’t I knew I had to close the game out quickly, and I did that.

“I’ve proven I’ve got the whole game to beat anybody – I came come from behind and I’ve won from in front. I’m on top of the world and can’t wait for the quarter-finals.”

Chisnall admitted: “Andy played well and deserved to win, but I didn’t get going.

“I missed a few doubles early on and after that I didn’t get going at all, but there wasn’t much I could do when he was banging in 180s and 140s for fun.

“To beat Phil Taylor is a good achievement for me and I’ve had a good year. I’ve not got much experience on stage but that will come, and I want to keep that progression going in 2012.”

GARY ANDERSON 4-1 COLIN LLOYD
(3-2, 3-0, 3-0, 2-3, 3-0)
GARY ANDERSON produced a stunning display to defeat Colin Lloyd 4-1 and set up a quarter-final clash against Simon Whitlock at the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

After edging a tight first set, the Premier League Champion took seven legs in a row to lead 3-0, and take total command of the game with some incredible darts.

Lloyd fought back to take the fourth set, only for Anderson to win the fifth with three successive legs to complete a fine performance, which included a 10-darter and two 11-dart finishes.

“I was very motivated for tonight’s game, and I feel that I really showed up tonight,” said Anderson, who ended the match with a three dart average of 100.65.

“I’ve been a bit patchy in my first couple of games against Jyhan Artut and Devon Petersen. Tonight was much better and I’m looking forward to the quarter-finals now.”

Anderson hit double top at the first time of asking to open the match, before Lloyd claimed the second to level in 14 darts.

The Scot, who defeated Devon Petersen in the second round, hit a 120 checkout to take the third leg and then opened the fourth with a 177, only for Lloyd to post a 177 to level again.

A dramatic deciding leg saw Anderson miss a host of chances to seal the set, but Lloyd was unable to capitalise as he missed a dart at double 16 and the number four seed took out double one to edge the set.

Anderson then finished 81 for an 11-darter to start the second set, landed another 180 in winning the second in 15 darts before posting scores of 134, 180 and 171 to set up a ten-darter in establishing a two-set lead.

Lloyd could only applaud the Scot as they entered the break, with Anderson using just 36 darts to win the set in four minutes and 13 seconds, although the Essex star returned to open the third set with a 180 of his own.

Anderson, though, maintained the relentless pace with a 13-dart finish to make a winning start to set three, and he then hit double top to take the next, after Lloyd was off-target with three darts at double four.

Anderson then hit a second 13-darter in the space of three legs to move 3-0 up and go one set away from a place in the quarter-finals.

Anderson won his eighth successive leg at the start of the fourth set with a 70 finish, after Lloyd missed three attempts at doubles.

However, Lloyd stepped in after Anderson missed a dart at double 18 for a 156 checkout to take the second with a 64 finish to win his first leg since the opening set.

The Colchester-based thrower won the third leg on double one, before Anderson recorded another 13-darter to move one leg away from victory.

The deciding leg saw Lloyd miss two darts to win the set, but Anderson could set up a shot a double and allowed him back to hit double one again to win the set and reduce the gap to 3-1.

Anderson held throw at the start of the fifth set, before taking the second leg against the darts by landing double seven with his third dart.

That put the Scot one leg away from victory, and he fired in two 180s in the third leg before taking out 82 with a bullseye, double 16 combination for an 11-darter to end Lloyd’s challenge.

“I’ve been struggling so it’s nice to wake up and it came good tonight,” said Anderson. “Colin’s the type of player I like to play against, and it produced some good darts.

“Simon’s a class player and it will be a great fight on Friday.”

Lloyd admitted: “I could have taken the first set, but I didn’t and after that Gary produced his best game so far in the tournament.

“I knew it would be a hard game and I don’t think I played too badly, but he went crash, bang, wallop for a while. He was on top of his game and he put me to bed, and I can’t argue with that.

“I’ve enjoyed the tournament and I’m upbeat at the minute, and hopefully my performances have shown people that I’m playing well again.”

Ally Pally Day 12 – After Session, Victory for Part, Wade & Huybrechts

steve — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:00:42 +0000

PDC big guns James Wade and John Part set up a tasty quarter-final clash at the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with on Thursday afternoon as

World number three Wade picked up his second successive 4-0 victory in the £1 million tournament with a straight sets win over Steve Farmer which took the left-hander just 45 minutes to complete.

Wade dropped only one leg in taking the first two sets, and came from 2-0 down in each of the next two as he moved into the last eight for the fourth time in five years at Alexandra Palace.

“It wasn’t as easy as the scoreline suggests,” said Wade. “I made the most of my opportunities, and he gave me plenty.

“I’m looking forward to the next game against John because it will be a scrap, and I haven’t had one of those yet. I believe I’m ready for one and let’s see what I do, and I think I’ve got plenty in the tank.”

Part, meanwhile, joined Wade in the quarter-finals with a 4-2 defeat of in-form Kevin Painter, who took the game’s first set but fell 2-1 down as the Canadian hit a 161 finish in taking command.

Painter levelled by winning the fourth, but Part crucially finished 104 to take the next before edging the sixth to take victory on double ten.

“That was a very hard match for me and I’m pleased to win,” said Part. “Kevin and I have a lot of history in the World Championship and we have a great deal of respect for each other.

“We were pretty tight in that match and it was a traditional game of darts which I enjoyed playing in. I could have made life easier for myself but I got on with the game and had faith in myself.

“I’ve been down the rankings and haven’t had much luck in this tournament since I won it in 2008, so it would be lovely to come through and win again. I’ve got experience and the other players know I will exploit their mistakes.”

Belgium’s Kim Huybrechts won through to the quarter-finals with a thrilling 4-1 defeat of number nine seed Paul Nicholson, who won the first set but took only three more legs in the match.

One of those was a 170 finish, but he was unable to stem the tide as Huybrechts – buoyed by a ten-darter – sailed into the last eight with the biggest win of his career.

“I’m on such a high right now, I feel like the happiest man in the world,” said Huybrechts, nicknamed ‘The Hurricane’.

“If someone had said before the tournament that I would play in the quarter-finals, I wouldn’t have believed him, especially when you have Raymond van Barneveld and Paul Nicholson in your part of the draw.

“I’m loving it and, who knows, maybe I can win another match. I felt confident throughout this match and the support from the crowd was a positive from me.”

The third round concludes with the final three matches on Thursday evening, with 2010 finalist Simon Whitlock meeting Michael van Gerwen, Dave Chisnall – who knocked out Phil Taylor on Tuesday – playing Andy Hamilton and last year’s runner-up Gary Anderson facing Colin Lloyd.

Ladbrokes World Darts Championship
Thursday December 29
Afternoon Session
John Part 4-2 Kevin Painter
James Wade 4-0 Steve Farmer
Kim Huybrechts 4-1 Paul Nicholson

Evening Session
Simon Whitlock v Michael van Gerwen
Dave Chisnall v Andy Hamilton
Gary Anderson v Colin Lloyd
All games the best of seven sets

JOHN PART 4-2 KEVIN PAINTER
(2-3, 3-2, 3-1, 2-3, 3-2, 3-2)
JOHN PART remains on course to win his fourth World Championship title after overcoming Kevin Painter in the last 16 of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with tough 4-2 victory.

The Canadian, who has previously tasted glory in the 1994 Lakeside Championship and 2003 and 2008 PDC World Championships, came from a set down to end Painter’s recent winning run.

Part led 2-1 in the early stages but missed a dart at double top in the fourth set to allow Painter to level the match, but he edged the next two sets to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since his 2008 triumph.

“We were both working really hard out there and it was a tough game to play,” said the three-time World Champion, who will now face James Wade for a semi-final place.

“Kevin and I have a lot of history in the World Championship and we have a great deal of respect for each other. I have beaten him in two semi-finals and that was a good feeling going into this match.

“The key to the match was that I hit my doubles when I needed to and took out some big shots at vital times, which got me over the finishing line.”

Painter started confidently with a 12-dart finish, which included a 180 with his first three darts of the match and a 100 checkout.

The second leg saw Painter miss the bullseye for a 170 checkout, and Part stepped in on double eight before securing a break of throw in the next by landing double nine with his first dart.

Painter hit a second 180 in the fourth leg to pressure on Part, which he succumbed to as his attempt at double eight fell into double 16, and the Daventry-based thrower took out a two-dart 63 finish to level before landing double 18 in the decider to claim an early advantage.

The three-time World Champion defied a maximum from Painter to hold throw at the start of set two, before Painter took the second leg after Part was guilty of missing five darts at doubles.

Both players began the third with 180s, before Painter fired in another to leave an opportunity of recording a nine-dart finish.

Painter’s attempt at a seventh treble 20 failed to hit the target, and he then missed two darts at double 16, allowing Part to snatch the leg by landing double top with his third dart.

Painter hit a 13-dart finish to take the fourth leg, which included his sixth 180 of the game, before Part hit the same double to win the set and level the match.

The Canadian began the third set in superb fashion by recording a fantastic 161 checkout to win the first leg against the darts.

Part, who defeated Richie Burnett in the second round, took the second after Painter missed two darts at doubles.

Painter hit double 16 to take the third leg before Part pinned the same double in the next to take the set and lead the match for the first time.

Part hit an excellent 127 checkout to win the first leg of the fourth set but Painter landed double top to claim the second in 13 darts, and hit the same bed to win the next against the darts.

The fourth leg saw Painter miss a dart at double top to win the set, and Part accepted the reprieve to hit double eight and force another decider.

Painter missed a dart at the bullseye in the deciding leg, but Part missed a dart at double top to move 3-1 up and the 2004 runner-up hit double eight with his first dart to level the match at two sets apiece.

The Canadian secured a break of throw at the start of set five by hitting double ten after Painter missed double top.

Part was off-target with three chances to take the second leg, allowing Painter to level as he landed double eight with an accurate third dart.

Painter hit an excellent 121 checkout to break his opponent’s throw but Part immediately hit back to take the next by landing double six and showed his class in the decider to record a 104 checkout to win the set and move ahead for the second time.

Part won the first leg of the sixth set – his third in a row – before Painter registered a 126 checkout to take the second.

Part moved one leg away from the match by landing double four for a 13-darter, but Painter replied in kind to take the fourth and keep his challenge alive.

The deciding leg saw the Canadian hit two 140s to forge ahead, and an accurate attempt at double ten ended the contest.

“We were pretty tight in that match and it was a traditional game of darts which I enjoyed playing in,” added Part. “I could have made life easier for myself but I got on with the game and had faith in myself.

Painter, who had won his maiden major title at the Cash Converters Players Championship earlier in December, admitted: “I just didn’t turn up and if I’d hit my doubles I’d have rubbed him out easily, probably 4-1.

“I couldn’t find the treble 20, and my doubles were just on the wrong side of the wire. I’ve given legs to John and I think I’ve given the game away, and you can’t do that at this stage of the World Championship – it’s a wasted opportunity.”

JAMES WADE 4-0 STEVE FARMER
(3-0, 3-1, 3-2, 3-2)
JAMES WADE powered in the quarter-finals of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a straight-sets victory over Steve Farmer.

Wade, looking for his first World Championship crown, won the first two sets, dropping just one leg to his opponent, and establish total command.

Farmer missed one dart to claim both the third and fourth sets, allowing Wade secure a comfortable win and set up a mouth-watering clash against John Part.

“It wasn’t as easy as the scoreline suggests,” said Wade, whose best performance in this tournament is a semi-final appearance back in 2009.

“I feel fine and I’ll just keep playing the way I have been. I’ve only lost one set in three matches so far, so I must be doing something right!

“I’m looking forward to playing John on Friday. We had an epic quarter-final here back in 2008, which he won. I would like to get one back over him this time around.”

Wade, the number three seed for this year’s event, hit double five to take the first leg of the game and defied a maximum from Farmer to win the second on double top for a 13-darter.

Wade, who defeated Jelle Klaasen in straight sets in the second round, fired a 180 of his own in the third leg and won the set by landing double ten with his first dart to establish an early advantage.

Farmer won his first leg of the game at the start of the set two, before Wade hit double nine to take the second and then secured the third by taking out 70 in two darts.

The fourth leg saw Farmer off-target with a dart at double top for a 107 finish, and Wade hit double ten again to take the set and lead 2-0.

Farmer, who defeated Kevin Munch to reach this stage, capitalised on missed doubles from Wade to take the opening leg of the third set with double 12 for a 13-darter.

The Shropshire ace then hit double eight to win the second against the darts, before Wade took the third by landing double top.

Farmer missed a dart at double 18 to win the set in the next leg, which proved crucial as the reigning UK Open champion hit tops and then landed double two with his final dart in the fifth leg to move three sets clear.

Farmer, making his second appearance at Alexandra Palace, held throw at the start of the fourth set and then broke throw after Wade was guilty of missing eight darts at doubles.

Wade hit back from that disappointment to take the third leg with a 14-dart finish and then won the fourth in 12 to move a leg away from victory.

The fifth leg saw Farmer miss a dart at the bullseye for a 132 checkout, and Wade hit a clinical 116 finish to seal a last eight spot.

KIM HUYBRECHTS 4-1 PAUL NICHOLSON
(1-3, 3-1, 3-0, 3-1, 3-1)
KIM HUYBRECHTS secured a famous victory over Paul Nicholson with a 4-1 triumph as he reached the quarter-finals of his debut Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

Nicholson, the number nine seed, made an excellent start to the match as he won four of the first five legs to take the early advantage.

However, Huybrechts – inspired by a brilliant ten-darter in the second set – put together a fantastic run by winning 12 of the next 14 legs to win the next four sets and dump Nicholson out of the event.

The 26-year-old, who only became a full-time professional this summer when he qualified for the European Championship, becomes the first Belgian to reach the quarter-finals of a PDC World Championship in his first appearance at Alexandra Palace.

“I’m on such a high right now, I feel like the happiest man in the world,” said a delighted Huybrechts, who will now face either Dave Chisnall or Andy Hamilton in the quarter-finals.

“The crowd were really behind me today, and the energy they gave me was a real driving force throughout the match.”

Nicholson hit double 16 at the first time of asking to take the opening leg before Huybrechts took the second with an excellent 110 finish.

Nicholson, who defeated Alan Tabern in the second round, bettered that with a 112 checkout to take the third leg, and then landed double four with his third dart to win the set, after Huybrechts missed two darts at double 16.

The ninth seed continued his good finishing form at the start of the second set with a 74 finish, before Huybrechts hit back-to-back 180s to open the next leg.

His hopes of a nine-darter were ended when the seventh attempt at a treble 20 fell below the target, but the Belgian won the leg in ten darts to level the set.

The third leg saw both players struggle to find a winning double, before Huybrechts made Nicholson pay for nine misses by hitting double two.

Huybrechts, who has defeated Brendan Dolan and James Richardson to reach this stage, then won the set by taking out 69 in the fourth leg as he levelled the match.

Huybrechts hit a 13-dart finish to make a positive start to set three and then won his fifth successive leg by landing double 14 with his third dart.

The third leg saw Huybrechts secure a second break of throw in the set, as he took out 67 on double top to move 2-1 up.

Huybrechts made a good start to set four by taking a seventh straight leg with a 14-dart finish before Nicholson stopped the rot with an amazing 170 checkout to level.

The Belgian hit a 180 to reply at the start of the third leg as he edged 2-1 up before landing another maximum in the next to set up a chance to take the set.

After Nicholson missed double five for a 130 checkout, Huybrechts wasted two opportunities at double 16 but was given a reprieve when his opponent missed the single one when needing five, and he returned to land double eight for the set.

Nicholson hit double top to claim the opening leg of set five in 13 darts before Huybrechts took the second with a clinical 94 finish for a 12-dart leg.

The third leg saw Nicholson miss a dart at the bullseye for his second 170 checkout of the game, and he paid for five more missed darts to win the leg as Huybrechts took out 80 to move a leg away from victory.

The Belgian missed a dart at double 16 to close out the match, but Nicholson failed with two darts to keep the game alive, and Huybrechts held his nerve to land double eight with his third dart and claim the win.

“I’m loving it and, who knows, maybe I can win another match. I felt confident throughout this match and the support from the crowd was a positive from me.”

Ally Pally Day 11 – van Gerwen, Whitlock & Lloyd Reach Last 16

steve — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:05:54 +0000

SIMON WHITLOCK continued to defy the pain from a broken ankle as he overcame Steve Beaton 4-1 to reach the third round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship on Wednesday afternoon.

The Australian, who played for the first time since suffering the injury in late October when he hit a 105 average against Dennis Smith in the first round last week, moved into the last 16 at Alexandra Palace with another determined effort.

He capitalised on misses from Beaton to take the first set, hitting back from 2-0 down to edge the set and win the second without reply before Beaton took three successive legs to edge the third in a decider.

However, Beaton paid the price for failing to set up a double in the fourth set’s decider, and instead of pulling back to two-all found himself 3-1 down before Whitlock sealed victory in the next, setting up a third round clash with Michael van Gerwen on Thursday.

“I’m loving every minute of this,” said Whitlock. “It’s great to be back playing again and I live for the game, so to be part of matches like that is brilliant because it was a real struggle, despite the scoreline.

“My leg’s still a big problem and the ankle is swollen, but when I’m playing it doesn’t affect me because the adrenaline takes over.

“I’m only practising for 10-15 minutes at a time, so to play for five sets and longer is a struggle, but when I’m up there I forget about my foot because I’m so focused on the darts.

“I’ll have some physio tonight and see how I pull up ahead of Thursday because I’ve a tough game against Michael van Gerwen. He’s playing the best darts I’ve seen from him for a few years and it should be a great match.”

Van Gerwen won through to the last 16 for the first time at Alexandra Palace with a classy 4-1 win over Mervyn King.

The 22-year-old Dutchman hit finishes of 158 and 148 during the contest to deny King, who hit nine 180s and averaged almost 99 but paid for missing doubles at key times.

“I hit the right shots at the right times and that was important for me,” said van Gerwen.

“I feel confident at the moment. I have reached the third round of this tournament for the first time and I hope to go further.”

The afternoon’s other game saw Colin Lloyd defeat Scott Rand 4-1 to move into the last 16.

After winning two of the opening three sets Lloyd provided a killer blow in the fourth set’s decider, taking out 167 with Rand waiting on a double to level the match, and he won the next set 3-2 to seal the victory.

“I’m over the moon with that,” said Lloyd. “I’m playing pretty well and although it’s not fantastic I’m getting the job done and I can build on this.

“The 167 was a massive shot, to move 3-1 up instead of Scott getting back to two-all, and I know it hurt him.

“I’m enjoying myself and trying to have fun on stage as well but there’s also the serious prize at the end of this tournament, and to become Ladbrokes World Darts Champion is what I’m aiming for.”

Last year’s runner-up Gary Anderson plays South African Devon Petersen in the final second round game, with the winner progressing to play Lloyd on Thursday night.

Reigning champion Adrian Lewis opens the third round games against Wayne Jones, before last year’s semi-finalist Terry Jenkins takes on Justin Pipe.

Ladbrokes World Darts Championship
Wednesday December 28
Afternoon Session
Mervyn King 1-4 Michael van Gerwen
Simon Whitlock 4-1 Steve Beaton
Colin Lloyd 4-1 Scott Rand

Afternoon Session (7pm)
Gary Anderson v Devon Petersen
Third Round
Adrian Lewis v Wayne Jones
Justin Pipe v Terry Jenkins

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN 4-1 MERVYN KING
(3-2, 0-3, 3-1, 3-2, 3-2)
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN secured an excellent 4-1 triumph over the experienced Mervyn King in the second round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship on Wednesday afternoon.

Van Gerwen, who is now the only Dutchman left in the competition, defied nine maximums from his opponent to reach the third round at the Alexandra Palace for the first time.

King, who reached the last four back in 2009, missed chances to win the first and fourth sets, which proved to be vital in the final outcome.

King, who enjoyed a whitewash victory over Australia’s Geoff Kime in the first round, hit a 180 with his first three darts and landed double eight to secure a break of throw after van Gerwen missed three chances to hold in the opening leg.

Van Gerwen hit back superbly by converting a 148 checkout to level and then hit double top at the first time of asking to take the third.

The 22-year-old Dutchman, who defeated Colin Osborne in his first match, missed two darts for the set in the fourth leg and King capitalised by landing double eight to force a decider.

The conclusion to the first set proved to be a dramatic affair, as King missed four darts at double eight to win the set and van Gerwen landed double 16 with his third dart to convert a 74 finish and edge ahead.

King recovered from the loss of the first set to win the second without reply from the young Dutchman to level the match.

The number 12 seed hit a 13-dart finish to win the first leg, and the second followed on double two before King hit double eight to win the set.

Van Gerwen started the third set superbly with a 158 checkout, but King levelled by taking out 86 before the youngster forged ahead again by landing double top with his first dart after the Englishman had missed a dart at the same bed.

The Dutch ace then took out 64 in the next leg to win the set and lead the match for the second time.

Both players held throw in the opening two legs of the fourth set before King landed a fantastic 132 checkout, completed on the bullseye.

King missed two darts to win the set in the fourth leg, and van Gerwen hit a pressure double seven for an 85 finish as he snatched the leg to level.

The deciding leg saw King hit a 180, only for van Gerwen to hit two of his own – but after missing a dart at the bullseye, the Dutchman returned to punish a missed double nine from the world number 12 to square the game and land double eight.

That put van Gerwen 3-1 up, and he managed to hold throw at the start of the fifth set, after King was guilty of missing two more darts at doubles.

King hit double four to claim the second leg before van Gerwen landed double eight to move a leg away from the match.

The Bradwell thrower hit his ninth 180 of the match in process of winning the fourth leg, but two 180s in the decider from van Gerwen, followed by double eight, ended the match.

“I hit the right shots at the right times and that proved to be really important for me,” said van Gerwen, who now faces Simon Whitlock in the third round.

“I feel confident at the moment. I have reached the third round of this tournament for the first time and I hope to go further.”

SIMON WHITLOCK 4-1 STEVE BEATON
(3-2, 3-0, 2-3, 3-2, 3-2)
SIMON WHITLOCK continued to defy the pain of his broken ankle by reaching the last 16 of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a 4-1 triumph against Steve Beaton.

Beaton missed chances to win the opening set and also wasted chances to win two other sets as Whitlock limped through to the third round.

Whitlock, who reached the final at Alexandra Palace two years ago, will now face Michael van Gerwen for a place in the last eight of the tournament, having followed up his 105 average in a first round win over Dennis Smith with another determined display.

“Steve did miss a few chances which could have changed the course of the match,” said Whitlock. “My leg is still hurting, but my throwing arm is absolutely fine, which is the important thing!

“I’m playing Michael next and that will be tough. He’s playing some excellent darts and has just beaten Mervyn King, which is no easy feat.”

Beaton, who came back from the brink of defeat against Magnus Caris in his first round game, won the first leg with an 80 finish and took the second against the darts.

The third leg saw Beaton miss two darts at double top to win the set, and Whitlock managed to take the leg on double six.

Whitlock then hit an excellent 100 checkout, with his opponent waiting on 32, and the Australian landed double 12 to snatch the set, after Beaton missed a dart at the bullseye.

Whitlock, who averaged over 105 against Dennis Smith in the first round, hit a maximum in the process of taking the first leg of set two, and then broke throw in the next with a 15-dart finish.

Beaton stopped the rot by hitting double ten to win his first leg in nine, after Whitlock had missed a dart at double top for the set.

Beaton then won the fourth leg with a 64 finish, after Whitlock was off-target with two more darts to win the set, and the 1996 Lakeside Champion converted a 108 checkout in the deciding leg to win the set and pull back to 2-1.

Whitlock made a positive start to the fourth set, taking the first two legs with the aid of legs of 14 and 11 darts which both featured a maximum, before Beaton took the third after the Australian missed two chances to win the set.

Beaton hit an excellent 121 checkout to take the fourth leg, but was unable to set up a double when attempting to take out 79, and Whitlock hit tops to restore his two-set advantage.

Beaton started the fifth set well with a 12-dart finish to take the first leg before Whitlock levelled by taking out 81 for another 11-darter.

The third leg fell the way of Beaton before Whitlock hit double top with his first dart in the fourth to move a leg away from victory.

The fifth leg saw Beaton crucially miss a dart at tops to win the set and keep the match alive, allowing Whitlock in to hit the same bed and take the win.

“My leg’s still a big problem and the ankle is swollen, but when I’m playing it doesn’t affect me because the adrenaline takes over.

“I’m only practising for 10-15 minutes at a time, so to play for five sets and longer is a struggle, but when I’m up there I forget about my foot because I’m so focused on the darts.

COLIN LLOYD 4-1 SCOTT RAND
(3-1, 2-3, 3-1, 3-2, 3-2)
COLIN LLOYD defeated Scott Rand with an excellent 4-1 win in the second round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

The match turned in Lloyd’s favour when he hit a superb 167 checkout in the deciding leg of the fourth set, as he denied emerging star Rand the chance to level at two sets all.

Lloyd kicked on from a 3-1 lead to take victory, a decade after he reached the semi-finals in his previous best performance in the World Championship.

Colchester’s Lloyd started confidently, hitting a 180 with his first three darts before going on to win the opening leg with a 76 finish to break throw.

Rand, who was hugely impressive in his victory against Andy Smith in the first round, broke back immediately, hitting a 180 of his own in a 14-darter before Lloyd regained the lead by hitting double top with his third dart.

The fourth leg saw Lloyd off-target with four attempts to win the set, but Rand failed to capitalise as he missed four darts at double top to allow him back in on double nine.

Lloyd then took the opening leg of the second set on double top and finished 90 on the bullseye, to win his fourth successive leg before Rand hit double eight to win the next.

Rand hit double 16 to win the fourth leg and then landed double ten with a pressure third dart to level the match, after Lloyd missed a dart at double 14.

The third set began well for Lloyd as he hit double ten to take the first leg, and a 14-dart finish gave him the second.

Rand, who will give up his day job as a lorry driver to become a full-time professional following the World Championship, hit a superb 140 checkout to win the third leg, but a missed dart at double top was costly for the Coventry man, as Lloyd hit double 16 to take the set 3-1.

Rand broke throw at the beginning of set four by hitting double top, but Lloyd claimed the second by landing the same double.

Both players held throw in the next two legs before Lloyd produced a fantastic 167 checkout in the deciding leg to move 3-1 ahead, with Rand waiting on double four to tie the game.

The opening two legs of the fifth set were held with throw before Rand hit back-to-back maximums to leave the opportunity of a nine-dart finish in the third.

The attempt at seventh treble 20 missed its intended target, but the leg was won in 13 darts, as he landed double eight to lead again.

Lloyd took out 64 to win the fourth leg to move a just one away from victory, after Rand was off-target with a dart at bullseye to win the set.

The deciding leg saw Rand miss another dart at the bullseye, and the former world number one hit double five with his third dart to seal victory.

“I’m over the moon with that,” said Lloyd. “I’m playing pretty well and although it’s not fantastic I’m getting the job done and I can build on this.

“Scott gave me a few chances, but the 167 was a massive shot to move 3-1 up instead of him getting back to two-all, and I know it hurt him.

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

Ally Pally Day 10 – Evening Session, Taylor KO’d by Dave Chisnall

steve — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:36:49 +0000

DAVE CHISNALL sensationally knocked Phil Taylor out of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a stunning 4-1 triumph at Alexandra Palace on Tuesday night.

The 15-time World Champion suffered defeat in the last 32 of the £1 million tournament for the first time since the PDC’s formation 19 years ago as the St Helens ace picked up the biggest win of his career.

Chisnall averaged 99.05 to Taylor’s 100.32, but crucially punished missed doubles from Taylor, who hit only ten from 31 attempts during the game in failing to reach at least the quarter-finals for the first time.

Taylor missed darts to win the first set and, after winning the second 3-2 lost the third and fourth in a decider to lead himself 3-1 down, before Chisnall edged in front in set five before sealing an amazing win in 13 darts.

“This is the best night of my career so far,” said Chisnall. “It’s a great feeling and I’m over the moon.

“I’ve been waiting to play Phil all year and I just took this as another game, I thought I’d play the dartboard and not the player and I didn’t think about beating Phil Taylor, just about winning the game.”

Taylor admitted: “Dave was the better player and deserved to win. Missing an 87 finish in the first leg knocked my confidence and I couldn’t get it out of my head for a few legs, when I usually forget about it.

“Dave finished better than me and took the chances that he had, and he was brilliant. I’ve got to go away and work to put things right for 2012 and I’m going to work harder than ever to do that.”

Chisnall now meets another Stoke star, Andy Hamilton, in the last 16 on Thursday, while he was joined in the third round by Kim Huybrechts and Paul Nicholson on Tuesday night.

Belgian newcomer Huybrechts followed up his first round whitewash of Brendan Dolan by seeing off James Richardson 4-1.

Richardson had caused a sensation of his own with victory over Raymond van Barneveld nine days earlier, but was unable to repeat the performance as Huybrecht’s impressive emergence continued.

He now plays Nicholson in the third round, with the number nine seed having seen off Alan Tabern in straight sets, dropping only three legs in a high-quality performance.

Earlier in the day, Hamilton had come from 3-2 down to defeat Vincent van der Voort 4-3 in a thriller, while John Part defeated Richie Burnett 4-1 and Terry Jenkins saw off Co Stompe by the same scoreline, with the Dutchman suffering from a hand injury he sustained when bitten by a neighbour’s dog on Christmas Eve.

Gary Anderson, the new 3/1 favourite with Ladbrokes to take the title on Monday January 2, returns to Alexandra Palace on Wednesday when he takes on South Africa’s Devon Petersen in one of the four remaining second round games.

Mervyn King meets Michael van Gerwen in the afternoon session’s opening clash, with Simon Whitlock – who hit the highest average of the first round despite his recent broken ankle – playing Steve Beaton and Colin Lloyd facing Scott Rand.

James Wade has been installed as the 9/2 second favourite behind Anderson, with Adrian Lewis 5/1, Simon Whitlock 7/1, Dave Chisnall 8/1 and Paul Nicholson 10/1.

Ladbrokes World Darts Championship
Tuesday December 27
Afternoon Session
Second Round
Terry Jenkins 4-1 Co Stompe
Richie Burnett 1-4 John Part
Vincent van der Voort 3-4 Andy Hamilton

Evening Session
James Richardson 1-4 Kim Huybrechts
Phil Taylor 1-4 Dave Chisnall
Paul Nicholson 4-0 Alan Tabern

Wednesday December 28
Afternoon Session (1pm)
Mervyn King v Michael van Gerwen
Simon Whitlock v Steve Beaton
Colin Lloyd v Scott Rand

Evening Session (7pm)
Gary Anderson v Devon Petersen
Third Round
Adrian Lewis v Wayne Jones
Justin Pipe v Terry Jenkins

KIM HUYBRECHTS 4-1 JAMES RICHARDSON
(3-2, 1-3, 3-2, 3-0, 3-2)
KIM HUYBRECHTS continued his dream Alexandra Palace debut at the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a 4-1 victory over giant-killer James Richardson.

The match was finely balanced at one set apiece before the Belgian powered through the next three sets, taking nine of the next 13 legs to progress, ending the match with three-dart average over 95.

Huybrechts, who has only dropped one set in the tournament so far, will now face Paul Nicholson for a place in the last eight in his first World Championship appearance.

Both players held throw at the start of the match by hitting double 16 before Huybrechts, who recorded an impressive victory over Brendan Dolan in the first round, took out 66 to win the third leg.

Richardson hit a pressure double ten in the next, with his opponent waiting on double 16, but the Belgian hit double eight in the fifth leg to win the set, after both players had missed previous opportunities to claim an early lead.

Richardson, who recorded a famous victory against five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld in round one, hit double 16 to make a positive start to the second, before Huybrechts held throw to take the second.

The Belgian missed three darts to break throw in the third leg, which Richardson won by landing double four with his third dart.

The Northamptonshire player then won the set with a superb 140 checkout as he levelled the match.

Huybrechts hit a maximum in the process of winning the first leg of set three, and then hit a 100 checkout to take the second.

Richardson hit back well by taking the next with an 80 finish against the darts, and then won the fourth on double 18.

However, Huybrechts hit a clinical 12-dart finish in the deciding leg to lead for the second time, before starting the fourth set with a 14-darter.

Huybrechts hit double 16 to take the second and then won his fourth leg in a row by hitting the same bed to move two sets clear.

The Belgian hit double ten to make a winning start to the fifth set before Richardson stopped the rot by taking out 62 to win the second.

Huybrechts won the third leg to move within touching distance of victory but Richardson took the fourth, landing double ten with his third dart, after the Belgian missed a dart at double top for the match.

Huybrechts missed another dart for victory in the deciding leg, but Richardson was off-target with his attempt at double 16 and the Belgian returned to hit double 12 with his third dart and seal his third round place

“I was feeling really good out there, and I played well tonight,” said a delighted Huybrechts.

“The crowd was very much with James, but I kept my head, took my chances and got the win. I’m loving it on stage and I’m really looking forward to my next match now.”

Richardson admitted: “Kim was by far the better player tonight, and outplayed me for much of the game.

“I wasn’t affected after the huge reaction after my win over Raymond van Barneveld. I felt ready for the challenge, but lost to the better player on the night.

“If you’d told me when I came through Qualifying School back in January that I’d beat Raymond van Barneveld in the World Championship in my first year I’d have bitten your hand off but it’s been great.

“My aim is to press on towards the top 32 over the next year, and I’ve shown that I’ve got the game to do that in this tournament.”

DAVE CHISNALL 4-1 PHIL TAYLOR
(3-2, 2-3, 3-2, 3-2, 3-1)
DAVE CHISNALL created one of the biggest shocks in Ladbrokes World Darts Championship history with an amazing 4-1 triumph against Phil Taylor at Alexandra Palace.

The 31-year-old from St Helens stunned the 15-time World Champion with the best display of his career, with Taylor suffering defeat in the last 32 of this event for the first time since its inception in late 1993.

Chisnall took the first set before Taylor hit-back to claim the second, but the former Lakeside Championship finalist won the next three sets for an amazing triumph.

“I fully believed that I could beat Phil tonight,” said Chisnall, who now faces Andy Hamilton in the third round on Thursday.

“I threw really well, and took my chances when Phil was missing doubles. I did get a bit nervy towards the end but I got the job done and I believe I can win this tournament.”

Taylor hit a 180 in the first leg but missed two chances to win it, allowing Chisnall to hit double ten to hold throw.

Taylor hit the same double to take the second before Chisnall, who defeated 2004 finalist Mark Dudbridge in the first round, recorded an 88 finish to win the third.

Taylor won the fourth leg on double 16, but missed a dart at double top to win the set, and the St Helens man held his nerve to hit double eight and edge a tight opening set.

Taylor made a winning start to the second set by landing double 16, but then missed two darts to break throw in the next, allowing Chisnall to hit double ten and level.

Taylor won the third leg, which included a 180, but he missed a dart at double top to win the set in the fourth, and Chisnall hit double 18 to force a decider.

Taylor was first to a finish in the fifth leg, but was off-target with two darts at double top to give Chisnall his chance when needing a 108 finish.

However, Chisnall calmly slotted the treble 19 with his first dart, but missed single 19 to leave 32 in denying himself a chance to double his lead, and Taylor returned to hit double eight to level the match.

Taylor secured the first break of throw in the match at the start of the third set, but Chisnall immediately hit back to claim the second leg.

Chisnall hit an excellent 119 checkout to take the third leg before missing a dart at double 18 for a 144 finish in the fourth.

Taylor stepped in to hit double eight to force another deciding leg, which Chisnall won by landing double four with a pressure third dart to lead the match for the second time.

He then broke Taylor’s throw at the start of the fourth set, only for the world number one to bounce back in style by hitting an 11-dart finish to take the second.

Taylor won the third leg on double 16 after Chisnall missed three darts to secure another break of throw.

Chisnall hit double top to win the fourth leg and landed a timely maximum in the deciding leg, followed by double top to move 3-1 ahead.

Chisnall began the fifth set in positive fashion with a 14-dart finish to win the first leg, before Taylor hit double top at the first time of asking to level.

Chisnall took out 67 to win the third leg, again in 14 darts, and then hit back-to-back 180s to leave an opportunity of winning the match with a nine-dart finish.

That dream was quashed after his attempt at a seventh treble 20 was off-target, and Chisnall then missed two opportunities at double 12 to win the match.

However, Taylor could not accept the reprieve as he missed two darts at double top, and Chisnall returned to land double six to complete a huge upset.

“This is the best night of my career so far,” said Chisnall. “It’s a great feeling and I’m over the moon.

“I thought I’d blown it when I missed the double 12 in the last leg but he missed and I got the double six.”

Taylor admitted: “Dave was by far the better player tonight and deserved to win

“Missing an 87 finish in the first leg knocked my confidence and I couldn’t get it out of my head for a few legs, when I usually forget about it.

PAUL NICHOLSON 4-0 ALAN TABERN
(3-0, 3-0, 3-2, 3-1)
PAUL NICHOLSON produced an impressive display to reach the last 16 of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a straight-sets victory over Alan Tabern.

Nicholson won the opening six legs of the match to take full command and dropped just three legs in total during a fine performance.

The 2010 Players Championship Finals winner will now face Belgian Kim Huybrechts for a place in the quarter-finals on Thursday, as he bids to record his second major title.

Nicholson, who defeated Mensur Suljovic in his first match, made an excellent start by taking the opening two legs, which included a break of throw in the second following missed doubles from Tabern.

The number nine seed then hit double top at the first time of asking to win the set without reply with a second 13-dart finish of the game, and hit double 16 to make a winning start to the second.

Nicholson then hit a 106 checkout to win his fifth successive leg, which was followed by double 20 to seal a 2-0 lead.

The third set began with Nicholson missing six darts to extend his lead further, and Tabern landed double four to finally get a chalk on the scoreboard.

The left-hander then missed two darts at double 16 to win the second leg, which Nicholson stepped in to win with a clinical two-dart 80 finish.

Both players held their throws in the next two legs before Nicholson recorded a third 180 of the match in the fifth leg, and hit double four to move three sets clear.

Nicholson won the opening leg of set four against the darts, and then hit a clinical 112 checkout to move a leg away from victory.

Nicholson hit a maximum at the start of the third leg and left 16 after 12 darts thrown, but Tabern took hit back with a superb 103 checkout to keep the match alive.

However, Nicholson was not to be denied as he fired in another 180, followed by landing double 16 at the first time of asking to end the contest.

“I was feeling a little under the weather coming into the game and I rested over Christmas, got my mind right and that showed in my performance,” said Nicholson.

“I kept my head down and did the job. I knew that Alan was struggling but if I gave him a sniff he could have come back into it, and I didn’t do that.

“I’ve got a bit of experience and I’ve got to utilise that. I was proud of a couple of the ton-plus finishes there and I made the most of my chances.”

Nicholson added: “I think the tournament is starting to show the strength in depth in this sport.

“I’m the kind of person who wants to take this sport forwards, and people like Kim Huybrechts, Dave Chisnall and myself showed tonight that we can dominate sessions and make the most of our opportunities.

“I’ve got to know Kim quite well since the European Championship in July and he’s a nice kid, but I’m going to have to take him out. This tournament is what I want and he’s standing in my way.”

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

Ally Pally Day 10 – Afternoon Session, Wins for Jenkins, Part & Hamilton

steve — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:25:38 +0000

JOHN PART continued his bid for glory in the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a comprehensive victory over Richie Burnett as the £1 million tournament resumed on Tuesday, and he was joined in the last 16 by Andy Hamilton and Terry Jenkins.

Three-time World Champion Part will now face Kevin Painter in the third round at London’s Alexandra Palace following a clinical display against Burnett.

Canadian star Part won the first three sets by taking nine of the game’s first ten legs, with Burnett’s only chalk coming courtesy of a 136 checkout.

Although the Welshman rallied briefly to take the fourth set without reply and then led in the fifth, Part took three successive legs to seal his last 16 spot.

“I took my opportunities early on and the only time I wobbled was in the fourth set, and he took the momentum,” said Part.

“Maybe Richie was trying too hard and I know he can play better than that, but I think I did well to close it out in the fifth set.

“I’m working hard, trying to win matches and not taking anything for granted. I’m fighting up there like anybody else, and every match I win and every leg I take feels good.”

Andy Hamilton came from 3-2 down to win a seven-set thriller against Dutchman Vincent van der Voort, as he reached the last 16 for the third time in four years.

The Stoke ace defied three ton-plus finishes from van der Voort as he won the last two sets 3-2 and 3-1 to set up a third round game with either Phil Taylor or Dave Chisnall on Thursday.

“I felt I was struggling a bit in the opening two sets,” admitted Hamilton. “I was chasing the game all the time, but I’m a fighter and I kept fighting.

“It was a great match to be involved in and I’m delighted to have won it. I wasn’t aggressive in the first couple of sets but I need to be pumped up and I’ll have that in the next game.”

Terry Jenkins, a semi-finalist last year, moved through to the third round by seeing off Co Stompe 4-1.

Jenkins impressed as he took a three-set lead, hitting four ton-plus finishes and averaging well over 100 for most of a spell which saw him win nine of the game’s first 11 legs.

Stompe – who was affected by an injury to his throwing hand suffered when he was bitten by a dog on Christmas Eve – hit back to win the fourth set 3-2, but Jenkins recovered to edge the next and seal a last 16 place against Justin Pipe.

“I got off to a flying start, which is something you have to do against players like Co,” said Jenkins. “I knew the injury hadn’t affected Co and he was throwing well, and that showed in his display.

“I’m feeling great. I’m practising well and hitting a lot of 180s, and as long as they are going in and double top then I’m pretty confident.”

Tuesday’s evening session features 15-time World Champion Phil Taylor up against Alexandra Palace newcomer Dave Chisnall, while Paul Nicholson plays Alan Tabern and James Richardson takes on Kim Huybrechts.

Ladbrokes World Darts Championship
Tuesday December 27
Second Round
Afternoon Session
Terry Jenkins 4-1 Co Stompe
Richie Burnett 1-4 John Part
Vincent van der Voort 3-4 Andy Hamilton

Evening Session (7pm)
James Richardson v Kim Huybrechts
Phil Taylor v Dave Chisnall
Paul Nicholson v Alan Tabern

TERRY JENKINS 4-1 CO STOMPE
(3-0, 3-1, 3-1, 2-3, 3-2)
TERRY JENKINS reached the last 16 of the 2012 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a 4-1 victory over Co Stompe, as the action resumed at Alexandra Palace after the Christmas break.

Jenkins, a semi-finalist 12 months ago, produced some superb darts in the early stages of the match – averaging almost 120 across the first two sets and losing just two legs in the process of taking a 3-0 lead.

Stompe – hampered by an injury to his right hand, after being bitten by a neighbour’s dog in Holland on Christmas Eve – edged the fourth set and had chances to extend the contest.

But six missed darts at doubles in deciding leg of set five proved costly, allowing Jenkins to close out the match and set up a third round clash with Justin Pipe.

Jenkins opened the match superbly with an 11-dart finish before firing in a maximum at the start of the second leg.

Stompe had the first chance at a finish, but his attempt at double top was off-target and Jenkins hit the same bed to secure an early break of throw before following a third maximum in as many legs with a 116 checkout to take the first set in just 37 darts, with legs of 11, 14 and 12 darts.

The tenth seed, who defeated Joe Cullen in the first round, continued his excellent form at the start of the second, with a 104 finish, to take the opening leg.

The second leg also fell in favour of Jenkins before Stompe managed to get off the mark by landing double top to take third leg, after Jenkins was off-target with two chances to win the set.

But the man from Ledbury made no mistake in the fourth leg, which was won in 13 darts as he increased his lead to 2-0 and left Stompe under heavy pressure.

Jenkins hit a two-dart 100 finish to make a winning start to the third set, before Stompe took the second leg with the aid of a 180.

Jenkins won the third leg on double four, after Stompe missed tops for a 112 finish, and returned to hit a superb 126 checkout, on the bullseye, to win the set for a 3-0 lead.

Both players held throw in the opening two legs of set four, before Stompe hit a 97 finish to take the third, after Jenkins missed two darts to break.

Jenkins hit double eight to move one leg away from the match, but a dart at double top to win the match fell short of the target.

Stompe accepted the reprieve to hit double ten to nick the set, before taking the first leg of the sixth set, after Jenkins was guilty of missing four darts at doubles.

Jenkins took the second leg with a 14-dart finish, only for Stompe to win the next with a 96 checkout, hitting double 18 with his third dart.

Jenkins won the fourth leg with the aid of his sixth maximum, but missed a dart at double top for match in the deciding leg.

Stompe, though, was unable to make his opponent pay, as the Dutchman missed six darts at doubles keep the match alive, and Jenkins hit double ten to end the contest.

“In the early part of the match I produced the kind form I was showing in the practice room,” said Jenkins, who now plays Justin Pipe for a place in the quarter-finals.

“I didn’t get too worried when Co started to play better, as I had established that three-set cushion – although I will admit it was tough to cross that finishing line!”

“I got off to a flying start, which is something you have to do against players like Co. I knew the injury hadn’t affected Co and he was throwing well, and that showed in his display.”

He added: “I’m feeling great. I’m practising well and hitting a lot of 180s, and as long as they are going in and double top then I’m pretty confident.

“I’ve played Justin Pipe a few times and you’ve got to prepare yourself to play him. He is slow, but I don’t find him too slow and it will be a good game.”

Stompe said: “I didn’t play all that bad in the first three sets but Tery was awesome. I fought back and could have made it 3-2, but we’ll never know if it would have been different if I wasn’t injured.

“It hurt a little bit and it was stiff, and I couldn’t follow straight through. I felt the injury with every dart I threw at a double because that’s when you’re under pressure, but it’s no excuse – Terry was just superb.”

JOHN PART 4-1 RICHIE BURNETT
(3-1, 3-0, 3-0, 0-3, 3-1)
JOHN PART ended the hopes of Richie Burnett with a convincing 4-1 win in the second round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

Canada’s three-time World Champion won nine of the first ten legs to take a 3-0 lead and establish a commanding advantage in the contest with some clinical finishing.

Burnett staged a brief revival to win the fourth set only, for Part to close out the game in the next, to seal a place in the last 16 against Kevin Painter on Thursday.

“I felt good coming into the match, knowing the fact that I have managed to defeat Richie every time we have played,” said Part.

“I took my opportunities early on and the only time I wobbled was in the fourth set, and he took the momentum.

“Maybe Richie was trying too hard and I know he can play better than that, but I think I did well to close it out in the fifth set.

“I’m working hard, trying to win matches and not taking anything for granted. I’m fighting up there like anybody else, and every match I win and every leg I take feels good.”

Part hit double six to take the first leg of the game against the darts and the second also fell in the Canadian’s favour.

Burnett won the third with a fabulous 136 checkout, before Part hit double 16 at the first time of asking to win the opening set.

Part hit a maximum in the process of taking the first leg of the second set, and landed another in the next, followed by a 76 finish, to break throw.

Part, who defeated Scotland’s John Henderson in his first round match, missed six darts to win the set, but Burnett could not capitalise with two chances of his own as the Canadian took the opportunity to hit double four to win the set.

He then recorded a clinical two-dart 75 finish to make a positive start to set three, and both players missed chances to take the second leg before Part hit double five with his third dart to take a third successive leg.

Burnett hit a 180 in the next, but missed three more darts at doubles, and Part landed double eight to move further clear.

The Welshman, who defeated fellow countryman Mark Webster in a tough five-set battle in the first round, put together some excellent form in set four to reduce the deficit.

He hit a 65 finish to take the opening leg, and followed that by taking the next two legs in 13 and 14 darts to ignite his hopes of a comeback.

Burnett won his fourth straight leg at the start of the fifth set with an excellent 120 checkout, before both players hit 180s in the next.

Part, though, won it on double eight and then secured a vital break of throw in the next, by hitting double top with his third dart, after Burnett was off-target with three attempts at doubles.

That put the three-time World Champion one leg away from victory, and after Burnett missed a dart at double top, Part stepped in to close out the game on double 16.

Part meets recent Cash Converters Players Championship winner Kevin Painter in Thursday’s third round, and added: “I know that Kevin is playing the best darts of his life right now, and our game on Thursday will be a very tough test for me.

“I’ve played Kevin in two World Championship semi-finals in 2003 and 2008, and I have gone on to win the title on both occasions. That says something for both of us spanning a period of time.

“I’ve had the better of it but he’s just won a major so it’s anybody’s game. I feel pretty good but I’m sure he’s feeling about as good as he’s ever felt and I’ll have to earn it.”

ANDY HAMILTON 4-3 VINCENT VAN DER VOORT
(2-3, 3-0, 2-3, 3-2, 0-3, 3-2, 3-1)
ANDY HAMILTON came from 3-2 down to win the final two sets of a dramatic last 32 clash against Vincent van der Voort in the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace on Tuesday afternoon.

Van der Voort led the match on three occasions, only to see Hamilton hit back on each occasion before claiming the final set 3-1 to reach the third round, where he will face either Phil Taylor or Dave Chisnall.

“I felt I was struggling a bit in the opening two sets,” admitted Hamilton. “I was chasing the game all the time, but I’m a fighter and I kept fighting.

“It was a great match to be involved in and I am delighted to have won it and reach the next round.”

Both players held throw at the start of the match, before Hamilton claimed a break of throw in the third with an accurate attempt at double eight.

Van der Voort responded immediately by hitting double four to break, before a dramatic deciding leg saw the Stoke ace just miss a dart at bullseye for a 161 checkout only to see the Dutchman hit the bed to complete an 83 finish to pinch the set.

Hamilton recovered from that disappointment to win the first two legs of the second set, to take an early advantage.

Hamilton, who came through a five-set match against the excellent Antonio Alcinas in the first round, then hit double ten in the third leg, to win the set without reply and level the match.

Van der Voort started the third set confidently, with an 11-dart finish, but Hamilton took the second in the same manner by taking out 98.

The Dutchman then finished 86 to lead again, but Hamilton held throw with a 100 checkout to claim the fourth leg in 12 darts.

The deciding leg saw van der Voort miss three darts to win the set, but Hamilton could not set up an opportunity at a double and he returned to hit double two to lead the match for the second time.

Hamilton won the opening leg of set four on double 16 before the Dutchman claimed the second by taking out 65 in two darts, but van der Voort missed the bull for a 123 finish in the third as the Stoke ace stepped in on double ten.

The fourth leg saw van der Voort hit his first 180 of the game, and he followed that with a superb 121 checkout for a 12-darter to leve the set.

However, the deciding leg saw the Dutchman miss a dart at double 16 to win the set, and Hamilton held his nerve to hit double top and leave the match finely balanced at two apiece.

Van der Voort hit a 110 checkout to kick off the fifth set and then converted a 72 finish in two darts to take the next.

The Dutchman then won the third leg with a 13-darter to win the set without reply, landing double 12 for the second consecutive leg to regain the lead once more.

Hamilton was off-target with darts at doubles in first leg of the sixth set, but van der Voort missed six chances of his own to allow the Stoke man to take the leg on double two.

Van der Voort hit back with a superb 148 checkout to take the second leg, but Hamilton hit an accomplished 13-dart finish to lead again.

The Dutchman hit double eight to force a deciding leg with a 13-darter of his own, before Hamilton kicked off leg five with back-to-back maximums.

His hopes of a nine-darter were extinguished when his seventh dart missed the treble 20, but the leg was won in 12 darts, completed by landing double four, as he levelled the match for a third time.

Both players held their throws at the start of the final set, before van der Voort missed three darts at doubles, allowing his opponent to secure a vital break of throw and move a leg away from the match at 2-1.

The fourth leg saw Hamilton hit a superb 174 to leave 36, only for van der Voort to hit a 180 in reply to leave the same score.

Hamilton had first opportunity at the double, and he calmly slotted double 18 at the first time of asking to end a thrilling match and ensure his place in the third round.

“It was a great atmosphere and Vincent had some fantastic support, but I made that into a positive,” he added.

“I wasn’t aggressive in the first couple of sets but I need to be pumped up and I’ll have that in the next game against either Phil Taylor or Dave Chisnall.

“I’m not scared of Phil and it will be great if we play in the next round – two Stoke guys together – but I’d also love to follow Phil and Adrian Lewis and be the next World Champion from Stoke.”

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

Ally Pally Day 9 – Painter, Wade, & Farmer Progress to Last 16

steve — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 01:15:38 +0000

WORLD number three James Wade powered into the third round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a straight sets victory over Jelle Klaasen on Friday night, as Kevin Painter and Steve Farmer joined him in the last 16 at Alexandra Palace.

Wade, who claimed the UK Open title for a second time in June to cement his status as the PDC’s second most successful player behind Phil Taylor, continued his bid for a maiden World Championship in style against the Dutchman.

The left-hander dropped only four legs in the match and averaged almost 96, although it was his clinical finishing which sent Klaasen packing, as he hit 12 from 21 attempts at doubles during the game, including six from six at double ten.

“It’s great to be through and I can enjoy Christmas now,” said Wade.

“My performance was good enough to win this game but I expected more from Jelle. After Christmas I’ve got to knuckle down because I don’t think that performance will win me this title.

“At 2-0 up I lost my concentration but I’ll get on with the game next time. I’ll push on now and give it my best.”

Wade now meets Steve Farmer in the last 16 on December 29, after the Shropshire ace defeated German newcomer Kevin Munch 4-2.

Munch had seen off Malaysian Lee Choon Peng in the preliminary round last week and received a walkover when Denis Ovens withdrew from their first round game with a back injury, and impresed in taking two of the first three sets.

Farmer hit back to win the fourth 3-2 and then broke throw twice to win the fifth and lead the game for the first time, before defying finishes of 121 and 143 from the German youngster to take the next set and triumph.

“It’s the best feeling in the world to be in the last 16, but it was a struggle,” said Farmer. “I’d never heard of Kevin before the tournament and thought I’d win it 4-0, but the flow wasn’t there for me.

“Kevin played quite well and put me under pressure, but I think my experience told in the end. I’ll have a nice Christmas now, relax and put plenty of practice in, and it should be a great game against James.”

Earlier in the night, Kevin Painter continued the form which took him to the Cash Converters Players Championship title earlier this month by seeing off Mark Walsh 4-3.

Painter took out finishes of 120 and 112 in taking the opening set and, after Walsh levelled, he won six out of seven legs to move 3-1 up.

After Painter missed two darts to win the game 4-1, Walsh hit back to force a deciding set, but the 2004 finalist was aided by a key 134 checkout as he took the seventh set 3-0 to progress.

“I’m going to have a nice Christmas now and know I’m in the third round,” said Painter, who meets John Part or Richie Burnett in the third round. “I’ve got six days off now and I’m looking forward to coming back next week.

“Maybe a couple of years ago I’d have lost this game, but things are going well for me, I’ve got a lot of fight in me and I’m confident in what I’m doing.”

The tournament will resume following its Christmas break on December 27, with six games split across two sessions, which include 15-time World Champion Phil Taylor against Dave Chisnall.

Terry Jenkins plays Co Stompe in the opening game of the day, with Burnett and Part clashing in a battle of former World Champions before Vincent van der Voort and Andy Hamilton meet in the afternoon’s other game.

James Richardson will look to follow up his sensational first round win over Raymond van Barneveld with victory over Belgian Kim Huybrechts in the evening session’s opening game, with Paul Nicholson and Alan Tabern clashing after Taylor faces Chisnall.

Ladbrokes World Darts Championship
Second Round
Friday December 23
Mark Walsh 3-4 Kevin Painter
James Wade 4-0 Jelle Klaasen
Steve Farmer 4-2 Kevin Munch

KEVIN PAINTER 4-3 MARK WALSH
(3-2, 1-3, 3-1, 3-0, 2-3, 2-3, 3-0)
KEVIN PAINTER claimed a place in the last 16 of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a 4-3 victory over Mark Walsh as he continued his run of form.

Painter – who won the Cash Converters Players Championship earlier this month – led the match 3-1 and looked on course to take victory in the fifth set when he had two darts at double top to win the match, only to miss and allow Walsh to hit back.

The Hertfordshire ace won the next two sets to level, only to see Painter take the decider 3-0 to set up a third round meeting with either John Part or Richie Burnett.

“I’m going to have a nice Christmas now and know I’m in the third round,” said Painter. “I’ve got six days off now and I’m looking forward to coming back next week.

“Maybe a couple of years ago I’d have lost this game, but things are going well for me, I’ve got a lot of fight in me and I’m confident in what I’m doing.

“Mark made me fight all the way but in the last set I knew I had to hold throw, and the 134 to break him in the last set was an incredible shot – all three darts were in the middle and it was a great shot which turned the match.

“I know I’ve got to improve, and I was pretty poor at times in different places. I’ve got to work on that, but maybe I was a little bit too relaxed and maybe I’ve got to concentrate a little bit more.”

Walsh hit a 180 with his first three darts, but missed doubles proved expensive as Painter hit a 120 checkout to start the match confidently.

Walsh took the second leg before Painter, who came through a four-set tussle against Arron Monk in the first round, forged ahead again by taking third.

Walsh held throw for a second time to take the fourth, before Painter took the set in the deciding leg with an excellent 112 finish.

Walsh hit a maximum in the process of taking the first leg of set two, before Painter hit double 16 at the first time of asking to claim the second.

Walsh hit double eight to win the third leg and took the next by landing double ten to level the match, after Painter missed double top for a 118 finish.

Both players held throw in the opening two legs of set three, and Painter continued that trend by taking out 71 to win the third.

The fourth leg saw the Daventry-based thrower hit a 96 finish, landing double 18 with his third dart to lead for the second time.

Painter hit double 16 to make a winning start to the fourth set, before hitting the same bed to win the second leg, which included a 180.

Painter then won the set with a superb 11-dart finish to move further clear of his opponent, as an 81 checkout gave him a 3-1 advantage in the match.

Walsh secured a break of throw at the start of the fifth set, but five missed darts to take the second were costly as Painter hit double ten to step in.

Painter won the third leg with a 13-dart finish to move to the brink of victory, before Walsh replied on double 18 to keep his hopes alive.

The deciding leg saw Painter miss two darts at double top to win the match, and Walsh held his nerve with an accurate dart at the same bed to take the set and hit back.

Walsh, seeded 11 for this year’s event, won the first leg on double top before the second saw both players struggle to find the winning double.

Painter missed five chances, but Walsh was off-target with six attempts and was punished as double two put the 2004 finalist level.

Both players held throw in the next two legs, before Walsh took the decider by hitting double four with his first dart, to force a seventh set.

Painter hit double four to win the first leg of the deciding set, and then took the second with the aid of a 180 and a superb 134 checkout.

That put the in-form ace a leg away from a victory which was duly secured as he took out another 81 finish to wrap up his last 16 place.

JAMES WADE 4-0 JELLE KLAASEN
(3-0, 3-1, 3-2, 3-1)
JAMES WADE powered into the third round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a convincing 4-0 triumph over Jelle Klaasen.

The number three seed dropped just four legs during the course of the match and will now face either Steve Farmer for a place in the quarter-finals at Alexandra Palace.

The left-hander averaged almost 96 in taking the win, although it was his clinical finishing which sent Klaasen packing, as he hit 12 from 21 attempts at doubles during the game, including six from six at double ten.

“I felt confident tonight, even though I didn’t produce a great performance,” said the reigning UK Open champion.

“I haven’t produced my best form yet in this World Championship, and that’s a real motivation for me to do well this week.”

Wade held throw in the opening leg, before breaking throw in the next with the aid of a maximum to double his lead.

Both players hit 180s in the third leg, before Wade took it by hitting double ten for the second successive leg to claim the first set comfortably.

The world number three continued his good start to the match by breaking throw at the start of the second set, before hitting double ten again to take the second.

Klaasen converted an 80 finish to record his first leg of the match, but Wade took the fourth on double top to increase his lead to 2-0.

The Dutchman hit a clinical 99 finish to break throw at the beginning of the third set, and then fired a 180 in the process of taking the second in 13 darts.

However, he would be punished for missed darts to win the set in the next two legs, as Wade hit back to level before finishing double ten in the decider to pull clear a 3-0.

Another break of throw for Wade put him in charge of the fourth set, and an 11-dart finish moved him to the brink of victory before Klaasen took the third to keep his hopes alive.

Wade, though, was clinical in completing victory with another 11-darter as he sealed the win in style.

STEVE FARMER 4-2 KEVIN MUNCH
(0-3, 3-2, 2-3, 3-2, 3-0, 3-2)
STEVE FARMER ended the spirited challenge of Germany’s Kevin Munch with a 4-2 victory in the last 32 of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

Munch led the match 2-1 and had chances to lead 3-1, but Farmer edged the fourth set before taking six of the next eight legs to win the match.

The former landscape gardener from Shropshire will now return to Alexandra Palace after Christmas to compete in the third round for the first time, when he takes on number three seed James Wade.

Munch had defeated Malaysia’s Lee Choon Peng in the preliminary round and received a walkover in the first round when Denis Ovens withdrew from their game with a back injury, but showed his quality by winning the game’s first three legs to take the opening set without reply.

Farmer hit a 79 finish to make a positive start to set two, before the German replied by landing double 18 to take the second.

Farmer hit a 177 in the process of taking the third leg, but missed a dart at the bullseye to win the set in the next, and Munch hit double two to level.

The Shropshire thrower held advantage of throw in the deciding leg, and he hit double eight to level the match.

Munch held throw at the start of the third set, but missed three darts at double 16 to claim the second, which Farmer won with a 68 finish.

Farmer, who defeated Ronnie Baxter in the first round, won the third leg against the darts, but missed two darts to win the set in the next, and Munch hit double ten with a pressure third dart to level.

The deciding leg saw Farmer miss three darts to win the set – adding two the two of the previous leg – and Munch hit double 16 to lead the match for the second time.

Both players held throw in the first two legs of set four, before Farmer continued that trend by taking the third and Munch finished 85 for the fourth.

However, the German could not capitalise on seven missed darts for set from his opponent in the decider, allowing Farmer to return and hit double one to square the game.

Farmer then broke throw at the start of the fifth set, before hitting double top with his first darts to take the second.

He then broke the 23-year-old German’s throw for the second time in the set to move 3-2 up, before taking the first leg of the sixth set with a clinical two-dart 97 finish.

Munch hit an excellent 121 checkout to win the second but Farmer moved a leg away from the match by winning the third with an 80 finish.

The fourth leg saw Farmer leave 84 after 12 darts, but Munch took out a fabulous 143 checkout to keep the game alive.

Farmer was first to a finish in the fifth, and he landed double 16 to win the match and set up a third round clash against James Wade.

“It’s the best feeling in the world to be in the last 16, but it was a struggle,” said Munch. “I’d never heard of Kevin before the tournament and thought I’d win it 4-0, but the flow wasn’t there for me.

“Kevin played quite well and put me under pressure, but I think my experience told in the end.

“I’m going to try to take each game as it comes and I’ll definitely play better than that in the last 16 against James, and it will be a great game. I’ll have a nice Christmas now, relax and put plenty of practice in.”

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig