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 7^th 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.

LEWIS TAKES FOURTH PLACE AS TAYLOR & BARNEY PREPARE FOR PLAY-OFFS WITH WINS

ADRIAN LEWIS secured a spot in the 888.com Premier League Darts Play-Offs in dramatic fashion, snatching a draw against Gary Anderson in his final league match at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle.

Lewis looked set to coast into the semi-finals when he took a 5-2 lead against the Scot – who hit back brilliantly with five straight legs to move 7-5 up.

The World Champion seemed on course to suffer the defeat which would have opened the door for Simon Whitlock – who would have needed to win against Phil Taylor in the night’s final match – but Lewis showed his class to win the final two legs and claim the point he needed to seal fourth.

“I made it hard work for myself,” said Lewis. “When I went 5-2 up I should have got the job done but I took my foot off the gas when I shouldn’t.

“I dug out the result and one thing I am doing now is winning ugly. If you can do that, it’s a good thing to have on your side, and I have a lot more in the locker yet.”

Lewis inflicted Taylor’s only defeat of the league season on the opening night in February, and is confident he will raise his game when they meet again in the semi-finals at Wembley Arena next Thursday.

“I’m World Champion and I can go up there and hit a 110 average, and that’s what I’m expecting to do next week against Phil,” added Lewis. “If I perform like I can do next week, I’ll win it.”

Taylor completed the league phase of the event with an 8-3 win over Simon Whitlock in Newcastle, with the Australian unable to qualify for the top four after Lewis’ draw.

“I thought Simon was going to push me harder but it was hard for him early on because he didn’t have the semis to play for any more,” said Taylor. “He played well in the second half of the match though and I enjoyed it.

“I was thinking about playing well to get ready for the semi-finals because I’m after Adrian, big-style. I’d like to go at Adrian as hard as I can next week – he’s a great player and a lovely lad but there’s no love lost when we get up there next week.”

Raymond van Barneveld, meanwhile, jumped above Anderson to finish the season in second place after an 8-4 victory over Mark Webster, who ended his debut Premier League campaign bottom of the table.

Van Barneveld meets Anderson in the other semi-final next week, and said: “Mark gave me a lot of chances and all that mattered was that I got the win.

“If I’d known I had to win it may have been different but I will prepare myself for the semi-finals now. I’ll do everything that I can to win this tournament next week, and I still believe in myself and what I can do.”

The night’s other game saw 2009 champion James Wade end the season on a high, defeating Terry Jenkins 8-4 as the pair sought to seek consolation for missing out on the Play-Offs.

“Unfortunately the win tonight doesn’t change anything in the league table. It’s been a poor Premier League season to miss out on the Play-Offs, but basically I wasn’t good enough at the beginning of the season.

“The darts are starting to come back and I’m going to prepare well for the UK Open now and go to Bolton in confident mood.”

The 888.com Premier League Darts Play-Offs next Thursday will see the two semi-finals followed by a Third-Fourth Place Play-Off and the Final, with the eventual champion taking home £125,000.

Tickets for the Play-Offs remain on sale on 0844 815 0 815 or via www.wembleyarena.co.uk.

888.com Premier League Darts
Week 14 – Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle
James Wade 8-4 Terry Jenkins
Mark Webster 4-8 Raymond van Barneveld
Adrian Lewis 7-7 Gary Anderson
Phil Taylor 8-3 Simon Whitlock

Play-Offs
May 19 – Wembley Arena, London
Semi-Finals
Phil Taylor v Adrian Lewis
Raymond van Barneveld v Gary Anderson
Best of 15 legs – first to eight

Third-Place Play-Off
Best of 15 legs – first to eight

Final
Best of 19 legs – first to ten
Tickets: 0844 815 0 815 or www.wembleyarena.co.uk

Final League Table

JAMES WADE 8-4 TERRY JENKINS
JAMES WADE rounded off his 888.com Premier League Darts campaign with an 8-4 win over Terry Jenkins at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle.

The 2009 champion entered the final week unable to qualify for the semi-finals, despite a run of four games unbeaten in the second half of the season, but produced a polished display in front of 7,000 Newcastle fans.

He began the game brilliantly, hitting two 180s in winning the opening leg before taking out the maximum 170 finish to break throw in the second.

After checking out double top to win the third, he missed one dart at the same bed in leg four as Jenkins posted double ten to get off the mark.

Wade added further checkouts of 142 and 104 in winning two of the next three legs as he moved 5-2 up – Jenkins finishing double top in between – before he also won the eighth leg to establish a four-leg cushion.

Wade opened the ninth with a 180, but Jenkins replied with a 177 and two 140s before winning the leg on double two, and double eight saw him pull back to 6-4 in the next.

Wade, though, regained top gear to hit his fourth 180 of the game in the next, finishing double ten to move a leg away from victory, which he sealed on double eight.

“After the start I made to the game, I think I was always going to win and it was just a matter of how long it took me to win,” said Wade.

“Unfortunately the win tonight doesn’t change anything in the league table. It’s been a poor Premier League season to miss out on the Play-Offs, but basically I wasn’t good enough at the beginning of the season.

“The darts are starting to come back and I’m going to prepare well for the UK Open now and go to Bolton in confident mood.”

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 8-4 MARK WEBSTER
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD ended the 888.com Premier League Darts regular season with an 8-4 win over Mark Webster – but admits he needs to improve if he is to triumph in next Thursday’s Play-Offs.

Van Barneveld will enter next week’s semi-final against Gary Anderson on the back of a five-game unbeaten run, after inflicting Webster’s 11th defeat of his debut Premier League Darts campaign.

The Welshman hit two ton-plus finishes against van Barneveld, who proved too strong in the final outcome.

Van Barneveld hit a 180 in the opening leg, but paid for two missed doubles as Webster finished 109 to lead.

The Dutch star hit back with a 107 finish, and broke on double top in the third following two misses from Webster, before hitting double 16 for a 3-1 cushion.

Webster hit back with a 14-darter and also won leg seven with a 108 finish, but that was his only answer as van Barneveld took four legs from five in moving 7-3 up.

Webster finished his second 14-darter of the game to win a fourth leg, but missed three darts to keep the game alive in the next as van Barneveld sealed victory on double five.

“Averaging 90 is now how I can play but I had already qualified and knew I’d be playing Gary in the semi-finals so it was a hard game,” said van Barneveld.

“If I’d known I had to win it may have been different but I will prepare myself for the semi-finals now. Mark gave me a lot of chances and all that mattered was that I got the win.

“I’ll do everything that I can to win this tournament next week, and I still believe in myself and what I can do.”

ADRIAN LEWIS 7-7 GARY ANDERSON
ADRIAN LEWIS secured a spot in the 888.com Premier League Darts Play-Offs in dramatic fashion, snatching a draw against Gary Anderson in his final league match at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle.

Lewis looked set to coast into the semi-finals when he took a 5-2 lead against the Scot – who hit back brilliantly with five straight legs.

The World Champion seemed on course to suffer the defeat which would have opened the door for Simon Whitlock – who would have needed to win against Phil Taylor in the night’s final match – but Lewis showed his class to win the final two legs and claim the point he needed to seal fourth.

Lewis opened the game well, winning the opening leg in 13 darts and responding to Anderson finishing 70 for the second by winning the next three without reply to lead 4-1, twice punishing misses from the Scot.

Anderson posted his second maximum of the match in the sixth leg, which he won in 13 darts on double three, before Lewis posted double 16 to move 5-2 up.

Anderson, though, began his fightback by landing double eight in the eighth, before finishing a brilliant ten-dart finish, double one for a 15-darter and an 11-dart leg as his spectacular scoring hit top gear as he snatched the lead.

He added a fifth 180 in a 14-dart finish to move 7-5 up, ensuring he would gain a point and raising Lewis’ nerves.

Anderson also hit a 180 in the next leg, but missed three darts for the match as Lewis posted double five to force a decider.

The pair traded 180s, but it was Lewis who was first to a finish as he broke throw with double top for an 11-darter, sealing the point which ensured a semi-final with reigning champion Phil Taylor at the Wembley Arena next week.

“I made it hard work for myself,” said Lewis. “When I went 5-2 up I should have got the job done but I took my foot off the gas when I shouldn’t.

“I dug out the result and one thing I am doing now is winning ugly. If you can do that, it’s a good thing to have on your side, and I have a lot more in the locker yet.

“I’m World Champion and I can go up there and hit a 110 average, and that’s what I’m expecting to do next week against Phil. If I perform like I can do next week, I’ll win it.”

Anderson said: “I had nothing to lose and I went out to enjoy the game, and I did that. I gave myself a chance to win the game but I missed and Adrian didn’t, and he did well in the last two legs.

“I’m feeling good going into the Play-Offs and I’ll enjoy playing Raymond next week. I’m confident and looking forward to it.”

PHIL TAYLOR 8-3 SIMON WHITLOCK
PHIL TAYLOR ensured that he will enter next week’s 888.com Premier League Darts Play-Offs on a high following an 8-3 victory over Simon Whitlock at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena.

Taylor will return to the Wembley Arena – the scene of his famous two nine-dart finishes a year ago as he regained the title – in top form following a 13th successive victory in the league phase.

He will now take on World Champion Adrian Lewis in the opening semi-final next Thursday, having seen off Whitlock – whose chances of finishing in fourth were ended on the night in Newcastle.

Taylor landed a 180 in taking the opening leg of the clash with Whitlock, who had posted a maximum of his own and added a second in levelling the game.

Taylor edged the third, and broke in 13 darts to lead 3-1 before finishing 95 on the bullseye and double top for a 5-1 advantage at the break.

Taylor then posted two 180s in winning his sixth leg of the game in 13 darts, and landed double top in the next to move one away from victory at 7-1.

Whitlock – who had seen his feint Play-Off hopes ended when Lewis drew with Anderson earlier in the night – hit back with a 94 checkout and double ten to win the next two legs, but Taylor sealed victory with a 13-darter on double 14.

“I thought Simon was going to push me harder but it was hard for him early on because he didn’t have the semis to play for any more,” said Taylor. “He played well in the second half of the match though and I enjoyed it.

“I was thinking about playing well to get ready for the semi-finals because I’m after Adrian, big-style. I’d like to go at Adrian as hard as I can next week – he’s a great player and a lovely lad but there’s no love lost when we get up there next week.”

Source PDC/Lawrence Lustig

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 13^th 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.

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD secured a place in the 888.com Premier League Darts Play-Offs with an 8-4 win over Gary Anderson at the BIC in Bournemouth, as Adrian Lewis put one foot into the top four.

Dutch ace van Barneveld had missed out on a top-four finish in last year’s Premier League for the first time since he joined the PDC in 2006, but a seventh win of this season means he will compete for the £125,000 title at the Wembley Arena.

The result means that he will face Anderson again in the semi-finals on May 19, after van Barneveld completed a Premier League Darts double over the Scot.

“I’m really happy to be in the Play-Offs at Wembley and I’ll be excited about playing Gary again,” said van Barneveld. “We all know what Gary can do and this was a bit of revenge for him winning 5-1 in the World Championship to beat him twice in the league.

“I’ll play him in two weeks time but I remember beating Roland Scholten twice in the league and he beat me in 2006 so I can’t take it for granted. It’s a new game at Wembley.”

The battle for fourth place will go to the final league night at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena next week, with Adrian Lewis needing to avoid defeat when he meets Anderson to secure fourth spot ahead of Simon Whitlock.

Lewis moved onto 13 points in the table – two ahead of both Whitlock and James Wade – with a superb second-half showing to come from 3-2 down and defeat Terry Jenkins 8-3.

Lewis hit finishes of 100, 112 and 144 in successive legs as he reeled off six in a row to take the win, and said: “There was a lot of pressure on us both early on and that showed.

“I gave myself a talking-to at the break and played like a World Champion after that.”

Whitlock would need Lewis to lose in Newcastle and to then defeat Taylor by enough legs to overhaul his negative leg difference with the World Champion if he is to sneak fourth place.

The Australian was denied a win in Bournemouth by the league’s bottom player Mark Webster, who picked up his first point since week four by ending an eight-match losing run with a draw against Whitlock.

Taylor, meanwhile, ended Wade’s Play-Off hopes with a brilliant 8-4 win over the 2009 champion, hitting the second-highest average of the season at 109.36 and landing a 157 finish against the left-hander.

“James played really well and it was a brilliant game,” said Taylor. “I’m delighted to have won because he pushed me hard and I had to produce some good finishes there to beat him.

“I’m building up to the Play-Offs now and I’m looking forward to it, but I want to win against Simon Whitlock next week and keep winning.”

Wade has reached the final in his previous three Premier League Darts seasons, winning the event in 2009, but will miss out on the Play-Offs this time after jumping from bottom at the half-way stage to fifth going into the clash with Taylor.

“I shouldn’t have left it so late in the season to play so well and it’s my fault I’ve missed out on the top four,” said Wade.

“I played pretty well against Phil but you can’t miss as many doubles against someone as good as Phil. I honestly believe he plays his best darts against me and I hope I’ve earned that with how I play against him.”

The order of play for next week’s final league night has been amended to see Lewis face Anderson in the third game of the evening, before Whitlock meets Taylor in the other potentially decisive clash.

888.com Premier League Darts
Week 13 – B.I.C., Bournemouth
Simon Whitlock 7-7 Mark Webster
Gary Anderson 4-8 Raymond van Barneveld
Terry Jenkins 3-8 Adrian Lewis
James Wade 4-8 Phil Taylor

Week 14 – Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle
Revised order of play
James Wade v Terry Jenkins
Raymond van Barneveld v Mark Webster
Adrian Lewis v Gary Anderson
Simon Whitlock v Phil Taylor
Tickets: 0844 493 6666 or www.metroradioarena.co.uk

Latest League Table

SIMON WHITLOCK 7-7 MARK WEBSTER
MARK WEBSTER claimed his first point since week four of the 888.com Premier League Darts as he drew with Simon Whitlock at the BIC in Bournemouth on Thursday.

The Welshman had lost eight successive matches ahead of the visit to Bournemouth in sliding to the foot of the table in his debut season, but showed his quality in sharing the spoils.

Webster actually led 7-6 before Whitlock claimed the deciding leg to snatch a point, keeping alive his own Play-Off chances ahead of the night’s other games.

Left-hander Webster opened well, breaking throw on double 11 in the opening leg and hitting a 180 in the second, but Whitlock hit double top to level and landed a maximum and double six in leading 2-1.

Webster hit double ten to level in the fourth, and tops to take the sixth and square the match after Whitlock had posted a 14-darter in between.

The Welshman broke in leg seven to lead 4-3 on double top, only for Whitlock to reply in the same fashion to take the eighth, before finishing 90 with a bullseye, double top combination.

Webster levelled once more by finishing double top in the tenth, and took out a superb 127 on double eight to lead for third time in the game at 6-5.

Whitlock hit a 180 and double seven to level, but when Webster posted a maximum to set up a double 12 finish he ensured he could not lose by leading 7-6 – punching the air in delight at claiming his first point in nine weeks.

Whitlock, though, was determined to deny him both points, and hit a 180 against the throw in the deciding leg before posting double 16 to grab the draw.

“It wasn’t brilliant but I needed a result,” said Webster. “To be throwing for the match [in the final leg] and not to win is a bit disappointing, but if someone had said before the match that I’d get a point I’d have taken that.

“It’s been tough, it’s been disheartening and I’ve got upset. You get down with yourself and start to doubt yourself but I believe I belong here and I’ve earned my spot.

“I haven’t done myself justice at times but it’s a big result for me and I can build on it. I wasn’t content with a draw but it’s a point and it means a lot for me.”

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 8-4 GARY ANDERSON
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD secured a place in the 888.com Premier League Darts Play-Offs with an 8-4 win over Gary Anderson at the BIC in Bournemouth – setting up a semi-final between the pair at Wembley in a fortnight.

The Dutch ace had missed out on a top-four finish in last year’s Premier League for the first time since he joined the PDC in 2006, but a seventh win of this season means he will compete for the £125,000 title at the Wembley Arena.

The result means that the pair will meet again in the semi-finals on May 19, after van Barneveld completed a Premier League Darts double over the Scot.

The pair made electric starts, sharing five 180s in the opening four legs to bring a sell-out BIC crowd to its feet, with van Barneveld posting the first in the opening leg only to see Anderson take the lead with a 14-dart finish.

The Scot hit two maximums in the second, but missed two darts to break throw as van Barneveld posted a 62 finish to level.

Anderson landed another 180, and a 140, on his way to the third, although van Barneveld missed the bull for a 164 finish before the Scot posted double top to lead 2-1.

Van Barneveld opened the fourth with a 180 to raise hopes of repeating his 2006 nine-darter in Bournemouth, and hit two more treble 20s before his sixth dart fell short of a second maximum, although he went on to win the leg on double four with his eighth dart at a double.

The next two legs were shared with 14-dart finishes, before two misses from van Barneveld allowed Anderson to sneak in and take the seventh on tops.

Van Barneveld levelled in the next, and took a key break in leg nine after Anderson followed up a 180 with a bounce-out of the bullseye for a 161 finish and seventh further missed doubles.

Double four gave the Dutchman a break and a 5-4 lead, and when he hit a 180 to leave 76 in the next, double 18 put daylight between the pair for the first time.

Van Barneveld posted a fourth maximum of the game in the next, landing double top to ensure a point at 7-4, and sealed victory by hitting the same bed in the next after Anderson saw two darts at double 16 to stay in the game miss their target.

“I’m really happy to be in the Play-Offs at Wembley and I’ll be excited about playing Gary again,” said van Barneveld. “We all know what Gary can do and this was a bit of revenge for him winning 5-1 in the World Championship to beat him twice in the league.

“I’ll play him in two weeks time but I remember beating Roland Scholten twice in the league and he beat me in 2006 so I can’t take it for granted. It’s a new game at Wembley.”

ADRIAN LEWIS 8-3 TERRY JENKINS
ADRIAN LEWIS produced a second half super-show to defeat Terry Jenkins 8-3 and put one foot into the 888.com Premier League Darts Play-Offs.

The World Champion showed his quality by winning six straight legs to come from 3-2 down to streak to victory – moving himself two points clear of fifth-placed Simon Whitlock ahead of the final league night next Thursday.

The pair had slugged out the opening four legs, which each went with throw, before Jenkins produced a 14-dart leg to lift the quality in taking a 3-2 lead.

Lewis, though, replied in kind before making a classy return from the break, finishing 100 for an 11-darter and then taking out 112 and 144 in the next two legs to surge 6-3 up.

Jenkins battled to hit back in the next, but Lewis posted tops to win the tenth before securing victory on double 14.

“There was a lot of pressure on us both early on and that showed,” said Lewis. “I gave myself a talking-to at the break and played like a World Champion after that.

“My scoring wasn’t fantastic but I was hitting doubles and the 144 was a killer. I think I played really well in the second half of the match and I’m confident that I’ll finish fourth now.”

PHIL TAYLOR 8-4 JAMES WADE
PHIL TAYLOR produced the second highest average of the 888.com Premier League Darts season of 109.36 as he ended James Wade’s Play-Off challenge with an 8-4 victory at the BIC in Bournemouth.

Taylor won his 12th successive match since a loss to Adrian Lewis on the opening night with a classy display to see off Wade.

Wade had won three and drawn one of his last four matches to move into fifth place in the league table, but the loss ends his hopes of claiming a top-four finish.

Wade, the 2009 champion, began well by winning the opening leg in 14 darts, finishing 80 clinically, before Taylor hit back with a brilliant 157 checkout – earning himself a £1,000 bonus as the night’s highest finish.

Taylor then punished two misses from Wade to break with a 13-darter in the third and traded 180s from Wade before winning the fourth on double four for a 3-1 cushion.

Taylor also hit two 180s in the fifth to leave 56 in the next, but Wade hit a maximum of his own in between and took out a pressure 98 on double 12 to pull back to 3-2.

The left-hander was sat on a double in the next as Taylor finished 72 to enter the break with a two-leg lead, which he extended after the restart by hitting a maximum and an 88 finish for a 12-darter to break.

Wade won the next two, finishing a 13-dart leg on tops before posting double 18 for the ninth in pulling back to 5-4 down, but saw his chance to level slip away in the tenth leg.

Taylor hit three ton-plus scores to leave 40 after 12 darts, and posted double top to restore a cushion at 6-4 before hitting a fifth 180 in a 12-darter to break throw for a 7-4 advantage.

He also opened the next with a 177 to take command, although Wade hit a 180 and missed the bull for a 121 finish to stay in the game before Taylor closed out victory on double eight.

“James played really well and it was a brilliant game,” said Taylor. “I’m delighted to have won because he pushed me hard and I had to produce some good finishes there to beat him.

“I’m building up to the Play-Offs now and I’m looking forward to it, but I want to win against Simon Whitlock next week and keep winning.”

Wade has reached the final in his previous three Premier League Darts seasons, winning the event in 2009, but will miss out on the Play-Offs this time after jumping from bottom at the half-way stage to fifth going into the clash with Taylor.

“I shouldn’t have left it so late in the season to play so well and it’s my fault I’ve missed out on the top four,” said Wade.

“I played pretty well against Phil but you can’t miss as many doubles against someone as good as Phil. I honestly believe he plays his best darts against me and I hope I’ve earned that with how I play against him.”

Source PDC/Lawrence Lustig

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.

“James Wade and Simon Whitlock have to play Phil Taylor, and I can’t see them getting anything there. I think Barney has done enough now to qualify alongside Phil and Gary and I’ll take fourth place.”

Lewis had averaged 105 in a brilliant 8-3 win over van Barneveld at the BIC last season, and added: “I’ve got good memories of Bournemouth from last year and really enjoyed playing there, and I hope I can play well again on Thursday.”

Jenkins could still qualify should Lewis, Wade and Whitlock lose their final two games, but admitted: “It’s an uphill battle for me.

“I’ve probably left it too late to put a run together but I’ll give it my best shot against Adrian and James and see what I can do.”

Meanwhile, Wade is hoping to extend his unbeaten run to five matches when he faces Taylor in a repeat of last year’s final.

Wade sat at the foot of the Premier League table at the half-way stage, but followed three victories with a draw against van Barneveld in Liverpool last week.

The left-hander admitted: “It’s a massive match for me but I’ve had some good results recently and I’m playing well, and I can feel how close my game is to being great again.

“I love playing against Phil and I’ve performed well against him before, so there’s no reason why I can’t on Thursday.”

Whitlock, meanwhile, has dropped to sixth in the table after suffering defeats in his last three matches, but is looking to inflict Mark Webster’s ninth straight loss when they clash in Bournemouth.

“I was disappointed with how I played against Adrian last week, but I know I have to win against Mark to give myself the chance of reaching the Play-Offs,” said Whitlock.

“I’m focused on that and I’ve been practising hard this week to make that happen. I’ll just concentrate on my game and hopefully if I win it can put pressure on the other players.”

The night’s other game sees Anderson – whose top-four place was confirmed last week despite a loss to Taylor – meet van Barneveld, who was denied a win against Wade last week when the left-hander took out 138 in the deciding leg.

Bournemouth’s BIC will welcome a sold-out crowd of around 3,500 for Thursday’s event, which will begin at 7pm and is screened live on Sky Sports HD.

888.com Premier League Darts
May 5 – B.I.C., Bournemouth
Simon Whitlock v Mark Webster
Gary Anderson v Raymond van Barneveld 
Terry Jenkins v Adrian Lewis
James Wade v Phil Taylor

888sport.com Match Odds
Simon Whitlock 1/2, Draw 4/1, Mark Webster 10/3
Gary Anderson 5/6, Draw 15/4, Raymond van Barneveld 15/8
Terry Jenkins 21/10, Draw 4/1, Adrian Lewis 8/11
James Wade 9/2, Draw 5/1, Phil Taylor 1/3

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

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.

PHIL TAYLOR celebrated his 100th appearance in the 888.com Premier League Darts with a superb 8-3 win over Adrian Lewis at the NIA in Birmingham, avenging his defeat to the World Champion on the opening night of the season.

Taylor had suffered his heaviest ever Premier League Darts defeat when he went down 8-2 to Lewis at The O2 in London in February, but extended his winning run to ten matches since with a thrilling display.

He hit six 180s and two ton-plus finishes in averaging over 107 to see off Lewis, who averaged almost 101 in reply but was left with few chances against the Stoke great.

“It was a great game and I’m happy to have got revenge over Adrian,” said Taylor. “It was important to win tonight even though I’m in the play-offs because it keeps the other players on their toes, and I won’t be taking my foot off the pedal.”

Taylor’s win means he maintains his four-point lead at the top of the table over Gary Anderson, who needs just one point from his remaining three matches to earn a semi-final spot in his debut season.

Anderson created a new Premier League Darts record by hitting 11 180s in an 8-6 win over Simon Whitlock, finishing an 11-dart leg to secure the victory.

Raymond van Barneveld put one foot into the play-offs with a draw against Terry Jenkins, leaving the Dutchman three points clear of Whitlock and James Wade, who overcame Mark Webster 8-1.

Wade produced his best performance of the season by averaging over 106 in condemning Webster to a fourth straight 8-1 loss.

888.com Premier League Darts
Week 11 – N.I.A., Birmingham
James Wade 8-1 Mark Webster
Terry Jenkins 7-7 Raymond van Barneveld 
Simon Whitlock 6-8 Gary Anderson
Phil Taylor 8-3 Adrian Lewis

Latest League Table

JAMES WADE 8-1 MARK WEBSTER
JAMES WADE’S late surge towards the 888.com Premier League Darts play-offs continued with his best performance of 2011 as he powered past Mark Webster at the NIA in Birmingham.

The 2009 champion had lost six of the opening eight games of this year’s Premier League season and sat at the foot of the league table at the half-way stage.

However, he claimed a third successive victory by powering past Webster in style, claiming a 6-0 lead before going on to complete a heavy win with an average of 106.26.

Wade made a sensational start by hitting finishes of 120 and 110 to lead 2-0, and wired double 18 for a 116 checkout in the third before posting double nine to move three legs clear.

Webster gained his first sight at a double in the fourth leg, but missed the bullseye for a 164 finish before Wade followed an earlier 180 with double top.

Webster hit a 180 in reply in the fifth, but Wade denied him a chance to get off the mark by posted double five with his third dart for a 5-0 lead.

Wade then finished the maximum checkout of 170 in the sixth, entering the break with a 106 average as he headed towards victory.

Webster returned with a 180 and landed double ten to get off the mark in the seventh, although Wade posted double eight in the next to lead 7-1.

The Welshman fought to stay in the game in the next, but Wade was first to a finish and took out 87 in two darts to seal a fine victory.

“Although I’m delighted with how I played I didn’t like beating Mark 8-1,” said Wade. “He’s having a bad time at the moment and I know it’s hurting him.

“The results are starting to come at the moment and even though I had a slow start to the season it’s not too late for me to make my mark in this competition.”

TERRY JENKINS 7-7 RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD
TERRY JENKINS snatched a draw with Raymond van Barneveld with a 12-dart finish in the deciding leg of their 888.com Premier League Darts clash at Birmingham’s NIA on Thursday night.

The pair have often shared classic matches in the Premier League, and this contest proved no different as the points were shared.

Van Barneveld held leads of 3-1 and 5-3 before being pulled level, but led 7-6 only for Jenkins to produce a brilliant deciding leg.

The pair shared the opening two legs on double ten before van Barneveld broke for the first time in the match, hitting a 180 and double 18 for an 11-dart leg.

He finished double ten to lead 3-1 before the pair shared 14-dart finishes in the next two, but a fine seventh leg saw Jenkins post a 180 to set up a 105 checkout in reducing the gap to one leg at 4-3.

Jenkins also hit a maximum in the next, but van Barneveld finished 76 in two darts to deny him a shot a double, although the Ledbury ace took out double ten to win the ninth and fired in an 11-darter to level.

Jenkins then gave himself a chance to edge in front in a tense 11th leg, but missed double 19 for a 155 finish as van Barneveld took out 106 to break for a 6-5 lead

The Dutchman, though, missed four darts to earn a point in the next Jenkins hit double 16 to level once more, but van Barneveld was first to a double in the 13th to ensure at least a draw at 7-6.

Van Barneveld had the throw in the decider, but the pair traded maximums and the five-time World Champion left 40 to take victory only for Jenkins to finish 83 on the bullseye for a brilliant 12-darter in sntaching a point.

“I thought I could have won the game but I was trying too hard in the first few legs and I was throwing too fast,” said Jenkins. “I slowed down after that and took my time, and I think I’m pretty unlucky not to win in the end.

“But a draw is another point for me and if I can beat Mark Webster next week the play-offs may not be out of reach, but it’s going to be an uphill battle.”

Van Barneveld said: “I know what Terry can do and he always pulls his best out against me. He beat me in London and got a point now but it could have been different if I had not hit some of my finishes.

“In the end maybe I am happy with the draw. I have to play well in the last three weeks to make sure I finish in the top four.”

GARY ANDERSON 8-6 SIMON WHITLOCK
GARY ANDERSON smashed the 888.com Premier League Darts record for 180s by hitting 11 in a thrilling 8-6 win over Simon Whitlock at the NIA in Birmingham.

The Scot’s heavy scoring power saw him power past Phil Taylor’s previous record of ten 180s set in last year’s final, as he landed 11 in a 14-leg classic.

Whitlock played his part, pushing Anderson all the way to a deciding leg before the Scot revailed for victory with an 11-dart leg.

Anderson opened the match with a 180 and hit a second maximum in breaking throw to win the opening leg, in a taste of what was to follow.

Whitlock hit a 174 in setting up 16 to win the second after Anderson endured double trouble, and finished double top to take the third.

He also hit a 180 in the fourth, but Anderson finished a 13-dart leg to level, broke on double top in a nervy fifth leg which saw the pair trade maximums and then land another 180 in a second 13-dart finish in moving 4-2 up.

Whitlock won his first leg in four to hit back with a two-dart 70 finish, but Anderson edged 5-3 up with a 104 checkout.

The Australian responded with a brilliant 11-darter to take leg nine, hitting his third 180 of the game in the process, only for Anderson to respond with two maximums in the tenth as he moved 6-4 ahead.

Anderson also landed a 180 in the next, but Whitlock took out double eight to reduce the gap to one leg once more.

He then gave himself a chance to level with a maximum in the 12th, but wasted the opportunity as Anderson posted double three to ensure he would at least draw leading 7-5.

Anderson then hit back-to-back maximums to open the 13th leg and set up a potential nine-darter, but after hitting a seventh treble 20 he missed the treble 19 – and went on to miss six match darts as Whitlock landed double six to force a deciding leg.

Anderson, with the benefit of throwing first, opened with his record-breaking 11th maximum to ensure that Whitlock’s 180 in reply would only be in vain, as the Scot took out double top for an 11-dart winning leg.

“The scoring was brilliant but my doubles were poor,” said Anderson. “When I had the chance at the nine-darter and then lost the leg it didn’t surprise me but getting the win was the main thing.

“I should have been 6-0 up but I missed so many doubles and it was my own fault it went to the last leg.

“I’ll take it scraping a win and it’s another two points towards the play-offs now, so I’m pleased with that and I can’t wait to play Phil Taylor next week.”

PHIL TAYLOR 8-3 ADRIAN LEWIS
PHIL TAYLOR celebrated his 100th appearance in the 888.com Premier League Darts with a superb 8-3 win over Adrian Lewis at the NIA in Birmingham, avenging his defeat to the World Champion on the opening night of the season.

Taylor had suffered his heaviest ever Premier League Darts defeat when he went down 8-2 to Lewis at The O2 in London in February, but extended his winning run to ten matches since with a thrilling display.

He hit six 180s and two ton-plus finishes in averaging over 107 to see off Lewis, who averaged almost 101 in reply but was left with few chances against the Stoke great.

Lewis did have a chance to break throw in the game’s opening leg, but missed double 18 as Taylor followed an earlier maximum by finishing 68 on double top.

Taylor then took out 139 to win the second leg and double 14 in the third, with Lewis waiting on a double in both legs.

The World Champion get off the mark in the fourth leg with a brilliant 11-darter, despite Taylor hitting two 180s to leave 83 after nine darts, but could only watch on as the world number one took the fifth in 14 darts, aided by his fifth maximum of the game.

Lewis landed his first 180 in the sixth leg, replying with a 14-dart finish of his own to reduce the gap to 4-2, only for Taylor to pull clear in the second half of the game.

Lewis hit another maximum in the seventh leg, but Taylor posted tops for the leg and punished three misses from the youngster to take the next for a 6-2 lead.

That was extended further with a brilliant ten-dart finish, the best of the Premier League season to date, as Taylor posted scores of 180, 137 and 134 before cheekily finishing the bullseye in one dart.

Lewis hit double top in the next to stay in the game, but any hopes of a revival were ended as Taylor completed victory in style with a 130 checkout.

“It was a great game and I’m happy to have got revenge over Adrian,” said Taylor. “It was important to win tonight even though I’m in the play-offs because it keeps the other players on their toes, and I won’t be taking my foot off the pedal.

“Adrian’s a gutsy player and showed that he’s a worthy World Champion by trying his hardest with every shot, and he’s very good – but tonight I was better!”

Lewis admitted: “Phil didn’t miss a thing and played brilliantly. At 4-1 down I was averaging 119 but Phil took out 139 when I was on a double and another good finish when I was on a double.

“For the majority of the match I played well and I know how it feels now to have 180s piled in against me early on – it’s what I normally do to other players!

“Some of the other results went for me tonight but I’ve got to play Simon Whitlock next week and that’s a massive match for me now if I’m going to make the play-offs.”

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

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

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

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

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

Source -PDC/Lawrence Lustig

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…………

GARY ANDERSON, Simon Whitlock & Phil Taylor turned on the style to thrill a sell-out crowd for Thursday’s 888.com Premier League Darts at the AECC in Aberdeen.

Anderson delighted his Scottish supporters by hitting seven 180s in an 8-3 win over Terry Jenkins which kept him four points behind league leader Phil Taylor, who averaged 107.07 in an 8-1 defeat of Mark Webster.

Those displays, though, were surpassed by an exceptional performance from Simon Whitlock, who equalled the record for 180s in a Premier League game with eight and averaged 107.93 in defeating Raymond van Barneveld 8-5.

The Dutchman played his part in an epic, averaging almost 105 in reply, but sees the Australia overtake him into third place in the Premier League Darts table.

“It feels fantastic,” said Whitlock. “I knew I had to play well because Raymond was sensational the last time we played and I was up for a big match – I went out there to do a job and I did that.”

Anderson’s superb performance erased the memories of his loss to Adrian Lewis in Glasgow recently, when a minority of fans spoiled his return to Scotland.

“The crowd were brilliant and I’m as proud as punch,” said Anderson. “I’ve always said the Scots can sing really loud and tonight was brilliant.”

Taylor, meanwhile, continued his ruthless run of form by defeating Webster, who is left alone on four points at the foot of the table after 2009 champion James Wade defeated Adrian Lewis 8-3.

Lewis led 2-0 early on, but left-hander Wade won eight of the next nine legs to complete a league double over the World Champion and claim only his third victory of the season.

“I’m making a mountain for myself to reach the play-offs but, without being big-headed, if anyone can do it I can,” said Wade. “My game’s coming back slowly and surely and I’m producing my best in fits and spurts.”

888.com Premier League Darts
Week Nine – AECC, Aberdeen
Gary Anderson 8-3 Terry Jenkins
Adrian Lewis 3-8 James Wade
Mark Webster 1-8 Phil Taylor
Raymond van Barneveld 5-8 Simon Whitlock

Latest League Table

GARY ANDERSON 8-3 TERRY JENKINS
GARY ANDERSON delighted his home Scottish crowd with a thrilling 8-3 victory over Terry Jenkins in the 888.com Premier League Darts at Aberdeen’s AECC.

The Scot landed seven 180s – the joint-most by any player in a game this season at the time – as well as averaging over 101 in claiming his sixth victory of the year.

He landed 180s in the opening five legs and restricted Jenkins to only six darts at a double in the contest to claim victory in front of 4,000 fans in Aberdeen.

Having been welcomed to the stage by a spine-tingling Scottish reception, Anderson made the perfect start by hitting 180s in the opening three legs in establishing a 3-0 lead, breaking throw in the second with a 12-dart finish.

Anderson also hit a 180 in the fourth, replying to a 180 from Jenkins, but it was the Ledbury man who took out 41 on double top to get off the mark.

Jenkins also had a chance in the fifth leg, but missed the single 16 which would have set up the bullseye on a 123 finish and was punished by Anderson, who followed another 180 with double two for a 4-1 cushion.

Jenkins hit back on double top going into the break, and after Anderson posted a sixth 180 in an 11-dart leg to lead 5-2 the 2007 runner-up took out 111 to win a third leg and maintain a 100 percent record on his finishing.

Anderson, though, took out a pair of 64 finishes to win the next two legs – punishing a missed bullseye and two missed double fours from Jenkins in the latter after hitting his seventh 180 of the game.

He also landed scores of 137, 140 and 140 in the next, before raising the AECC’s roof by sealing victory with a 13-dart leg.

Anderson admitted afterwards that the win had erased the memories of his loss to Adrian Lewis in Glasgow recently, when a minority of fans spoiled his return to Scotland.

“The crowd were brilliant and I’m as proud as punch,” said Anderson. “I’ve always said the Scots can sing really loud and tonight was brilliant.

“The big thing was for me to win the game – both for me and the fans. I thought it would be a lot harder but Terry had a few stray darts and I made the most of it.”

JAMES WADE 8-3 ADRIAN LEWIS
JAMES WADE won only his third 888.com Premier League Darts game of the year, completing a double against World Champion Adrian Lewis with an 8-3 triumph in Aberdeen.

Wade has saved some of his best displays for Lewis, and hit back from 2-0 down to kick-start his play-off challenge by moving from the foot of the Premier League table.

Lewis had started the better, edging a nervy opening leg before winning the second in 14 darts to double his advantage.

Wade produced a superb 12-dart leg to get off the mark in the third, hitting a 180 in the process, and took out 77 to level before breaking on double ten.

Double top put him 4-2 up, and the left-hander hit a 180 before punishing a missed double 12 for a 141 finish from Lewis by posting double 19 to win a fifth straight leg.

Double five extended that run to six successive legs as he moved 6-2 up, before Lewis hit a 180 and double 14 for a 13-dart leg to hit back.

Wade, though, took the tenth with a 62 finish for a 14-darter and went on to seal the victory by hitting his third maximum of the contest and double top.

“I’m making a mountain for myself to reach the play-offs but, without being big-headed, if anyone can do it I can,” said Wade. “My game’s coming back slowly and surely and I’m producing my best in fits and spurts.

“I’m concentrating on enjoying myself more and getting my throw back. It’s becoming natural again and more fluid.”

PHIL TAYLOR 8-1 MARK WEBSTER
PHIL TAYLOR continued his charge towards the 888.com Premier League Darts play-offs with an 8-1 win over Mark Webster at the AECC in Aberdeen, as the Welshman hit the foot of the league table.

Taylor’s brilliant form in recent weeks continued with a 107 average as he picked up his eighth successive victory since a defeat on the opening night of the event.

Whilst he remains four points clear at the head of the league table, a second successive 8-1 loss for Webster – his fifth straight reverse – leaves him bottom of the table on just four points.

The Welshman actually won the opening leg, with Taylor hitting a 177 score but missing three darts to break as Webster followed up a 180 with double ten.

However, he missed double 19 for the second leg, and after Taylor landed double top and then broke throw with a 104 finish the third the reigning champion pulled clear.

Webster hit another 180 in leg four, but Taylor took out 76 to lead 3-1 and hit maximum scores in the next three legs, which he took in 12, 11 and 12 darts.

Double ten in the eighth gave Taylor a 7-1 lead, and he hit another 180 and double top in the next to wrap up a convincing victory.

“It was a steady, solid performance,” said Taylor. “I thought Mark might be under pressure and I put him under more pressure from the start, and kept it up throughout the match.

“Mark’s a tough player to beat but it’s getting serious for everyone. He’s probably trying too hard at the moment but I like him because he’s a winner and he’s got a great attitude.”

SIMON WHITLOCK 8-5 RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD
SIMON WHITLOCK edged out Raymond van Barneveld 8-5 to win one of the finest ever 888.com Premier League Darts matches in a thriller at the AECC in Aberdeen.

Whitlock averaged almost 108 and equalled the Premier League Darts record of eight 180s in a game to jump above the Dutchman on leg difference in the league table.

Van Barneveld played his part in an epic, averaging 105 in reply but eventually paid the price for a missed dart to level at six-all as Whitlock stepped in to move 7-5 up and then take the win.

Whitlock opened the game with what proved a key break of throw, hitting a 180 in a 14-dart leg as he edged in front.

He doubled his lead with an 80 finish in the second, and after van Barneveld won the third on double eight the Australian won two more legs for a 4-1 advantage – firstly finishing 90 before hitting two 180s in an 11-dart leg.

Whitlock then missed four darts at a double to win the sixth leg, as van Barneveld landed double top to pull back to 4-2.

The Dutchman then took the seventh despite another maximum from Whitlock, landing double top for a 13-dart finish, and the pair traded 180s in leg eight, which the Australian took with a 102 finish.

The high standard continued as van Barneveld punished Whitlock for a missed bullseye for a 170 finish by landing a pressure 67 checkout to reduce the gap to 5-4.

Whitlock landed two 180s in a leg for the second time in the match in taking the tenth in 13 darts, but a miss at double 16 to break in the next was punished by van Barneveld on double eight.

The Dutchman then created the opportunity to level in the 12th leg, but missed double nine for an 81 finish, as Whitlock stepped in to land double ten with his third dart – ensuring he would earn at least a draw at 7-5.

Van Barneveld fought to keep the match alive with his second 180 of the contest, but a miss at double 18 gave Whitlock the chance to seize victory, which he took on double four.

“It feels fantastic,” said Whitlock. “I knew I had to play well because Raymond was sensational the last time we played and I was up for a big match.

“I went out there to do a job and I did that, but I missed a few doubles and am trying to work out what my average would have been if I hadn’t! I’ve put a lot of time in practising and it paid off because this was close to my best.”

Van Barneveld admitted: “It was a real privilege to play in that game, it was brilliant.

“Simon played some absolutely fantastic darts and was the better player. It would have been better to win with a 97 average than lose with a 104 average, but I had chances and didn’t take them.”

Source – PDC

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

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………………..