PHIL TAYLOR smashed apart the record books with TWO nine-dart finishes in claiming glory in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts, defeating James Wade 10-8 to reclaim the £125,000 title.

Taylor became the first player in darting history to hit two nine-dart finishes in one game with a scintillating performance in the final of the tournament, as he won back the Premier League trophy.

Having avenged last season’s semi-final loss to Mervyn King with a thumping 8-1 triumph, Taylor took to the stage in the final and hit his first Premier League nine-darter in the second leg against Wade.

He went on to achieve the feat again in the 15th leg of the final, halting Wade’s comeback in its tracks with his second nine-darter.

Taylor also hit seven perfect darts in the next leg, settling for a ten-darter which edged him to the brink of victory before eventually sealing a 10-8 triumph.

“I’m a very proud man,” said Taylor. “I’ve won every title in the PDC and I don’t think I can ever do better than this – it’s the proudest day of my life.

“Everything I’ve done for the last 30 years has all come together. It’s been my dream to do this.”

The night was a joyous one for Taylor, whose bid to reclaim the title had been delayed by 24 hours due to a power cut on Sunday in the north London area.

However, he showed few signs of that affecting him by producing the season’s highest average so far in seeing off King 8-1 in the semis.

King was restricted to only four darts at a double in the game, with Taylor’s accuracy on double top in the first five legs effectively ending any chance of a repeat of his victory at the same stage last year.

King did take the sixth leg of the game, but Taylor replied with a 164 finish and swept to victory with an average of 107.98.

That was bettered in the final, as Taylor overcame Wade’s brave challenge to retain the title in a thriller.

Wade won through to the final with an 8-6 defeat of Australian Simon Whitlock, and kicked off the final with a 180, taking the opening leg in 12 darts with a fine 136 checkout.

Taylor replied in style, opening leg two with a 174 score, which he followed up with a 180 and then a 147 finish of treble 20, treble 17 and double 18 to record the first nine-dart finish in a televised final.

A classy 110, of single 20, bullseye and double top, put him 2-1 up before Wade levelled on double top after the World Champion missed the bullseye for a 132 checkout.

Taylor found an extra gear to take the next three legs, taking out 86 for the fifth leg, an 11-darter which featured scores of 177 and 180 to break throw and then double top for a 5-2 cushion.

Wade left double top with a 171 score in hitting back, only for double 16 to give Taylor a sixth leg.

Wade hit a 180 and a 121 bullseye finish to take the tenth, only for Taylor to reply in kind with a maximum and an 82 checkout of bullseye and double 16 for a 7-4 lead.

Wade took a key 12th leg on double ten before edging a scrappy 13th as the tension rose, with Taylor missing the bull and two darts at double eight before Wade landed double two to cut the gap to one leg.

The pair then traded maximums in the next, with Wade first to a finish and posting double top to square the match at seven-all.

Taylor, rattled by Wade’s revival, kicked off the 15th leg with a 180, which he repeated on his second visit to the oche before landing a 141 finish to create history with his second nine-darter of the game – raising the Wembley Arena roof.

Taylor also set up a potential third nine-darter of the game when he opened the next with scores of 174 and 180, only to miss his eighth dart, at treble 17, with double eight for a ten-dart finish putting him into a 9-7 lead.

However, three missed darts at double top for the match in the next allowed Wade to finish 64 on double top.

Taylor, though, found a tenth 180 of the game to open the next leg and finished 88 on double 14 for a 12-darter in taking back the coveted trophy – presented by famous actor, comedian and TV presenter Stephen Fry.

“It’s absolutely incredible and possibly the greatest moment of my career,” said Taylor, who had claimed a 15th World Championship title in January and has dominated the sport for 20 years.

“I knew it was possible to hit two nine-darters in one game and I said to [former world number one and Sky Sports pundit] Rod Harrington in the break after six legs of the final that I thought there could be a second in our game.

“I was playing well enough and James was improving too. You put him under pressure and he hits you back hard to put pressure on you not to miss doubles.

“I was nice and relaxed going into the final and am delighted to do that for the fans who turned out after the postponement yesterday and with an England football game on next door at Wembley.”

Wade, who picks up £65,000 as runner-up, admitted: “It was an incredible game and in a way it’s a compliment that Phil hit two nine-darters to beat me.

“The score was 10-8 so those two legs were the difference and I don’t think that two nine-darters will ever be seen again in such a short format.

“Phil played better than me and that’s why he won. I’ve played better and know I can play better but I wasn’t good enough tonight and am not good enough to win tournaments against him at the moment.”

King bounced back from his semi-final loss to claim victory in the third place play-off, and a £50,000 prize, with an 8-7 win over Whitlock.

Australian Whitlock had finished second in the league phase but was left with the £40,000 fourth place prize money after seeing King come from 7-5 down to take the win.

The trophy presentation by Stephen Fry capped a memorable night for the TV personality, who also commentated for Sky Sports alongside Sid Waddell and Rod Harrington for the Phil Taylor-Mervyn King semi-final.

Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts Play-Offs
May 24 – Wembley Arena, London
Semi-Finals
Simon Whitlock 6-8 James Wade
Phil Taylor 8-1 Mervyn King

Third Place Play-Off
Simon Whitlock 7-8 Mervyn King

Final
James Wade 8-10 Phil Taylor
* Phil Taylor hits two nine-dart finishes

SEMI-FINALS
JAMES WADE 8-6 SIMON WHITLOCK
JAMES WADE remains on course to retain the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts title following an 8-6 semi-final victory over Simon Whitlock at the Wembley Arena.

Reigning champion Wade jumped into the play-off places in the 14th and final weekly round, and continued his march by progressing to the final.

Whitlock had finished second in the league table in his debut Premier League season, but the deadly doubling which had seen him power through the eight-player field deserted him in the semi-finals.

He missed six darts at a double in the opening two legs as Wade opened up a 2-0 lead, although double eight in the third got the Australian off the mark after the pair traded maximum scores.

Wade broke back with a 180 and a two-dart 83 finish, before double ten gave the left-hander a 4-1 cushion.

Wade missed chances at the bullseye in the next two legs, as Whitlock hit back to cut the gap to one leg before trading 180s with the reigning champion in leg eight.

It was Whitlock who reached the double first, with double eight levelling the match, before he then hit the front by taking out 70 on double top to move 5-4 up.

He was also waiting on a finish in the next, but Wade landed a killer blow with a superb 107 finish to square the game.

A clinical 81 gave Wade the advantage once again, although Whitlock hit back to level.

Double eight, though, saw Wade edge a leg away from the win, and he defied a 180 from Whitlock to post double five in the next and move into the final.

“I’m delighted to be in the final,” said Wade. “I had a bad start to the season but hopefully I’m coming good now and I’ll give it everything in the final.

“It wasn’t my best performance but the 107 checkout was vital and I managed to finish the job.”

Whitlock admitted: “The 107 won him the game.

“Missing early doubles cost me and I was playing catch-up for a long time. It’s disappointing not to reach the final and I’m pretty gutted because I played badly.”

PHIL TAYLOR 8-1 MERVYN KING
PHIL TAYLOR dropped only one leg in marching into the final of the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts with a superb semi-final win over Mervyn King.

Taylor produced the year’s highest average at 107.98 to avenge last season’s loss to King at the same stage, restricting his opponent to only four darts at a double in the game.

Taylor opened the match with a 13-dart finish, hitting double top for the first of five successive legs where he arrowed clinically into the same bed.

A miss at the bed allowed King in to take the sixth leg on double two, but Taylor returned from the break to hit a sensational 164 checkout.

That moved him 6-1 up, and double 16 put him to the brink of victory, with a third 180 of the game and another double 16 checkout sealing progression to his fifth Premier League Darts final in six years.

“I’m over the moon that I’m back in the final,” said Taylor.

“Mervyn has been so consistent for the last four months and it’s a shame he didn’t play as well as that in the semi-finals. He’s very dedicated, a really good player and

“The average probably sends a message out to James but my finishing was good against Mervyn and it will need to be in the final too.”

THIRD PLACE PLAY-OFF
MERVYN KING 8-7 SIMON WHITLOCK
MERVYN KING won the final three legs without reply to take third place in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League with an 8-7 defeat of Simon Whitlock.

The duo returned to the Wembley Arena stage following their semi-final losses to battle in the first Premier League Darts third place play-off, with a £50,000 prize on offer to the winner and £40,000 to the losing player.

King took three of the game’s opening four legs to open up a 3-1 lead, only for Whitlock to hit a 180 in breaking throw in leg five, a 120 finish to level and 94 to move 4-3 up.

Whitlock levelled on double 16 before a 100 finish edged King back ahead – only for the Australian to punish missed doubles from his opponent in taking the next three legs.

At 7-5, Whitlock had one hand on the third-placed finish, but he failed to make King pay for bursting his score in the 13th leg – hitting double 11 instead of double eight – as the world number four returned to the oche to hit the double at the second time of asking.

King landed a 180 for the second successive leg to ensure a decider, which he won on double four to take the £50,000 third placed finish.

THE Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts play-offs were cancelled at the Wembley Arena on Sunday night following a power cut in north London.

The £410,000 event was due to conclude on Sunday night with the semi-finals, third place play-off and final of the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts in one session.

However, a power cut occurred two hours before the scheduled 7pm start, affecting not only the Wembley Arena but the local transport networks and several thousand homes in the north London borough.

Wembley Arena were informed that power would not be restored to the area in time to begin play on Sunday night.

The play-offs have now been rescheduled for 7pm on Monday May 24, with the order of play to remain the same as Phil Taylor, Simon Whitlock, James Wade and Mervyn King battle for the £125,000 first prize.

All tickets will be valid for Monday’s rescheduled event. Fans unable to attend will be entitled to a full refund and should contact their point of purchase from Monday morning onwards.

“This is the first time that this has happened during my career and it’s a real shame,” said Phil Taylor, the four-time Premier League champion.

“I feel sorry for the fans who travelled to Wembley but hopefully they will be able to come along on Monday and enjoy the night.”

Tickets for Monday’s Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts are available from the Wembley Arena Box Office on 0844 815 0 815 or from www.wembleyarena.co.uk

THE Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts season culminates on Sunday with the play-offs at Wembley Arena in London, with Phil Taylor bidding to claim the trophy for a fifth time as James Wade seeks to retain the £125,000 title.

Taylor and Wade are joined by Simon Whitlock and Mervyn King for the play-offs, which will see the semi-finals, third place play-off and final take place in one dramatic evening at Wembley.

Reigning champion Wade takes on Australian star Whitlock in the opening semi-final, before Taylor and King clash in the second last four contest.

Taylor lost to King 10-6 in last year’s semi-finals, but has stormed through the 14-game league season unbeaten since February and is the 1/3 favourite to take glory on Sunday night.

“I won this title for the first four years and I really want to win it back,” said Taylor, who won the first four seasons of Premier League Darts and was unbeaten in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

“The last few months haven’t been as much about finishing top or being unbeaten, it was just about getting through to the semi-finals and then winning the play-offs.

“I’ve done the first bit and now I’ve got to do the rest, and I’m really looking forward to it.

“I think you’ll see a different game when I play Mervyn in the semi-finals to last year’s match. It’s a different Phil this year and if he doesn’t turn up I’ll walk all over him, and if he does then it will be a cracker.

“Mervyn is a player you can get stuck in, and it’s a pleasure to play him. I enjoy it and I like playing him.

“I think it’s the best field of players we’ve had – James has done brilliantly to qualify after a bad start, and Simon Whitlock has been fantastic this season – and it’s going to be a tough field on Sunday, but I’m quietly confident.

“I know I can go up a couple of gears from the form I showed in the league stage and I’ll be ready on Sunday.”

King sat in the top two for much of the season, and his draw with Taylor was one of only two times the World Champion dropped points during the league phase.

“I’ll be giving it everything I’ve got,” said King. “Phil is playing really well and deserved to finish top of the league, but I know I can defeat him if I’m on top of my game.

“Phil is an absolutely fantastic player and I’m not as consistent as him. I’ve learned to live with my inconsistency – I can be the best player in the world or I can be one of the worst in the world if it goes wrong.

“But I can put that behind me and hopefully I will perform well on Sunday night and go one better than last year to win this title.”

Wade claimed the fourth major title of his career a year ago with victory over King in the final at Wembley, and has bounced back from losing his opening three matches this season to reach the play-offs.

“I’m looking forward to it and it would be fantastic to retain this title,” said Wade. “I haven’t been on form but I’m quite an unpredictable player and it might just happen for me on Sunday.

“I’m not going to concentrate too much on what happened in the league stage because it’s not a knock-out format, it doesn’t mean you’re out of the tournament if you lose some games.

“I believe when it comes down to it that things will come right for me.

“It’s all new to Simon and he’s very keen because he has new targets to aim for and he’s got loads of enthusiasm, but I’ve been involved in big games before and I’ve won titles, something he hasn’t done yet.”

Whitlock is bidding to become the fourth successive debutant to reach the final in their first season, following the previous successes of Terry Jenkins (2007), James Wade (2008) and Mervyn King (2009) – although that trio all ended as runner-up.

The Australian won his final two matches in the league phase to jump from fifth place to finish second in the table, setting up a tasty semi-final with reigning champion Wade.

“It’s just one game at a time for me,” said Whitlock. “I’ve got a fairly good record against James but it’s going to be a really tough game because he’s defending champion.

“James and I are pretty even on paper but it depends what happens when we get on stage and start the game. He’s got it all to play for but it would mean everything for me to win it.

“I’ve been playing extremely well for about six weeks now and if I can win the semi-final then I’ll feel really confident going into the final.

“Knockout darts is more my game anyway and I treated the last two weeks of the season as knockout games, and it worked for me because I won them.

“I’m getting used to playing in more than one big game in a day, so if I win the first game, then I’ll be looking good for the final.”

Sunday’s semi-finals will be the best of 15 legs, with a ‘golden leg’ to decide the winner if the scores reach seven-all.

The third place play-off – which has been introduced this season – will also be played over the best of 15 legs, with the final to be played over the best of 19 legs, first to ten.

Sunday’s play-offs will be screened live on Sky Sports HD1 from 7pm, as well as live in Australia and Holland, which fans outside of the UK and Ireland can watch live coverage via www.pdc.tv.

The remaining tickets for the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts play-offs are available on 0844 815 0 815 or www.wembleyarena.co.uk, or from the Wembley Arena Box Office on the night.

Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts Play-Offs
May 23 – Wembley Arena, London
Semi-Finals
James Wade v Simon Whitlock
Phil Taylor v Mervyn King
First to eight legs – should the score be tied at seven-all after 14 legs, a ‘Golden Leg’ will decide the winner.
Followed by
Third Place Play-Off (first to eight legs)
Final (best of 19 legs)
Tickets: 0844 815 0 815 or www.wembleyarena.co.uk

Sky Bet Odds
Semi-Final Match Odds
Simon Whitlock 4/6 v James Wade 6/5
Phil Taylor 1/14 v Mervyn King 15/2

Tournament Odds
1/3 Phil Taylor
9/2 Simon Whitlock
7/1 James Wade
22/1 Mervyn King
Odds courtesy Sky Bet, the official bookmaker of the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts. Odds correct at 1pm Friday May 21.

REIGNING champion James Wade qualified for the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts play-offs and denied Ronnie Baxter a tilt at the title as the league phase of the tournament ended in Nottingham on Thursday.

Wade had lost his first three games, but his 8-5 victory over Terry Jenkins at the Trent FM Arena saw him jump into the top four.

The final league night saw five players contesting for the three remaining play-off berths alongside unbeaten Phil Taylor, with an 8-2 defeat for Ronnie Baxter against Raymond van Barneveld in the second game costing him a top-four finish.

Simon Whitlock’s brilliant 8-2 defeat of Mervyn King ensured he finishes second place, having hit eight from nine attempts at a double in the match, while King will take on Taylor at the Wembley Arena in the semi-finals next Sunday after finishing fourth in the table.

Taylor, who lost to King in last year’s semi-finals, ensured he ended the 14-game league season unbeaten with an 8-1 rout of Adrian Lewis in the night’s other game.

“That’s the first part of the job done now,” said Taylor. “I’m delighted to be unbeaten but it’s a whole new format now next week and I’d love to win back this title.

“Mervyn will have to turn up and play well in the semi-finals because I’m confident and know I can go up two or even three gears if I have to.”

Whitlock has enjoyed a fine debut season in the Premier League and averaged 104.6 in defeating King in Nottingham.

“My goal was to qualify and I’ve done that but to finish second is crazy,” said Whitlock. “It would be incredible if I can win this now, but I’ll be going to Wembley to do just that.

“I love playing James and we seem to have great matches, but hopefully I can keep up this form and go all the way.”

Wade may just have timed his run to the play-offs perfectly, but admitted that the clash with Jenkins was one of the toughest games he has been involved in as he bids to take the £125,000 title for a second successive year.

“That’s the most pressure I’ve ever felt in my life but I’d love to get hold of the trophy again and it’s really up for grabs in the play-offs,” said the left-hander. “I’m starting to come into a little bit of form and we’ll see what happens at Wembley now.”

Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Night 14, Trent FM Arena, Nottingham
Terry Jenkins 5-8 James Wade
Ronnie Baxter 2-8 Raymond van Barneveld
Simon Whitlock 8-2 Mervyn King
Phil Taylor 8-1 Adrian Lewis

Play-Offs
May 23 – Wembley Arena, London
Semi-Finals & Final
James Wade v Simon Whitlock
Phil Taylor v Mervyn King
Followed by
Third Place Play-Off
Final
Tickets: 0844 815 0 815 or www.wembleyarena.co.uk

Final League Table

JAMES WADE 8-5 TERRY JENKINS
REIGNING champion James Wade qualified for the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts play-offs with an 8-5 defeat of Terry Jenkins, who is condemned to finish last in the league table after the loss in Nottingham.

World number three Wade lost his opening three games this season, but bounced back well and edged into the top four with a fifth victory of the campaign.

Wade’s victory also means that Jenkins, the 2007 runner-up, finishes at the bottom of the table after losing his final three games.

A nervy opening saw the players share the opening four legs, with the first two being won on double ten and the next pair on double top.

Jenkins also posted double top to win the fifth, but Wade found another gear and landed a 180 in levelling before punishing one missed double from his opponent to break throw for the first time in the game on double top.

Another double top finish put Wade 5-3 up, before he missed the same bed in the ninth as Jenkins posted double four to hit back.

Wade claimed a sixth leg with a key 110 checkout as the pace increased, Jenkins replying in 11 darts but left waiting on a finish in the 12th leg, as double top crucially gave Wade a 7-5 cushion.

With only a draw to play for, Jenkins set up a 141 finish only to miss the double 12, and Wade sealed victory on double 18.

“That’s the most pressure I’ve ever felt in my life,” admitted Wade afterwards. “It’s my own fault I was in this situation but I’d love to get hold of the trophy again.

“It’s really up for grabs in the play-offs. I’m starting to come into a little bit of form and we’ll see what happens at Wembley now.”

He added: “The 110 finish was crucial and won me the game. It wasn’t the best match but I did the job and that’s what was important.”

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 8-2 RONNIE BAXTER
RONNIE BAXTER’S hopes of qualifying for the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts play-offs were ended by a crushing 8-2 defeat against Raymond van Barneveld in Nottingham.

Baxter needed to avoid defeat in his final league match if he was to hold on to a top four, but he paid the price for a string of missed doubles after out-scoring his opponent.

Van Barneveld’s superior finishing saw him pick up a third successive victory to finish a disappointing campaign on a high.

Baxter started well, taking the opening leg in 13 darts and hitting double top at the first time of asking.

Van Barneveld levelled on double nine, and took advantage of three misses from his opponent in the next to break throw and lead 2-1.

Two further misses allowed the world number two to move 3-1 up on double 16, before he took out 120 on double top for a three-leg cushion.

Van Barneveld struggled himself on his doubles in the next two legs, but Baxter was unable to capitalise in two visits to the oche in each as the Dutchman moved 6-1 up, a lead which was extended to six legs when he landed double ten to land the next.

Baxter finished double six, with his third dart at a double in the leg, to stop van Barneveld’s winning run.

However, the Dutchman opened with scores of 180 and 137 in the next and posted double three to seal the win.

“I’m really happy to finish with the win,” said van Barneveld. “It’s been disappointing to miss out on the top four but I can build for the rest of the year now.”

Baxter admitted: “I had a nightmare on my doubles. My scoring was no problem but when it came to the double it just didn’t happen.

“I’ve been in the top four for a long time but my doubles in the last couple of weeks have cost me. I’ve enjoyed the season and I’ll be trying my hardest to get back in next year.”

SIMON WHITLOCK 8-2 MERVYN KING
SIMON WHITLOCK secured second place in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts table with an 8-2 win over play-off rival Mervyn King at the Trent FM Arena in Nottingham.

The Australian has impressed in the past six months, reaching the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship final in January and coming through to enter the final league night of the Premier League second in the table.

A superb display of finishing, where he hit eight from nine attempts at a double for the second time this season, saw him blow away King, who finishes fourth and will now play Phil Taylor in the semis.

Whitlock made the idea start, hitting double top for the first leg and a 130 finish on the bull for a 12-darter in the second.

King landed a 180 in the third, but Whitlock wired the bullseye for a 164 checkout before returning to post double eight.

A double 19 finish put him 4-0 up before King landed a pressure double eight to get off the mark in the next leg, after Whitlock left himself on 16 with a superb 174 score.

The duo traded double 16 finishes in the next two legs, and Whitlock hit the same bed to lead 7-2 before hitting a 180 and an 88 finish in wrapping up the victory with a superb 104.60 average.

“My goal was to qualify and I’ve done that but to finish second is crazy,” said Whitlock. “It would be incredible if I can win this now, but I’ll be going to Wembley to do just that.

“I love playing James and we seem to have great matches, but hopefully I can keep up this form and go all the way.”

PHIL TAYLOR 8-1 ADRIAN LEWIS
PHIL TAYLOR crushed Adrian Lewis’ feint hopes of breaking into the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts play-offs with an 8-1 triumph at the Trent FM Arena in Nottingham.

While unbeaten Taylor faced no pressure going into the final league game of the season, Lewis needed to win either 8-1 or 8-0 to reach the play-offs.

Although he won the opening leg, starting with a 180 and taking out an 11-darter, Lewis’ hopes of securing that win were dashed in stunning fashion by his Stoke rival.

Taylor showed Lewis no mercy in storming to victory, hitting a 180 and double eight in the second leg before breaking throw with a 98 finish.

Double top in the fourth was a hammer blow to Lewis’ hopes, and missed doubles from the youngster allowed Taylor in on double 16 for a 4-1 lead.

Taylor then followed a 71 checkout with a 105 finish to pull clear, and hit a second 180 and double seven to lead 7-1.

Lewis posted a second maximum of the game to leave 24 in the next, but Taylor completed the rout with a two-dart 80 finish in progressing in style to the play-offs.

“There was probably too much pressure on Adrian in that match and you could tell, but I concentrated on my job and did it,” said Taylor.

“That’s the first part of the job done now. I’m delighted to be unbeaten but it’s a whole new format now next week and I’d love to win back this title.

“Mervyn will have to turn up and play well in the semi-finals because I’m confident and know I can go up two or even three gears if I have to.”

The eight stars in the £400,000 tournament have competed over the past three months for places at the Wembley Arena on May 23, when the top four players will contest for the £125,000 first prize.

While World Champion Phil Taylor has already ensured a semi-final berth, having progressed through 13 weeks unbeaten, five players enter the final league night able to finish in the top four.

Simon Whitlock sits second in the league table with 14 points, a point ahead of Mervyn King and Ronnie Baxter, with James Wade on 12 points and Adrian Lewis on 11 points.

But even Australian star Whitlock, the World Championship runner-up, could still miss out on a play-off spot should he lose to King and other results go against him.

Wade opens the night’s games when he faces Terry Jenkins in a match he cannot afford to lose, while a win for Baxter against resurgent Raymond van Barneveld would ensure his top four place.

Whitlock and King meet in the night’s third, and most crucial, fixture, while Taylor meets Lewis in the final match – a game Lewis may need to win to reach the top four should Baxter and Wade suffer defeats.

“It’s going right to the wire and it’s really exciting,” said Whitlock. “I was feeling the tension last week in Newcastle when I played James Wade, and to win that was massive for me.

“I knew I had to go up there and win and it’s the same this week too. I won a Players Championship on Saturday so I’m really confident and feeling good about my game.

“My finishing has been good recently and that’s the thing I practice most on, so if I’m hitting my checkouts I usually do well.”

Defending Premier League champion Wade bounced back from that loss to Whitlock in Newcastle by winning a UK Open Qualifier on Sunday, and admitted: “I play first and I know I have to win because even a draw might not get me into the top four.

“I had a bad start to the season, losing my first four games, so I knew I’d made it tough for myself but I’m going into Thursday positive and looking to beat Terry.

“If I do that, it puts pressure on the other players in their games.”

Should Wade and Baxter lose, Lewis would enter the night’s final game knowing he needs to defeat Phil Taylor for the first time on television, as well as overhaul a leg difference deficit with the players above him, if he was to finish fourth.

“If I win, I might still have a chance of qualifying and that’s how I will prepare for the match,” said Lewis. “If I want to qualify then I have to beat Phil and that would prove I deserve to be in the play-offs.

“At the beginning of the league I wouldn’t have expected to be in this position, because I’d have wanted to have qualified before the last week, but I’m still in with a shot.”

Taylor is bidding to end the league phase unbeaten should he avoid defeat against Stoke rival Lewis, and said: “I am going to go up there and enjoy the game.

“Adrian always gets up for matches against me and it could be crucial for him, but I won’t be doing him any favours.”

While Lewis could finish fourth, a loss to Taylor may also mean he slips to a seventh in the final table if Raymond van Barneveld ends the season with a third successive victory.

“I’ve got no pressure and all the pressure will be on Ronnie,” said van Barneveld. “I just want to finish as high as I can in the table and the way I’ve been playing I wish the Premier League was running for another five weeks now!

“I’ve lost eight games this season and that’s disappointing for me but I can’t control my opponent or what happens in Adrian’s game. All I can do is play good darts.”

Over 4,000 tickets have already been sold for the event, but the final few tickets remain on sale on 0844 124 624 or from www.trentfmarenanottingham.com.

Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Night 14, Trent FM Arena, Nottingham
Terry Jenkins v James Wade
Ronnie Baxter v Raymond van Barneveld
Simon Whitlock v Mervyn King
Phil Taylor v Adrian Lewis
Live on Sky Sports HD 2 from 7pm
Fans outside the UK and Ireland can watch live through www.pdc.tv

Sky Bet Match Odds
Terry Jenkins 4/1, Draw 9/2, James Wade 2/5
Ronnie Baxter 2/1, Draw 7/2, Raymond van Barneveld 5/6
Simon Whitlock 5/6, Draw 7/2, Mervyn King 2/1
Phil Taylor 3/10, Draw 9/2, Adrian Lewis 11/2
Sky Bet are the official bookmaker of the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts. Odds correct at 12pm on Wednesday May 12.

Latest League Table

Play-Off Race – How It Stands
James Wade
* a win moves him onto 14 points, and he would then need King or Baxter to lose, or for Whitlock to lose by enough legs to drop below him on leg difference
* a draw moves him onto 13 points, and he would need Baxter to lose by more than three legs
* cannot qualify with a defeat

Ronnie Baxter
* a win means he qualifies
* a draw moves him onto 14 points and would probably be enough for him to qualify, unless Wade had won by four or more legs
* would still qualify with a defeat should Wade and Lewis both lose

Simon Whitlock
* qualifies with a win or a draw
* should Wade and Baxter both win, could drop to fifth if he loses to King

Mervyn King
* qualifies with a win
* a draw moves him onto 14 points and would probably be enough to qualify, unless Wade whitewashed Jenkins earlier to overhaul the leg difference deficit
* would still qualify with a defeat should Baxter lose and Wade not win

Adrian Lewis
* needs Baxter to lose and Wade to lose or draw, and he has to defeat Phil Taylor by enough legs to overhaul his leg difference deficit with Baxter

Cleggy’s Betting Predictions for this week’s Premier league

Who will be the Sheriff in Nottingham?

Consistency is the key for Nottingham…

After dethroning the King in typical Robin Hood-style last week in Newcastle, Barney has to contend with the Rocket in Nottingham on Thursday on what promises to be a cracking night of Dartistry in the East Midlands. Raymond also managed to notch himself a nine darter up in Geordie-land and will be hoping that his bow and arrows are in similar sharp-shooting prowess on Thursday. It is such a shame that Barney hasn’t played like his old self throughout the campaign; let’s face it, he’s been about as consistent as Nottingham Forest’s play-off record: narrowly winning the odd game only to be battered into submission in the next, in front of all your adoring fans, letting them down again and again and again…

Ronnie Baxter, however, reminds me of Blackpool rock: he’s tough and gets stuck in, as opposed to Barney and Nottingham Forest, who have been more like those hideous talking, music playing dolls you buy as a joke. They seem like a good idea to watch at the time, then they become annoying and repetitive…and frustrating and not good enough and a let down and a waste of money and lazy…sorry I was drifting off for a minute.

Despite Ronnie’s better season, Barney will fight on Thursday like Forest failed to on Tuesday and will do the Machine and Jackpot a favour as he inflicts Ronnie’s fifth defeat of the season. Get on Raymond.

Switch the power on, Phil!

Terry-Bull Jenkins gave the Power a fright last week by staying close to him. Well, I say close, a three leg loss to Phil is quite a result these days. Now, if Adie plays as he can, he will stay close to Phil; alas, when does this happen? The Jackpot rarely plays as his name suggests he should which is why he is languishing one place above the aforementioned Neverlander, Raymond, in sixth position. Trust me, I would love to say that ‘this one will be close’, or ‘Phil will be beaten, at last!’ BUT I can’t, I’m afraid. Taylor will Phil his boots and stick his other boot right down Adie’s semi-final chances. Jackpot for Lewis? Wooden spoon’s more likely…

The booze may work in Merv’s favour…

I hear the boos will be flowing in Nottingham this week. Well, at my house it certainly will. Now I love homophones and maybe Merv should too. If he convinces himself that the crowd are shouting for ‘booze’ as he walks out on stage, and in turn furnishes the crowd with a plethora of real ales, I am sure he would become a hero! Alternatively he could open a barrel of cheap lager and soak the lot of the disrespectful dimwits: either way, it will be much more successful than getting ‘wound up’ and losing one’s cool, wouldn’t it, Merv? There is no disputing that the King is class and WILL make this year’s final [you heard it here first] but first he must make the wizard Whitlock vanish from second spot, which he will do in Thursday’s four-pointer. The King will rain on the Wizard’s parade (homophones again…) and get his campaign back on track after a disappointing defeat to Barney last week.

Locked Horns

The aforementioned (twice in one piece) Bully will rage against the Machine, James Wade, this week and this is one James must win. This match is very difficult to call as Wadey aims to bounce back from a heavy mauling at the hands of the Wizard in Newcastle. Bounce back he will but he will bounce straight into the Bull’s horns and they will lock together at 7-7.

Doubles for Dough

Get on the King to beat Whitlock and Wade/Jenkins draw. This double should be around 10/1 and any respectable Turf Accountants!

Trebles for Show

Taylor/Barney/King all to win. This treble won’t win you a fortune but everyone likes a successful threes-up. Get on it.

THE three remaining places alongside Phil Taylor in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts play-offs will be decided on the final league night after a dramatic 13th round in Newcastle saw five players remain in the hunt.

The Trent FM Arena in Nottingham will host the decisive league night next Thursday, with Simon Whitlock, Mervyn King, Ronnie Baxter, James Wade and Adrian Lewis all able to secure top-four finishes.

Whitlock picked up a key 8-4 win over reigning champion Wade with a scintillating display of finishing at the Metro Radio Arena.

The Australian hit three ton-plus checkouts amongst landing eight of 13 attempts at a double during the win, and now sits on 14 points, one ahead of King and Baxter.

“I knew I needed a good result and I’ve got a win so I’m very happy with that,” said Whitlock. “I’ve been working hard on my finishing again recently and it paid off for me.”

King suffered a second successive loss for the first time this season with an 8-5 reverse at the hands of Raymond van Barneveld, who followed up last week’s nine-darter with another improved showing to move off the foot of the table.

Baxter and Lewis, meanwhile, battled out a draw which leaves the Stoke youngster needing a big win over Phil Taylor next week and other results to go his way if he is to finish in the top four.

Baxter had chances to claim a crucial victory after going 7-5 up, but missed four darts at a double in each of the next two legs to take the win as Lewis scrambled home a point.

“The winning double can be so hard to hit sometimes and you never know if it will go in,” admitted Baxter. “I’ve still got a point, though, and that might prove important at the end of next week.”

Taylor maintained his unbeaten record this season with an 8-5 win over Terry Jenkins in the night’s other game, extending his lead at the head of the table to ten points as well as condemning his opponent to bottom place.

Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Week 13 – Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle
Adrian Lewis 7-7 Ronnie Baxter
Mervyn King 5-8 Raymond van Barneveld
James Wade 4-8 Simon Whitlock
Terry Jenkins 5-8 Phil Taylor

Week 14 – May 13 – Trent FM Arena, Nottingham
Revised Order of Play
James Wade v Terry Jenkins
Ronnie Baxter v Raymond van Barneveld
Simon Whitlock v Mervyn King
Phil Taylor v Adrian Lewis
Tickets: 0844 124 624 or www.trentfmarenanottingham.com

Latest League Table

ADRIAN LEWIS 7-7 RONNIE BAXTER
ADRIAN LEWIS kept alive his slim hopes of securing a Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts play-off place by scrambling a draw against Ronnie Baxter, who maintains his place in the top four with a point.

Lewis’ hopes rest on the results of other players both later in Newcastle and also next week in Nottingham, where he could face league leader Phil Taylor needing to win well to reach the play-offs.

Baxter, though, held on to a play-off place by claiming a point – but was punished for eight missed match darts in the final two legs as he allowed Lewis in to take a draw.

Baxter also paid for poor finishing in the early legs, with Lewis twice punishing his misses in taking a 3-1 lead – and the Stoke ace also had five darts to win the second leg before his opponent got off the mark.

Baxter hit a 180 and double top to break throw in leg five before finishing 88 on the bullseye to level matters at the break.

Lewis returned with a 180 and eventually took the seventh leg on double three, while Baxter won the next 14 darts to square the match.

Lewis took out a pressure 86 in two darts to lead 5-4, but that finish was matched by Baxter in the next before he took out 100 against the throw to lead for the first time.

Double seven in the next pushed him 7-5 up and ensured a point, but he missed four darts at double 16 and double eight in the 13th leg for the match before Lewis scrambled in double five.

Baxter, who held the throw in the decider, was first to the finish again, but missed another four match darts, this time on double top and double ten, before Lewis posted tops to grab the draw.

“The winning double can be so hard to hit sometimes and you never know if it will go in,” admitted Baxter. “It’s just the width of that wire sometimes and it was on the wrong side tonight.

“I’ve still got a point, though, and that might prove important at the end of next week.”

Lewis admitted: “There was a lot of pressure on us both tonight and I’m disappointed with my performance.

“I was probably lucky to get the draw in the end but I should have been 5-1 up at the break and could have kicked on from there, but I wasn’t and left myself with too much to do to win it.”

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 8-5 MERVYN KING
MERVYN KING’S Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts play-off hopes were dented by an 8-5 defeat to Raymond van Barneveld at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle.

The 2009 Premier League runner-up faces a crucial 14th-week battle with Simon Whitlock in Nottingham to ensure his play-off place, after suffering a second successive loss for the first time this season.

By contrast, van Barneveld picked up back-to-back wins for the first time in 2010, following up his nine-darter in a defeat of Terry Jenkins last week with another confidence-boosting victory.

The Dutchman made an ideal start to lead 4-0, and though King levelled he held his nerve to take four of the final five legs.

Van Barneveld hit a 177 and double top to break throw in the opening leg, which he followed up with a 180 in an 11-darter to move 2-0 up.

A missed bullseye from King allowed van Barneveld in on double ten to treble the cushion, and a second 180 put him into a four-leg advantage.

Van Barneveld had one dart to lead 5-0, but his miss at double top allowed King a reprieve as he landed double top to get off the mark.

King then posted a 180 and an 80 finish on the bull to pull back to 4-2, a 130 checkout for a third leg and then double top to win a fourth successive leg and level the game.

A 12-darter from van Barneveld saw him steady the ship, and a second successive 76 checkout put him 6-4 up.

Double 16 gave King a fifth leg, and the pair traded 180s in the next but van Barneveld was first to the finish to ensure a minimum of a draw at 7-5, before landing double ten to get a second successive win.

“Last week it was a great relief for me to get the win and it’s given me a lot of confidence,” said van Barneveld. “I was determined to get the win tonight and I hope I can finish as high as possible in the league.

“I’m great friends with Mervyn but I have to do my job and I don’t want to finish eighth, and I had to get the win.”

SIMON WHITLOCK 8-4 JAMES WADE
SIMON WHITLOCK clamed a key 8-4 win over James Wade to put one foot into the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts play-offs on a dramatic night in Newcastle.

The pair entered the clash locked on 12 points in the league table, and it was the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship who emerged victorious to enter the final week needing only a draw to qualify.

Wade, the reigning champion, now has to defeat Terry Jenkins in Nottingham to keep alive his hopes of retaining the title at Wembley Arena on May 23.

Whitlock, as so often during the Premier League, benefitted from his tremendous finishing, hitting eight from 13 attempts at a double in the game and three ton-plus finishes.

The game’s opening two legs both went against the throw before Whitlock broke with a superb 124 bullseye finish in the third.

The pair traded 180s in the fourth leg, which Wade won in 12 darts, only to then miss two darts to edge in front as Whitlock took out double eight for a third leg.

The Australian posted a third 180 of the game in holding throw for the first time, with double 16 seeing him move 4-2 up thanks to hitting four of five attempts at a double.

Wade hit a 180 in a 13-darter to pull back in leg seven, but Whitlock found another gear to win the next three, including a 104 checkout against the throw, in taking a commanding 7-3 lead.

Wade checked out 127 on the bull to win the next in 12 darts, but any hopes of a fightback to claim a draw were dashed when Whitlock took victory thanks to a 100 finish.

“I knew I needed a good result and I’ve got a win so I’m very happy with that,” said Whitlock. “Being in fifth spot going into the game and knowing I needed at least a draw meant there was a lot of pressure.

“I’ve been working hard on my finishing again recently and it paid off for me. If my finishing is there my scoring usually flows and it did.

“It’s down to me next week now. Mervyn King will be ready for me and it will be a big game but hopefully I can get the win again and make sure of a play-off spot.”

PHIL TAYLOR 8-5 TERRY JENKINS
PHIL TAYLOR moved ten points clear at the top of the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts table with an 8-5 defeat of Terry Jenkins in Newcastle.

Taylor’s charge towards a fifth Premier League title remains on course following his 11th win in 13 games so far in the league season, as he looks to enter the play-offs unbeaten after facing Adrian Lewis next week.

The defeat means Jenkins returns to the foot of the table, although he matched Taylor during the early stages only to fall victim to a typical mid-game burst from the 15-time World Champion.

Jenkins held throw to win the opening leg before Taylor checked out 123 on the bull for the second.

The pair traded the next two, Jenkins hitting double ten before Taylor set up a double 16 finish with a superb 174 score in a 13-darter.

Double top from Jenkins gave him a 3-2 cushion, but he paid dearly for missed doubles in the next two legs – Taylor checking out 104 to level and then double 12 for a 13-dart finish in hitting the front at 4-3.

That was better with an 11-darter in the next as he pulled two legs clear, checking out on double 12 for a third successive leg, although Jenkins took out double ten to punish two missed doubles from Taylor.

Finishes of double 16 and double 19 gave Taylor the next two and a 7-4 lead, but Jenkins produced his best leg of the game with a 14-dart finish in claiming a fifth leg.

Taylor, though, was in no mood to allow Jenkins back into the game, ruthlessly sealing the win in 11 darts, hitting a 180 and an 81 checkout in wrapping up two more points.

“I’m pleased with the win and to get another good performance under my belt,” said Taylor. “It was a difficult game because I’ve already qualified and Terry can’t make the play-offs so he had nothing to play for, but I concentrated and did the job.

“It was a good atmosphere and the fans seemed to enjoy the match. Terry is a consistent player but he’s had a disappointing season and he’s looking to get back to where he can be, and he showed some signs of that in this game.”

With two league nights remaining before the top four players progress to compete for the £125,000 title at Wembley Arena on May 23, five players are fighting to join league leader Phil Taylor in the semi-finals later this month.

The visit to Newcastle sees two pivotal games feature four of the rivals, while second placed Mervyn King comes up against resurgent Raymond van Barneveld, who cannot qualify for the play-offs but hit a nine-dart finish in Aberdeen last week.

The night opens when Ronnie Baxter, one of three players locked on 12 points, takes on Adrian Lewis – who has to avoid defeat in his bid to reach the semi-finals after slipping to two points adrift of the top four.

Lewis has picked up only one point from his last three matches and takes on Phil Taylor in Nottingham next week, and said: “There’s no reason why I can’t qualify – but I’ve got to win both games.

“My point snapped when one fell out of the board recently and I had to use heavier darts for a couple of weeks, and my darts were dropping lower. Now I’ve got a set which are a replica of the other ones, I’m confident again with the darts and I think I can beat both Ronnie and Phil.”

Baxter drew with James Wade in Aberdeen last week, but was defeated 8-6 in a dramatic finale when he last faced Lewis, who took out 118 in the deciding leg to claim both points.

“I love playing Adrian because he’s the same pace as me and we have a good game together,” said Baxter. “He’s got a lovely throw and he knows he can hit the big scores, but it’s about who performs on the night.

“I missed my doubles last time for a draw and he took out 118 to get the win. He did very well against me and he’s played pretty well throughout the league.”

The night’s third game may also prove key in the play-off race, as the other two players who join Baxter on 12 points, reigning champion James Wade and World Championship runner-up Simon Whitlock, lock horns.

“It’s obviously a huge game and to win and get the two points would be massive for me,” said Wade. “I had my chances to win last week and was disappointed only to draw against Ronnie but this is a new match.

“Simon’s had a good first season in the Premier League and is a lethal finisher, but if I play like I can there’s no reason I can’t win.”

Whitlock admitted that it was his biggest game since reaching the final of the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship in January, as he bids to celebrate his debut Premier League campaign with a play-off berth.

“It’s a huge game,” said Whitlock. “It’s massive for me and the following week against Mervyn will be massive too because it’s all on the next two games.

“I love playing every player and all the matches are tough but I’ll be prepared for James. I think he brings the best out of me and I’ve got to perform on the night.”

The night’s other clash sees unbeaten league leader Taylor take on Terry Jenkins, whose feint play-off hopes were ended by a loss to van Barneveld last week.

“In a way I’m glad the pressure won’t be on me,” said Taylor. “The other players are fighting for their lives and even though Terry can’t qualify he’s wanting to finish the season on a high so it will be a cracking game.”

Over 6,000 fans will pack the Metro Radio Arena for the event, but a small number of tickets remain on sale on 0844 493 6666 or via www.metroradioarena.co.uk.

Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Week 13 – Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle
Adrian Lewis v Ronnie Baxter
Mervyn King v Raymond van Barneveld
James Wade v Simon Whitlock
Terry Jenkins v Phil Taylor
Live on Sky Sports HD3 from 7pm

Sky Bet Odds
Adrian Lewis 5/6, Draw 7/2, Ronnie Baxter 15/8
Mervyn King 6/5, Draw 7/2, Raymond van Barneveld 11/8
James Wade 6/5, Draw 7/2, Simon Whitlock 11/8
Terry Jenkins 12/1, Draw 7/1, Phil Taylor 1/8
Sky Bet are the official bookmakers of the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts. Odds correct at 11.30am Tuesday May 4.

Current League Table

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD hit a sensational nine-darter in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts during a win over Terry Jenkins in Aberdeen on Thursday night.

The Dutchman has endured a nightmare year in the Premier League, sinking to the foot of the table with eight defeats – including five in a row ahead of the visit to Scotland.

But he brought 4,000 Scottish fans to their feet with a brilliant nine-darter in the second leg of his clash with Jenkins.

Using a brand new set of darts, he hit back-to-back 180s and then finished 141 on double 12 to complete his fourth televised nine-darter and second in the Premier League.

He went on to lead 4-0 and 7-2 before Jenkins won four legs in a row to force a decider, but the English star missed one dart to claim a draw before van Barneveld finished double 16 to edge only his third win of the campaign.

“It’s unbelievable,” said van Barneveld, who hit the Premier League’s only previous nine-darter during the 2006 season in Bournemouth.

“I’ve had a nightmare season in the Premier League but I was determined to finish well and hopefully avoid finishing at the bottom of the table, so to hit a nine-darter is incredible.”

The defeat ended any outside hopes Jenkins had of making the play-offs, with four rivals in the hunt for places in the top four drawing, when James Wade faced Ronnie Baxter and Simon Whitlock met Adrian Lewis.

Reigning champion Wade missed five match darts in the deciding leg of his stalemate with Baxter, while Lewis battled from 7-4 down to claim a point against Whitlock.

That moved Wade, Baxter and Whitlock onto 12 points, two ahead of Lewis and one behind second-placed Mervyn King, who suffered a potentially damaging 8-1 reverse to Phil Taylor.

Taylor averaged a record 116 in defeating John Part in Aberdeen last year, and was again in superb form in Scotland to produce the heaviest defeat of the season in romping to victory.

“Mervyn has been the player to beat and been very consistent this season but he was a little off his game tonight and I took advantage,” said Taylor.

“I’m loving the Premier League this season and I’ve got a new lease of life. I really want this title back because the Premier League is special and I’m setting myself up nicely for the play-offs.”

Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Week 12 – AECC, Aberdeen
Ronnie Baxter 7-7 James Wade
Mervyn King 1-8 Phil Taylor
Raymond van Barneveld 8-6 Terry Jenkins – including nine-darter from Raymond van Barneveld
Simon Whitlock 7-7 Adrian Lewis

Latest League Table

RONNIE BAXTER 7-7 JAMES WADE
RONNIE BAXTER scrambled a draw against James Wade to share the spoils for the second time this season with the defending Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts champion.

The play-off chasing pair battled it out in an entertaining contest which swung both ways as Baxter led 4-2 before Wade won five legs out of six to earn a point – only to then miss five match darts in the decider.

The early stages were dominated by missed doubles, with the first four legs going against the throw, Baxter taking out 110 in the second but winning the fourth on double one to show the inconsistency of the pair’s start.

Wade had landed double two and tops to take his first two legs, but missed another chance to break in the fifth as Baxter penalised two misses to take out double top, and then hit the same bed for a 4-2 lead at the break.

Wade hit a 180 after the restart, and powered home a fine 121 finish for a 12-darter after Baxter had missed double 18.

The reigning champion levelled in the next, thanks to another 180 in a 14-darter, before punishing eight missed doubles from Baxter in the next to regain the lead.

Double top put Wade 6-4 up before Baxter won his first leg in five, hitting a 96 finish of single 20, double 18 and double top.

Wade finished 101 in the 12th leg to lead 7-5 and ensure a minimum of a point, but was denied a shot at victory in the next as Baxter hit a 180 and a third-dart double two to force a decider.

The Lancastrian trailed as Wade set up victory, only to miss a total of five darts at double ten, five and two to claim both points and allow him back on 96, which he despatched in two darts for the draw.

“We both missed a lot of doubles in the early legs but I was disappointed that I went 4-2 up and didn’t kick on from that,” said Baxter.

“James let me in at the end and I took my chance. I’m happy with with a draw and it could prove to be a crucial point.”

PHIL TAYLOR 8-1 MERVYN KING
PHIL TAYLOR powered to the biggest win so far in the 2010 Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts, defeating Mervyn King 8-1 at the AECC in Aberdeen.

Taylor was already assured of finishing at the head of the Premier League table this season, but ensured King faces a nervous wait to secure his play-off place in the remaining to matches following a heavy loss.

King, last year’s runner-up, was punished for a below-par display as he failed to produce the form which has seen him sit amongst the top four throughout the campaign.

Taylor stated his intentions with a 180 and double eight to win the opening leg against the throw and hit the same finish to move 2-0 up.

King took out double 18 for a two-dart 61 finish to get off the mark in the third but was unable to break in the next as Taylor took out a pressure double four to lead 3-1.

A 68 finish was followed by a 12-darter as Taylor went into the break 5-1 up, and he hit scores of 180 and 165 before posting double two to move five legs clear.

He opened the eighth leg with a 180, his third in as many legs, before double top edged him to the brink of victory, which was sealed in the next as he took out 70 for the win.

“Mervyn has been the player to beat and been very consistent but he was a little off his game tonight and I took advantage,” said Taylor.

“I’m loving the Premier League this season and I’ve got a new lease of life. I really want this title back because the Premier League is special and I’m setting myself up nicely for the play-offs.”

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 8-6 TERRY JENKINS
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD hit a sensational nine-darter in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts during an 8-6 win over Terry Jenkins in Aberdeen.

The Dutchman has endured a nightmare year in the Premier League, sinking to the foot of the table with eight defeats – including five in a row ahead of the visit to Scotland.

But he brought 4,000 Scottish fans to their feet with a brilliant nine-darter in the second leg of his clash with Jenkins.

Using a brand new set of darts, he hit back-to-back 180s and then finished 141 on double 12 to complete his fourth televised nine-darter and second in the Premier League.

He went on to lead 4-0 and 7-2 before Jenkins won four legs in a row to force a decider, but the English star missed one dart to claim a draw before van Barneveld finished double 16 to edge only his third win of the campaign.

“It’s unbelievable,” said van Barneveld, who hit the Premier League’s only previous nine-darter during the 2006 season in Bournemouth.

“I’ve had a nightmare season in the Premier League but I was determined to finish well and hopefully avoid finishing at the bottom of the table, so to hit a nine-darter is incredible.

“I’ve been disappointing but this could be the start for me and I can’t relax after this because it’s only one win and one nine-dart leg – but I know if I play like that I can beat anyone and win major titles.”

Van Barneveld made a brilliant start to the contest, hitting a 13-darter, which featured a 180, in the opening leg and then raising the AECC’s roof with his brilliant nine-darter.

Finishes of double eight and double 16 saw him move 4-0 up before Jenkins landed double top to get off the mark with a 14-dart finish.

Van Barneveld won the next two to lead 6-1, and the pair then traded legs to leave the Dutchman 7-2 up and within touching distance of the win.

He missed two darts for the match in the next as Jenkins hit double four to stay alive, before the Englishman landed six perfect darts of his own in leg 11, taking out 74 for an 11-darter.

Double eight saw him pull back to 7-5 and a sensational 146 checkout saw him force a deciding leg, but he missed double ten for a 137 finish which would have secured a draw to allow van Barneveld back to post double 16 for a memorable win.

SIMON WHITLOCK 7-7 ADRIAN LEWIS
ADRIAN LEWIS battled from 7-4 down to draw with Simon Whitlock at the AECC in Aberdeen and keep alive his hopes of securing a Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts play-off place.

The youngster looked set to wave goodbye to his hopes of finishing in the top four when Whitlock hit back from finding himself 2-0 down to lead 7-4.

But the Australian failed to close out the win, and Lewis clawed back the final three legs to claim a point and remain on the coat-tails of the top four.

Lewis edged a scrappy opening leg on double ten, and moved 2-0 up thanks to a double top finish.

Whitlock posted a 180 and an 81 checkout to get off the mark in the third, before punishing missed doubles in the next two to hit the front at 3-2.

Lewis hit a 180 and double 16 to level going into the break, but Whitlock followed a 12-darter with two further legs to move 6-3 ahead.

Lewis finished 84 to pull back a leg, and the duo traded spectacular 121 finishes to leave Whitlock 7-5 up – only for four missed match darts in the next leg to prove costly.

Lewis landed double 16 to stay in the game, and then won the decider on double six, with Whitlock waiting on 24.

“Early on I missed too many doubles but Simon took out some crucial finishes,” said Lewis. “The dream of finishing in the top four is still alive but I know I’ll have to win my final two games, against Ronnie Baxter and Phil Taylor, and I’ll prepare for that.”

Whitlock said: “Adrian played a good game and it was probably a fair result to draw. I’m still in the hunt and anything could happen in the last two weeks, but I’ve just got to focus on my own game.”

Two fat ladies for Lowebo

The great John Lowe advised me that Phil Taylor provided him with two fat ladies last week – and it only took Lowebo the time for Taylor to win his match against Whitlock to ‘Phil’ his boots. Now, that must have been something special…

Winning £88 on one match…now that’s something to get excited about…what did you think I was talking about?

If you’re willing to put on a fillet ‘stake’, punters, the rewards are obvious…as are the risks. Personally, I can only afford a bit of rump so here go the predictions:

Booze in Scotland?

It’s the Rocket against the Machine up in Aberdeen and the Scots will be in for a trick (as opposed to a treat) as one of the men they love to boo (great English player), James Wade, will continue his excellent form. The Scots do tend to dislike many of the English, don’t they? Their disdain will remain for James tonight as he puts Ronnie to bed. I love Ronnie but he missed the launch last week and it will be goodnight from him as he might begin waving goodbye to the coveted top 4 spot. Get on Wade @ 2/5.

More booze? Of course, and English King is here!

Now, I wouldn’t advise old ‘stone face’ to pile in on Taylor this week as he’s up against the King of England. Now, Kings of England always triumph in Scotland, don’t they? And I’ve got a funny feeling that Merv will be on his ‘A’ game and will swerve the Scottish bullets up in Aberdeen to give the power a taste of his own medicine. King responded like a true English monarch last week as he demolished Adie Lewis and no-one could have predicted that (including me!) and I think he will take his sharpened, more accurate arrers up to bonny Scotland. He might need some ear muffs too (to drown out the accents, I mean boos!). King is around 6/1 on Skybet.

More pain for Raymond?

It’s Barney Jenkins in a basement battle as Barney attempts to turn his season around as the Bully just might have done last week. OK, it might be too late for both of them in the premier league but both will want to impress after languishing near the foot of the table for the whole season. Pompey fans can empathise. Terry Bullied Baxter last week whereas Barney was on the end of James Wade’s ass kicking. This one will be close, I feel, but it will be Jenks who administers more pain for the Raym’n. 11/8 about Jenks.

Draw your swords

The last match tonight is between the Jackpot and the Wizard. On current form, I can’t see past the wizard and on current size I can’t see past Adie. He’s a big player but often succumbs to the big occasions. This one’s a big’un as nothing else but a win will do for Lewis; alas I think Whitlock’s magic will prevent a Lewis victory. 7-7 for me and 7/2 is a niiiiiice priiiiiice: I liiiiiiiike!!!

Trebles for show

Get on King/Wade/Jenkins all to win for at least a 16/1 pay out. £80 for a fiver.

Doubles for Dough

King to beat Taylor and Lewis/Whitlock draw: well over £250 for your tenner

Unbeaten four-time Premier League Darts champion Phil Taylor takes on second-placed Mervyn King in one of four games to be held in front of a sold-out 4,000 crowd in Aberdeen.

While they may be battling in the most high-profile game of the evening, the other three contests could hold greater significance in the race for places in the league’s top four.

With only two league nights remaining after the visit to Aberdeen, the games involving Ronnie Baxter and reigning champion James Wade, Raymond van Barneveld’s clash with Ronnie Baxter and Simon Whitlock’s meeting with Adrian Lewis all hold added significance.

Wade and Baxter sit alongside Simon Whitlock on 11 points – two behind King – in the table, while Lewis is two points adrift on nine points to mean the games between that quartet are key.

Defending champion Wade lost his opening three games this season but has only been defeated once since, and admitted: “It’s my biggest game of the season.

“I’m coming into a bit of form and I’ll be ready for Ronnie, and I’m sure he’ll be ready for me.

“I hope he is because it will be a good game, and I owe Ronnie one, because he’s hurt me a few times in tournaments just lately.”

Baxter admitted: “I’m holding fourth place at the moment but every point counts, and every leg does as well.

“It’s going to be extremely tough for me because I play James, Adrian and Raymond in my last three games but I’ve got to get on with it and pick my game up.”

Whitlock defeated Lewis 8-4 when the pair met previously this season, and said: “It’s really close and it’s going to come down to the last week, but the next couple of weeks are very important for a lot of players.”

Jenkins has to defeat bottom-placed van Barneveld to keep alive his outside chances of claiming a play-off place, having won his last two matches to move three points behind the top four.

Van Barneveld hit the highest average so far in this season’s Premier League of 106.92 when he defeated Jenkins 8-4 in Manchester – one of only two wins for the Dutchman so far in a disappointing season.

“He can always turn it on but I’ll be ready for him and expecting it this week,” said Jenkins. “He was the real Barney when he played me and hit a 107 average in Manchester.

“That was just my bad luck in a way, but it was one of the game that’s made me struggle because it was a big loss for me. I’ve got a couple of wins in the last two weeks and given myself a chance of reaching the play-offs.

“The pressure is on the others to stay in the top four and I can just go up there and throw my darts.”

The night’s other game sees the league’s leading two players meet for the second time this season.

Mervyn King is one of only two players to take a point from unbeaten league leader Phil Taylor, having drawn in Manchester, and the 15-time World Champion is expecting another tight battle in Aberdeen.

“He’s having a brilliant season and I’m very much looking forward to the game,” said Taylor. “Mervyn is one of the most dedicated players, if not the most dedicated player, I’ve seen during my career.

“He does everything right, is very one-track minded in how me approaches the game and he doesn’t mess around – he just gets on with his job and does things right.”

Almost 4,000 tickets have already been sold for the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts, but a small number are still available on 08444 77 9000.

Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Week 12 – AECC, Aberdeen
Ronnie Baxter v James Wade
Mervyn King v Phil Taylor
Raymond van Barneveld v Terry Jenkins
Simon Whitlock v Adrian Lewis

Watch live on Sky Sports HD 1 from 7pm
Fans outside of the UK & Ireland can watch live via www.pdc.tv

Sky Bet Match Odds
Ronnie Baxter 4/1, Draw 9/2, James Wade 2/5
Mervyn King 6/1, Draw 9/2, Phil Taylor 2/7
Raymond van Barneveld 11/10, Draw 4/1, Terry Jenkins 11/8
Simon Whitlock 5/6, Draw 7/2, Adrian Lewis 2/1
Odds courtesy Sky Bet, the official bookmaker of the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts, and correct at 12pm Wednesday April 28.

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