Premier League Darts Night 14 Review
Posted on May 12th, 2011
The Newcastle crowd saw James Wade take a convincing win over Terry Jenkins, in the first of the nights no pressure games where the only thing at stake was a bit of pride. Maximums and a 170 checkout saw The Machine ease past The Bull 8-4 and end both their 2011 Premier League campaigns.
In the second non-event matchup of the evening, Mark Webster was unable to build on last week’s 7-7 draw in Bournemouth which effectively removed Whitlock from this year’s competition, as he lost 8-4 to Raymond van Barneveld. The Dutchman only requiring a 90 average to take the victory, admitted in the post match interview that he needs the pressure of something to play for to get the best out of himself.
A lack of success on the doubles from Gary Anderson allowed Adrian Lewis to take an early 3-1 lead in the nights first (and only as it turned out) decisive game, with the World Champion going into the break 4-2 up. Needing 83 in the 7th leg, Anderson missed the twenty bed hitting a fat 1, and followed it up with a single 20, allowing jackpot to take out his double and go 5-2 up after the break. Fast heavy scoring ensued from Anderson, including a 10 dart leg to bring the Scott level, who then took out double top to go 5 legs without answer and 7-5 in front.
Double misery returned for Anderson though, and a gutsy performance from Lewis which saw him trade 180′s and hit an 11 dart leg secured the 7-7 draw. The pair could meet again in a final showdown if they beat Barney and Taylor respectively in their semi finals next week at Wembley.
In the final game which in essence was no more than an exhibition match in front of several thousand fans, Taylor opened with a 180, and maintained his 100+ competition average to beat Simon Wizard 8-3 in a one sided game.
Tags: 888.com, Newcastle, Phil Taylor, Premier League Darts, Results
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Premier League Darts Night 13 Review
Posted on May 5th, 2011
A gritty performance from Mark Webster saw him tie with Simon Whitlock in front of a sell out Bournemouth crowd in a match that all but destroyed the Wizards chance of a place in the finals in Wembley.
Going into the break at 3 legs each, it remained close and at 5-5 Webster took out 127 to break and move 6-5 ahead. Hungry for his opportunity to toe the oche in the finals the Wizard levelled the match, however a timely 180 enabled Webster to go on and take the 13th leg. Although Whitlock hit back to secure the 7-7 draw, his Premier League campaign is effectively over.
Raymond Van Barneveld defeated Gary Anderson 8-4, in a game that Anderson will no doubt want to forget. However, the pair will meet again in the semi finals where Anderson is sure to want to exact revenge over his Premier League ‘bogey’ opponent.
Despite a slow start World Champion Adrian Lewis kept his finals hopes alive with second half surge in an 8-3 win over Terry Jenkins that comprised of 3 ton plus finishes including a 144 (T18 T18 D18), however he faces Phil Taylor in a must win match next week.
The Power secured his top spot and ended James Wades Premier League aspirations at the BIC in an 8-4 victory that included a 157 outshot and an average of around 109.
Tags: 888.com, Bournemouth, Mark Webster, Phil Taylor, Premier League Darts, Results, Review
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Premier League Darts Night 13 Preview
Posted on May 4th, 2011
LEWIS AIMING TO CEMENT FOURTH SPOT IN BOURNEMOUTH
WORLD CHAMPION Adrian Lewis is looking to wrap up a place in the 888.com Premier League Darts Play-Offs when the tournament visits the BIC in Bournemouth on Thursday.
Lewis is one of five players battling for the two remaining places alongside Phil Taylor and Gary Anderson in the Premier League’s Play-Offs at the Wembley Arena on May 19, going into the final two league nights.
While Raymond van Barneveld needs just a point from his final two matches to ensure a semi-final place, Lewis and 2009 winner James Wade travel to Bournemouth locked on 11 points, one ahead of Simon Whitlock and three clear of Terry Jenkins.
Lewis sits fourth with superior leg difference to Wade, and takes on Jenkins in Bournemouth as he seeks to secure his top-four finish – and believes that a place in the semi-finals in a fortnight is his to lose.
“I needed a win last week against Simon Whitlock and I did a good job to beat him 8-5, and I’ve got to go on and beat Terry now,” said Lewis.
“I think I’ve got a good draw playing Terry Jenkins and Gary Anderson and it’s the best run-in out of the players fighting for fourth. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: 888.com, Adrian Lewis, Bournemouth, Premier League Darts
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Premier League Darts Night 11 Review
Posted on April 22nd, 2011
Gary Anderson achieved a premier league record despite crowd issues and double trouble in the second city, 11 180′s and a victory over the Simon Whitlock.
Wade cruised past Mark Webster with an 8-1 victory, Terry Jenkins scraped a well earned draw against Barney, checking out on the bull in the last leg.
The final draw of the evening saw crowd favourite Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor gain the advantage over Lewis in an encounter which saw averages approaching 120 before the break. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: 888.com, Birmingham, Gary Anderson, Phil Taylor, Premier League Darts
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Premier League Darts Night 11 Preview
Posted on April 20th, 2011
TAYLOR CHASES REVENGE AS RIVALS CHASE TOP FOUR PLACES
PHIL TAYLOR is hoping celebrate his 100th 888.com Premier League Darts game with a revenge win over Adrian Lewis when they meet at the NIA in Birmingham on Thursday night.
Taylor suffered his heaviest – and only sixth – loss since the Premier League began in 2005 when he went down 8-2 to current World Champion Lewis at The O2 in London on the opening night of this season in February.
The reigning champion has won all nine games since to be the first player assured of a play-off place at Wembley on May 19.
After dropping just eight legs in his last four matches, 15-time World Champion Taylor is now looking to make Stoke rival Lewis pay for his heavy February triumph.
“I’m out for revenge,” said Taylor. “I wasn’t too well the last time we played but Adrian played really well that night and deserved to win.
“In theory I can relax a little bit now because I’ve qualified, but I won’t be doing that. I’m after eight nine-darters against Adrian, and I know he’s capable of hitting them too.
“I want to go out there and batter him. As much as I love him like my own son I’m going to go out there to prove a point; he’s the World Champion, I’m not.”
Lewis has slipped to fifth in the Premier League Darts table with defeats in his last two matches, and admits: “It’s a big match for me if I want to get into the play-offs.
“I’ve been disappointed with the last couple of weeks but I love playing against Phil and hopefully it will bring the best out in me.”
Gary Anderson, who is currently second in the league table, could secure his play-off place on Thursday with a victory over Simon Whitlock, and is in confident mood after defeating Taylor in the final of a Speedy Hire UK Open Qualifier last Saturday.
“Although I’m in second place, there’s still four games left and it can still turn around,” said Anderson. “I’ve got to make sure I win every game and that’s what I wanted to do, whether it’s Simon, Phil Taylor or Raymond van Barneveld.
“I was delighted with how I played at the weekend, especially on Saturday, and beating Phil Taylor – the top dog – is a big boost for me.”
Van Barneveld ground out a victory against Lewis in Sheffield last week, and has a three point gap over the fifth-placed World Champion going into Thursday’s clash with Terry Jenkins.
“Last week I didn’t play at the top of my game and I still got the win, which is important in the Premier League,” said van Barneveld, who celebrated his 44th birthday on Wednesday.
“I’m the number six in the world but I’ve beaten the World Champion twice in the Premier League, 8-5 the first time and 8-3 last week, so I’m really happy.
“There’s a gap of three points between me and him in fifth place but these are all top class darts players and anything can happen each week, we all know what Adrian can do and James Wade is still fighting for a top four place too.”
Wade, the 2009 champion, has defeated Lewis and Whitlock in the past fortnight to move two points away from the top four, and plays Mark Webster in Birmingham.
Webster defeated Wade 8-3 on the opening night in London, but has lost his last three games 8-1 in slumping to the foot of the table.
“I’ve taken advantage of some players who have underperformed in the last few weeks and I’m in the running still,” said Wade. “I’m getting better slowly and in patches I’m playing well.
“It’s been frustrating for me because it’s so close to happening, and when it all comes together a lot of people will be in trouble.”
A limited number of tickets are still available for Thursday’s 888.com Premier League Darts at the NIA in Birmingham, priced at £20 plus booking fee, by calling 0844 338 8000 or visitingwww.theticketfactory.com.
Source PDC/Lawrence Lustig
888.com Premier League Darts
Week 11 – N.I.A., Birmingham
James Wade v Mark Webster
Terry Jenkins v Raymond van Barneveld
Simon Whitlock v Gary Anderson
Phil Taylor v Adrian Lewis
Tickets: 0844 338 8000 or www.theticketfactory.com
888sport.com Match Odds
James Wade 8/11, Draw 15/4, Mark Webster 9/4
Terry Jenkins 9/4, Draw 4/1, Raymond van Barneveld 4/6
Simon Whitlock 2/1, Draw 15/4, Gary Anderson 4/5
Phil Taylor 1/3, Draw 5/1, Adrian Lewis 9/2
Latest League Table
| P | W | D | L | +/- | Pts | |
| Phil Taylor | 10 | 9 | 0 | 1 | +38 | 18 |
| Gary Anderson | 10 | 7 | 0 | 3 | +23 | 14 |
| R v Barneveld | 10 | 6 | 0 | 4 | +10 | 12 |
| Simon Whitlock | 10 | 5 | 0 | 5 | +4 | 10 |
| Adrian Lewis | 10 | 4 | 1 | 5 | +4 | 9 |
| James Wade | 10 | 4 | 0 | 6 | -16 | 8 |
| Terry Jenkins | 10 | 2 | 1 | 7 | -29 | 5 |
| Mark Webster | 10 | 2 | 0 | 8 | -34 | 4
|
Tags: 888.com, Birmingham, Premier League Darts, Preview
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Premier League Night 10 Review
Posted on April 15th, 2011
Taylor Through, Anderson Closes in & a Whitlock 170
PHIL TAYLOR booked his place in the 888.com Premier League Darts play-offs with an 8-2 defeat of Terry Jenkins at Sheffield’s Motorpoint Arena on Thursday.
The reigning Premier League Darts champion completed a ninth straight victory since his opening-day defeat to Adrian Lewis with a stylish display – and warned the World Champion that he is out for revenge when they meet in Birmingham next week.
Taylor won six straight legs to open the clash with Jenkins, including a 130 finish, and went on to average over 106 in completing a heavy win as he ensured a place in May’s play-offs.
“I’m very pleased to have made sure I’m in the play-offs because that’s everyone’s goal at the start of the season, but I want to have a big push now and make sure I finish top of the table,” said Taylor.
“That starts next week and it will be a special game against Adrian. I’ll be going all-out to beat him and I can’t wait.”
Gary Anderson remains second in the league table, after condemning Mark Webster to a third successive 8-1 defeat in their clash, which puts the Scot closer to achieving a semi-final place in his debut season.
“I’ll take the two points but I don’t want to scrape into the play-offs, I want to win every game,” said Anderson. “There’s still four weeks to go and it could turn around if I don’t keep going.”
Raymond van Barneveld moved into third place on 12 points with an 8-3 victory over World Champion Adrian Lewis, completing a league double against the Stoke ace in the process.
“To beat the World Champion twice in the Premier League is great for me,” said van Barneveld. “I said last week after averaging 104 and losing that it would be better to hit a lower average and win, which I’ve done this week.”
Simon Whitlock, meanwhile, remains in fourth place despite an 8-5 loss to 2009 champion James Wade, who boosted his play-off hopes with a second straight win.
Whitlock opened the game with a 170 finish, but missed a total of 20 darts at a double as the left-hander made him pay.
888.com Premier League Darts
Week Ten – Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield
James Wade 8-5 Simon Whitlock
Mark Webster 1-8 Gary Anderson
Terry Jenkins 2-8 Phil Taylor
Raymond van Barneveld 8-3 Adrian Lewis
Latest League Table
| P | W | D | L | +/- | Pts | |
| Phil Taylor | 10 | 9 | 0 | 1 | +38 | 18 |
| Gary Anderson | 10 | 7 | 0 | 3 | +23 | 14 |
| R v Barneveld | 10 | 6 | 0 | 4 | +10 | 12 |
| Simon Whitlock | 10 | 5 | 0 | 5 | +4 | 10 |
| Adrian Lewis | 10 | 4 | 1 | 5 | +4 | 9 |
| James Wade | 10 | 4 | 0 | 6 | -16 | 8 |
| Terry Jenkins | 10 | 2 | 1 | 7 | -29 | 5 |
| Mark Webster | 10 | 2 | 0 | 8 | -34 | 4 |
JAMES WADE 8-5 SIMON WHITLOCK
JAMES WADE’S late surge to claim an 888.com Premier League Darts play-off spot continued with an 8-5 win over Simon Whitlock at Sheffield’s Motorpoint Arena.
The 2009 champion, who lost four of his opening five games, claimed a second successive victory by punishing an uncharacteristically sloppy display of finishing from Whitlock.
The Australian opened the match with a brilliant 170 finish, guaranteeing a £1,000 high finish bonus, but missed 20 darts at a double during the remainder of the game as Wade took full advantage.
The left-hander responded to Whitlock’s opening salvo with a 180 and an 80 finish to win the second leg and level, and finished 85 on the bull to win the third and edge ahead.
A 112 finish from Wade gave him a 3-1 cushion, but he paid in the next after following up a 180 by missing three darts at double top, with Whitlock stepping in on double 12.
The Australian, though, missed a dart at double 16 in the next as Wade followed another maximum with double ten for a 4-2 cushion.
Whitlock won the seventh on double eight, but wasted a golden chance to level in the next, hitting a 180 but then missing five darts to square the match as double ten saved Wade.
The left-hander then hit double top for a 6-3 lead, before Whitlock hit back to win the next two and reduce the gap once more to one leg.
However, he saw four darts to win the 12th leg go begging as Wade again landed double ten with his third dart, ensuring at least a draw at 7-5.
After Wade wired double 12 for a 141 checkout to win the match in the next, Whitlock gave himself a chance to stay alive but missed double top, and double six saw the left-hander claim victory.
“I gave myself a mountain to climb where the play-offs are concerned, but you can never say never and I wouldn’t write me off,” said Wade.
“With how I played for the first five or six legs I should have gone on and wrapped the win up more easily, but I got frustrated and maybe I was a bit lucky that Simon missed so many doubles.
“I know I’m so much better than this but I’m not performing as well as I can. I’m trying so hard and it’s disappointing for me but it’s a win and I’ve still got a chance.”
GARY ANDERSON 8-1 MARK WEBSTER
GARY ANDERSON won a third successive game in the 888.com Premier League Darts, with an 8-1 defeat of Mark Webster putting him a step closer to the play-offs next month.
The Scot piled on the misery by completing two 8-1 wins against the left-hander, who has now lost his last three games by that scoreline and sits bottom of the league table.
Webster missed a total of 19 darts at a double in the game, which ultimately denied him the chance to hit back after finding himself 3-0 down early on.
Anderson made a brilliant start by finishing 136 to win the opening leg, and took out double 16 and double ten to win the next two in breaking throw twice to win the first three legs.
He also missed a dart at tops to take the fourth, when needing a 114 finish, as Webster hit the same bed to get off the mark.
However, the Welshman missed eight darts to win the fifth and cut the gap to one leg, with Anderson posting double two for a 4-1 lead and tops in the next to win his fifth leg.
Webster also missed eight darts to win the seventh leg, as Anderson moved 6-1 on double one, piling on the misery for the Welshman after they both found themselves on the board’s smallest finish.
Anderson hit double ten in the next to move a leg away from the win, and posted a 13-dart finish to complete a heavy victory.
“I’ll take the two points but I don’t want to scrape into the play-offs, I want to win every game,” said Anderson. “There’s still four weeks to go and it could turn around if I don’t keep going.
“It’s hard playing Mark because we’re close friends and I felt I played really well when I beat him 8-1 last time, but this time he missed doubles.
“On the practice board he’s phenomenal but he’s struggling when he gets on stage. The Premier League’s still new to me and Mark but I’m getting used to it, and being in the top four is all that matters – this is another step closer to that.”
PHIL TAYLOR 8-2 TERRY JENKINS
PHIL TAYLOR booked his place in the 888.com Premier League Darts play-offs with an 8-2 defeat of Terry Jenkins at Sheffield’s Motorpoint Arena on Thursday.
The reigning Premier League Darts champion completed a ninth straight victory since his opening-day defeat to Adrian Lewis with a stylish display – and warned the World Champion that he is out for revenge when they meet in Birmingham next week.
Taylor won six straight legs to open the clash with Jenkins, including a 130 finish, and went on to average over 106 in completing a heavy win as he ensured a place in May’s play-offs.
“I’m very pleased to have made sure I’m in the play-offs because that’s everyone’s goal at the start of the season, but I want to have a big push now and make sure I finish top of the table,” said Taylor.
“That starts next week and it will be a special game against Adrian. I’ll be going all-out to beat him and I can’t wait.”
Taylor began superbly, breaking throw in the opening leg on double top and doubling his lead before a 130 finish moved him 3-0 up with a 12-darter, after Jenkins had missed the bull for a 170 checkout.
Taylor then landed a 180 to kick off the fourth leg, which was won on double eight, and landed double seven to lead 5-0.
Jenkins posted a maximum of his own in the next, but Taylor landed double ten to lead by six legs at the break.
Jenkins finally got off the mark in the seventh, posting a 14-dart finish by taking out 61, and after Taylor hit a 180 in moving 7-1 up the Ledbury ace hit another maximum and tops to take a second leg.
However, any feint hopes of fighting back were quickly ended by Taylor, who landed his third 180 and finished 63 to complete a heavy win.
“I’m pleased with the win but I felt for Terry because his confidence is low and his head keeps dropping,” added Taylor. “My foot came off the gas a little bit towards the end but I had to complete the job.”
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 8-3 ADRIAN LEWIS
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD completed an 888.com Premier League Darts double over World Champion Adrian Lewis with an 8-3 victory when they met at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield on Thursday.
The Dutchman, who averaged 104 in defeat to Simon Whitlock a week ago in Aberdeen, claimed his sixth victory of the campaign with the triumph.
He also moves three points clear of fifth-placed Lewis as the battle for top four places continues, with four league nights remaining before the play-offs next month.
Van Barneveld took the first two legs in a scrappy opening, finishing double eight in the first and 90 on the bullseye in the second before Lewis got off the mark on double five.
The youngster then produced a superb 136 to win the fourth and level the contest, only for van Barneveld to hit back in style.
He hit a 180 in a 14-darter to take the fifth, broke throw on double seven in the next and then finished 156 to lead 5-2.
Lewis posted a 180, his first of the match, in winning the eighth on double eight, but missed his chance to steal the next before van Barneveld scrambled home double one to lead 6-3.
A confident double 18 gave the Dutchman a seventh leg, and he then converted a 70 checkout to seal the points.
“To beat the World Champion twice in the Premier League is great for me,” said van Barneveld. “I said last week after averaging 104 and losing that it would be better to hit a lower average and win, which I’ve done this week.
“I’m three points clear of Adrian now but every week will be like a final for me and I’ve got to keep winning. I’m still hoping to get into the top four and if I can beat Terry next week it will keep me on target.”
Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig
Tags: 888.com, Phil Taylor, Premier League Darts, Sheffield
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Premier League Darts Night 10 Preview
Posted on April 13th, 2011
BARNEY CONTINUES PLAY-OFF CHALLENGE AS 888.COM PREMIER LEAGUE DARTS VISITS SHEFFIELD
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD believes the battle for places in the 888.com Premier League Darts play-offs next month is between five players, as he prepares to face World Champion Adrian Lewis in Sheffield on Thursday.
The Dutchman is locked in a battle to claim a spot in the top four of the league table, with only five games remaining before those players qualify to compete at the Wembley Arena on May 19 for the £125,000 title.
While league leader Phil Taylor needs just one win to mathematically secure his play-off place, just three points separate Gary Anderson, Simon Whitlock, van Barneveld and Lewis behind him in the league table.
And van Barneveld, who has lost to top-quality displays by Taylor and Whitlock in the past fortnight, is anticipating another titanic struggle when he plays Lewis at Sheffield’s Motorpoint Arena on Thursday.
“It’s a really exciting Premier League and I think there are five players playing for four places now,” said van Barneveld, ruling out the changes of James Wade, Terry Jenkins and Mark Webster.
“You can play very well and hit big averages but still lose, as I showed last week against Simon when he averaged nearly 108 to my 104.
“I’d rather have a 97 average and win, but doubles are the key to winning matches. I’m still improving and I know I’m playing well, but now I have to prove it by hitting the key shots.”
Lewis had lost last week to 2009 champion Wade, who needs a win from his clash with Whitlock to keep alive his hopes of reclaiming the title next month after winning only three out of nine games so far.
“I don’t deserve to be in the top four but my form’s starting to come back,” said Wade. “My throws becoming natural again and I want to finish the season by showing people how well I can play.”
Whitlock hit eight 180s – the most by any player this season – in his 8-5 defeat of van Barneveld last week, and a 107.93 average was his highest since joining the PDC circuit almost two years ago.
“The table’s so tight that anybody can still make the top four, and I’ve got to go up there and try and win every week,” said Whitlock. “I think my game’s got a little bit better in recent weeks and I’m expecting good things.”
Scotland’s Gary Anderson enjoyed a superb win over Jenkins in Aberdeen last week, and takes on the league’s bottom player, Mark Webster, in Sheffield.
“I’ve won my last two games and that’s been a boost but I’ve got to keep it up now,” said Anderson. “Mark has shown how dangerous he can be on his day and he’s fighting for some pride.”
Taylor, meanwhile, could effectively end Jenkins’ fading play-off hopes when they clash in the night’s other game.
“The pressure’s on Terry now ,” said Taylor, who has won eight successive matches. “He’s had a few bad results and he knows he’s got to play better against me.
“I’m over the moon with how I’m playing and I’ve been consistent over the last five or six weeks, but I won’t be easing up against anyone.”
Over 6,000 tickets have been sold for Thursday’s event at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield, with the last few remaining tickets available via 0114 256 5656 orwww.motorpointarena.co.uk.
888.com Premier League Darts
Week Ten – Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield
James Wade v Simon Whitlock
Mark Webster v Gary Anderson
Terry Jenkins v Phil Taylor
Raymond van Barneveld v Adrian Lewis
Tickets: 0114 256 5656 or www.motorpointarena.co.uk
888sport.com Match Odds
James Wade 9/4, Draw 7/2, Simon Whitlock 8/11
Mark Webster 15/4, Draw 9/2, Gary Anderson 2/5
Terry Jenkins 15/2, Draw 13/2, Phil Taylor 1/6
Raymond van Barneveld 11/10, Draw 7/2, Adrian Lewis 6/4
Odds courtesy 888sport.com
Latest League Table
| P | W | D | L | +/- | Pts | |
| Phil Taylor | 9 | 8 | 0 | 1 | +32 | 16 |
| Gary Anderson | 9 | 6 | 0 | 3 | +16 | 12 |
| Simon Whitlock | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | +7 | 10 |
| R v Barneveld | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | +5 | 10 |
| Adrian Lewis | 9 | 4 | 1 | 4 | +9 | 9 |
| James Wade | 9 | 3 | 0 | 6 | -19 | 6 |
| Terry Jenkins | 9 | 2 | 1 | 6 | -23 | 5 |
| Mark Webster | 9 | 2 | 0 | 7 | -27 |
4 |
Source -PDC/Lawrence Lustig
Tags: 888.com, Premier League Darts, Sheffield
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Premier League Darts Night 9 Review
Posted on April 8th, 2011
Wonderful Whitlock
Simon Whitlock ruined van Barneveld’s evening in a significant game that not only saw the Aussie beat the Dutchman 8-5 on the night, but puts him ahead on leg difference and into third place above Raymond in the standings.
Whitlock also threw the nights highest average (107.93) and equaled James Wade’s record of scoring 8 x 180′s in a Premier League fixture.
Gracious in defeat Barney remained on stage and was quick to praise his opponents achievements. Elsewhere there was misery for Terry Jenkins, Mark Webster and World Champion Adrian Lewis…………
Tags: 888.com, Aberdeen, Premier League Darts, Results, Simon Whitlock
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Premier League Darts Night 9 Preview
Posted on April 6th, 2011
WHITLOCK CHASES BARNEVELD REVENGE AS PLAY-OFF CHALLENGERS COME UNDER PRESSURE
SIMON WHITLOCK is aiming to take revenge on Raymond van Barneveld when the pair meet in the 888.com Premier League Darts in Aberdeen on Thursday.
Van Barneveld produced one of the Premier League’s finest displays when the pair met in Nottingham in the second week of this year’s tournament, hitting four ton-plus finishes in an 8-3 defeat of Whitlock.
The Australian, though, could move level with van Barneveld on ten points in the Premier League table with a victory at the AECC in their clash.
“He was ruthless the last time we played – every time I hit a 180 he went out on a massive finish,” said Whitlock. “Raymond was brilliant on that night and he’s having a good season.
“I’ve got a good record against him and I’m confident going into it. If I can get a win it can put me in the top four, and that’s where I want to be at the end of the season to make the play-offs.”
The night could also prove crucial to the play-off ambitions of Terry Jenkins, Mark Webster and James Wade, the league’s bottom three who are three wins away from the top four with six games remaining.
Wade will take on World Champion Adrian Lewis in Aberdeen, having produced his best performance of the season when the pair met in Nottingham to take an 8-6 win.
Lewis avenged a loss to Mark Webster earlier in the season by defeating the left-hander 8-1 last week, and is aiming to gain similar revenge on Wade in Aberdeen.
“It was James’ highest average when we played last time, and it was the same when Mark Webster played me in Exeter too and hit a 110 average,” said Lewis.
“I’m the World Champion and I expect people to do that against me, but I’m ready for them, as I showed last week. If I can win my next two games, I think I will be certain to finish in the top four, and making the play-offs is the first target.”
Left-hander Webster has lost his last four games and endured a heavy defeat to Lewis in Cardiff a week ago, but is aiming to upset the 15-time World Champion Taylor in Scotland.
“I’ve got to restore a bit of pride because I’ve been playing terribly,” said Webster. “I’m not playing well at the minute, and when you’re in the Premier League you’re in the spotlight and you’ve got to produce.
“I’ll keep trying hard and that’s all I can do. I’m playing Phil on Thursday and it would be great to get a positive result against him.”
Taylor won his seventh successive game with an 8-3 win over Raymond van Barneveld, and sits four points clear at the top of the table.
“Mark’s been up and down,” said Taylor. “He’s played okay during the league but has been getting beaten and it’s hit his confidence.
“I can’t afford to be charitable though because he had a couple of massive finishes against me the last time we played, including a 170, and I know how good he can be on his day.”
The night’s other game sees Jenkins, who has picked up five points so far, face Scottish ace Gary Anderson.
Anderson was defeated 8-3 in his previous Premier League appearance on home soil last month, when Lewis hit back from 3-0 down to take victory in a game overshadowed by the actions of a small element in the Glasgow crowd.
“I hope I can enjoy it this time,” said Anderson. “What happened in Glasgow was disappointing but when I won against James Wade last week I managed to put it behind me.
“It’s an honour to play in front of Scottish crowds and I’m looking forward to a good game against Terry.”
888.com Premier League Darts
Week Nine – AECC, Aberdeen
Gary Anderson v Terry Jenkins
Adrian Lewis v James Wade
Mark Webster v Phil Taylor
Raymond van Barneveld v Simon Whitlock
Live on Sky Sports HD2 from 7pm and to PDCtv International Pass subscribers at the www.pdc.tv website.
888sport.com Match Odds
Gary Anderson 8/15, Draw 4/1, Terry Jenkins 3/1
Adrian Lewis 8/11, Draw 15/4, James Wade 9/4
Mark Webster 6/1, Draw 6/1, Phil Taylor 2/9
Raymond van Barneveld 11/10, Draw 7/2, Simon Whitlock 6/4
Odds courtesy 888sport.com and correct at 12pm on April 6 2011.
Source - PDC/Lawrence Lustig
Tags: 888.com Poker, Premier League Darts, Simon Whitlock, week 8
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PDC Speak about Glasgow PL Episode
Posted on March 25th, 2011
Glasgow saw the worst televised (and possibly ever) darts crowd behaviour last week during the Premier League game between Adrian Lewis and Gary Anderson. Despite the media and players hyping the game, nobody anticipated the resultant crowd abuse directed towards Lewis, which actually had a greater effect on Anderson. Both players in our opinion handled the episode professionally but it certainly soured what could and should have been a great matchup.
We wrote about it at the time here, fast forward a week and the only acknowledgement from the PDC was an article in the Daily Mirror quoting Barry Hearn.
Well we can inform you that the following official PDC statement has appeared on their website today.
“FOLLOWING the 888.com Premier League Darts night in Glasgow on March 17 2011, the PDC have issued the following statement:
We are investigating the events of last Thursday, when a minority of the crowd in Glasgow behaved in a manner we do not want to see at our events.
A number of the players, in particular Adrian Lewis, received abuse beyond which could be considered as normal banter and both ourselves and the SECC are looking in to the matter.
The people who threw drinks and coins either at the stage or the crowd are not darts fans and not the sort of people we want to see at our events.
If any of them can be identified we will push for the strongest action possible to be taken against them but from the comments we have received from real fans after the event we are sure this will be an unfortunate one-off.
However, the PDC will strive to prosecute any spectator found guilty of throwing any item or behaving in a dangerous manner within the venue.
We are also looking at a number of other measures which we hope can prevent a repeat of the events in Glasgow once implemented.”
Lets hope that Glasgow was indeed a one off, anyone who cares about the game does not want to see that element of spectator allowed to spoil the game. Whether Glasgow gets a chance to redeem itself in 2012 is anyones guess. For now lets see if the Welsh can show what true support is when their man Webster toes the oche with Lewis at next weeks fixture in Cardiff. Interestingly this game is currently scheduled as the last one of the night………………..
Tags: Barry Hearn, Glasgow, Premier League Darts
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Both poker and darts are highly popular pursuits. The games are available online, in fact, that there are organizations dedicated to making sure the rules of video poker and online darts are conformed. Similar to darts having the World Darts Federation, among others, and poker has the Tournament Directors Association. These rules are put into place in highly competitive tournaments, in which as many as hundreds or even thousands of people compete for cash prizes as well as prestige.

