Taylor’s dominance of the double-start tournament continued as he won back the £100,000 title in style to claim his third successive major, as he followed up the summer’s triumphs in the World Matchplay and European Championship.

Gritty star Dolan had hit a historic nine-darter in Saturday’s semi-final win over reigning champion James Wade, but was unable to repeat the feat as Taylor won his tenth title since the World Grand Prix was introduced in 1998.

Although Dolan won the opening leg, hitting a 180 to the delight of the Dublin crowd, Taylor won the first set 3-1, hitting a brace of double eight finishes as well as producing a whitewash of his opponent with a 12-dart leg as the Northern Irish ace missed nine opening doubles.

Dolan opened the second set with a 160 score, but Taylor fired in a 180 in taking the first leg and also took the next two to double his lead, before finishing 101 to lead in the third with a seventh successive leg.

Dolan, though, hit scores of 180 and 140 in levelling and broke in leg three, before double eight gave him the set to halve the deficit.

Taylor hit double eight and a 120 finish to lead 2-0 in the fourth set, but Dolan brought the Dublin crowd to its feet with a superb 170 checkout in the third.

He also hit a 180 in taking the fourth to level, but was unable to edge a tense deciding leg as Taylor posted double 18 to move 3-1 up.

The fifth set also went to a deciding leg, with Taylor leading 2-1 before Dolan punished two missed darts for the set to force another decider, which he won with an 86 finish after the Englishman missed the bull for a 124 checkout.

Dolan continued to battle despite going 2-0 down in the next, hitting double ten and an 84 finish to level and give himself a chance to square the contest.

But he missed three opening doubles in the fifth leg, with Taylor capitalising through a 160 start and a 171 score before finishing double ten for a 13-darter to take a 4-2 sets lead.

Dolan hit a 180 and double seven to lead in the seventh, but Taylor took out 100 with a pair of double tops in the second, hit a 171 in taking the third and then finished 85 on double six to move a set away from the title.

Dolan led 2-0 in the eighth, finishing a pressure 81 in the first leg before finishing 124 on the bull – but Taylor gave himself a sniff of victory by winning the next two to level, firstly edging a scrappy third on double one before finishing 81 himself after trading 180s with the home favourite.

However, Taylor uncharacteristically missed 11 starting doubles in the set’s deciding leg, allowing Dolan to finish 61 for a 14-darter to win his third set.

Dolan produced a brilliant 11-darter to lead in the ninth set, and after Taylor took out tops in the second he hit a tenth maximum of the game, only to see the world number one finish 83 on the bull to lead 2-1 and move to the brink of victory, which was sealed on tops in the next leg.

“It’s brilliant to win this title again,” said Taylor. “I went throught a wide range of emotions during the game and it was a huge relief to win it in the end.

“At first I thought I’d win 6-0 because he was hitting nothing but then he clicked and the 180s started going in. It was hard work for me tonight but I had to remind myself ‘I’m a champion’ and keep trying to hit him back.

“If it had gone three-all it could have been a different game, and I kept trying to put him under pressure but he coped with it well and there was a brilliant 11-darter there, as well as his cracking 170 finish.

“I’m very proud of Brendan and pleased for him. He’s going to be a handful now and he’s believing in his ability, and put that into practice this week.”

Taylor added: “This title means a huge amount to me. There was a time when I thought I might not win another title again.

“I was struggling a bit last year and people were writing me off but I keep bouncing back. I’m targeting the Grand Slam of Darts next and then building for the World Championship – I’m after getting those trophies back!”

Dolan picked up £40,000 as runner-up, plus a £5,000 bonus for his nine-dart finish, and will also receive an invitation to compete in next month’s Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton after reaching his first major final.

“It’s been a brilliant week,” said Dolan, a former decorator who now moves into the world’s top 32 for the first time. “I’m over the moon to have reached the final.

“After the nine-darter in the semi-finals I had to knuckle down and stay focussed against James and I’m proud of how I kept going and defeated him.

“Nobody likes getting beaten but I’d have bitten off your hand at the start of the week if you said I’d be in the final. Tonight was maybe a step too far but I’m over the moon to have done so well because my form this year hasn’t been great this year.

“I’ve knuckled down, analysed my throw, changed things and it worked for me. Phil’s always changing things to make himself a better player and that inspired me – he’s a genuis.

“The crowd this week have been phenomenal and they’ve pushed me through, they’ve been like an extra dart when I needed it most.”

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

The 38-year-old from Northern Ireland produced the performance of his life in a 5-2 defeat of world number three Wade, which was crowned when he hit a perfect leg in taking the game’s second set.

Dolan opened the leg with a 160 score before adding a 180 and a 161 finish for the first-ever nine-darter in the double-start tournament – earning him a £5,000 bonus.

He is also now guaranteed a minimum pay-day of £40,000 for reaching the final and could take home the winner’s cheque if he can overcome nine-time champion Phil Taylor on Sunday night.

“It’s absolutely brilliant,” said Dolan. “I’ve only done three or four normal nine-darters in practice, so to do one on TV with a double-start is amazing.

“After I hit the and 160 and 180, I was concentrating so hard on getting the seventh dart in the treble 20. When I hit the treble 17 I just knew the bullseye was going to go in, I felt that comfortable up there.

“It’s the greatest moment of my career – to hit a nine-darter and get to the final of a major tournament is brilliant and the only thing that can out-rank it is to win the final now.”

Taylor, meanwhile, continued his progression in the event by defeating resurgent Welshman Burnett 5-2, hitting four ton-plus finishes and a 103 average – his highest in the double-start event since the tournament began in 1998.

Burnett, who had knocked out Gary Anderson, Denis Ovens and Mark Hylton to reach his first major semi-final for a decade, shared the opening two sets but was overpowered by Taylor, who opened the game with a 152 checkout and added a 164 to win the fifth set.

“I’m delighted to have won through because Richie’s had a fantastic week and he played really well there,” said Taylor. “A couple of my big finishes were crucial and they had to be to keep Richie away.

“It will be a great atmosphere on Sunday and I’ll play well against Brendan. It’s going to be a cracking final because he’ll go up there relaxed and enjoy it.

“Brendan getting to the final is fantastic and to do it with a nine-darter as well will go down in history. It’s the best darts I’ve ever seen from Brendan and I’m pleased for him.”

Tickets for Sunday’s PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix final are still available and can be purchased from the Citywest Hotel Box Office in person or by calling 00353 1 401 0505.

The final will commence at 7pm, with the Tom Kirby Memorial Irish Matchplay final to be played at 6pm featuring Shane O’Connor and Connie Finnan battling for a place in the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix
Semi-Finals
Brendan Dolan 5-2 James Wade
Phil Taylor 5-2 Richie Burnett

Sunday October 9
6pm – Tom Kirby Memorial Irish Matchplay Final
Connie Finnan v Shane O’Connor
Best of 11 legs

7pm – World Grand Prix Final
Phil Taylor v Brendan Dolan
Best of 11 sets

BRENDAN DOLAN 5-2 JAMES WADE
(1-3, 3-1, 3-1, 3-1, 3-2, 0-3, 3-2)
BRENDAN DOLAN created history with the first nine-dart finish in the history of the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix as he knocked reigning champion James Wade out of the tournament with a 5-2 semi-final triumph.

The Northern Ireland ace had already produced a personal best by reaching his first major semi-final with his run at the New Citywest Convention Centre before producing the performance of his life.

He came from a set down to level before winning the third set with the historic nine-dart finish, which was the first in the history of the double-start event as he opened the leg with a 160, hit a 180 and then took out 161.

Dolan, 38, moved into a 4-1 lead in sets before Wade hit back to take the sixth, but the former decorator edged the next 3-2 to secure his place in a first televised final.

“It’s incredible,” said Dolan. “I couldn’t have ever dreamed of being in the final when I qualified for this but I’ve held myself together this week.

“The nine-darter was amazing, the best moment of my career and it’s something that even Phil Taylor hasn’t achieved yet!”

Dolan made a fine start to the game, hitting the bull for a 121 finish in the opening leg only to then see his doubling desert him as Wade responded in great style.

The defending champion levelled the set with a 96 finish and then hit double top in the next two legs to secure the set 3-1.

Dolan punished a slow start to the second set’s opener from Wade to hit double four and landed his first 180 of the game in leg two, although Wade finished double 12 to level.

Dolan posted double eight to win the third before creating history to win the set with a perfect leg, opening with a 160 and then hitting a 180 and the 161 finish to bring the Citywest Hotel crowd to its feet.

Wade finished 151 in the next leg to lead in the third set, but Dolan hit double 16 and then broke with a key 105 checkout – with the left-hander waiting on 40 – before hitting double 16 for the set.

Dolan also took the fourth 3-1, defying a maximum from Wade with a 13-darter to take a 3-1 lead in the game.

Wade found another gear to hit double top and a 13-dart finish to lead 2-1 in the fifth set, but Dolan opened the fourth leg with a 160 before finishing 96 in two darts to level, and then took out 69 to win his fourth set and move just one away from victory.

The reigning champion hit back to win the sixth without reply, hitting a pair of 14-darters to twice break Dolan’s throw as he cut the deficit to 4-2.

Wade also led 2-1 in the next set, hitting another 180 in a 14-darter, before Dolan levelled in the fourth.

Dolan found his starting double immediately in the deciding leg, with Wade needing six darts to hit tops before clawing his way back into contention with scores of 137 and 140.

Dolan was first to a finish but missed the bull for a 121 checkout and further darts at double eight and four – but Wade was unable to take out 80 in what proved to be his final visit to the oche as the Northern Irishman hit double two for the most memorable victory of his career.

PHIL TAYLOR 5-2 RICHIE BURNETT
(3-0, 0-3, 3-1, 3-1, 3-1, 0-3, 3-0)
PHIL TAYLOR ended Richie Burnett’s amazing week at the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix with a 5-2 semi-final victory which keeps him on course for a tenth title in the double-start format.

Taylor hit four ton-plus finishes in a superb performance as he recorded his highest-ever average in the tournament, which finished at an impressive 103.02.

Burnett held his own early on, but was unable to match Taylor’s power scoring as the world number one took three successive sets in mid-game to pull clear and set up a final against Northern Ireland’s Brendan Dolan on Sunday.

Taylor made an electric start to the match, pinning a brilliant 152 checkout in the opening leg before hitting successive 13-dart finishes to win the set without reply.

Burnett hit back to take the second in the same manner, finishing double top and double 16 before taking out 136 to level the game.

Legs of 13 and 12 darts from Taylor, which included his first 180 of the game and a 104 finish, put him 2-1 up in the third set, and he landed another maximum in the fourth leg as he edged into the lead.

Burnett led in the fourth, but Taylor hit three successive 14-dart finishes to win his third set of the game, despite Burnett hitting two 180s in reply.

Burnett won the opener to set five in 14 darts, but Taylor’s response was clinical as he took out 107 for a 12-darter, double top for a 13-dart finish and then won the set with a sensational 164 checkout.

The resurgent Welshman, appearing in his first major semi-final for a decade, won the sixth set without reply to keep the game alive, landing a 180 in a 14-darter to break as well as finishes of double eight and double six.

Taylor, though, was in no mood to allow the comeback to continue, with a 70 finish followed by another 13-darter as he led 2-0 in set seven before hitting a fourth 180 of the game and double eight to wrap up the win.

“I’m delighted to have won through because Richie’s had a fantastic week and he played really well there,” said Taylor. “A couple of my big finishes were crucial and they had to be to keep Richie away.

“It will be a great atmosphere on Sunday and I’ll play well against Brendan. It’s going to be a cracking final because he’ll go up there relaxed and enjoy it.

“Brendan getting to the final is fantastic and to do it with a nine-darter as well will go down in history. It’s the best darts I’ve ever seen from Brendan and I’m pleased for him.”

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

Taylor’s charge towards a tenth title in the double-start format continued as he swept past Mark Webster in straight sets in their quarter-final, dropping only three legs in the game.

Taylor averaged over 101 and, after taking out 101 to win the only set which went to a decider he secured the victory and a semi-final spot with a classy ten-darter and a 145 finish.

“I’m pleased with that and although I think there’s still more improvement in my game I’m happy to be in the semis,” said Taylor. “Mark played well but I kept him under pressure.”

Reigning champion Wade, meanwhile, overcame Andy Smith’s plucky challenge with a 4-2 victory – taking the final two sets 3-2 to remain on course for a third World Grand Prix win.

“Andy made me work hard,” said Wade. At times when I thought he was dead and buried he’d come up with a finish; he never gives up and kept coming back at me.

“I felt I was in control for most of the game but he is a great competitor and I made it hard for myself. I should have got the job done much quicker but to win was the aim and I’ve done that.”

Wade now takes on Northern Ireland’s Brendan Dolan, who won through to his first-ever major semi-final with a 4-1 defeat of Scotland’s John Henderson.

Henderson, appearing in his first PDC televised quarter-final, took the game’s opening set without reply but after Dolan levelled the Fermanagh ace took the next three 3-2 to progress.

“I’m absolutely delighted,” said Dolan. “I felt really good in the first set but maybe I was too comfortable and John made me pay, but I came back really well.

“I’d have never imagined I’d be in the semis when I qualified but I’ve done well this week and I’m delighted. The crowd were fantastic, they were really behind me and it was a great atmosphere.”

Resurgent Richie Burnett, meanwhile, reached his first major semi-final since 2001 with a fine 4-1 defeat of left-hander Mark Hylton.

Burnett followed up his wins over Gary Anderson and Denis Ovens with another display as the 1995 World Champion continued to roll back the years as he set up a semi-final with Taylor.

“I’m having a great time and playing good darts,” said Burnett. “I was probably more nervous than I’ve been in my life because people were expecting me to win but Mark’s been playing well and I knew that.

“Once I got my first set, I settled down and I’m over the moon to be in the semis. It’s a massive test against Phil and I’ll look forward to it.”

PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix
Quarter-Finals
Friday
Brendan Dolan 4-1 John Henderson
Andy Smith 2-4 James Wade
Phil Taylor 4-0 Mark Webster
Mark Hylton 1-4 Richie Burnett

Semi-Finals
Saturday 7pm
Brendan Dolan v James Wade
Phil Taylor v Richie Burnett
Best of nine sets

BRENDAN DOLAN 4-1 JOHN HENDERSON
(0-3, 3-0, 3-2, 3-2, 3-2)
BRENDAN DOLAN won through to his first major semi-final with a 4-1 defeat of Scotland’s John Henderson at the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix on Friday night.

The Northern Ireland number one thrilled a capacity crowd at the New Citywest Convention Centre with the victory, as he came from a set down to take victory.

He will now meet reigning champion James Wade or Andy Smith in Saturday’s semi-finals as he continues the most successful week of his career.

Henderson had made a brilliant start to the final by winning the first set without reply, finishing double top in the first leg and hitting a 160 opening shot and a 101 checkout in the second, before double 16 gave him the lead.

Dolan, though, hit back well to regain the momentum in the second as he took three successive legs of his own, following up a double eight finish with checkouts of double top and 16.

He also posted double eight to lead for the first time in the game in the third set’s opener, although after sharing double 16 checkouts with Henderson in the next two he was punished for missing doubles in two visits as the Scot levelled the set on double ten.

Henderson, though, missed the bull for a 124 finish in the decider as well as two further darts for the set as Dolan took a key leg on double four.

The fourth set also went to a fifth leg, with a 105 checkout from Dolan in the third followed by Henderson hitting double seven to force a decider once more.

Henderson opened with a 160, but Dolan was first to a finish as he followed a 180 by setting up tops – only to miss two darts for the set and then be handed a reprieve when the Scot saw darts at double top and ten just miss their intended target, allowing the Northern Irishman to hit double ten.

Dolan posted a 180 to leave a 61 checkout as he led in the fifth, before Henderson fired in a superb 160 finish to level and double four to lead.

But double ten saw Dolan level the set and move a leg away from victory, before double 14 saw him delight the Citywest sell-out and claim the win.

“I’m absolutely delighted,” said Dolan. “I felt really good in the first set but maybe I was too comfortable and John made me pay, but I came back really well.

“I never thought I’d get through to the semi-final of the World Grand Prix, especially after the year I’ve had.

“I was so inconsistent but the blessing was when I didn’t qualify for the World Matchplay and European Championship in the summer, because I went away and analysed my throw and I’ve slowed my first dart down. It’s worked and I’m really happy.

“I’d have never imagined I’d be in the semis when I qualified but I’ve done well this week and I’m delighted. The crowd were fantastic, they were really behind me and it was a great atmosphere.”

Henderson said: “I’ve got no complaints. Brendan played well and took his chances, and although it’s disappointing to lose tonight I’ve had a brilliant week.

“Reaching the quarter-finals is a great achievement and hopefully one I can build on.”

JAMES WADE 4-2 ANDY SMITH
(3-1, 1-3, 3-0, 1-3, 2-3, 2-3)
JAMES WADE’S bid to retain the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix continued with a gritty 4-2 quarter-final win over Andy Smith at the New Citywest Convention Centre on Friday night.

The world number three will now face Northern Ireland’s Brendan Dolan in Saturday’s semi-finals as he seeks to win a third title in the double-start.

However, he was pushed all the way by a plucky Smith performance, as the Studley ace twice came back from a set behind to level before being edged out 3-2 in the game’s final two sets.

Wade made an electric start by finishing 127 to win the opening leg, and after Smith levelled in the second the left-hander defied 180s from his opponent to take the next two legs and the first set.

Wade began the second with a 160 before taking the first leg, but Smith levelled and then powered in a brilliant 141 checkout on double 18 to break.

Smith then kicked off leg four with a 160, and hit tops to take the set 3-1 in reply and level the contest.

Smith’s doubling deserted him, though, in the third set’s opener as he missed three darts to lead, with Wade posting double ten to capitalise before hitting the same bed in the next two legs and move 2-1 up in the game.

A pair of double tops gave Smith the first two legs in set four, and after Wade took out double five in the third he replied to take the set with a 180 and an 82 finish as the tit-for-tat game continued.

Smith led for the first time with double four to take the fifth set’s opener, but despite a 180 in the next his advantage was short-lived as Wade hit double nine to level and double four to lead 2-1.

Smith took out tops to square the set in the fourth leg, but Wade opened with another 160 in the decider and finished double ten to edge the set.

Wade led in the sixth set courtest of double two, and hit the same bed in leg three after Smith had levelled matters with a fine second leg, which featured his fifth 180.

Smith landed double 18 with his third dart to win the fourth as Wade waited on 40 for the match, but after he missed the bull for a 170 to seal the win, a miss at double 16 from his opponent allowed the reigning champion to march on.

“Andy made me work hard,” said Wade. At times when I thought he was dead and buried he’d come up with a finish; he never gives up and kept coming back at me.

“I felt I was in control for most of the game but he is a great competitor and I made it hard for myself. I should have got the job done much quicker but to win was the aim and I’ve done that.

“I’m moving along under the radar – people like to talk about the Phil Taylor’s, the Adrian Lewis’ and Gary Anderson’s and I’m just going about my business.

“My starting has been brilliant but I’ve a bit of work to do with my finishing if I’m going to go all the way.

“But I’ve got to play Brendan Dolan – and the crowd – first on Saturday, which will be a great challenge.”

PHIL TAYLOR 4-0 MARK WEBSTER
(3-0, 3-2, 3-0, 3-1)
PHIL TAYLOR continued his ruthless charge towards a tenth PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix title with a straight sets defeat of Mark Webster in Friday’s quarter-finals.

The world number one dropped only three legs in a brilliant display as he avenged his loss to Webster in the sets format of the World Championship on New Year’s Day.

Taylor averaged over 101 and, after taking out 101 to win the only set which went to a decider he secured the victory and a semi-final spot with ten-darter and a classy 145 finish.

Double four gave Taylor the game’s first leg, and after Webster missed his chance in the second the Stoke great doubled his lead before taking the set with a 25 finish after missing the bull for a 170 checkout.

Taylor landed a 180 in the second set’s opener, but Webster got off the mark with a superb 141 checkout to win his first leg of the game.

Taylor levelled but Webster posted a 180 and double ten to lead 2-1 – only to see his opponent produce two killer touches in the next two, finishing a brace of double 16 finishes with the Welshman waiting on 45 and 44 respectively.

Taylor also hit double 16 to win the third set’s opener, and after Webster was unable to take his chance to level he took out double five in the second before defying a 180 from the left-hander to secure the set without reply on double six.

The world number one hit a maximum and double top to dent Webster’s hopes further in the fourth set, and he also won the second leg with a magnificent ten-darter – featuring scores of 160, 140 and 177 before landing double 12 – to move one away from the win.

Double top kept Webster in the game, but Taylor was swift to kill off any hope of a comeback with a stunning 145 checkout to seal the victory.

“I’m pleased with that and although I think there’s still more improvement in my game I’m happy to be in the semis,” said Taylor.

“Mark played well but the 101 to win the second set was a massive shot and it probably won me the game. I kept him under pressure after that and got the job done.”

RICHIE BURNETT 4-1 MARK HYLTON
(3-2, 2-3, 3-1, 3-0, 3-1)
RICHIE BURNETT reached his first major semi-final for a decade at the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix with a 4-1 defeat of Mark Hylton.

The Welshman, a former Lakeside Champion, last reached the last four of a televised event in 2001 but confirmed his return to the sport’s elite with another fine display.

Burnett followed up his defeats of number four seed Gary Anderson and Denis Ovens with a clinical performance, hitting two 11-darters as he set up a semi-final with Phil Taylor at the New Citywest Convention Centre on Friday night.

Hylton, who had overcome Mark Walsh and Simon Whitlock to reach only his second major quarter-final, made an electric start to their contest by taking the opening two legs, including a 121 finish on the bull, to lead 2-0.

But Burnett stepped in to take the third before levelling in the next with a break of throw, before landing tops to secure the opening set.

He also took out a 107 finish to lead in the second, only for Hylton to win the next two on double ten and double two.

Burnett posted a fine 11-darter to level, but Hylton took the set 3-2 by hitting double ten once more.

Hylton set up double eight in the third set’s opener as he looked to continue the momentum, but was stopped in his tracks by a brilliant 122 bullseye finish from Burnett.

The left-hander finished 64 to level in the second, but Burnett’s accuracy on tops gave him the third before he punished three misses from Hylton to win the set on double 16.

Any hopes Hylton had of a comeback took a huge blow in the fourth set’s opening two legs as he missed the bullseye for a 121 finish twice, with Burnett checking out double four and a 74 kill to move 2-0 up.

The Welsh ace then opened the third with scores of 160 and 140 to pull clear, and nailed double four to take the set and a 3-1 lead in the game.

Finishes of double top and double 16 saw Burnett move 2-0 up in the next and although Hylton took out his second 12-darter of the game to stay in the contest, Burnett bettered that with another 11-dart leg to wrap up his semi-final spot.

“I’m having a great time and playing good darts,” said Burnett. “This has been coming for the last year and I just had to get that one step over the line and people have a different attitude towards playing you.

“I’m quite content with the way I’m playing and I’m showing that I’ve still got what it takes. When I’m getting chances I’m taking them and I can relax and go for it in the semis now.

“I’ve been hitting the important shots and I’ve got to concentrate like that in every leg from now on.

“I’ve got Phil Taylor on Saturday but that won’t matter. I don’t play the player and more, I play against the board and the scores that I see on the other side of it.

“It’s difficult to do, but when you can do it then it takes a bit of pressure off. It’s hard because you can sense the presence of the other player, but it can be done and I know I can beat anybody.

“I’m happy to be playing again at this level, I’ve got a few bucks in the bank now to take the pressure off and I’ll enjoy playing against Phil.”

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

Two of Brendan Dolan (250/1), John Henderson (125/1), Mark Hylton (125/1) and Richie Burnett (150/1) will definitely be in the semis and outside of that quartet did anybody else honestly predict that?

Only three seeds survive and two of those (Phil Taylor and Mark Webster) play each other. James Wade is the other and he tackles Andy Smith (100/1).

The unpredictability this week is highlighted by our Beat the Tipster competition where everybody is struggling to call it right. The average points per match is currently 1.5. Usually the average is close to or above 2. To put it into perspective the 2011 World Matchplay averaged 1.9 and three previous World Grands Prix have averaged 2.0, 2.3 & 2.5. Proof that this week has not gone as the majority expected. Only two players are averaging over 2 points per game so Craig Jackson & Petri Rasmus are rightly leading the way in the race for our fantastic Bulls prizes.

There are some odds and head to heads below for you to see if you can have a better go at working it all out than us. Good luck!

World number one Taylor continued his bid for a tenth victory in the double-start format with a comfortable straight-sets victory over Nicholson, who failed to live up to the pre-match hype as he took on the Stoke great.

Taylor dropped just three legs in the game, and hit key finishes of 105, 120 and 147 in setting up a quarter-final with Mark Webster on Friday night.

“I’m really pleased with the win and it’s another indication that my game’s in good shape at the moment,” said Taylor. “Paul didn’t play as well as he can. He’s making a name for himself at the moment and he’s a very good player, but he’s not as consistent enough yet.”

Webster, who defeated Taylor in the quarter-finals of the World Championship in January, set up a repeat of that clash with a strong 3-1 defeat of Alan Tabern.

The Welshman shared the opening two sets but won six out of the final seven legs to move into the last eight on his debut at the Citywest Hotel.

“I’m glad to be in the quarter-finals but I won’t be sitting on my laurels and I’ll be confident,” said Webster. “I’ll go into it believing I can win the game.

“Obviously Phil’s the world number one and he’ll be the favourite but I beat him over a sets format in the World Championship. I’ve had hidings from him too but that doesn’t put me off and I’m not scared of him.”

Mark Hylton produced the biggest win of his career as he defeated number five seed Simon Whitlock 3-1 to reach only his second major televised quarter-final, coming from a set behind to take victory.

“It’s a dream come true to be in the quarter-finals,” said Hylton. “I’ve watched this event before and always fancied myself in it because I’ve played double-start in local leagues for a lot of years. On the stage it’s not quite as easy though!

“I’m getting towards my aim of the top 32 and I continue to surprise myself because I’ve only been playing professionally for 18 months and I’m getting better and better.

“I’ve still got a lot to improve on, but to beat Simon Whitlock 3-1 speaks volumes for me.”

He will face resurgent Richie Burnett on Friday night, after the Welshman won through to his first televised quarter-final since the 2004 Las Vegas Desert Classic with a 3-1 win over Denis Ovens.

Burnett only qualified for the World Grand Prix by winning a Players Championship in Holland a fortnight ago, but followed up Tuesday’s defeat of world number four Gary Anderson with another vintage display.

“I’m still taking it all in,” admitted Burnett. “It’s fantastic to be back.

After six or seven years away from playing on the stage, it’s taken me a while to get used to it again. It was my domain – it was where I played better – and it’s coming back.”

Friday’s quarter-finals will kick off with Northern Ireland’s Brendan Dolan taking on Scottish newcomer John Henderson, before reigning champion James Wade plays Andy Smith.

Taylor then takes on Webster, before Burnett and Hylton clash in the night’s final game.

PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix
Second Round
Thursday
Mark Webster 3-1 Alan Tabern
Simon Whitlock 1-3 Mark Hylton
Phil Taylor 3-0 Paul Nicholson
Richie Burnett 3-1 Denis Ovens

Quarter-Finals
Friday (7pm)
Brendan Dolan v John Henderson
Andy Smith v James Wade
Phil Taylor v Mark Webster
Mark Hylton v Richie Burnett
Best of seven sets

MARK WEBSTER 3-1 ALAN TABERN
(3-0, 1-3, 3-1, 3-0)
MARK WEBSTER won through to the quarter-finals in his first PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix with a 3-1 defeat of Alan Tabern at the New Citywest Convention Centre on Thursday.

The Welshman won the battle of the left-handers with a strong display, winning six of the game’s final seven legs after sharing the opening two sets with Tabern, who made a miracle comeback against Dave Chisnall in the first round.

Webster made an explosive start, with a pair of double ten finishes giving him the opening two legs before he also won the third to take the first set without reply.

He could also have led in the second, but missed double ten for a 140 finish as Tabern landed double top to win his first leg and double ten to take the second, despite a maximum from Webster.

Webster hit a second 180 in the third leg, and finished 142 brilliantly on tops to pull back to 2-1, only to then miss the same double in the next as Tabern capitalised to secure the set on double ten.

A pair of double top finishes gave Webster the lead in the third, and although Tabern took the third in reply and hit a 180 in leg four, Webster hit double ten to secure the set 3-1.

A 65 finish saw Webster lead in the fourth set, and he broke throw in the second leg to move one away from the victory.

The Welshman missed five match darts in the next, but Tabern was unable to convert two chances to stay in the game, as Webster returned to hit double four for the win.

“I thought I was very steady but I was very wary of Alan,” said Webster. “He’d been given a second life because Dave Chisnall missed 13 darts against him in the first round, so he was pretty relaxed.

“The start gave me confidence and although he got back level I always felt I was a score ahead of him. He’s a good finisher so I was glad to close it out.

“I’m glad to be in the quarter-finals but I won’t be sitting on my laurels and I’ll be confident.”

MARK HYLTON 3-1 SIMON WHITLOCK
(1-3, 3-2, 3-1, 3-1)
MARK HYLTON produced the biggest victory of his career, sending world number five Simon Whitlock crashing out of the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix with a 3-1 triumph at Dublin’s New Citywest Convention Centre.

The left-hander from Rugeley followed up June’s run to the quarter-finals of the Speedy Hire UK Open by winning through to the last eight of his second major in style at the double-start event.

Having defeated Mark Walsh on his World Grand Prix debut on Sunday, Hylton was superb in seeing off the number five seed, who suffered a last 16 loss for the second successive year in Ireland.

Whitlock had made a strong start, hitting a 171 in taking the opening leg, and after trading double ten finishes with the left-hander he hit a 180 nd double four to secure the opening set 3-1.

The Australian also hit a 180 and double ten to break in the second set’s opener, but three misses at double 16 in the next allowed Hylton in to level with a 79 finish on double 11 before leading by winning the third.

Whitlock finished 124 on the bull to square the set, but Hylton took the decider on double five to level the game.

Hylton made a brilliant start to the third set to take the lead for the first time, hitting 180s in the first two legs, which he won with a 68 finish and a 14-darter.

Whitlock landed a 180 in taking the third, but Hylton wrapped up the set 3-1 with a brilliant 13-darter, opening with a 160 and hitting a 180 before landing double 12.

Whitlock produced a superb leg to win the fourth set’s opener, hitting back-to-back 180s and double 16 for an 11-darter.

However, he missed double 15 as Hylton levelled before wasting his chance in the third – missing three darts at doubles to leave six, before hitting a single 15 instead of single two to set up double two on his return to the oche.

Hylton pounced on double top, and hit a 180 in the next in setting up 92 to secure a famous victory.

PHIL TAYLOR 3-0 PAUL NICHOLSON
(3-1, 3-1, 3-1)
PHIL TAYLOR brushed off the challenge of Paul Nicholson to sweep into the quarter-finals of the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix with a straight sets triumph at the New Citywest Convention Centre.

The world number one continued his bid for a tenth victory in the double-start format with a comfortable victory over Nicholson, who failed to live up to the pre-match hype.

Taylor dropped just three legs in the game, and took out a trio of ton-plus finishes to set up a quarter-final with Mark Webster on Friday night.

Taylor had taken the game’s opening leg on double 16, a bed which would be profitable throughout the contest.

Nicholson hit a 180 and double top to level, but Taylor produced two fine finishes to take the next two legs and win the set, following up a 105 checkout by taking out 120.

Nicholson posted another maximum and a 140 in a 12-darter to take the second set’s opener, but Taylor landed double 16 in the next two and then hit double eight to win another set 3-1.

A pair of misses from Nicholson allowed Taylor to follow up a 180 with tops to win the third set’s opening leg, and while Nicholson levelled on double ten his opponent produced a killer blow in the third leg.

Nicholson posted a 171 score to leave 122, but with Taylor needing 147 he hit treble 20, treble 17 and double 18 to move a leg away from the victory, which he sealed with an 89 finish on double 16.

“I’m really pleased with the win and it’s another indication that my game’s in good shape at the moment,” said Taylor.

“Paul didn’t play as well as he can. He’s making a name for himself at the moment and he’s a very good player, but he’s not as consistent enough yet.

“He does everything right and he’s got to keep doing that until he finds a way of getting the consistency every week.”

Taylor meets Webster in the quarter-finals on Friday night, having lost to the left-hander in the World Championship on New Year’s Day.

He added: “Mark’s done his apprenticeship, he’s won a World Championship and beaten me at Alexandra Palace, and the Premier League this year gave him a lot of experience. He’s confident and it will be an exciting game.”

RICHIE BURNETT 3-1 DENIS OVENS
(2-3, 3-1, 3-1, 3-2)
RICHIE BURNETT’S incredible revival continued as he defeated Denis Ovens 3-1 to reach his first major quarter-final since 2004 at the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix.

The Welshman – who had dropped out of the world’s top 150 just over a year ago – was a last-ditch qualifier for the double-start tournament in Dublin when he won a Players Championship event in Holland a fortnight ago.

However, he followed up his defeat of world number four Gary Anderson in the first round but coming from a set down against Ovens on Thursday night to set up a quarter-final with emerging left-hander Mark Hylton as he continues his return to darts’ big-time.

The Welshman started brightly, responding to Ovens winning the opening leg by posting 180s in the next two which he won with a 14-darter and a 94 checkout.

Ovens broke back immediately with an 11-dart finish, and then won the opening set on double top to edge into the lead.

Burnett posted a 180 in taking the opener to set two on double 16, and although Ovens levelled he would win the next two, firstly with double top after his opponent hit a maximum before then punishing 14 missed opening doubles from the Hertfordshire ace with double eight to take the set.

Ovens’ double trouble continued in the third set’s opener as he missed nine to begin the first leg, which Ovens took in 14 darts before finishing double 16 for a 13-darter to lead 2-0.

Ovens replied by winning the third, but Burnett posted another double top finish to secure the set and move 2-1 up in the contest.

Ovens won an edgy opener to set four on double ten to break, but when he missed two darts to win the second Burnett levelled on double five before finishing a fine 13-darter to move a leg away from victory.

Ovens hit a 180 in taking the fourth to keep the game alive, and the pair raised the standard in the set’s deciding leg.

Burnett opened with a 120, which was matched by Ovens before the pair traded 140s. The Welshman powered in a fifth 180 of the game to leave 20 after 12 darts, and although Ovens hit a 145 to leave 36 they proved to be his final darts as Burnett hit double ten to move into the last eight.

“I’m still taking it all in,” admitted Burnett afterwards. “It’s fantastic to be back.

“It’s tough playing in the floor tournaments but that’s built my confidence up and, after six or seven years away from playing on the stage, it’s taken me a while to get used to it again.

“I find it really hard to get a rhythm in this format but I just played the board and got the win. Denis is a lovely guy and I’ve got great respect for him. Like Gary he’s a great sportsman and I enjoyed playing him.

“It was tough and I felt nervous because the pressure was on me after what happened in the first round.

“I’ve got the attitude that you’ve got to go for it, and when the darts go in it felt great. Denis started coming back at me in the fourth set but when I left the double ten for the match I knew I wouldn’t miss it.”

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

Reigning champion Wade found himself two sets behind in his second round clash with Vincent van der Voort at the New Citywest Convention Centre, but won nine of the next 12 legs to win through to the quarter-finals.

“Maybe I should have nicked one of the first two sets but I didn’t and I gave myself a lot of hard work to do,” said Wade, who has won the Dublin title in 2007 and 2010.

“It was great to come back like that and I feel like I’m starting to get back towards my best.”

Wade’s quarter-final opponent on Friday will be Andy Smith, who won through to the last eight in the World Grand Prix for a third time with a stunning 3-1 defeat of Raymond van Barneveld.

Smith six of the opening seven legs to open up a two-set lead before the Dutchman, a five-time World Champion, took out 160 and 130 to cause him some nervous moments before edging the fourth set 3-2.

“That’s a big win for me,” said Smith. “I’ve beaten him a few times before but recently he’s had the better of me, but when he’s not quite on top of his game you have to jump on him and I did that.

“I owe James Wade a few because he’s beaten me a few times, but I’ll have to play well on Friday, but I’ll enjoy the game. I love being the underdog and I’ve got nothing to lose.

Northern Ireland number one Brendan Dolan and Scotland’s John Henderson will make their debuts in a major quarter-final on Friday night after winning through Wednesday’s other second round games.

Dolan knocked out three-time World Champion John Part 3-1, as the Canadian failed to reproduce the comeback which knocked out number two seed Adrian Lewis two days earlier.

Henderson, meanwhile, won a five-set thriller against world number seven Wes Newton, who hit back from two sets down to level before losing the deciding set 3-1.

The second round concludes on Thursday with the remaining four matches, including the eagerly-awaited clash between nine-time World Grand Prix champion Phil Taylor and Paul Nicholson.

The night begins at 7pm when left-handers Mark Webster and Alan Tabern collide, before Australia’s Simon Whitlock meets Mark Hylton, while resurgent Richie Burnett takes on Denis Ovens.

PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix
Second Round
Wednesday
Wes Newton 2-3 John Henderson
James Wade 3-2 Vincent van der Voort
Raymond van Barneveld 2-3 Andy Smith
John Part 1-3 Brendan Dolan

Thursday (7pm)
Mark Webster v Alan Tabern
Simon Whitlock v Mark Hylton
Phil Taylor v Paul Nicholson
Richie Burnett v Denis Ovens
Best of five sets

JOHN HENDERSON 3-2 WES NEWTON
(3-2, 3-2, 0-3, 2-3, 3-1)
SCOTTISH ace John Henderson secured another PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix shock with a thrilling 3-2 defeat of Wes Newton as the second round at the New Citywest Convention Centre began in dramatic fashion.

Dublin debutant Henderson took the first two sets 3-2 to lead in the first-to-three contest, only for the number seven seed to roar back and level.

Henderson, though, recovered from some nervy moments to prevail in the decider and move into the quarter-finals of the tournament.

The Scot hit back from 2-1 down in the opening set to edge ahead, with a brace of double top finishes seeing him take the lead against the in-form UK Open runner-up.

Newton hit 180s in winning the first two legs of the second set, finishing 105 in the latter, only to miss doubles in the next two as Henderson landed double nine and a 70 finish to level.

Newton landed a 177 in the set’s decider, but Henderson was first to a double and posted tops for a 66 checkout to double his advantage.

The Fleetwood ace kicked off the third superbly with a 14-darter to break throw, and he hit double five and a 71 finish to win the set without reply and begin his fightback.

Tops gave him the lead in the fourth set, but Henderson finished 90 on double 15 to level and punished 11 missed starting doubles from Newton to win the third – although he almost allowed his opponent back into the leg by missing five finishing doubles of his own.

The fourth leg saw Henderson struggle to open as Newton levelled the set, hitting a 180 and double 16, before the world number seven took the set in style, opening the fifth leg with a 153 anf finishing double ten for a 13-darter.

Henderson found another gear to win the first two legs of the deciding set, hitting double ten and double top, with Newton missing three darts to level.

Newton hit a 180 in the third and was on hand when Henderson missed double 16 for a 112 game sho, with double eight with his final dart seeing the Fleetwood thrower keep the match alive.

But when he missed six opening doubles in the next, Henderson settled his nerves and hit double top to seal a dramatic win.

“At 2-0 up I wanted to get the third set over with and go and relax but Wes fought back really well,” said Henderson, who hails from Huntly in Aberdeenshire.

“All year I’ve been getting in front of people and I’ve let them back in, and I’m thinking about it now. Thankfully I got the winning double, but it was hard work.

“Wes didn’t get going and I was waiting for him to come back at me because he’s been great when we’ve played previously. Playing guys like this is making me raise my standard.

“Winning a second round game is brilliant – I’ve not done it too often but I’m getting used to the stage. Since I joined the PDC it’s been fantastic, I’ve qualified for the UK Open and the World Matchplay and now I’m in the quarter-finals of the World Grand Prix.

“It’s probably the biggest night of my career on Friday. This is where every player wants to be and whoever I play it will be one of the biggest games of my life and I’m really looking forward to it.”

JAMES WADE 3-2 VINCENT VAN DER VOORT
(2-3, 2-3, 3-0, 3-1, 3-2)
REIGNING CHAMPION James Wade produced an outstanding fightback to come from two sets down and win through to the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix quarter-finals with a 3-2 defeat of Vincent van der Voort.

Wade looked on course to join fellow seeds Adrian Lewis, Gary Anderson and Wes Newton in being knocked out of the double-start competition when van der Voort edged the first two sets of their last 16 contest.

But after winning the third set without reply, Wade kicked on to take the remaining two in a brilliant comeback as he won a sudden-death leg to keep alive his hopes of a third Dublin title.

Van der Voort opened superbly, winning the game’s opening leg on double 12 and finishing 71 to lead 2-0 before Wade landed a pair of double top finishes to level, only to see the Dutchman hit the same bed to win the deciding leg.

The pair traded double 16 finishes in the first two legs of the second set, before Wade punished three misses from van der Voort to lead 2-1 courtesy of double ten.

But the Dutchman took out 75 on double 12 to level, and again prevailed in the decider, this time with a 14-dart finish.

Wade made an immediate response to win set three without replies, with a double top and double ten coming either side of a 12-darter as the two-time Dublin winner got back into the game.

Wade hit a 180 in winning the fourth set’s opener, before the duo traded maximums before van der Voort took out 61 to level.

Wade, though, landed double four with his final dart to edge in front and then squared the match by finishing 96 on double 12 to send the match into a deciding set.

Van der Voort kicked off the fifth set with a 160 and hit double ten to lead, before a 76 finish moved him a leg away from the win.

But Wade kept the match alive with a 94 finish which featured two double tops, and double 11 squared the set before he finished tops for a 15-darter to complete a remarkable fightback.

“I felt great at the start but before I knew it I was two sets down,” said Wade. “Maybe I should have nicked one of the first two sets but I didn’t and I gave myself a lot of hard work to do.

“It was great to come back like that and I feel like I’m starting to get back towards my best. I’d love to retain this title but I’m not getting carried away and I’ll look forward to the quarter-finals first and just take one game at a time.”

ANDY SMITH 3-1 RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD
(3-1, 3-0, 0-3, 3-2)
ANDY SMITH’S love affair with the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix continued as he knocked out Raymond van Barneveld from the tournament with a fine 3-1 second round triumph on Wednesday night.

The Studley ace produced a fine performance to win through to his third quarter-final in the double-start format, which remains his most successful major tournament.

The victory also sent a fourth of the eight seeded players in the event packing, as van Barneveld followed Adrian Lewis, Gary Anderson and Wes Newton in being defeated.

Smith laid the platform for the victory by winning six straight legs after van Barneveld took the opener on double ten.

He traded 180s with the Dutchman in winning the second, and added a further maximum and double 16 to break in the third before hitting the same bed to win the set.

Smith then swept through the second set without reply, with a pair of double top finishes coming either side of a key double four, after van Barneveld failed to set up a double when needing 95 in a tense second leg.

A miss from Smith in the third set’s opener, as he was unable to convert double top for a 120 checkout, allowed van Barneveld to win his first leg in seven on tops.

The Dutchman punished a slow start from Smith to win the second on double four, and after the pair once again traded maximums he showed his champion quality with a brilliant 160 checkout to take the set.

Smith, though, took the first two legs of the fourth set to move a leg away from the win, and after a 180 was waiting on a finish as van Barneveld took out 130 to stay in the match.

A 36 finish from van Barneveld sent the set into a decider, but a 180 came too late as Smith took control before hitting double 16 for a famous triumph.

“That’s a big win for me,” said Smith. “I’ve beaten him a few times before but recently he’s had the better of me, but when he’s not quite on top of his game you have to jump on him and I did that.

“I can play a lot better than that, and Barney would say the same, but it’s a win and I’ll take that.

“I owe James Wade a few because he’s beaten me a few times, but I’ll have to play well on Friday, but I’ll enjoy the game. I love being the underdog and I’ve got nothing to lose.

“I’ve been brought up with double-start by playing in my local leagues with my dad – I’ve won the league where you play 301 double-start about 20 times and they don’t let me play any more!”

BRENDAN DOLAN 3-1 JOHN PART
(3-2, 0-3, 3-0, 3-1)
BRENDAN DOLAN won through to his first-ever major quarter-final with a thrilling 3-1 defeat of John Part in the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix on Wednesday night.

The Northern Ireland number one followed up his first round victory over Wayne Jones at the New Citywest Convention Centre with another fine display of doubling as he sent the three-time World Champion packing.

Dolan will now face Scotland’s John Henderson on Friday night in his first televised quarter-final after eight years in the professional game – and has his sights on a place in at least the last four.

Dolan, who hails from Fermanagh, delighted his travelling supporters by hitting a 180 in the game’s opening leg, which he won with a 48 finish after Part missed double 16 for a 132 checkout.

He then doubled his lead in the second before trading 180s with the Canadian in leg three, with a 165 score leaving 16 for the set. He missed three darts at doubles to lead, and Part finished 81 to get off the mark, before taking out 60 to level the set.

But it was Part who paid the price in the deciding leg of the set, missing double 16 for a 106 finish as Dolan capitalised by taking out 88 on the bull.

Part hit back beautifully, winning the second set without reply by taking out 130 on double five in the first leg, double two in the second following a slow start from Dolan and double two in the third.

But Dolan began the third set by taking out 156 as Part waited on a finish, and he checked out 70 to break throw in the next before hitting double four to win his second set of the game.

Part missed the bull in the opening leg of set four, with Dolan following a 180 with double top before adding a fourth maximum of the game in set two, which he took on double top.

Part finished a pressure double five with his third dart in the next, but Dolan would not be denied and completed the biggest triumph of his career with a fine 13-darter, hitting double 16 with his winning dart.

“It’s absolutely brilliant,” said Dolan. “I’ve never got past the last 16 on TV before so I’m making progress after an inconsistent year.

“I’ve highlighted what my problems were, and I’ve slowed myself down and my game is good at the minute. My doubles were pretty good and I was concentrating hard on every part of my game, not just the double-start.

“I’m delighted. To beat a three-time World Champion on TV is a great honour for me, and I’ve got a chance to get into a semi-final now.

“I’ve a huge amount of respect for John Henderson. He’s proven himself this year and he’s a lovely fella, but I’ll try and make it awkward for him.

“We played for the first time in Holland a couple of weeks ago and he was 5-2 up and I came back to win 6-5 – which was important for me in terms of making sure I qualified for this event! Hopefully I can do it again on Friday.”

Source PDC/Lawrence Lustig

Mark Webster contained his debut nerves and overcame Andy Hamilton to set up a Last 16 meeting with Alan Tabern. The Saint hasn’t had a great 2011 so Webby (1/3) will be confident of reaching the quarter finals and a 4-1 head to head record in the Welshman’s favour would seem to back this up. You can get 11/4 on Tabern if you fancy the upset though.

Mark Hylton has had a fine year and has progressed well since going full time. He takes on Simon Whitlock on Thursday in what will be the first meeting between the two. Odds of 3/1 for Hylton are mightily tempting with Whitlock the rightful favourite but a measly 2/7.

The third debut victor is John Henderson and the big man tackles in form Wes Newton for a quarter final berth. Newton goes off 2/7 favourite and Hendo will need to control his rocking chair action to deliver for his backers at 3/1. The head to head between the two shows that Henderson has yet beat Newton in the two games they’ve faced each other.

Vincent van der Voort was over the moon at finally getting his first Dublin win when he beat Kevin Painter on Monday. If he is going to notch up his second win he will have to do it the hard way as James Wade stand in his path. Wade is 1/3 favourite and has a commanding 10-2 head to head record. That means van der Voort has beaten Wade twice and if you think he can do it again he is good value at 11/4.

Elsewhere, the grudge continues but is being watered down with every meeting. Phil Taylor now holds a 6-2 record against Paul Nicholson and The Asset is a 7/2 underdog to make it 6-3. Taylor is the shortest price of the last 16 at 1/4.

Raymond van Barneveld likes this stage and looks a good bet for the quarter finals if the bookies are right. Barney is a 2/7 shot with his opponent, Andy Smith, 10/3 underdog. The head to head is 3-1 in Barney’s favour.

Richie Burnett is rolling back the years and has split the top half of the draw wide open with his defeat of Gary Anderson. He takes on Denis Ovens in the Last 16 and the bookies have them both at evens. The head to head has Ovens nudging it at 3-2 so this one looks too close to call.

The last match to look at is John Part (1/3) versus Brendan Dolan (11/4). Part has been threatening a good run in a major all year; could this be the one? Dolan has never got past this stage but the head to head stands at one apiece so this could be closer than the odds suggest.

Round Two Matches

Round One Stats

Highest Average – 102.26 (Phil Taylor)
Lowest Average – 75.02 (James Wade)
Most 180s – 8 (Dave Chisnall)
Least 180s – 0 (Alan Tabern, Colin Lloyd, Mervyn King, William O’Connor, Steve Brown)
Highest Checkout – 170 (Jamie Caven) | 164 (Phi Taylor) | 158 (Simon Whitlock)
Highest Checkout % – 71% (Phil Taylor) | 67% (Vincent van der Voort)

PHIL TAYLOR overcame a huge scare against Peter Wright in the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix on Tuesday night as Gary Anderson and Dave Chisnall were knocked out by thrilling comebacks at the New Citywest Convention Centre in Dublin.

Nine-time World Grand Prix winner Taylor has been defeated three times previously in the quick-fire first round in the double-start event, and when Wright took the opening set of their clash and led 1-0 in the second, a fourth early exit began to seem a possibility.

But Taylor hit back superbly to take the set 3-1 before finding top gear in winning the final set by the same scoreline, completing victory with a showpiece 164 checkout.

“Peter’s set me up for the tournament because he really made me work hard there,” said Taylor. “He hit the 180s at the right time and was fantastic, but when I was a set down and a leg down I thought I was going out again, but I really dug in.

“The first round’s a nightmare because it’s a big leveller, and the standard is so high now that anyone is capable of a shock – but I’m glad I wasn’t the victim!”

Taylor will now take on Paul Nicholson in an eagerly-awaited second round game on Thursday night, as the Chorley-based ace seeks his third televised victory over the world number one.

Nicholson booked his second round spot with a confident 2-0 win over Ronnie Baxter on a night of high drama at the Citywest Hotel, as Premier League Darts champion Gary Anderson crashed out of the event.

Anderson was defeated 2-1 by Richie Burnett, the resurgent Welshman who had won his first ranking title for a decade in a Players Championship recently to earn his first World Grand Prix appearance since 2004.

The Scot took the opening set in brilliant fashion, but paid the price for two missed match darts in the second before Burnett won the decider 3-1 for an almighty shock.

“It’s a massive win for me,” said Burnett. “Gary made a brilliant start and I was up against it straight away.

“I know I’m getting back to my best. The first round is the hardest game and the format’s longer and I want to go on from here.”

There was even greater drama in the battle of the St Helens aces Alan Tabern and Dave Chisnall, who hit eight 180s but missed 13 match darts to defeat the left-hander.

Chisnall took five of the first seven legs to move to the brink of a straight sets win, but wasted seven match darts in the second set as Tabern levelled before seeing six further darts go astray in the deciding leg of the third.

“He threw probably the best darts out of any player so far in the tournament until he needed the winning double,” said Tabern. “He kept missing and I took my chances.

“I feel a bit sorry for him because I’ve had it happen to me too, but when people win tournaments they often win through games like that and I’ve got to take the positives from it. I’ve got nothing to lose now.”

Tabern will now take on another left-hander in round two in Welshman Mark Webster, who enjoyed his World Grand Prix debut with a three-set comeback win over Andy Hamilton.

Rugeley left-hander Mark Hylton also took victory in his maiden World Grand Prix appearance, against Mark Walsh, and will now meet Simon Whitlock in the last 16 after the Australian saw off two-time finalist Terry Jenkins 2-1.

The night’s other winner was UK Open semi-finalist Denis Ovens, who defeated Jamie Caven in straight sets and now takes on Burnett in Thursday’s second round.

The second round begins on Wednesday with four matches, as reigning champion James Wade plays Vincent van der Voort, Raymond van Barneveld meets Andy Smith, John Part faces Northern Ireland’s Brendan Dolan and Wes Newton takes on John Henderson.

Tickets are still available for the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix, either by calling 00353 1401 0505 or visiting the Citywest Hotel Box Office on the night.

PartyPoker.com World Grand prix
First RoundTuesday
Jamie Caven 0-2 Denis Ovens
Mark Hylton 2-1 Mark Walsh
Dave Chisnall 1-2 Alan Tabern
Mark Webster 2-1 Andy Hamilton
Gary Anderson 1-2 Richie Burnett
Phil Taylor 2-1 Peter Wright
Simon Whitlock 2-1 Terry Jenkins
Ronnie Baxter 0-2 Paul Nicholson

Second Round
Wednesday October 5 (7pm)
Wes Newton v John Henderson
James Wade v Vincent van der Voort
Raymond van Barneveld v Andy Smith
John Part v Brendan Dolan

Thursday October 6 (7pm)
Mark Webster v Alan Tabern
Simon Whitlock v Mark Hylton
Phil Taylor v Paul Nicholson
Richie Burnett v Denis Ovens
Best of five sets

DENIS OVENS 2-0 JAMIE CAVEN
(3-1, 3-2)
DENIS OVENS won his first game in the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix since 2003 with a straight sets first round defeat of Jamie Caven at the New Citywest Convention Centre on Tuesday.

Ovens won only his third game in 11 appearances in the double-start event with a confident triumph to condemn Caven to a first round loss for the third straight year.

Ovens kicked off the match with a break of throw on double eight, and when Caven missed eight darts to open the second leg he moved 2-0 up on double top.

Caven hit a 180 and double eight to get off the mark in leg three, but Ovens pulled clear in the fourth before hitting double five for the set.

The Derby ace came to life at the start of the second set by hitting a brilliant 170 finish to take the first leg, and he opened the next with a 152 score.

Ovens, though, replied superbly with scores of 180 and 177 to set up a double 16 finish to break back and level.

Caven then added a 115 checkout to lead 2-1, and a maximum edged him ahead in the fourth leg, but he missed four doubles to punish slopping finishing from Ovens as the Stevenage ace returned to post double four.

Ovens then edged clear in the set’s deciding leg, and hit double top to end his run of seven successive Citywest defeats.

“I started well but I was in a commanding position and nearly gave it back to Jamie,” said Ovens. “I enjoyed it and the leg where I hit 180 and 177 was nice.

“I’ve been here so many times that I probably deserved a win here! I’ve come up against some great performances in the last few years and it’s heartbreaking to lose seven years in a row, but it’s great to win here again.”

MARK HYLTON 2-1 MARK WALSH
(0-3, 3-2, 3-0)
MARK HYLTON came from a set down to win through to the second round of the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix with a 2-1 defeat of Mark Walsh.

Walsh looked set to condemn the left-hander to a debut defeat in Dublin when he took the first set without reply and led in the second, only for Hylton to win six of the next seven legs to snatch victory.

Walsh began well, hitting a 180 and double top to win the opening leg in confident fashion and taking out 100 to win the second after Hylton missed tops for a 114 checkout.

Hylton missed a further dart at double top in the third, for a 101 finish, and Walsh capitalised to secure the set on double six.

He also landed double 12 to win the second set’s opener, but Hylton levelled with a fine 106 finish and hit double ten to lead 2-1.

Walsh levelled with a superb 121 checkout, finishing on double 14, but double ten gave Hylton the set to send the match into a decider.

The left-hander took advantage of misses by Walsh to win the set’s opening two legs, and when his opponent missed three more darts to hit back Hylton closed out the win on double ten.

“It’s a format we don’t play too often but I dug in,” said Hylton. “I’m a fighter and never give in, and I came from behind with the pressure on.

“I used to play double-start in a local league and I was quite looking forward to playing in this format, and it didn’t quite work out like that. I had a couple of chances early on and although I had a few good double tops later in the game I was pretty poor on it tonight.

“I feel sorry for Mark, he’s a fantastic player, but I’m through and roll on Thursday now!

“I’ll be getting a lot more practice in the next couple of days and I’m just getting over a bit of ‘flu, so hopefully the fans will see the proper “Mile High” on Thursday.”

ALAN TABERN 2-1 DAVE CHISNALL
(1-3, 3-2, 3-2)
BATTLING Alan Tabern hit back from the brink of defeat to claim a dramatic victory over Dave Chisnall in the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix.

Chisnall looked set to storm to a debut victory on the Citywest Hotel stage when he won the opening set and led 2-1 in the second.

But he missed seven match darts for a straight sets victory as Tabern hit back, and even though he lifted his total of 180s to eight for the match he was unable to close out six further chances for the win in the game’s deciding leg.

Chisnall landed the first of those maximums in winning the game’s opening leg, and opened the second with a fine 160 score before taking the second with a 13-darter.

Tabern hit double ten to win the third, but his St Helens rival again opened with a 160 before double 18 gave him the first set.

Chisnall landed a 180 and double 16 to maintain his 100 percent finishing accuracy in opening the second set in style, and after Tabern took out 101 to level he posted another maximum and double four to move a leg away from the win.

Tabern got ahead in the fourth leg after Chisnall missed his first three starting doubles, but a 160 got the leader back into the match as the the tension mounted.

Tabern missed double top to save the game, but Chisnall wasted two match darts at tops and the pair both missed in two further visits before Tabern landed double five to keep the game alive – with his opponent having missed seven match darts.

The left-hander then finished 80 on tops to win the set and force a decider, before defying Chisnall’s 180 by hitting double 16 to lead in the third set.

Chisnall finished 90 on double 18 to level, but double 16 incredibly moved Tabern a leg away from an improbable win.

The pressure looked to have cracked Chisnall as he missed five opening doubles in the fourth leg, but he hit 36 and then back-to-back 180s before finishing 105 for a 15-darter to send the match into a sudden-death leg.

Chisnall added an eighth maximum of the game to push ahead, but again stumbled at the finishing line as he missed two darts at double 12, one at double six and three and double three before Tabern returned to complete a remarkable comeback on double ten.

“Dave played the darts to beat any player and I don’t know why or how he missed those match darts,” said Tabern. “Maybe it’s a little bit of experience and it worked in my favour, and I’ll take that.

“I wasn’t comfortable on my starting double at the start of the game but I switched to double 15 and it seemed to work and I put pressure on Dave.

“He threw probably the best darts out of any player so far in the tournament until he needed the winning double. He kept missing and I took my chances.

“I feel a bit sorry for him because I’ve had it happen to me too, but when people win tournaments they often win through games like that and I’ve got to take the positives from it. I’ve got nothing to lose now.”

MARK WEBSTER 2-1 ANDY HAMILTON
(2-3, 3-2, 3-0)
MARK WEBSTER came from a set down to defeat Andy Hamilton 2-1 on his PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix debut on Tuesday night.

The left-hander, who narrowly missed out on qualification for the double-start tournament a year ago, impressed in his first appearance on the Citywest Hotel stage with a battling performance.

Hamilton shaded a tight first set, with neither player able to break throw as Webster landed a 14-darter before the Stoke ace took the deciding leg on double eight after his opponent missed a dart at double top for a 112 finish.

The second set followed a similar pattern, with Webster following an earlier 177 score with his first 180 of the game in leg three, while Hamilton finished 74 and 48 to level at two-all.

Webster, though, produced the killer blow by winning the fifth leg with a brilliant 124 bullseye finish to send the game into a third set.

He broke for the first time in the game on double eight in the opener, and recovered from missing six opening doubles to win the second before sealing the set, and victory, on double ten in the third.

“It was a tough game,” said Webster. “Andy’s a great player and it was a brilliant game.

“I don’t think Andy did much wrong but I put a lot of pressure on him.
I enjoyed it and thought it was a good advert for the game.

“This time last year I was a bit bitter about not being in the tournament but that was my own fault and I’m determined to make up for it this year.

“I’ve got Alan Tabern next and he’s got a bit of a lease of life after his fightback because he thought he should have gone out to Dave Chisnall. I did something similar in the UK Open when I came back and went on to reach the semis and he’ll be thinking the same. I’m sure it will be a good game.”

RICHIE BURNETT 2-1 GARY ANDERSON
(0-3, 3-2, 3-1)
RICHIE BURNETT knocked Premier League Darts champion Gary Anderson out of the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix with a stunning fightback at the New Citywest Convention Centre on Tuesday.

Heavy-scoring Anderson looked set to power into the last 16 when he took the first set without reply, but after missing two match darts in the second set the Welshman made him pay.

Burnett had only won a place in the World Grand Prix by taking victory in the final Players Championship played before the field was confirmed, but reaffirmed a return to the form which saw him become World Champion 15 years ago by winning the deciding set.

Anderson made a lightning start to the contest, hitting double ten for the opening leg and seven perfect darts in the second as he looked to set up the event’s first nine-darter in the double-start format.

He had opened with scores of 160 and 180, but after hitting a sixth treble 20 missed the treble 17 of a 161 finish, although he returned to mop up double 16 to lead 2-0 and tops to take the set without reply.

Burnett – whose last World Grand Prix appearance came in 2004 – returned from the break with a brilliant 13-darter, which he kicked off with scores of 160 and 140 and finished on tops.

Anderson hit back by landing a 180 and a 125 finish to level, but Burnett finished 101 to lead 2-0.

The Scot posted another maximum and finished 64 to level the set, but when he missed match darts at double 16 and eight in the decider Burnett, who had opened the leg with another 160, finished tops to square the game.

Anderson opened the third set by setting up another potential nine-darter with scores of 160 and 180, but opted for a different combination on the 161 finish, hitting a seventh perfect dart on treble 19 but narrowly missing treble 18.

He returned to win the leg in 13 darts, only to then miss six darts to open the second as Burnett levelled with an 80 finish.

Burnett then hit a 180 of his own in the third, hitting double top to move away from victory before punishing a missed bull from Anderson for a 161 finish in the next to hit double ten at the third time of asking to complete an amazing fightback.

“It’s a massive win for me,” said Burnett. “Gary made a brilliant start and I was up against it straight away, but I felt okay and knew I could get back into it.

“I was starting well on double top and when the next dart drops into the treble 20 the pressure is off you. Gary can out-score anybody in the world and, on my day, I can live with that and I came good towards the end.

“I love to watch Gary play. I don’t watch much darts on TV but when Gary’s on I do, along with Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis, but I like to be involved and I was happy to share a stage with such a special player.

“I know I’m getting back to my best. The first round is the hardest game and the format’s longer and I want to go on from here.”

PHIL TAYLOR 2-1 PETER WRIGHT
(1-3, 3-1, 3-1)
PHIL TAYLOR overcame a huge scare against Peter Wright before beginning his challenge for a tenth PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix title with a 2-1 victory at the New Citywest Convention Centre.

The world number one has been defeated three times previously in the quick-fire first round in the double-start event, and when Wright took the opening set and led 1-0 in the second, a fourth early exit began to seem a possibility.

But Taylor hit back superbly to take the set 3-1 before finding top gear in winning the final set by the same scoreline, completing victory with a showpiece 164 checkout.

Wright punished a slow start from Taylor, who missed five opening doubles in the first leg, by hitting a 180 only to then miss double six and three to lead as the world number one landed double 14 for the opening leg.

But Wright levelled with a superb 115 checkout, despite a 180 from Taylor, and then took out 101 to lead 2-1.

The pair traded maximums in the fourth, but when Taylor missed three darts at double eight Wright took out 76 on tops for the set.

He landed another 180 and double top to move 1-0 up in set two, with Taylor coming to life with an 11-darter which levelled the set.

Double ten edged him ahead, and he hit scores of 177 and 180 before a double 16 checkout saw him square the match at one set apiece.

Wright posted a maximum and double top to lead in the deciding set, but Taylor crucially levelled with a 64 finish and opened the third leg with a 160 score.

Wright replied with another 180, but tops gave Taylor a 2-1 advantage before he sealed victory in style by powering in a 164 checkout.

“Peter’s set me up for the tournament because he really made me work hard there,” said Taylor. “He went up on stage and played the game we know he can produce because he’s a dangerous player.

“He hit the 180s at the right time and was fantastic, but when I was a set down and a leg down I thought I was going out again, but I really dug in.

“The first round’s a nightmare because it’s a big leveller, and the standard is so high now that anyone is capable of a shock – but I’m glad I wasn’t the victim!”

Lowestoft’s Wright said: “I felt more comfortable than I ever have done before on stage, and I’m learning all the time. You never think you’ve beaten Phil until the last double goes in, and his 164 was fantastic.”

SIMON WHITLOCK 2-1 TERRY JENKINS
(3-1, 2-3, 3-0)
SIMON WHITLOCK held off the challenge of two-time finalist Terry Jenkins to win through to the second round of the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix with a 2-1 victory at the Citywest Hotel on Tuesday night.

The Australian set up a second round date with Mark Hylton on Thursday night courtesy of the win, although he was made to work hard after Jenkins hit back to win the second set.

Jenkins had opened the game well by winning the opening leg, and he hit a 180 on his way to setting up 36 in the second, only for Whitlock to finish a brilliant 158 to get off the mark.

Double ten against the throw put Whitlock into the lead, and he hit a 180 of his own and double top to take the set.

He also led twice in the second to move a leg away from the win, only for Jenkins to hit a 180 in setting up a double 15 finish to level and force the set into a fifth leg.

Jenkins looked to have blown his chance to keep the game alive when he miscounted on 147 and missed double 16 instead of throwing for double 18 – but Whitlock missed three match darts and the English star hit the correct bed to level the contest.

Whitlock, though, opened the decider with a 14-dart leg, and when Jenkins missed four darts at double 18 he stepped in to finish 74 for a 2-0 lead and double eight to secure the victory.

“I’m happy to get the win but I think I can play better,” said Whitlock. “I missed a few starts and a few finishes, but it’s a tough format and, as the tournament progresses, the doubles will start to come.

“I felt like I was a bit rushed out there because Terry goes at 100 miles an hour and I got caught up in it and had to slow myself down. The 158 turned the game in my favour and slowed him down, although he got back level in the second set too.”

Whitlock now faces emerging left-hander Mark Hylton on Thursday, and added: “I’ve never played Mark before but he had a great comeback against Mark Walsh and has been playing some great darts this year.”

PAUL NICHOLSON 2-0 RONNIE BAXTER
(3-0, 3-2)
PAUL NICHOLSON swept past Ronnie Baxter in straight sets to claim his first-ever PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix victory in their first round contest.

Nicholson has been a first round casualty in his previous two appearances at the New Citywest Convention Centre, but made amends with a strong display to set up a mouth-watering second round clash with nine-time champion Phil Taylor on Thursday night.

Nicholson set the tone for the victory from the start, hitting two 140s and double nine in taking the game’s opening leg, before landing double six for a 2-0 lead.

Baxter pressed in the third, but Nicholson was first to the double and hit tops to secure the set.

Nicholson also landed his first 180 of the game in the opening leg of set two, which Baxter won with an 85 finish before his opponent levelled with the help of another maximum and a tricky double eight.

Baxter hit a 180 and double 14 for a 14-dart leg to take the third, but paid for missing the bull for the set in the next as Nicholson hit double ten to move a leg away from victory.

He then hit double ten once again in the next, with Baxter waiting on 24, to secure his last 16 spot and a tie against rival Phil Taylor.

“I’m relieved to have got through that,” said Nicholson. “I’d seen a lot of other first round matches where players had a great first set and then got caught, and I didn’t want to do that.

“Ronnie was coming for me and if I’d not killed him off when I did then he could have turned it around.

“It’s a big thing for me to win that game, because I saw how Vincent van der Voort celebrated after four first round losses here, and I didn’t want to be one of those players with a little bit of a monkey on their back in a certain event.

“I don’t want to see myself as a player who has continually struggled at a certain event, and I want to improve and I’ve changed my tactics this year by changing from double top and double 18 to start to double 16 and double 19, and it worked.”

Nicholson defeated Taylor in the 2010 Players Championship Finals and at the Speedy Hire UK Open in June, while the pair enjoyed an eagerly-awaited quarter-final in the summer’s European Championship which the Stoke great edged 10-8.

“It’s going to be fun and I think there will be a massive TV audience on Thursday,” added Nicholson. “This is what darts is all about.

“You’ve got the person who has thrown the best darts in history in Phil against the person who wants to throw the darts to upset him.

“All I want to do now is cement what I’ve done this year and take the confidence that I’ve gained over the last 12 months into this game and give him a real battle.

“It’s going to be hard, I know that, and I’ll have to work hard in the next 36 hours, but I’ll be ready for Phil.”

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

Mark ‘Mile High’ Hylton allowed a rock steady Mark Walsh to take the first set to nil. He fared better in the next picking up a leg with a 106 out shot, nicked another scrappy leg but Walsh he hit back with a 121 checkout of his own. Mile High took the deciding leg to force the third set. Cue a change of fortune and a great comeback as Hylton put his ungainly looking throw to good use, emerging a 2-1 winner against a bitterly disappointed Walsh.

Dave Chisnall started just as bright as his yellow shirt, getting in on 160’s and hitting maximums as Alan Tabern struggled to find his both his rhythm and the doubles. With accurate doubles and heavy scoring Chisnall swiftly took the first set, however he was equally quick to go off the boil. Missing 13 match darts to open the door for Tabern to fulfil a mighty comeback and take the game 2-1 in a deciding leg.

Despite acheiving a considerably higher 3 dart average, Mark Webster lost the opening set to Andy Hamilton who was deadly on the doubles. Webster redressed the balance in taking the second set which included a 124 bull out shot under pressure from the Hammer. Webster then raced away and took the final set 3-0 for a sweet 2-1 victory.

Gary Anderson wasted no time in taking the first set off Richie Burnett, and at one point threatened to hit a 9 darter, but the 8^th dart fell short of the treble 17. Burnett found his range in the second to take the game to a deciding set. Anderson opened with another missed 9 dart opportunity but his all too familiar double trouble plagued him yet again. That’s not to take anything away from Burnett, who zoned in on the lipstick and hit his doubles for a memorable 2-1 victory, continuing his recent resurgence in form.

The short format, set play and double in afforded Peter Wright a good opportunity to put Phil Taylor out of a TV major. After throwing away the first leg, he redeemed himself with a 115 checkout to draw level, followed up with a 101 to take the lead and then proceeded to take the set 3-1. Taylor though was never going to lie down, and the match went to a deciding set. Wright held his nerve to break Taylor in the first leg, but Taylor broke and held to go within 1 leg of victory, finishing with a glorious 164 outshot to do just that. 2-1 to the Power, but a great effort from Snakebite who continues to improve and impress.

As Dublin approached the witching hour, the beard to be feared  - Simon Whitlock baited the raging Bull, producing a fairly comfortable 2-1 victory in sending Terry Jenkins home. The midnight matchup between Paul Nicholson and Ronnie Baxter was a one sided affair. Baxter was unable to produce any Asset management skills, and it was Nicholson who rocketed away with the first set. Baxter hit back in the second but The Asset held his nerve to take the deciding leg and the 2-0 win.

WORLD CHAMPION Adrian Lewis crashed out of the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix as John Part produced a remarkable comeback on Monday night, as James Wade opened the defence of his title in confident mood at Dublin’s New Citywest Convention Centre.

Lewis looked set to coast to victory when he won the game’s opening five legs to win the first set and move to the brink of a place in the last 16 in the double-start tournament.

But missed doubles gave Part his chance, and the Canadian took the next three legs to level the game, before winning the decider 3-1 to send Lewis – last year’s runner-up – out of the tournament.

“It’s a great win,” said Part. “The sets format meant that the comeback was more achievable than if we were playing a legs format

“Under pressure at the end, when my arm and hand was shaking because of the pressure, I hit a lot of doubles in and out. But maybe Adrian’s level came down because I wasn’t showing him much but I scored pretty well when I got away and maybe I did a bit of a rope-a-dope on him!

Meanwhile, James Wade swept aside the challenge of Steve Brown with a 2-0 victory, winning six successive legs after the Bristol ace had taken the game’s opener.

Two-time World Grand Prix finalist Raymond van Barneveld defeated Mervyn King in straight sets, with a 100 checkout to edge the opening set proving crucial as he moved into the last 16.

Van Barneveld will take on Andy Smith in the second round, after the Englishman defeated Ireland’s William O’Connor 2-0 in their contest.

Vincent van der Voort joined fellow Dutchman van Barneveld in the last 16 with his first-ever victory in the World Grand Prix, putting behind him four previous first round losses with a 2-0 defeat of Kevin Painter.

Van der Voort took the game’s opening five legs before Painter rallied briefly, and went on to secure the win to set up a clash with Wade.

Northern Ireland’s Brendan Dolan will now take on Part after defeating Wayne Jones 2-0, while Wes Newton and John Henderson were the opening night’s other winners.

Scotland’s Henderson saw off fellow World Grand Prix debutant Justin Pipe 3-2, 3-2 to take a straight sets victory, while Newton impressed with a 2-1 defeat of 2004 champion Colin Lloyd.

Lloyd won the game’s first set, but Newton roared back to win six straight legs and averaged a fine 95 in the double-start format to move into the last 16.

The first round continues with the remaining eight games on Tuesday night from 7pm, including nine-time champion Phil Taylor’s opener against Peter Wright.

Premier League Darts champion Gary Anderson faces resurgent Welshman Richie Burnett, Simon Whitlock plays Terry Jenkins, Ronnie Baxter meets Paul Nicholson and Mark Webster takes on Andy Hamilton.

Debutants Mark Hylton and Dave Chisnall face Mark Walsh and Alan Tabern respectively, while Jamie Caven and Denis Ovens will open the night’s games at the New Citywest Convention Centre.

Tickets are still available for the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix, either by calling 00353 1401 0505 or visiting the Citywest Hotel Box Office on the night.

PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix
First Round
Monday
Brendan Dolan 2-0 Wayne Jones
Justin Pipe 0-2 John Henderson
Vincent van der Voort 2-0 Kevin Painter
Wes Newton 2-1 Colin Lloyd
Adrian Lewis 1-2 John Part
James Wade 2-0 Steve Brown
Raymond van Barneveld 2-0 Mervyn King
William O’Connor 0-2 Andy Smith

Tuesday (7pm)
Jamie Caven v Denis Ovens
Mark Hylton v Mark Walsh
Dave Chisnall v Alan Tabern
Mark Webster v Andy Hamilton
Gary Anderson v Richie Burnett
Phil Taylor v Peter Wright
Simon Whitlock v Terry Jenkins
Ronnie Baxter v Paul Nicholson

BRENDAN DOLAN 2-0 WAYNE JONES
(3-1, 3-2)
BRENDAN DOLAN enjoyed his first victory in the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix since 2004 with a straight sets defeat of Wayne Jones in this year’s opening match.

The Northern Ireland number one has been a first round loser at the Citywest Hotel for the past three years, but ended that run in style.

He hit 60 percent of his opening doubles on tops, and half of his chances at winning doubles in a solid opening to the event.

Jones had taken the game’s opening leg on double 16, but Dolan hit a 180 and double four to level and tops to break.

The Wolverhampton ace landed a maximum to set up a finish in the next, but was unable to take his chance as Dolan hit double four for the set.

Dolan hit tops to win the second set’s opener, and landed a 180 and double ten to extend his lead to 2-0 before Jones hit back.

Jones landed 180s in the next two legs as he pulled back to level courtesy of double 18 and double top, but Dolan left 121 after nine darts in the deciding leg of the set before hitting double eight for the win.

“It’s great to have a win here because it’s been a long time since I won here in 2004,” said Dolan. “It wasn’t the greatest game ever but I’m just delighted to have won it.

“My starting was good and a couple of times Wayne didn’t get away with his first three darts, and I took full advantage.

“I know that I need a lot more out of myself to progress in this tournament, but at least I’m in the hunt. John Part’s coming back into form and it’s going to be really difficult, and I’ll have to step up my game.”

JOHN HENDERSON 2-0 JUSTIN PIPE
(3-2, 3-2)
SCOTLAND’S John Henderson made a winning debut in the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix, defeating Justin Pipe in straight sets to move into the second round.

Henderson’s impressive debut year on the PDC circuit continued with the victory, as he brought Pipe crashing back down to earth a day after he defeated Phil Taylor in winning his first Players Championship on Sunday.

Henderson hit a 180 in winning the opening leg, before Pipe replied in kind before finishing 110 to level.

Henderson kicked off the third with a 160, with Pipe landing his second maximum in reply only to miss the bull as the Scot landed double ten for a 2-1 lead.

Pipe levelled in a scrappy fourth leg, with both players missing a host of doubles before the Taunton ace posted double one, but Henderson was first to a finish in the decider and hit tops for the set.

The Scot then took command in the second set, winning the first two legs on double nine and double ten to move a leg away from victory.

He missed a tricky bullseye chance in the third as Pipe scrambled in double 16 to stay in the game before defying a 180 frmo Henderson to hit double four and level the set after his opponent missed four further match darts.

Henderson, though, again prevailed in the deciding leg, taking out 100 on double top for a 15-darter to secure progression to the last 16.

“I’m delighted to have won that,” said Henderson. “Justin came into the game in great form and I’d never beaten him before.

“He’s hard to play against so it’s a huge relief to have got the win, and I’ll look forward to Wednesday now. The format’s longer and I’ll be able to relax and enjoy it.”

VINCENT VAN DER VOORT 2-0 KEVIN PAINTER
(3-0, 3-2)
VINCENT VAN DER VOORT enjoyed his first-ever PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix victory, defeating Kevin Painter 2-0 at the New Citywest Convention Centre on Monday night.

The Dutchman has been a first round loser in each of his four previous Dublin appearances, but dropped only two legs as he ended that run in style.

Van der Voort opened in style with a 12-darter to win the first leg, landing a maximum before checking out 105, and then doubled his lead on tops after Painter missed two darts to level.

Painter kicked off leg three with a 152 score, but missed seven darts to get off the mark as van der Voort capitalised on double ten to secure the set.

The Dutchman also won the second set’s opening leg, hitting another 180 and double 16, before opening the second with a 160 an finishing double four to move a leg away from the win, as Painter waited on 35 after hitting a maximum in reply.

Painter took the third on double ten to finally get his first leg of the game, as van der Voort missed ten darts at an opening double before hitting a 180 to belatedly apply pressure to the Englishman.

Painter then levelled the set, but was unable to take the match into a decider when he missed tops, and van der Voort posted double eight for the win.

“I felt confident going onto stage but I was very relieved in the end with the win,” said van der Voort. “I made it hard for myself in the second set, and Kevin came back well.

“My starting was good, which was important in this format because it’s a short game.”

Van der Voort has suffered with a back problem during 2011, but added: “I’m feeling totally different to how I have been for a year or so.

“I always thought it was a problem at the top of my back but I went to see a specialist, who told me it was coming from my hips and he took care of it in one session. It’s not a problem at the moment and I feel good.”

WES NEWTON 2-1 COLIN LLOYD
(2-3, 3-0, 3-0)
WES NEWTON produced a brilliant fightback to come from a set down against Colin Lloyd to win six successive legs and win through to the second round of PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix.

The in-form Fleetwood ace knocked 2004 champion Lloyd out of the event for the second straight year in an entertaining contest, averaging an impressive 95 in the double-start format.

Lloyd had taken the opening leg on double eight, but Newton took out double ten to level and 76 to break in the third.

He could have wrapped up the set in the next, but missed three darts at doubles and Lloyd levelled before defying a 180 from Newton to step in and hit double ten for the lead after his opponent missed double 16.

Newton made an electric start to the second set, finishing 84 on double 11 to win the opening and breaking on double top following a maximum, although Lloyd had missed double 14 for a 148 chekout.

Newton then finished a brilliant 12-darter on double eight to secure the set and level the contest.

After Lloyd replied to a Newton 180 with a 177 of his own, the Fleetwood ace landed a second successive 12-darter with a fine 110 checkout to lead in set three.

Double five gave him the second leg, and he finished 71 for a 15-darter in securing safe passage to the last 16.

“I went off after the first set feeling mad with myself because I missed three darts to win the set 3-1 and then lost it,” said Newton.

“I felt I was playing well and I jumped on Colin in the last two sets, so I’m really happy. We’ve played a couple of times recently and I knew Colin was in form and that I’d have to dig deep.

“There’s no room for error in the first round, especially if you lose the first set, but I’m pleased with how I fought back.”

JOHN PART 2-1 ADRIAN LEWIS
(0-3, 3-2, 3-1)
JOHN PART produced one of the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix’s greatest comebacks as he hit back from the brink of defeat to knock World Champion Adrian Lewis out of the tournament on Monday night.

Lewis looked set to coast to victory when he won the game’s opening five legs to win the first set and move to the brink of a place in the last 16.

But missed doubles gave Part his chance, and the Canadian took the next three legs to level the game, before winning the decider 3-1.

Lewis made a confident opening, winning the first leg on double ten and opening the second with a 160 before doubling his lead on tops.

Part missed six darts to kick off the third leg, and Lewis took full advantage with a 13-darter to wrap up the set.

Lewis then took out double four and double two to lead 2-0 in the second set, but failed to close out the victory in the next despite hitting scores of 180 and 140, with Part winning his first leg of the match.

The Canadian landed a 180 in the next, and after three more misses from Lewis he hit double four to level the set.

Lewis gave himself another chance to secure victory in the set’s fifth leg, but missed tops and Part capitalised by hitting double 16 to square the game.

A fired-up Lewis opened the deciding set superbly with a 160 start to the opening leg, which he won with a party-piece 100 finish of two double tops.

Part, though, replied to level on double four, and when Lewis failed to finish the third he hit double eight to move 2-1 up and move a step closer to a remarkable triumph.

He dominated the next only to miss tops for a 78 finish and victory, but Lewis was unable to check out 100 and Part returned to hit double ten to complete a stunning fightback.

JAMES WADE 2-0 STEVE BROWN
(3-1, 3-0)
JAMES WADE began the defence of his PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix title with a strong 2-0 defeat of Steve Brown at the New Citywest Convention Centre.

The reigning champion dropped only one leg in taking the win, as he set up a second round date with Holland’s Vincent van der Voort on Wednesday.

Bristol’s Brown began the match well, capitalising on a slow start from Wade to win the opening leg with a 74 finish.

Wade, though, burst back into life by taking out 142 on double 11 to level, and moved 2-1 up in the set by edging a key third leg when Brown missed darts to double top and ten to hold throw.

A second successive double ten finish saw Wade secure the set, and he took out a confident 100 checkout in two darts to lead in the second.

Double ten moved him two legs clear, and he landed a 180 before finishing the same double to complete the win.

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 2-0 MERVYN KING
(3-2, 3-1)
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD saw off Mervyn King in straight sets to progress to the second round of the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix on Monday night.

The Dutch ace, twice the runner-up in the double-start format, looked in confident mood as he followed up Sunday’s nine-darter in a Players Championship in Dublin with a solid display.

He won the game’s opening leg, but King recovered from missing his chance to take the lead by levelling on the bull with a 92 checkout in the second.

Van Barneveld’s double five in the third was cancelled out by King’s double eight in leg four, and it was the Englishman who took command in the decider by hitting a 177 to leave 132.

However, he missed the bull to check out the combination, and van Barneveld finished a key 100 on double ten to edge the set.

King replied strongly with a 116 finish to kick off the second, but van Barneveld levelled with a tricky double eight in leg two, before hitting double ten and hitting a 180 and double four to sweep to victory.

“That 100 finish in the first set was really important,” said van Barneveld. “Mervyn was throwing really well in the first set but that double ten won me the game.

“I felt comfortable on stage, the crowd was behind me and I’m playing quite well. I like playing the sets format, I always do well in the World Championship and World Grand Prix and hopefully I will do well again this week.”

ANDY SMITH 2-0 WILLIAM O’CONNOR
(3-1, 3-1)
TWO-TIME PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix quarter-finalist Andy Smith ended the hopes of Ireland’s William O’Connor with a straight sets victory.

Limerick’s O’Connor was looking to delight the home crowd by progressing to the last 16, but was punished for missed doubles as Smith set up a second round contest with Raymond van Barneveld.

O’Connor took the game’s opening leg on double six to settle any early nerves, but failed to kill off the second as Smith stepped in to level before the Englishman powered in a 13-darter to lead 2-1.

Smith missed three darts to open in the fourth leg, but four successive ton-plus scores helped him set up double four to win the set, after O’Connor wasted three darts to level.

Smith hit a 180 in a 15-darter to kick off the second set, and doubled his lead in the next leg before O’Connor landed tops to save the match in the third leg.

However, Smith made him pay for two further misses in the next by hitting double four to seal the set 3-1 and safe passage into the second round.

“I know Willie’s a good player and the crowd would be on his side, but winning the first set gave me the edge and I put the pressure on him,” said Smith.

“He could have won the first set but I sneaked it and got the job done. I’m happy with that and I like this event and the format.

“Where I was brought up in Studley we played 301 leagues with a double-start, so I’m pretty confident getting away.

“When I play Barney I tend to play really well and beat him or really rubbish and get bashed, and hopefully I can give him a game this time. To win a tournament like this, you have to beat class players like Barney and it would be a big feather in my cap.”

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig