Taylor had been a second round loser alongside James Wade in the inaugural World Cup of Darts in 2010, but made amends by sweeping past Australia alongside World Champion Lewis to claim the £40,000 first prize.

The Australians had enjoyed a superb tournament in Germany, defeating Ireland, Belgium and reigning champions Netherlands, but lost the first three Singles games in the final.

Taylor defeated Nicholson 7-4 to take the opener before Lewis edged out Whitlock 7-5 to put England 2-0 up.

Taylor then averaged almost 106 in a brilliant 7-6 win over Whitlock – which saw him come from 3-0 down to take victory despite missing 19 darts at a double – but Nicholson edged out Lewis 7-4 to keep Australian hopes alive.

They then squared the final by winning the Doubles game 7-4, with Whitlock sealing victory in style with a 124 checkout on the bull to send the match into a deciding leg.

Nerves got to both teams as Nicholson, Taylor and Whitlock all missed darts for victory before Lewis stepped up and showed the class of a World Champion to sink double five and give England the triumph.

“I’m delighted,” said Lewis. “I thought we’d thrown it away there when Paul beat me in the last Singles game and then Australia won the Doubles, and I couldn’t watch when they were throwing for the match in the sudden-death leg.

“At times this weekend I pulled Phil through but in the final there, when it got tough, he pulled me through. It was a great team effort.

“This probably means more to me than winning the second World Championship title. People don’t realise what it means to you when you pull on the England shirt, and I’ve never felt under so much pressure in my life!”

Taylor said: “I’m over the moon and it means a massive amount to me.

“It was a great team effort from us both. Simon and Paul both showed a lot of bottle to come back from 3-0 down and still believe they could win the final.

“I thought we’d blown it when they won the Doubles and it went to that last leg. As a player I’m a bit disappointed that we missed doubles in the final leg but it made a great final for the fans because there was drama and tension.”

Nicholson had partnered Whitlock to the semi-finals of the inaugural World Cup of Darts in 2010, and said: “I believe that one day we will win this title for Australia.

“I’m gutted for myself, Simon and the DartPlayers Australia organisation that we lost, but we gave it everything we had.

“We grafted and got ourselves back into the match and gave ourselves a chance, so I’m really disappointed that we couldn’t quite get over the winning line.”

Whitlock said: “We pushed them all the way and it was a brilliant effort. It’s disappointing but we’ll be back next time and for both Paul and myself it sets us up for the year – I’m looking forward to the whole year now.

The second World Cup of Darts saw 24 nations represented by their top two ranked players on the PDC Order of Merit, with 2010 finalists Netherlands and Wales both reaching the semi-finals.

South Africa won through to the quarter-finals, with emerging star Devon Petersen miscounting when throwing for the match to defeat Wales in a game which could have him them reach the last four alongside Shawn Hogan.

The German pair of Jyhan Artut and Bernd Roith delighted their home crowd before bowing out with a narrow second round loss to the USA, who went on to lose to England.

Taylor added: “The tournament was a great success. The other teams showed a great passion for representing their country and you could see what it meant to them.

“This has shown us all that we have got good German players like Jyhan Artut who can push to win big titles now, and South Africa were fantastic too.”

Cash Converters World Cup of Darts
Final
England v Australia
Phil Taylor 7-4 Paul Nicholson
Adrian Lewis 7-5 Simon Whitlock
Phil Taylor 7-6 Simon Whitlock
Adrian Lewis 4-7 Paul Nicholson
Doubles – England 4-7 Australia
England win the Cash Converters World Cup of Darts in a Sudden-Death Leg

Match Information
England v Australia
Phil Taylor v Paul Nicholson
1-0 – Taylor finishes double 16 for a 14-darter to open the game in style.
1-1 – Nicholson hits the same bed to level for Australia.
2-1 – Nicholson misses the bull for a 170 finish, and Taylor takes out 116 to lead.
2-2 – Taylor opens the leg with a 180 but misses three darts at tops and Nicholson steps up to finish double three.
2-3 – Taylor kicks off the leg with a 177, but is punished for five missed darts to win the leg when Nicholson finishes tops.
3-3 – Taylor opens again with a 177, and although Nicholson replies with a 180 the world number one finishes 94 to level for England.
4-3 – Taylor hits a third 177 of the game, and although he misses two darts at double 16, a missed bull from Nicholson allows him back in to regain the lead.
4-4 – Taylor misses three darts at double 11, and Nicholson steps in to hit double 16 and level.
5-4 – Taylor hits a 180 and finishes 72 on double 16 to edge back ahead.
6-4 – Taylor misses a dart at tops, but Nicholson fails to land the bull for a 93 finish and the 15-time World Champion moves a leg away from victory on double five.
7-4 – Taylor is first to a finish, and although he misses a dart for the match he returns to hit double 16 and move England ahead in the final.
England 1-0 Australia

Adrian Lewis v Simon Whitlock
1-0 – Lewis kicks off the game with a 180 and finishes 74 in two darts for the opening leg.
1-1 – Whitlock hits back to level.
2-1 – Lewis posts tops to regain the advantage.
2-2 – Whitlock hits a 174 to leave 24, and hits double 12 with his third dart to level the game.
2-3 – Lewis lands a 180 to leave 106, with Whitlock posting a maximum to set up 40 and – when the Englishman misses tops for the finish – returns to hit tops for a 13-darter to snatch the lead.
3-3 – Lewis hits another 180 and finishes double five to level again.
4-3 – Lewis hits scores of 180 and 140 to be first to a finish, but misses double 13, only for Whitlock to miss double 18 and allow him back in on double four.
4-4 – Lewis misses the bull and Whitlock levels on tops.
5-4 – Whitlock posts another 180 to leave 41, but Lewis produces an outstanding 98 checkout to regain the lead.
5-5 – Whitlock levels on double 16.
6-5 – Lewis produces the darts of a World Champion with a superb 161 checkout.
7-5 – Lewis hits his fifth 180 of the game, and seals victory by taking out 72 on double 18.
England 2-0 Australia

Phil Taylor v Simon Whitlock
0-1 – Taylor misses four darts at a double and Whitlock steps in to break throw immediately.
0-2 – The pattern is repeated as Taylor misses two darts at double eight and Whitlock posts tops to move 2-0 up.
0-3 – Taylor misses a further four darts at a double, giving Whitlock a let-off as the Australian returns on double ten.
1-3 – Whitlock opens a 180, but misses two darts at double 14 to extend his lead and Taylor lands tops to get off the mark.
2-3 – Taylor pulls back to 3-2 with a superb 142 checkout, finishing on double 11.
2-4 – Taylor opens with a 174, but misses the bull for a 170 finish and two further darts to win the leg as Whitlock steps in on double four with his third dart.
3-4 – Taylor hits two 180s to leave 46 after nine darts, and lands double eight for a 12-darter.
4-4 – Taylor lands another maximum to leave 28, but misses three darts at double 14, only for Whitlock to miss double top and ten to allow him in on double seven to level.
4-5 – Whitlock finishes 80 in two darts to move back ahead.
5-5 – Whitlock posts a 180, but Taylor finishes double 16 at the first time of asking to level again.
6-5 – Taylor lands double 16 to lead for the first time in the match.
6-6 – Taylor misses double five for a 90 finish which would have given him victory, and Whitlock hits double six to force a deciding leg.
7-6 – Taylor opens with a 180 and finshes 84 for an 11-darter to take victory and put England only one win away from the World Cup title. Taylor finishes with 105.93 average despite 19 missed darts at a double.
England 3-0 Australia

Adrian Lewis v Paul Nicholson
0-1 – Nicholson struggles on his doubles, but Lewis is unable to finish 100 and allows the Australian in to land double eight with his seventh dart for the leg.
1-1 – Lewis hits a 180 in a 13-darter to level.
2-1 – Lewis opens with a 180 and is given a let-off by Nicholson when the Australia misses double top and ten to allow the World Champion back in on double two.
2-2 – Lewis is again sloppy on the doubles, and Nicholson finishes 68 to make him pay.
3-2 – Lewis is first to a finish again and, after putting three darts on the wire of double 18 returns to hit the bed and lead.
3-3 – Nicholson hits double 16 to level.
3-4 – Lewis wires the bull for a 167 finish, and Nicholson posts double 16 to take the lead.
4-4 – Lewis levels in style with a 161 checkout, his second of the final.
4-5 – Nicholson posts double top to edge himself back in front.
4-6 – Nicholson finishes 64 to move a leg away from the win as he seeks to force a Doubles decider.
4-7 – Nicholson misses tops for a 160 checkout, but when Lewis misses double 18 and nine he returns to hit tops for victory which forces a decisive Doubles game.
England 3-1 Australia

Doubles: England v Australia
0-1 – Nicholson hits a 180 to leave Australia 79, and when Taylor misses double 16 Whitlock steps in to finish 79 on double 11 to give Australia a break of throw.
0-2 – Taylor misses double 18 for a 153 checkout, and Whitlock hits the same bed to double Australia’s lead.
0-3 – Taylor hits a 180 and leaves 32 for Lewis, who misses three darts at double 16 as Nicholson steps up to post tops to move Australia further clear.
1-3 – Taylor gets England off the mark by hitting double five – with the pair’s 11th dart at a double in the game.
2-3 – It’s ‘Game On!’ as England hit a brilliant 12-darter to pull back to one leg adrift, with Lewis hitting a 180, Taylor posting a 177 and the World Champion finishing 99 on double 16.
2-4 – Whitlock kicks off the sixth leg with a 180 and wins the leg on double eight despite Lewis posting a maximum of his own.
2-5 – Whitlock and Lewis again trade maximums, but Nicholson wires the bull for a 170 checkout. Taylor, though, misses double 18 and two darts at double nine, and Whitlock finishes double eight to put Australia two legs away from forcing a Sudden-Death Shoot-Out.
3-5 – Taylor kicks off the leg with a 180 and wins it with a 100 checkout.
3-6 – Nicholson puts Australia a leg away from Doubles victory on double 16.
4-6 – Whitlock opens with a 180, but Taylor finishes 106 to deny them a chance to take the win.
4-7 – Whitlock hits another 180 and seals victory for Australia by taking out 124 on the bull, meaning the final goes to a Sudden-Death leg.
England 3-3 Australia

Sudden-Death Leg
Taylor wins the bull for England at the third time of asking, with the pressure showing as the teams battle down to a finish. Lewis is unable to leave a double when needing 88, but Nicholson misses double top and ten, Taylor also misses two match darts to allow Whitlock in. He uncharacteristically misses double ten and five, and Lewis returns to hit double five and give England the Cash Converters World Cup of Darts title.
England win the Cash Converters World Cup of Darts in a sudden-death leg

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

Taylor and Lewis had needed a sudden-death leg to defeat Canada in the second round of the £150,000 tournament – and were again pushed hard as the American pair almost caused a huge upset.

Taylor lost his Singles game with Mawson 4-3 before Lewis edged out Young by the same scoreline in a dramatic second clash, before the World Champion helped to secure a 4-2 victory in their Doubles contest.

“It was an ugly win but you won’t be 100 percent in every game and we scraped through,” admitted Taylor.

“Maybe we’re trying too hard and sometimes you’re pushing your darts, but we’ll have a good night’s rest now.”

They will face Wales in the semi-finals, and Taylor added: “We can relax a little bit on Sunday and it will suit us more.

“We know what we’re up against with Richie and Mark, but with Darin and Gary you’re not always sure how they’ll play, and they were superb against us tonight.”

The Welsh progressed to the semi-finals in dramatic fashion against South Africa following a thrilling tie, which saw Webster whitewash Shawn Hogan before Devon Petersen produced a 12-darter to defeat Burnett 4-3.

The Doubles match also went to a deciding leg, with Petersen thinking he had secured victory for South Africa only to realise – too late – that he had miscounted, and Burnett returned to land double eight for the narrowest of wins.

“I feel for Devon,” said a sporting Burnett afterwards. “He was fantastic in our Singles match and he’s a nice guy, so it was tough for him to miscount.

“We had loads of chances earlier to make it easier for ourselves but eventually we got the win, and that’s all that matters. Me and Mark are bouncing off each other and loving the tournament.”

The other semi-final sees impressive Australia take on reigning champions Netherlands on Sunday afternoon.

Australia saw off Belgium in their quarter-final, with Simon Whitlock defeating Kurt Van De Rijck 4-0 before Kim Huybrechts impressed in a 4-2 win over Paul Nicholson.

However, the Australians’ teamwork paid off as they won the decisive Doubles match 4-2 to reach the semis for the second successive World Cup of Darts, hitting an 11-darter in a key leg during the victory.

“It was special,” said Nicholson. “There was a leg there, the 11-darter, which I’ll never forget, but Simon and I brought courage, determination and quality to that leg.

“We’ve only known each other for three years, but the camaraderie we have is second to none, and Simon’s an incredible dart player, so it’s an honour to play with him representing Australia.”

Nicholson added: “Kim Huybrechts was brilliant. In my opinion, he’s the best player to cmoe out of Belgium and we’ll see a lot more of him in the coming years.”

Netherlands, meanwhile, secured their spot in the last four with a 4-0 defeat of Northern Ireland.

Vincent van der Voort came from 3-1 down to win 4-3 against Brendan Dolan, but Raymond van Barneveld defeated Michael Mansell 4-2 before they won the Doubles clash 4-3 to move into the semis and remain on course to retain their title.

Sunday sees the semi-finals and final played at the Alsterdorfer Sporthalle in Hamburg, with the format extended to include four Singles games plus a Doubles match in each tie.

Cash Converters World Cup of Darts
Quarter-Finals
Australia 3-1 Belgium
Simon Whitlock 4-0 Kurt Van De Rijck
Paul Nicholson 2-4 Kim Huybrechts
Doubles: Australia 4-2 Belgium

Wales 3-1 South Africa
Mark Webster 4-0 Shawn Hogan
Richie Burnett 3-4 Devon Petersen
Doubles: Wales 4-3 South Africa

England 3-1 USA
Phil Taylor 3-4 Gary Mawson
Adrian Lewis 4-3 Darin Young
Doubles: England 4-2 USA

Northern Ireland 0-4 Netherlands
Brendan Dolan 3-4 Vincent van der Voort
Michael Mansell 2-4 Raymond van Barneveld
Doubles: Northern Ireland 3-4 Netherlands

Semi-Finals
Sunday (3pm local time)
Australia v Netherlands
Simon Whitlock v Vincent van der Voort
Paul Nicholson v Raymond van Barneveld
Simon Whitlock v Raymond van Barneveld
Paul Nicholson v Vincent van der Voort
Doubles – Australia v Netherlands (if needed)

England v Wales
Phil Taylor v Richie Burnett
Adrian Lewis v Mark Webster
Phil Taylor v Mark Webster
Adrian Lewis v Richie Burnett
Doubles – England v Wales (if needed)

Semi-finals consist of four best of seven leg Singles games followed by a best of seven leg Doubles match (if required).
One point is awarded per singles match won, two per doubles. Loser throws first.
If the match finishes all square (3-3), a sudden-death Doubles leg will be played with a bull-up on stage to determine who throws first. Once a team has an unassailable lead, the tie is over and no further matches shall be played.
All games are the best of seven legs.

Quarter-Final Match Information
Australia v Belgium
Simon Whitlock v Kurt Van De Rijck
1-0 – Double ten for Whitlock gives him an early lead.
2-0 – Whitlock is unable to convert tops but Van De Rijck misses double 16, eight and four to allow the Australian back to post double ten again.
3-0 – Double top puts Whitlock a leg away from victory.
4-0 – The Belgian opens with a 180, but Whitlock replies with two of his own in a 13-darter to secure victory on double eight after Van De Rijck was unable to convert double ten for a 100 finish.
Australia 1-0 Belgium

Paul Nicholson v Kim Huybrechts
0-1 – Nicholson misses double 16 and Huybrechts opens with an 83 finish on the bull.
1-1 – The Belgian misses double top and ten and Nicholson levels with double nine.
1-2 – Nicholson opens with a 180 but Huybrechts takes out 111 to put himself back ahead.
1-3 – Huybrechts lands a maximum and takes out 129 on the bull to move a leg away from the win.
2-3 – Nicholson posts double 18 to pull back to within a leg.
2-4 – Nicholson hits a 180, but Huybrechts proves too strong by replying with a 171 to leave 32, and he hits double 16 to take victory, sending the tie into a decisive Doubles match where the winner progresses to the semis.
Australia 1-1 Belgium

Australia v Belgium – Doubles
1-0 – Whitlock opens the Doubles game with a 180 and, after Nicholson misses the bull for a 90 finish the pony-tailed ace hits double eight for the lead.
2-0 – Huybrechts opens with a 180, which Van De Rijck follows with a 140. Nicholson replies with a 180 of his own, and Huybrechts hits a 170 to leave 11 – hitting the bull instead of a 25 – only for Whitlock to then hit a 180 to leave 41. Van De Rijck misses two darts at double four, and Nicholson hits double 16 for an 11-darter.
2-1 – Van De Rijck posts double 14 to get the Belgians into the game.
3-1 – Nicholson sets up Whitlock for double top as Australia move to the brink of victory – averaging almost 110 in the process.
3-2 – Huybrechts posts double ten to keep Belgium’s hopes.
4-2 – Huybrechts opens the leg with a 180, but Australia are first to a finish, and Whitlock posts tops to put his country into the semi-finals.
Final Score: Australia 3-1 Belgium

Wales v South Africa
Mark Webster v Shawn Hogan
1-0 – Webster takes the opening leg.
2-0 – Webster breaks throw to double his lead.
3-0 – Double ten puts Webster a leg away from the win.
4-0 – Webster opens with a 180 and lands a 174 to leave 24 after nine darts, hitting double 12 to seal an impressive win in 11 darts.
Wales 1-0 South Africa

Richie Burnett v Devon Petersen
0-1 – Petersen opens impressively with a 13-darter.
1-1 – Burnett opens with a 180 as he levels the game.
1-2 – Both players miss double 16 before Petersen returns to hit double eight.
2-2 – Burnett lands another maximum in being first to a finish as he levels.
2-3 – Petersen finishes 105 on tops to move back ahead.
3-3 – Petersen opens with a 180 but Burnett finishes double 16 to force a decider.
3-4 – Petersen opens the final leg with a 180 and 140, with Burnett posting scores of 140 and 180, which he follows with a 130 to leave 51 – only for Petersen to finish 116 for a 12-darter to grab a brilliant win.
Wales 1-1 South Africa

Wales v South Africa – Doubles
1-0 – The Welsh pair open with 140s and Webster hits tops to give them the advantage.
2-0 – Webster misses double top and ten, but Hogan is unable to convert three darts at double 18 and Burnett gives Wales a 2-0 lead on double ten.
2-1 – Webster misses a dart at tops for a 95 finish, and Hogan this time makes him pay by taking out 100 in two darts.
2-2 – Petersen hits a 180, and when both Welsh aces miss three darts apiece at double 16, Hogan shows them how to hit the bed as he levels.
3-2 – Burnett gives Wales the advantage again on double eight.
3-3 – South Africa level to send the tie into a deciding final leg, with Petersen hitting a 180 to set up a 121 finish which Hogan takes out on double 18.
4-3 – Huge drama as Webster misses the bull for a 122 finish to allow Petersen in on 61 – but amazingly he miscounts after hitting single 12 with his first dart, hitting seven and double 16 instead of 17 and double 16, allowing Burnett in to take victory on double eight.
Final Score: Wales 3-1 South Africa

England v USA
Phil Taylor v Gary Mawson
1-0 – Taylor hits double 16 to get off the mark.
1-1 – Mawson hits a 180 and steps in on double five to level.
2-1 – Taylor finishes 111 on double 16 to regain the lead.
2-2 – Double ten from Mawson sees him level.
3-2 – Taylor hits a 180 and double 16 to regain the advantage.
3-3 – Taylor misses the bull for a 127 game shot, and Mawson posts double 17 to send the match into a decider.
3-4 – Taylor misses tops for a 76 finish and the match and Mawson hits the same bed for a famous win.
England 0-1 USA

Adrian Lewis v Darin Young
0-1 – Young opens the game with a 180 and finishes 60 to move ahead.
1-1 – Lewis levels courtesy of double 12.
1-2 – Young finishes 76 to move back ahead.
2-2 – Young hands Lewis a let-off for his missed doubles when he is unable to convert three darts at double top and ten, as Lewis wins the leg on double one.
2-3 – Lewis hits a 180, but Young finishes 64 on double eight to move a leg away from the win.
3-3 – Lewis sends the game into a decider with a 76 finish.
4-3 – Young opens with a 180, but Lewis replies in kind to leave 144. Young misses the bull for a 121 finish and the match, and also sees two darts at tops land on the wire, and Lewis finishes 40 with an improvised double one, double 19 shot.
England 1-1 USA

England v USA – Doubles
1-0 – England are first to a finish, with both Taylor and Lewis initially missing chances before Taylor hits double three to lead.
1-1 – Mawson misses double top for a 103 finish, but when Lewis cannot convert double seven for an 86 checkout, Young returns to land double ten.
1-2 – Taylor misses three darts at double 12, and Young steps in to land double ten again.
2-2 – Lewis hits tops to tie the game up.
3-2 – Mawson misses two darts at tops for a 97 finish, and Lewis punishes him on double eight.
4-2 – Young opens with a 180, but when Mawson is unable to finish 88 Lewis follows an earlier maximum by taking out 81 on the bull for victory.
Final Score: England 3-1 USA

Northern Ireland v Netherlands
Brendan Dolan v Vincent van der Voort
1-0 – Dolan misses tops but is handed a reprieve when the Dutchman wastes three darts at a double, allowing him back in on double ten.
1-1 – van der Voort finishes 76 to level.
2-1 – Dolan lands double eight to edge back ahead.
3-1 – van der Voort’s doubles let him down as he misses six darts for the leg, and Dolan steps in on tops to break and lead 3-1.
3-2 – The Dutchman posts double 16 at the first time of asking to pull back to within a leg.
3-3 – Another double 16 finish from van der Voort forces a decider.
3-4 – van der Voort hits a 180 to leave 115, and when Dolan misses the bull for a 170 finish is allowed in – but incredibly the Dutchman hits treble 19 but misses the single 18 to leave tops. Dolan, though, feels the pressure too and, needing 25, hits double nine, single three and misses double two to allow van der Voort to take the win on double three.
Northern Ireland 0-1 Netherlands

Michael Mansell v Raymond van Barneveld
1-0 – Mansell lands double 12 to take the game’s opening leg.
1-1 – The pair trade 180s before van Barneveld lands tops to level.
2-1 – Mansell is first to a finish and lands tops to edge back ahead.
2-2 – van Barneveld levels the game again.
2-3 – van Barneveld lands a 180 and wins the leg on double eight.
2-4 – The Dutchman posts double 16 to secure the win, after Mansell misses the bullseye.
Northern Ireland 0-2 Netherlands

Northern Ireland v Netherlands – Doubles
0-1 – van Barneveld opens with a 180 and Mansell replies with a maximum of his own – but both are guilty of missing doubles before van der Voort hits double ten to give the reigning champions the lead.
1-1 – Mansell levels the game for Northern Ireland.
1-2 – van der Voort finishes 76 in two darts to edge the Dutch back in front.
2-2 – Dolan misses double 16, but when van Barneveld fails to finish 113 he allows Mansell back to land the finish and level.
2-3 – Dolan and van Barneveld trade 180s, with van der Voort missing double 12 for a 138 finish but his team-mate returns to hit double six.
3-3 – Mansell misses double 12 for a 144 finish, but Dolan steps up to send the game into a deciding leg – which Northern Ireland must win to force a sudden-death leg.
3-4 – Dolan is unable to finish 146, and van der Voort takes out 90 in two darts on double 15 to take victory.
Northern Ireland 0-4 Netherlands

Taylor went down 4-3 to MacNeil, giving him echoes of a defeat in the second round of the 2010 World Cup of Darts to Spain when he was partnered by James Wade.

Double World Champion Lewis has taken Wade’s place in the England team in this event, but was unable to take victory in his own Singles clash with Part, who took out a brilliant 140 finish to win their game in a deciding leg.

The results mean that Taylor and Lewis must now win Saturday afternoon’s Doubles game between the nations to force a sudden-death leg at the Alsterdorfer Sporthalle in Hamburg.

Reigning champions Netherlands, meanwhile, face a winner-takes-all Doubles clash with Austria on Saturday after Raymond van Barneveld and Mensur Suljovic picked up respective wins for their countries.

Van Barneveld came from 3-2 down to defeat Dietmar Burger 4-3, while Suljovic won in the same manner against Vincent van der Voort, who hit a 140 checkout during the game but could not better the Austrian’s 14-darter in the deciding leg.

Australia, who were semi-finalists in the 2010 World Cup of Darts, made a strong start to the event as Simon Whitlock and Paul Nicholson dropped just one leg between them in victories over Ireland’s Mick McGowan and William O’Connor.

Welshmen Mark Webster and Richie Burnett also impressed as they defeated Croatian pair Tonci Restovic and Boris Krcmar with 4-0 and 4-3 wins respectively, as they put one foot into the quarter-finals.

Scotland also lead 2-0 in their clash with South Africa, although Gary Anderson had to come from 3-0 down to defeat Shawn Hogan 4-3 before Peter Wright overcame emerging star Devon Petersen 4-1.

Hosts Germany are level with the USA following their Singles games, with Jyhan Artut defeating Gary Mawson 4-3 and Darin Young seeing off Bernd Roith 4-2.

Northern Ireland are also all-square with Denmark, for whom Jann Hoffmann picked up victory over World Grand Prix finalist Brendan Dolan before left-hander Michael Mansell defeated Per Laursen 4-1.

Belgium and Sweden will meet in another decisive Doubles game knowing that the winner will progress on Saturday afternoon after sharing the spoils on Friday, with Kim Huybrechts defeating Dennis Nilsson 4-1 and Magnus Caris replying with a 4-2 win over Kurt Van De Rijck.

Saturday afternoon’s decisive Doubles games will be followed in the evening session by the quarter-finals, which will see both Singles and Doubles games combined.

Cash Converters World Cup of Darts
Second Round
Friday Evening Session (8pm-12am)
16 x Singles matches. Top ranked player from each team plays second ranked player from opposing team.
Best of seven legs, 501 Singles, loser throws first.
One point awarded for each match winner.

Second Round Singles
Northern Ireland 1-1 Denmark
Brendan Dolan 3-4 Jann Hoffmann
Michael Mansell 4-1 Per Laursen

Belgium 1-1 Sweden
Kim Huybrechts 4-1 Dennis Nilsson
Kurt Van De Rijck 2-4 Magnus Caris

Australia 2-0 Republic of Ireland
Simon Whitlock 4-1 Mick McGowan
Paul Nicholson 4-0 William O’Connor

Wales 2-0 Croatia
Mark Webster 4-0 Tonci Restovic
Richie Burnett 4-3 Boris Krcmar

Germany 1-1 USA
Jyhan Artut 4-3 Gary Mawson
Bernd Roith 2-4 Darin Young

Scotland 2-0 South Africa
Gary Anderson 4-3 Shawn Hogan
Peter Wright 4-1 Devon Petersen

England 0-2 Canada
Phil Taylor 3-4 Ken MacNeil
Adrian Lewis 3-4 John Part

Netherlands 1-1 Austria
Raymond van Barneveld 4-3 Dietmar Burger
Vincent van der Voort 3-4 Mensur Suljovic

Saturday February 4
Afternoon Session (2.30pm-6.30pm)
Second Round
8x Doubles matches. Best of nine legs, 501 Doubles, loser throws first.
Two points awarded for each match winner. In the event of this resulting in a 2-2 tie between countries, a sudden death doubles leg will take place with the team who threw first in the doubles match throwing first for the bull in the sudden death leg.

Second Round Doubles Order of Play
Northern Ireland v Denmark
Belgium v Sweden
Australia v Republic of Ireland
Wales v Croatia
Germany v USA
Scotland v South Africa
England v Canada
Netherlands v Austria

Evening Session (8pm-12am)
Quarter-Finals
4x Quarter-Final ties. Play proceeds in bracket order from the Second Round onwards.
Same format as Second Round, with Doubles match immediately following second Singles match in each tie.

Order of Play TBC

Tournament Draw Bracket – to be used from Second Round onwards
England (1) v Canada
Germany (8) v USA
Wales (5) v Croatia
Scotland (4) v South Africa
Australia (2) v Republic of Ireland
Belgium (7) v Sweden
Northern Ireland (6) v Denmark
Netherlands (3) v Austria

Second Round Singles Match Information
Northern Ireland v Denmark
Brendan Dolan v Jann Hoffmann
0-1 – Hoffmann opens the final with double ten to take the first leg.
1-1 – Dolan eventually levels, missing a host of chances before hitting double two.
2-1 – Double 16 from Dolan breaks throw.
2-2 – Hoffmann levels courtesy of double nine.
3-2 – Dolan misses the bull for a 161 finish, but has enough cushion to return and land double eight to regain the lead.
3-3 – Dolan sets up 48 for victory, but Hoffmann lands double ten to force a deciding leg.
3-4 – Dolan is first to a finish, but misses four darts at double top, ten and five and Hoffmann lands double three with his third dart to take the win.

Michael Mansell v Per Laursen
0-1 – Laursen misses double 18 for a 156 finish, but returns to hit double nine.
1-1 – Mansell takes the second leg to level.
2-1 – Laursen misses four darts for the leg, and Mansell steps in on double ten to break throw.
3-1 – Mansell wins his third successive leg by hitting double top.
4-1 – Mansell finishes 76 on tops to take victory and level the tie.
Northern Ireland 1-1 Denmark – the tie will be decided by the winner of Saturday afternoon’s Doubles game

Belgium v Sweden
Kim Huybrechts v Dennis Nilsson
1-0 – Nilsson misses double 16 to break and Huybrechts wins the opener.
1-1 – The Swede levels with a brilliant 140 checkout.
2-1 – Huybrechts hits a 171 score and lands double ten to edge back ahead.
3-1 – Huybrechts posts double nine to move a leg away from the win.
3-2 – The Belgian opens with a 180 but misses tops for the match, and Nilsson posts double ten to stay in the contest.
4-2 – Huybrechts opens a second successive leg with a maximum, and after scoring 40 on his second visit hits another 180 and lands double 16 to take the win.

Kurt Van De Rijck v Magnus Caris
0-1 – Caris hits tops to get Sweden off the mark.
0-2 – Caris doubles his lead by landing double eight, having wired the bull for a 164 checkout.
1-2 – Van De Rijck lands a 180 and gets himself into the game by landing double one.
1-3 – Caris hits tops at the third time of asking to move a leg away from the win.
2-3 – Van De Rijck lands tops to stay in the game, with Caris waiting on 100 for the match.
2-4 – Caris is first to a finish, and has enough cushion to miss a host of doubles before sealing the win on double one.
Belgium 1-1 Sweden – the tie will be decided by the winner of Saturday afternoon’s Doubles game

Australia v Republic of Ireland
Simon Whitlock v Mick McGowan
1-0 – Whitlock makes a solid start by taking the opening leg with his fourth dart at a double.
2-0 – Whitlock breaks throw in style, hitting a 180 to leave 57, which he takes out at the first time of asking.
2-1 – McGowan posts tops with his third dart to hit back.
3-1 – Double 16 for a 50 finish puts Whitlock a leg away from the game.
4-1 – McGowan opens with a 180 but Whitlock finishes 90 on tops to seal the win.

Paul Nicholson v William O’Connor
1-0 – O’Connor is first to a finish, but misses four darts at tops and Nicholson takes out 64 in two darts to lead.
2-0 – Nicholson extends his lead by hitting double 16 at the first time of asking.
3-0 – Nicholson misses double 16 and double eight to move three legs clear, but O’Connor is unable to finish 100 and he returns to hit double four.
4-0 – O’Connor opens with a 180, but misses double seven for an 86 finish and Nicholson pounces on double eight to seal a whitewash win.
Australia 2-0 Republic of Ireland – Republic of Ireland must win Doubles game to force a sudden-death leg to decide the winner.

Wales v Croatia
Mark Webster v Tonci Restovic
1-0 – Double 12 puts Webster into the lead.
2-0 – Restovic is unable to take out 135 and Webster doubles his cushion on double ten, following an earlier 180.
3-0 – Webster hits two more maximums in the third leg, and finishes double ten for a 14-darter to move a leg away from the win.
4-0 – Webster completes a comprehensive win by finish 80 on tops for a whitewash, with Restovic denied a dart at a double by his performance.

Richie Burnett v Boris Krcmar
1-0 – Burnett makes a brilliant start, hitting double ten for a 13-dart leg.
1-1 – Krcmar levels with double 19 for a superb 158 finish.
1-2 – Krcmar hits a 180, and when Burnett misses tops he lands double 18 with his third dart to break throw and lead.
2-2 – Burnett finishes 101 on double 16 to level the contest.
2-3 – Krcmar hits a 180 and lands double ten to move a leg away from an upset against the World Champion.
3-3 – Burnett finishes 62 in two darts to send the game into a decider.
4-3 – Burnett misses tops for a 120 finish, but when Krcmar fails to take out 142 he returns to hit tops and seal victory.
Wales 2-0 Croatia – Croatia must win Doubles game to force a sudden-death leg to decide the winner.

Germany v USA
Jyhan Artut v Gary Mawson
1-0 – Artut delights the home crowd by hitting double top to win the opening leg.
2-0 – Artut hits a 177 and finishes 64 in two darts to move two legs up.
2-1 – Mawson hits back with a 93 finish, ending on double 16.
3-1 – A crucial fourth leg goes the way of the German, who initially misses double 16 before Mawson is just off-target with double six for a 126 checkout to allow Artut back in on double eight.
3-2 – Mawson pulls back to within a leg by hitting double ten.
3-3 – Artut misses double top for a 116 finish and victory, and Mawson silences the home crowd by landing double 12 with his third dart to force a deciding leg.
4-3 – Artut is first to a finish, and posts double top at the first time of asking to take the win.

Bernd Roith v Darin Young
0-1 – Roith misses two darts to take the opening leg and Young finishes double ten.
0-2 – Tops from Young sees him double his lead.
0-3 – Young moves a leg away from victory on double five.
1-3 – Roith keeps his hopes alive by posting double top to get off the mark.
2-3 – Young misses four match darts and Roith steps in to win a second leg.
2-4 – Young finishes 76 in two darts to close out victory.
Germany 1-1 USA – the tie will be decided by the winner of Saturday afternoon’s Doubles game

Scotland v South Africa
Gary Anderson v Shawn Hogan
0-1 – Anderson is punished for five misses as Hogan wins the opening leg.
0-2 – Anderson misses two darts at double top and Hogan capitalises on double eight to move 2-0 up.
0-3 – Anderson opens with scores of 140 and 180, but misses the bull, double eight and double four and Hogan finishes 101 to move a leg away from a huge shock.
1-3 – Hogan hits a 180 but Anderson takes out 62 to get off the mark.
2-3 – Anderson lands a 180 in reply and finishes double eight to continue the fightback.
3-3 – Anderson fires in two 180s and levels on tops with a superb leg.
4-3 – Hogan misses double 12 for the match on a 138 checkout, and a relieved Anderson seals victory on tops.

Peter Wright v Devon Petersen
1-0 – Petersen hits a 180 but is left waiting on tops as Wright finishes double 16 for the opening leg.
1-1 – Petersen hits the double at the second time of asking to level.
2-1 – Wright edges back ahead by holding throw in the third, after Petersen missed a dart to break.
3-1 – Wright posts a 180 and hits double top to move a leg away from an impressive victory.
4-1 – Wright hits another maximum, and when Petersen is unable to land a second double top on a 100 combination the Scot hits the same bed to seal the win
Scotland 2-0 South Africa – South Africa must win Doubles game to force a sudden-death leg to decide the winner.

England v Canada
Phil Taylor v Ken MacNeil
0-1 – MacNeil finishes 111 to take the opening leg.
1-1 – Taylor hits back to level on double five.
2-1 – MacNeil misses a dart at tops, and Taylor hits double two to edge ahead.
2-2 – Taylor misses the bull for a 158 finish and MacNeil lands double 12 to win a second leg and square the game.
2-3 – Taylor misses the bull again, this time on an 87 checkout, and MacNeil posts tops to move a leg away from a huge upset.
3-3 – Taylor posts a 174 and, with MacNeil waiting on 32 for the match, finishes 68 on double 16 to send the game into a decider.
3-4 – The pair open with 140 scores but MacNeil is first to a finish, missing the bull for a 170 finish but returning – with Taylor waiting on 32 – to hit double 19 for a massive win.

Adrian Lewis v John Part
0-1 – Lewis misses two darts at double eight and Part steps in on tops to lead.
1-1 – Double 14 for Lewis levels the contest.
1-2 – Lewis hits a 180 to leave 73 but misses two darts at double eight, and Part steps in on double ten.
1-3 – Lewis misses double 16 for a 101 finish, and Part takes out 48 in two darts to move a leg away from the win.
2-3 – Lewis hits scores of 140, 180 and 145 before hitting double 18 for a 13-darter to stay in the game.
3-3 – Lewis opens the sixth with a 180 and finishes 76 for an 11-darter in forcing a deciding leg.
3-4 – Part makes the early running before Lewis hits a 140 to catch up – but the Canadian brilliantly finishes 140 on double ten for the match.
England 0-2 Canada – England must win Doubles game to force a sudden-death leg to decide the winner.

Netherlands v Austria
Raymond van Barneveld v Dietmar Burger
1-0 – Burger misses double ten and five to lead, and van Barneveld posts double 16 for the first leg.
1-1 – Burger levels with his second dart at a double.
1-2 – van Barneveld misses two darts to lead, and Burger posts double top to put himself ahead.
2-2 – Burger hits a 180, but van Barneveld lands a 174 score and finishes 76 on double eight to square the match.
2-3 – Burger hits double eight to take the fifth leg and move one away from the win.
3-3 – van Barneveld finishes 64 on double 16 to send the match into a decider.
4-3 – van Barneveld misses two darts at double eight, but Burger is unable to finish 76 and the Dutchman returns to hit double four.

Vincent van der Voort v Mensur Suljovic
0-1 – Suljovic finishes 75 to take the first leg.
1-1 – van der Voort levels at the first time of asking.
2-1 – van der Voort takes the lead with a superb 140 finish.
2-2 – Suljovic finishes 72 to square the contest.
2-3 – van der Voort misses the bull for an 80 finish, and Suljovic hits double seven to move a leg away from the win.
3-3 – Double 16 from the Dutchman sends the match into a decider.
3-4 – Suljovic posts 180 and finishes double ten for a 14-darter to take victory and level the tie.
Netherlands 1-1 Austria – the tie will be decided by the winner of Saturday afternoon’s Doubles game.

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

The tournament was introduced to great success in December 2010, with the top two ranked players from 24 nations defying a foot of snow to compete in north-east England.

The hosts’ team of Phil Taylor and James Wade were stunned by Spanish pair Antonio Alcinas and Carlos Rodriguez in the second round of the event as the colourful pair went on to reach the semi-finals.

They would be denied at that stage by the Netherlands, as van Barneveld and his then partner Co Stompe went on to take victory with a triumph against Wales in the final.

That success is van Barneveld’s only televised triumph since 2007, but after losing in the first round of the World Championship before Christmas he is determined to bounce back in style at the Alsterdorfer Sporthalle in Hamburg this weekend.

“The last World Cup was a brilliant memory for me,” said van Barneveld. “I loved every minute of playing with Co and I can’t wait to play with Vincent this time.

“We’re determined to keep this title. I’m practising every day and I played really well in Spain last weekend, and this year I want to prove a lot of people wrong – I’m not finished.

“Losing in the first round of the World Championship to James Richardson was one of the saddest things in my career.

“I know what I can do but I was lazy last year, not practising much. I needed two or three weeks to recover and I said to myself that now I’m going to work hard and prove that I’m still top class.”

Taylor will be partnered by World Champion Adrian Lewis in this year’s tournament, with the Stoke pair set to open their challenge against either Canada – featuring three-time World Champion John Part – or Hungary.

“I’m excited,” said Taylor. “I’ve not played since the World Championship so I’m itching to get back up there, and I’m looking forward to playing with Adrian.

“It was disappointing to lose early on in the last World Cup but this is a new chance. Adrian’s obviously in great form because he’s just won the World Championship again, and it should be good fun.”

Lewis has overtaken James Wade to become world number two in the past year to replace the left-hander in the English pairing, and is hoping to continue his run of success in Hamburg.

“I’ve been so used to playing against Phil that it might take a little bit of time getting used to playing with him!” he joked.

“I’m really looking forward to it and it would be a fantastic competition to win, although there are some great teams out there.”

The World Cup of Darts will begin on Friday afternoon with eight first round matches which will feature the teams ranked 9-24.

Canada’s John Part and Ken MacNeil play the Hungarian pairing of Nandor Bezzeg and Kristian Kaufmann in the opening game, before Ireland’s William O’Connor and Mick McGowan play the Malaysian duo of Lee Choon Peng and Amin Bin Abdul Ghani.

American duo Darin Young and Gary Mawson play the Philippines’ Christian Perez and Lourence Ilagan, while Austria’s Mensur Suljovic and Dietmar Burger play the New Zealand team of Warren French and Preston Ridd.

Sweden’s Magnus Caris and Dennis Nilsson meet the Japanese pairing of Haruki Muramatsu and Morihiro Hashimoto, while the South African team of Devon Petersen and Shawn Hogan take on the 2010 semi-finalists Spain, who are again represented by Alcinas and Rodriguez.

Finland’s Petri Korte and Marko Kantele play Croatia’s Boris Krcmar and Tonci Restovic, and the final first round game sees Gibraltar’s Dylan Duo and Dyson Parody meet Denmark’s Per Laursen and Jann Hoffmann.

The first round will be played in a Doubles format of the best of nine legs, with the second round comprising Singles games to be played on Friday night and Doubles matches on Saturday afternoon.

England play Canada or Hungary, with the winners progressing to meet either Germany, USA or the Philippines in the quarter-finals.

The Welsh pairing of Mark Webster and Richie Burnett meet Finland or Croatia as they bid to emulate their run to the 2010 final, when Webster was partnered by Barrie Bates.

However, their potential quarter-final opponents would be either Scotland – represented by Premier League champion Gary Anderson and colourful Peter Wright – Spain or South Africa.

Number two seeds Australia, represented by Simon Whitlock and Paul Nicholson, will play either the Republic of Ireland or Malaysia in the second round, with the Belgian debutants Kim Huybrechts and Kurt Van De Rijck playing Sweden or Japan.

Northern Ireland’s Brendan Dolan and Michael Mansell play Gibraltar or Denmark, with the Netherlands meeting Austria or New Zealand in their second round tie.

The tournament will continue throughout the weekend with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals played with a mixture of Singles and Doubles matches.

The event will be screened live on Sky Sports HD in the UK, on RTL7 in the Netherlands, Fox Sports in Australia and OSN Showtime Network across the Middle East & North Africa, and is also available outside of the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands through LIVEPDC.TV.

Cash Converters World Cup of Darts
Schedule of Play
All times local (GMT+1)
Friday February 3
Afternoon Session (2pm-6pm)
First Round x8 Games
Best of nine legs, 501 Doubles, loser throws first.
Knockout between teams 9-24

First Round Order of Play
Canada (John Part & Ken MacNeil) v Hungary (Nandor Bezzeg & Kristian Kaufmann)
Republic of Ireland (William O’Connor/Mick McGowan v Malaysia (Lee Choon Peng/Amin Bin Abdul Ghani)
USA (Darin Young & Gary Mawson) v Philippines (Christian Perez & Lourence Ilagan)
Austria (Mensur Suljovic & Dietmar Burger) v New Zealand (Warren French & Preston Ridd)
Sweden (Magnus Caris & Dennis Nilsson) v Japan (Haruki Muramatsu & Morihiro Hashimoto)
Spain (Antonio Alcinas & Carlos Rodriguez) v South Africa (Devon Petersen & Shawn Hogan)
Finland (Petri Korte & Marko Kantele) v Croatia (Boris Krcmar & Tonci Restovic)
Gibraltar (Dylan Duo & Dyson Parody) v Denmark (Per Laursen & Jann Hoffmann)

Second Round
Play split across Friday night & Saturday afternoon sessions
Draw Bracket – to be used from Second Round onwards
England (1) v Canada/Hungary
Germany (8) v USA/Philippines
Wales (5) v Finland/Croatia
Scotland (4) v Spain/South Africa
Australia (2) v Republic of Ireland/Malaysia
Belgium (7) v Sweden/Japan
Northern Ireland (6) v Gibraltar/Denmark
Netherlands (3) v Austria/New Zealand

Evening Session (8pm-12am)
16 x Singles matches. Top ranked player from each team plays second ranked player from opposing team.
Best of seven legs, 501 Singles, loser throws first.
One point awarded for each match winner.

Second Round Singles Order of Play
Northern Ireland v Gibraltar/Denmark
Brendan Dolan v Dyson Parody/Jann Hoffman
Michael Mansell v Dylan Duo/Per Laursen

Belgium v Sweden/Japan
Kim Huybrechts v Dennis Nilsson/Morihiro Hashimoto
Kurt Van De Rijck v Magnus Caris/Haruki Muramatsu

Australia v Republic of Ireland/Malaysia
Simon Whitlock v Mick McGowan/Amin Bin Abdul Ghani
Paul Nicholson v William O’Connor/Lee Choon Peng

Wales v Finland/Croatia
Mark Webster v Marko Kantele/Tonci Restovic
Richie Burnett v Petri Korte/Boris Krcmar

Germany v USA/Philippines
Jyhan Artut v Gary Mawson/Lourence Ilagan
Bernd Roith v Darin Young/Christian Perez

Scotland v Spain/South Africa
Gary Anderson v Carlos Rodriguez/Shawn Hogan
Peter Wright v Antonio Alcinas/Devon Petersen

England v Canada/Hungary
Phil Taylor v Ken MacNeil/Kristian Kaufmann
Adrian Lewis v John Part/Nandor Bezzeg

Netherlands v Austria/New Zealand
Raymond van Barneveld v Dietmar Burger/Preston Ridd
Vincent van der Voort v Mensur Suljovic/Warren French

Saturday February 4
Afternoon Session (2.30pm-6.30pm)
Second Round
8x Doubles matches. Best of nine legs, 501 Doubles, loser throws first.
Two points awarded for each match winner. In the event of this resulting in a 2-2 tie between countries, a sudden death doubles leg will take place with the team who threw first in the doubles match throwing first for the bull in the sudden death leg.

Second Round Doubles Order of Play
Northern Ireland v Gibraltar/Denmark
Belgium v Sweden/Japan
Australia v Republic of Ireland/Malaysia
Wales v Finland/Croatia
Germany v USA/Philippines
Scotland v Spain/South Africa
England v Canada/Hungary
Netherlands v Austria/New Zealand

Evening Session (8pm-12am)
Quarter-Finals
4x Quarter-Final ties. Play proceeds in bracket order from the Second Round onwards.
Same format as Second Round, with Doubles match immediately following second Singles match in each tie.

Order of Play TBC

Sunday February 5
Afternoon Session (3pm-6.30pm)
Semi-Finals
2x Semi-Final ties.
Semi-finals consist of four best of nine leg Singles games followed by a best of nine leg Doubles match (if required).
One point is awarded per singles match won, two per doubles. Loser throws first.
If the match finishes all square (3-3), a sudden-death Doubles leg will be played with a bull-up on stage to determine who throws first. Once a team has an unassailable lead, the tie is over and no further matches shall be played.

Order of Play TBC

Evening Session (8pm-11.30pm)
Final
Same format as semi-finals but matches played over the best of 15 legs.

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

Japanese number one Muramatsu set up a dream clash with 15-time World Champion Taylor by seeing off former Sweden’s Strongest Man Dennis Nilsson 4-2 in the preliminary round at Alexandra Palace.

The 34-year-old from Iwate shared the first two legs but missed his chance to lead with one stray dart at tops in the third, as Taylor recovered to take two successive legs for the first set.

The Japanese ace then led in the next two sets, but Taylor – who was cheered on by Chelsea footballer Michael Essien – was too strong to secure victory with a 99.98 average as he set up a secound round clash with either Mark Dudbridge or Dave Chisnall after Christmas.

“It’s a relief to get that out of the way,” admitted Taylor. “He’s a good player and put me under a little bit of pressure and I had to keep my concentration and make sure I did the job.

“It was a test for me and a tough first round. I can relax a but now and enjoy Christmas, but I’ll be practising every day to get ready for the next round.”

World number seven Wes Newton, June’s UK Open finalist, defeated Belgian debutant Kurt Van De Rijck in straight sets, although the newcomer forced some nervous moments for the Fleetwood ace by taking two sets to a deciding leg.

Emerging star Justin Pipe had to come from a set down against Australian Grand Prix champion Sean Reed before taking a 3-1 victory in a hard-fought contest.

The night’s other game saw Dutchman Co Stompe defeat World Championship debutant Michael Smith in straight sets, with the youngster from St Helens winning the opening leg of each set but unable to cause an upset.

Saturday sees the first round continue with two sessions at Alexandra Palace, including former Lakeside Champions Jelle Klaasen and Steve Beaton in the opening games of the afternoon and evening respectively when they face colourful Peter Wright and Sweden’s Magnus Caris.

2011 World Championship quarter-finalist Vincent van der Voort takes on left-hander Mark Hylton, while Paul Nicholson meets Austria’s Mensur Suljovic.

Ladbrokes World Darts Championship
Preliminary (P) and First Round
Friday December 16
Justin Pipe 3-1 Sean Reed
Haruki Muramatsu 4-2 Dennis Nilsson (P)
Co Stompe 3-0 Michael Smith
Wes Newton 3-0 Kurt Van De Rijck
Phil Taylor 3-0 Haruki Muramatsu

Saturday December 17
Afternoon Session (12pm)
Peter Wright v Jelle Klaasen
Dietmar Burger v Christian Perez (P)
Ronnie Baxter v Steve Farmer
Robert Thornton v Ian White
Alan Tabern v Burger/Perez

Evening Session (7pm)
Steve Beaton v Magnus Caris
Kevin Munch v Lee Choon Peng (P)
Vincent van der Voort v Mark Hylton
Paul Nicholson v Mensur Suljovic
Denis Ovens v Munch/Choon Peng

JUSTIN PIPE 3-1 SEAN REED
(0-3, 3-1, 3-2, 3-0)
JUSTIN PIPE secured a hard-fought first round victory over Australian qualifier Sean Reed by coming from a set down to secure a place in the second round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

The game was finely poised at one set all with Reed 2-1 up in the third set before the man from Taunton put together a run of five winning legs to win the match.

The Australian made a superb start to the match by taking the set first without reply from his opponent, as Reed hit finishes of 86, 112 and 83 to take an early advantage on his televised debut.

Pipe made a good start to the second set by holding throw with the aid of a maximum before Reed drew level by hitting double 16.

Pipe hit a 174 to leave 16 in the third leg, which he duly took out to edge ahead, and in the fourth he hit a second 180, followed by a successful attempt at double six, to square the match.

Reed reproduced the form of the first set at the beginning of the third with an excellent 121 checkout before Pipe took the next by landing double 16 at the first time of asking.

A tense third leg saw Pipe miss two chances to break throw and Reed hit double ten with his third dart to claim a 2-1 lead.

Pipe won the fourth with an accurate attempt at double 18 and then hit a brace of 140s at the start of the deciding leg, which was won on double eight to take the set and lead the match for the first time.

The fourth set started with Pipe hitting double eight to hold throw, and he broke in the second by converting a 62 finish on double 16 to win a fourth successive leg before he hit the same bed in the next to seal victory.

“It’s job done and I ground out the win,” said Pipe. “That’s the nervy one out of the way because it means so much to better myself from the first round loss a year ago.

“I’m happy enough with my finishing but I need to up my average in the second round.”

HARUKI MURAMATSU 4-2 DENNIS NILSSON
HARUKI MURAMATSU defeated Sweden’s Dennis Nilsson with an excellent 4-2 triumph in the preliminary round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

The 34-year-old’s reward is a first round clash against 15-time World Champion Phil Taylor later on Friday evening as he reached the last 64 for the second time in three years.

Nilsson missed double top for a 120 finish at the start of the match and Muramastu stepped in to take out 80 and claim the first leg against the darts.

The Japanese qualifier, making his second appearance in the World Championship, hit a 90 finish to win the second leg before Nilsson got on the board by landing double five to take the third.

Nilsson, who won Sweden’s Strongest Man competition in 2004, levelled the game by hitting double ten to win the fourth leg, but the fifth saw Muramatsu claim a vital break of throw and he closed out the game in style with an excellent 102 checkout.

CO STOMPE 3-0 MICHAEL SMITH
(3-1, 3-1, 3-1)
CO STOMPE enjoyed a relatively comfortable path towards the last 32 of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a straight sets victory over debutant Michael Smith.

Stompe suffered a first round exit at the hands of Peter Wright 12 months ago, but the same fate did not hit the Dutchman this time around.

Stompe hit a 180 in the opening leg but St Helens youngster Smith, making his World Championship debut, held throw to win the opening leg by landing double ten.

Smith missed two chances to break throw in the second, and Stompe accepted the reprieve by hitting double 16 at the first attempt.

The Dutchman, a quarter-finalist in this event in 2009, won the third leg against the darts with the aid of a 180 and then hit double five in the next to win the first set.

Stompe began the second set with his third maximum of the match, but missed three darts at doubles to take the leg and Smith again made his opponent pay by hitting double eight.

Stompe recovered from those errors by breaking back immediately with a 13-dart finish and then hit double top at the first time of asking to take the third leg.

The fourth leg saw the 21-year-old miss five darts at doubles to level, and Stompe hit double top to register a two-set lead and leave his opponent with a mountain to climb.

Smith started the third set well – as he had the previous two – by holding throw to win the first leg and then recorded a maximum in the next.

But Stompe went on to take it by hitting double top to level and then hit a clinical 79 finish to take the third and move within touching distance of victory.

The fourth leg saw Stompe miss double 19 for a 158 checkout, but Smith could not capitalise and he returned to the oche to hit double 16 and seal a place in round two.

WES NEWTON 3-0 KURT VAN DE RIJCK
(3-1, 3-2, 3-2)
WES NEWTON moved into the last 32 of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a 3-0 victory over Belgium’s Kurt Van De Rijck.

Newton, who reached the final of the UK Open back in June, will now face Justin Pipe for a place in the last 16 of the tournament next Thursday evening.

Newton, who enjoyed an excellent run to the quarter-finals in last year’s competition, started the match well by breaking throw to win the first leg, before taking the second to double his lead.

Van De Rijck won the third leg by hitting double eight before Newton won the set in the next leg with a clinical 108 checkout to take the lead in style.

The Fleetwood ace made a winning start to set two by landing double four to win the first leg before the Belgian held throw to take the second with the aid of the first 180 of the match.

Van De Rijck missed the bullseye for a 121 finish in the third leg and Newton hit double 16 with his third dart to lead 2-1.

The Belgian, who qualified for this tournament through his performances in just six Players Championship events across Europe, hit a superb 136 checkout to take the fourth and force a deciding leg.

Newton had advantage of throw and he made that count by getting to a finish first, and he hit double ten to establish a two set cushion.

Van De Rijck held throw at the start of set three with the aid of his third maximum of the game before Newton hit a 180 of his own in the process of claiming the second leg.

Newton won the third against the darts by landing double ten but was guilty of missing two darts for the match in the next and the Belgian hit an excellent 71 finish under pressure to keep the match alive.

However, the world number seven closed out the game in the deciding leg by hitting double eight with his last dart to progress to the last 32.

“I battled through and got the win, and that’s all that matters,” said Newton. “Every player’s trying their hardest and it’s the biggest tournament for every player, and I’m no different.

“I still think there’s a lot to come from me and I’ve not played my best game on TV yet, but I’ll keep going and hopefully that will come out.

“You learn something from every game and as long as I keep learning it will make me a better player.”

PHIL TAYLOR 3-0 HARUKI MURAMATSU
(3-1, 3-1, 3-1)
PHIL TAYLOR began his campaign for a 16th World Championship with a straight sets triumph over plucky Japanese qualifier Haruki Muramatsu at Alexandra Palace on Friday night.

The top seed will return to Alexandra Palace on 27 December where he will face either Mark Dudbridge or Dave Chisnall in the second round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

Taylor, who has won four televised titles in the second half of 2011, broke throw at the start of the match by landing double 16 but would not be given an easy ride for the Japanese number one, who saw off Dennis Nilsson in the preliminary round.

Muramatsu immediately broke back with a 14-dart finish and had a chance to take the third leg, but his attempt at double top was off-target.

Taylor made him pay for that mistake by taking out 56 in two darts and then hit a 98 finish to claim the first set.

The second set began with Taylor missing three darts at doubles and Muramatsu hit double top at the first attempt to break throw for the second time in the match.

Taylor broke back immediately with a 13-darter and then won the third leg with a 14-dart finish to claim a 2-1 lead.

The world number one, who defeated Gary Anderson in the final of last month’s Grand Slam of Darts, hit double 18 in the next leg at the first time of asking to confirm a two-set lead.

Muramatsu began the third set positively by hitting double top win the first leg – leading for the second successive set – before Taylor won the second by landing double 16 with his third dart.

Both players hit three 140s apiece in the third leg and Muramatsu had the first chance to win the leg, but his attempt at bullseye was off-target and Taylor took out 81 for an 11-dart finish.

That put Taylor one leg away from victory, and although he missed two match darts in the next, Muramatsu could not capitalise with a dart at at double top and the Stoke ace stepped in to hit double five and seal his last 32 spot.

“It was hard work out there as Haruki is a very steady player and I had to keep my concentration throughout,” admitted Taylor.

“I can relax a bit now and enjoy a good Christmas. I’ll be practising hard ahead of my next against Mark Dudbridge or Dave Chisnall as they are both excellent players on their day.”

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

The two highest ranked, and widely recognised men in the tournament, Phil Taylor and James Wade both went out of the competition surprisingly early, and both have put their premature exits down to issues with the crowd and with their opponents over-celebrating.

These issues, especially that of crowd noise, could potentially be genuine reasons for poor performance, but in this case it just seems that the toys are being thrown out of the pram more than anything else.

Both men were strongly fancied to reach the final of the tournament, and both were ousted by un-fancied opponents. Instead of taking defeat in the manner you would hope from icons of the sport, they have clutched onto the first excuse they could think of like the proverbial straw for a drowning man.

This was especially disappointing from Wade whose conqueror Scott Rand was competing in his first televised quarter-final and had just two guests in the crowd with him.  If a man is ever entitled to celebrate it was Rand as he picked up the victory of his life, and if anyone was likely to have less fans making noise it was Rand who was a virtual unknown before the tournament.

The sour grapes become even more pungent when you look back at Wade’s performances on stage in the past.  How he can complain about over celebrating when he reacted to hitting a double like this is beyond me:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejoDBOAgREc

It was clear in Rand’s mind that he had done nothing wrong, and heard nothing out of the ordinary from the crowd: “I didn’t hear anything,” he said, “So long as I’m not doing anything while the other players throwing it’s fine, what gees me up gets me going and I’m going to continue doing what makes me a good darts player.”

The ironic thing with the complaints from Wade and Taylor is that there was genuine trouble with crowd noise earlier in the tournament as Justin Pipe was put off throwing for the match against Mark Webster by a rogue shout which enraged the man known as The Force:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAZRaBx5JVg

Webster was sympathetic but acknowledges that it is a part of the game saying: “You’ve got to blank it out, I felt for Justin who copped it a lot during that game but he’s going to grow more experience and next time he’ll blank it out and put that double away.”

As the World Championships approach, where crowds will reach the ten thousand mark, players will have to take Webster’s advice and learn to ignore the inevitable noise that comes as part and parcel of a sport intrinsically entwined with drinking countless pints of lager.  One thing that will undoubtedly be the case, as it was in Doncaster, you will only ever hear the losers complaining.

Phil Haigh -- Twitter follow @philhaigh_

15 time world champion Phil Taylor is 5/6 to reclaim his title when the PDC World Darts Championship kicks off atAlexandraPalaceon Thursday. Having returned to winning ways in the big tournaments this year Taylor is again the man to beat and Paddy Power offer 10/11 for any other player to beat ‘The Power’ to the title.

Defending champion Adrian Lewis is seen as the man most likely to prevent Taylor reclaiming his crown at 13/2 with last year’s runner-up Gary Anderson ever dangerous at 17/2.

Scot Rand is the outsider many have had a tickle on at 150/1 following his recent performance at the Player’s Championship, where he knocked out both Barneveld and Wade before losing in the semi finals, which saw his world title odds slashed from 500/1. Kevin Painter, who went on to win that tournament, is also a loser in Paddy Power’s early book having also seen support at 80/1.

Paddy Power are also offering 6/4 for a nine-dart finish in the tournament, with Taylor the 4/1 favourite to throw it and Barneveld, who’s done it twice previously at the tournament, at 9/1. However punters are firmly not expecting to see one this time round and are resolutely backing no nine darter at 1/2. Gary Anderson is the 13/8 favourite to throw most 180s in the Championship, Lewis is the market leader for the highest tournament checkout at 5/1 whilst Taylorleads the way for the highest three dart average in a match at 11/10.

Darren Haines, spokesman for Paddy Power, said: “After last year’s blip whenTaylorturned up at Ally Pally never looking like he was going to retain his title, all the darts are once again pointing to The Power. He’s the man to beat and 5/6 is a good enough price to be enticing the punters.”

PDC World Darts 2012 Betting

Winner

5-6 Taylor; 13-2 Lewis; 17-2 Anderson; 11 Wade; 22 Webster; 28 Newton; 33 Whitlock, Van Barneveld; 50 King, Jenkins, Nicholson; 66 Chisnall; 80 Painter, Walsh, Pipe; 125 Stompe, Part, Wayne Jones; 150 Baxter, Lloyd, Hamilton, Rand, Van Der Voort; 200 Bar

e/w ½ odds 1, 2

Betting w/o Taylor

9-4 Lewis; 9-2 Wade; 8 Anderson; 9 Webster; 13 Newton; 20 Jenkins; 30 Painter, Walsh, Pipe; 33 Whitlock, Van Barneveld; 40 Wayne Jones; 45 Baxter, Stompe; 50 Nicholson, Part; 66 Bar

Taylor v The Field

5/6       Taylor

10/11    The Field

Nine Dart Finish in Tournament

6/4        Yes

1/2        No

Player to throw a nine dart finish in the tournament

4/1       Taylor

9/1        Lewis

9/1        Van Barneveld

11/1     Anderson

14/1      Wade

20/1      Webster

25/1     Newton

25/1      Nicholson

Most 180s in Tournament

13-8 Anderson; 2 Lewis; 7-2 Taylor; 11 Barneveld; 16 Whitlock; 20 Newton; 25 Wade; 33 Jenkins; 40 Webster; 50 Nicholson

Highest Tournament Checkout

5 Lewis; 11-2 Taylor, Anderson; 6 Whitlock; 7 Wade; 15-2 Van Barneveld; 8 Newton; 9 Webster; 11 Nicholson; 12 Jenkins

Highest 3 Dart Average in a match

11-10 Taylor; 5-2 Lewis; 10-3 Anderson; 14 Barneveld; 18 Whitlock; 20 Wade; 25 Newton; 33 Webster

Who will knockout Taylor?

5/6        No one

6/1       Anderson

10/1      Chisnall

12/1      Van Barneveld

16/1      Lewis

16/1      Nicholson

18/1      Van Der Voort

20/1      Dudbridge

22/1     Hamilton

25/1      Wade

28/1      Whitlock

Name The Finalists

7/2       Taylorv Lewis

11/2     Taylorv Wade

12/1     Taylorv Webster

14/1     TaylorvNewton

14/1     Andersonv Lewis

22/1     Andersonv Wade

28/1     Taylorv Jenkins

35/1     Taylorv Pipe

40/1     Andersonv Webster

Stage of Elimination

The Darts Party on Monday 2 January will take place across the UK at Rileys Blue Square Fanzones, www.rileys.co.uk/fanzone, where fans will have the chance to create their own darts atmosphere and join in the fun.

Rileys Darts Ambassador Phil ‘the power’ Taylor will be at the centre of attention as he strives to win his 16^th World title.

Rileys CEO Maurice Kelly said: “It was Phil’s idea, he’s been visiting our clubs and thought our Fanzone would make a great atmosphere for a darts party. The World Championship is one of the most important tournaments in the darts calendar and an event no darts fan wants to miss. The Rileys Darts Party is a chance for everyone to get involved and not only watch the action live on the big screen but to be part of the excitement and Fanzone atmosphere.”

All fans will be provided with everything they need to replicate the renowned darts night atmosphere, including funny hats, 180 cards, music, drinks and food, and they’ll get to watch the final live on a 3metre HD TV screen.

Phil said: “The Rileys Fanzones are great, I’ve been to quite a few of them this year and they are top quality. It’ll be fantastic showing the final on the huge screen…and lets hope they get to watch me win my 16^th World title.”

So if you want to be part of the Ally Pally Party action get down to your local Rileys Blue Square Fanzone on Monday 2 January. Book your tickets at your local Rileys Fanzone now for £3 in advance or buy on the night for £5. Each ticket includes a free pint, free shot, snacks and a party pack.

Rileys is the UK’s leading chain of sports bars with snooker, pool, darts and Fanzones available to all members.  There are 115 sports bars across the UK each offering the highest spec in cue sports and pro-quality darts zones. Fanzones were created with the sports fan in mind providing an area to watch your favourite sports in comfort.

Rileys also have 47 Darts Zones across the UK, with plans to increase this to 100.  Each has six or eight throwing lanes, championship quality Harrows Matchplay boards and electronic scoring.

To find your nearest Fanzone and Darts Party visit www.rileys.co.uk

MERVYN KING caused a sensation at the Cash Converters Players Championship by knocking out reigning champion Phil Taylor 8-5 in the second round on Saturday evening.

The 45-year-old from Norfolk claimed only his second televised victory over Taylor with a fine display to end the world number one’s hopes of a third Players Championship title in four stagings of the event.

King established an early 3-1 lead and managed to maintain his advantage to seal a place in Sunday’s quarter-finals, although he had missed nine match darts before finally hitting double five to inflict a first televised defeat since June for Taylor.

“It’s always an honour to play Phil and to beat him is special,” said King. “I got the win and that’s all that matters, but I did get nervous at the end.

“Most of the match darts which missed were good darts at a double that didn’t go in, but it was a big relief to see the double five go in.”

King now plays Kevin Painter in Sunday afternoon’s quarter-finals, as the pair clash in the first of three matches on the day which would give them their maiden PDC major titles.

Painter progressed to the last four of a televised event for the first time since July 2010 with a clinical 8-4 defeat of Gary Anderson, who was unable to repeat the form which saw him whitewash Michael van Gerwen 24 hours earlier.

World number six Mark Webster and St Helens’ rapidly emerging Dave Chisnall were Saturday evening’s other winners in contrasting matches.

Chisnall soared into his second PDC quarter-final with an 8-2 defeat of Co Stompe, but Webster was pushed all the way before defeating number one seed Justin Pipe 8-7.

Webster missed double 12 for a nine-dart finish during the contest, while Pipe saw six match darts go begging before the Welshman triumphed in the deciding leg.

The quarter-finals will commence with the clash between Grand Slam of Darts semi-finalist Mark Walsh and UK Open runner-up Wes Newton, before world number three James Wade faces newcomer Scott Rand – who won through to his first major quarter-final with a defeat of Raymond van Barneveld.

The £250,000 tournament will climax on Sunday evening, with the semi-finals followed by the final at the Doncaster Dome.

Tickets are still available for both sessions on Sunday, with extra tickets released for the evening session. Tickets can be booked in advance by calling the Doncaster Dome Box Office on 01302 370 777 or in person at the venue.

Cash Converters Players Championship
Saturday December 10
Second Round
Wes Newton 8-6 Peter Wright
Wayne Jones 3-8 Mark Walsh
Steve Brown 6-8 James Wade
Raymond van Barneveld 6-8 Scott Rand
Co Stompe 2-8 Dave Chisnall
Justin Pipe 7-8 Mark Webster
Phil Taylor 5-8 Mervyn King
Gary Anderson 4-8 Kevin Painter

Sunday December 11
Afternoon Session (1pm-5pm)
Quarter-Finals
Mark Walsh v Wes Newton
Scott Rand v James Wade
Kevin Painter v Mervyn King
Mark Webster v Dave Chisnall
Best of 17 legs

Evening Session (7pm-11pm)
Semi-Finals
7.05pm
8.15pm
Order to be decided by coin toss
Best of 19 legs

Final
9.45pm
Best of 25 legs

DAVE CHISNALL 8-2 CO STOMPE
DAVE CHISNALL powered past Co Stompe 8-2 to win through to the quarter-finals of the Cash Converters Players Championship.

The St Helens ace followed up Friday’s defeat of Alan Tabern with a strong display to see off Stompe, who hit only two of 15 darts at a double compared to his opponent’s 50 percent strike rate during the contest.

Chisnall made the early running, opening with a confident 15-darter which he won on double nine before finishing 90 on double ten to win the second as Stompe struggled with his doubles early on.

Chisnall opened the third with scores of 180 and 140 before posting double seven for a 3-0 lead, although he saw the chance to extend that slip away in the next, missing the single 11 for the bull on a 121 finish to allow Stompe in on double eight to open his account.

Finishes of double eight and 108 from Chisnall put him 5-1 up before Stompe powered in a brilliant 170 checkout to win his second leg.

He was also first to a double in the eighth, but a dart at double top missed into double one, and he saw three subsequent darts at double 19 miss their target as Chisnall took out tops to lead 6-2.

Stompe also hit a 180 but could only watch on as Chisnall landed the same bed to move a leg away from victory, which was sealed in the same manner when the Dutchman missed five darts to keep the game alive.

“I’m really happy with that,” said Chisnall. “I’m in the zone and playing well and I think I can go further, so I’ll look forward to Sunday.”

Stompe admitted: “I had one of those days where I couldn’t hit my doubles. The 170 was nice but it was worthless in the end for me because I couldn’t back it up!”

MARK WEBSTER 8-7 JUSTIN PIPE
MARK WEBSTER won a deciding leg thriller with Justin Pipe to move into the quarter-finals of the Cash Converters Players Championship following a tense battle at the Doncaster Dome.

The left-hander twice hit back from behind and also missed double 12 for a nine-dart finish before edging to victory in the 15th leg – after Pipe had missed six darts for the win.

The early exchanges saw Pipe take the opening leg following four missed darts at double top from Webster before the Welshman took out 80 to level and hit a maximum and double ten to lead 2-1.

Pipe opened the fourth with a 180 and levelled in 13 darts before tops edged Webster in front.

However, he missed the same bed to win the sixth as Pipe hit double ten to square the match before finishing 89 on the bull – with Webster waiting on a double – to lead 4-3.

He moved two legs clear in the next, hitting a 180 to set up a 61 finish which was secured on double 18, only for Webster to fight back by landing tops to come back to 5-4 and almost completing a magical nine-darter in leg ten.

He opened with back-to-back 180s and also hit treble 20 and treble 19 on the 141 finish, but missed double 12 by an inch in his bid to land a first televised perfect leg.

He did return to win the leg in 11 darts and square the game before regaining the lead on tops.

However, he burst his score on 91 in the 12th leg – hitting double 14 instead of double nine – as Pipe took out 101 to level before then making Webster pay for five misses as he moved 7-6 up.

Pipe, though, missed his first chance to seal victory in the next as he saw one dart at tops for a 117 finish miss its target, along with three subsequent darts as Webster posted double five to force a decider.

Pipe hit a 140 to leave 50 for victory, but missed two darts at double 16 to give Webster his chance, and he finished double ten to scramble into the last eight.

“That was a real scrap and it sets me up nicely for the latter stages on Sunday,” said Webster. “Justin has done really well this year and he played well there, but I’m really pleased to go through.”

He added: “I was nervous on the nine-darter and my arm started shaking when I was on the double 12, but it’s experience and hopefully I’ll put it away next time I get a chance!”

Pipe said: “The game was played in great spirits and, although it’s a shame to lose, Mark deserved the win. I’ve had a good year and this is another learning experience for me.”

MERVYN KING 8-5 PHIL TAYLOR
MERVYN KING caused a sensation at the Cash Converters Players Championship by knocking out reigning champion Phil Taylor 8-5 in the second round on Saturday evening.

The 45-year-old from Norfolk claimed only his second televised victory over Taylor with a fine display to end the world number one’s hopes of a third Players Championship title in four stagings of the event.

King established an early 3-1 lead and managed to maintain his advantage to seal a place in Sunday’s quarter-finals, although he had missed nine match darts before finally hitting double five to inflict a first televised defeat since June for Taylor.

Taylor had taken the game’s opening leg in 14 darts, landing double eight, but that would prove to be the only time in the contest when he would lead.

King levelled on double top and punished misses from Taylor to win the next two on double eight and take a 3-1 advantage.

Taylor hit a 180 and double eight to win the fifth before King took out 81 for a 4-2 cushion, which was cut by double 16.

The world number one then hit another 180 but missed three darts to level the match as King took out 90 on double 15.

Taylor won the next with a 13-darter, landing a 180 and double 16, but King edged to the brink of victory by punishing further missed doubles from the reigning champion.

King was first to a finish in the 12th, but wired double 16 for a 110 finish and three further darts at double eight before Taylor won his fifth leg on double 16.

King, though, hit his second 180 of the game to edge clear in the next, leaving 40 after 12 darts but missing five more match darts before double five sealed his first televised win over Taylor since the 2009 Premier League Darts semi-finals.

“It’s always an honour to play Phil and to beat him is special,” said King. “I got the win and that’s all that matters, but I did get nervous at the end.

“Most of the match darts which missed were good darts at a double that didn’t go in, but it was a big relief to see the double five go in.”

KEVIN PAINTER 8-4 GARY ANDERSON
KEVIN PAINTER won through to his first major quarter-final since July 2010 with an 8-4 victory over Gary Anderson in the Cash Converters Players Championship on Saturday night.

Anderson had whitewashed Michael van Gerwen in a superb first round display 24 hours earlier, but was unable to find the heavy scoring which defeated the Dutchman and was punished for hitting only four from 20 attempts at a double.

Painter made an ideal start by hitting double top to win the opening leg and double 16 to win the second – following six missed doubles from Anderson.

The Scot hit back to level, taking out 121 on the bull in the third leg, but was unable to convert two chances to lead in the fifth, with Painter posting double eight to edge 3-2 up.

He also finished 86 for a 12-darter and double ten to take a 5-2 cushion, and after Anderson hit tops he finished 81 to move two legs away from the win.

Double five gave Anderson a fourth leg, but he was to be punished for a missed bullseye as Painter hit double two for a 7-4 lead and for four further misses as double six gave the Daventry ace victory.

“I played well and will give myself a pat on the back after that,” said Painter. “My doubles went in nicely and it’s nice to have a win.

“I was waiting for Gary to kick in. He’s a class act and when he brings his A-game then only Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis can live with him, but it didn’t happen and I took my chances.”

Anderson admitted: “I don’t know what went wrong tonight and it’s a strange game, but Kevin did a good job and hit his doubles, and he deserved to go through.”

Afternoon Session

COVENTRY-based lorry driver Scott Rand caused a huge sensation by knocking five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld out of the Cash Converters Players Championship on Saturday afternoon.

The 36-year-old – nicknamed Cool Hand – has only been a professional since early 2010, but won through to his first major quarter-final with an 8-6 defeat of the Dutchman at the Doncaster Dome.

In a tight contest, he secured a break of throw to lead 3-1 in the early exchanges and retained that advantage throughout before sealing the biggest win of his career with a superb 170 checkout.

He now plays world number three James Wade on Sunday afternoon, and admitted: “It’s a big shock at the moment but I want to become more established and for people to see what I can do.

“I work 50 hours a week driving a big truck up and down the country so if I can make darts my living then it would be happy days. I practice as much as I can and it’s good to do it on stage and announce myself to the world.

“I’m still new to the game and I’ve got high hopes. I’ve just taken out Raymond van Barneveld and I’m confident I can beat anybody now.”

Wade won through to the last eight with an 8-6 win over Bristol’s Steve Brown, with the world number three hitting finishes of 142 and 106 in taking the victory.

Fleetwood’s world number seven Wes Newton came from 4-0 down to defeat Peter Wright 8-6 in a remarkable contest.

Wright made a stunning start with four legs of 14 darts of less, but when he missed doubles in the fifth and sixth Newton began his fightback, winning eight of the next ten to progress.

He now plays Mark Walsh in the quarter-finals, after the Hertfordshire ace – a semi-finalist in the Grand Slam of Darts last month – defeated Wayne Jones 8-3.

The second round concludes with the remaining four games on Saturday night, including Phil Taylor’s clash with Mervyn King, Gary Anderson’s game with Kevin Painter, number one seed Justin Pipe against Mark Webster and Co Stompe up against Dave Chisnall.

Tickets are still available for the Cash Converters Players Championship, either by calling the Doncaster Dome Box Office on 01302 370 777 or in person at the venue.

Cash Converters Players Championship
Saturday December 10
Second Round
Afternoon Session
Wes Newton 8-6 Peter Wright
Wayne Jones 3-8 Mark Walsh
Steve Brown 6-8 James Wade
Raymond van Barneveld 6-8 Scott Rand

Evening Session (7pm)
Co Stompe v Dave Chisnall
Justin Pipe v Mark Webster
Phil Taylor v Mervyn King
Gary Anderson v Kevin Painter
Best of 15 legs

WES NEWTON 8-6 PETER WRIGHT
WES NEWTON produced a stirring comeback from 4-0 down against Peter Wright to reach the quarter-finals of the Cash Converters Players Championship with an 8-6 victory.

Wright had impressed in his first round victory over Denis Ovens and continued the form with a blistering start against Newton, who had to wait five legs to have a dart at a double.

Lowestoft’s Wright opened the game with a 180 and hit double ten for the opening leg before the pair traded maximums in the second, which he won against the throw on tops for a 12-darter.

He then added a 13-dart finish in taking the third on double 18 and hit another 180 in a 12-darter to lead 4-0, finishing 105 on tops.

Wright could also have taken the fifth, but missed darts at double 12, six and three to allow Newton in, as the UK Open finalist followed up a 180 by hitting double 18 with his first dart at a double in the game.

Wright also missed tops in the next, for a 135 checkout, and Newton finished 70 on double 16 before maintaining a perfect finishing record with double 18 to pull back to 4-3.

He then levelled on tops before Wright, with the advantage of throw, took two of the next three to lead 6-5, landing double 18 and double top.

Newton won the 12th with a superb 12-darter, which featured a 180 and two 140s before he finished double 12.

He then took a crucial break to lead for the first time at 7-6, with Wright missing two darts at tops to allow the Fleetwood ace in on double ten.

Wright battled to force a deciding leg in the next, but missed double 16 for a 106 checkout and Newton posted tops to move into the quarter-finals.

“Peter started so well and he was awesome for the first four legs,” said Newton. “He could have gone five legs up and that would have made it even harder for me.

“After I got my first leg, I had to try hang in there and take one leg at a time. I managed to get some momentum going and I’m both happy and relieved to be through.”

Wright admitted: “I’m a bit gutted but Wes never gives up and he was on my heels all the time.”

MARK WALSH 8-3 WAYNE JONES
MARK WALSH won through to his second successive major quarter-final, defeating Wayne Jones 8-3 in the Cash Converters Players Championship on Saturday afternoon.

Walsh, a semi-finalist in the Grand Slam of Darts last month, will now meet Wes Newton in the last eight on Sunday as the pair challenge for the £60,000 title at the Doncaster Dome.

He never looked back after taking an early 3-0 lead, replying to an opening 180 from Jones by hitting two maximums of his own to pull clear in the first leg, which he eventually won on double five after the Wolverhampton ace missed two darts to steal.

Walsh won the second leg on double two and finished double 12 to move 3-0 up before missing chances to win the fourth, with Jones hitting tops to get off the mark.

Walsh took the fifth on double ten, but Jones punished three misses from the Hertfordshire ace to pull back to 4-2 by landing double four in the sixth.

However, his hopes of continuing the fightback were dented as Walsh took out 121 on tops, double 15 and a 112 checkout to move to the brink of victory at 7-2.

Jones pushed clear in the next, but missed the bull for a 161 finish and five darts at double eight to give Walsh a chance to seal victory with a 160 finish.

He missed tops, though, for the combination as Jones hit double two to keep the match alive, but his respite was brief as Walsh hit tops in the next leg to progress.

“I’m really happy to have won but I know I can play better,” said Walsh. “I feel for Wayne because he’s a fantastic player and he didn’t turn up today.

“But I did enough to get through and I can look forward to the quarter-finals.”

Jones admitted: “I felt good but it was a poor performance from me and I don’t know why. I didn’t deserve to win it and I’ll go away now and prepare for the World Championship.”

JAMES WADE 8-6 STEVE BROWN
JAMES WADE moved into the quarter-finals of the Cash Converters Players Championship, defeating Steve Brown 8-6 in their second round contest at the Doncaster Dome.

The world number three took leads of 4-1 and 6-3 before holding off Brown’s fightback to move into the last eight.

Although Brown hit a 180 in the opening leg, it was Wade who led courtesy of double ten before the Bristol ace finished 64 in two darts to level.

Brown posted another maximum in the third, but missed darts to break Wade’s throw as the left-hander returned from earlier misses of his own to land double two.

Wade then took the fourth and hit a 180 and 106 checkout to move 4-1 up, and paid the price for some sloppy finishing in two visits in the sixth leg as Brown took out double ten to hit back.

Tops saw Brown pull back to within a leg at 4-3, but he missed two darts to level the match before Wade finished 142 on tops and hit the same bed in pushing 6-3 up.

Brown won his fourth leg in the next, being handed a reprieve following seven misses when he returned to hit double one and move back to within touching distance.

Wade posted a 177 to leave 84 in the 11th, with double 12 putting him a leg away from victory at 7-4 before Brown again hit back, albeit aided by missed bullseyes from the UK Open champion in the next two.

Wade was unable to convert chances at 121 and 128 to seal the victory as Brown twice hit tops to stay in the game, but when the Bristol ace also missed the bull – for a 132 checkout – Wade took his chance on double top.

“I’m pleased to be through but I felt a bit lethargic up there and didn’t play as well as I wanted to,” said Wade.

“It was good enough but I know I’ve got to improve to win this title on Sunday – I know what I’ll need to do and it’s up to me to show it.”

Brown said: “I’m disappointed to lose but I didn’t get out of the blocks well and I was behind from the early stages. James played well and deserved to win.”

SCOTT RAND 8-6 RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD
SCOTT RAND enjoyed the biggest victory of his career as he defeated Raymond van Barneveld 8-6 to win through to his first major quarter-final at the Cash Converters Players Championship.

The lorry driver from Coventry is appearing in only his fourth televised tournament at the Players Championship, but followed up Thursday’s first round defeat of Jamie Caven with a stunning defeat of the five-time World Champion.

Van Barneveld hit seven 180s in the game, but was unable to break Rand’s throw as the emerging star won through to face James Wade at the Doncaster Dome in Sunday’s quarter-finals.

Van Barneveld had taken the opening with a 96 finish, but missed two darts to double his lead as Rand posted double 16 to level before breaking in the third with a 96 checkout of his own, following up single 20 with a showpiece double 18 and double top.

He then held throw in the fourth by hitting double 18 with his third dart to lead 3-1 and take what would eventually prove to be a key lead.

The pair traded 180s as van Barneveld hit double two to win the fifth, but Rand won the sixth on double ten before missing the bull to steal the next after the Dutchman landed two 180s and eventually finished 26 with an improvised double four, double nine combination.

Rand won two of the next three on double 16 to move into a 6-4 lead, but that was cut to one leg when van Barneveld hit a 180 and double six.

He also landed a 180 in the next, but double eight moved Rand a leg away from the biggest win of his life as he led 7-5.

Van Barneveld posted a maximum in setting up a double nine finish to win his sixth leg, but was unable to prevent Rand wrapping up the victory in style in the next as he finished 170 to move into the last eight.

“It’s brilliant,” said Rand, who only became a professional in 2010. “Everything clicked on stage for me there and to beat someone of Raymond’s quality is amazing.

“He’s such a good player that to hold my throw against him so many times and get the victory is a big achievement.

“I’m still new and I’ve got high hpoes that I can become more established and become a full-time professional.”

Van Barneveld said: “The break in the third leg was important because I was always trailing him after then. I tried everything to get back level but he scored well and the 170 finish was fantastic.”

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig