Lewis looked on course to storm into the semis when he powered to the first three sets with a brilliant opening to the match, taking nine out of 11 legs.

Jenkins, though, won the fourth set and kick-started his fightback by coming from 2-0 down in the fifth, winning six straight legs to level the game.

Lewis won a crucial seventh set 3-1 and then came from a leg down in the next to seal victory and set up a semi-final with world number three James Wade on Sunday.

“I took the 3-0 lead and thought I was going to win 5-0, but Terry came back brilliantly,” said Lewis. “Every dart I threw for a while in those three sets was on the wire and Terry put me under pressure.

“As soon as I’m under pressure, I fire, and I’m in the semi-finals now. Wadey’s got a good record against me but I’m ready for a battle.”

2010 runner-up Whitlock, meanwhile, set up a semi-final against Andy Hamilton with his 5-1 win over last year’s beaten finalist Gary Anderson, who had been the favourite with sponsors Ladbrokes going into the quarter-finals.

The Scot took the game’s first set but would win only seven more legs in the match as Whitlock took five successive sets to storm to victory, continuing to defy the discomfort of his recovering broken ankle.

“I’m over the moon,” said Whitlock. “Gary missed a lot of doubles which made it easier for me, but I concentrated on my darts and enjoyed the game.

“I fully believe I can win this World Championship, even with a broken leg! I actually think it’s helped me because my concentration levels are higher and I’m going slower and trying to make every dart count.”

Left-hander Wade had earlier won his second World Championship semi-final place with victory over Canadian ace John Part in a sudden-death thriller.

Part hit back from 3-1 down to lead 4-3, before Wade levelled and forced a decider which went all the way to an 11th leg which the world number three took with a fine 14-darter.

Hamilton powered to a 5-1 win over Belgium’s Kim Huybrechts in the other quarter-final, hitting 11 180s, three ton-plus finishes and averaging over 102.

Lewis is now the 13/8 favourite to lift the £200,000 title on January 2, with Whitlock 9/4, Wade rated at 5/2 and Hamilton the 6/1 outsider in his bid for a first major title.

Ladbrokes World Darts Championship
Quarter-Finals
Friday December 30
Andy Hamilton 5-2 Kim Huybrechts
John Part 4-5 James Wade
Simon Whitlock 5-1 Gary Anderson
Adrian Lewis 5-3 Terry Jenkins

Semi-Finals
Sunday January 1 (7.30pm)
Andy Hamilton v Simon Whitlock
Adrian Lewis v James Wade
Best of 11 sets

SIMON WHITLOCK 5-1 GARY ANDERSON
(1-3, 3-2, 3-1, 3-2, 3-0, 3-2)
SIMON WHITLOCK reached the semi-finals of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a fine 5-1 victory against Gary Anderson.

Whitlock had come into the tournament unfancied to make an impact after spending almost two months sidelined ahead of the event with a broken ankle sustained at the end of October.

However, he produced another determined effort to see off Anderson, who won the first set of the match but missed 29 darts at doubles as Whitlock claimed the next five sets to win the match.

“I’ve got belief in myself at the moment, and I’m not letting my ankle problem be a handicap to me,” said Whitlock, who is looking to play in his second World Championship final in the space of three years.

“I think Gary struggled with the pace of the game a little because I was having take more time with my throw, because of the injury.

“Gary missed a lot of doubles which made it easier for me, but I concentrated on my darts and enjoyed the game. I fully believe I can win this World Championship now.”

Anderson hit a maximum in the process of taking the first leg of the match before Whitlock levelled by taking the second on double top.

The Premier League Darts champion, who defeated Colin Lloyd in the third round, hit a 151 checkout to take the third leg and landed double five in the next to establish an early advantage.

Whitlock, who was taken to a final set by Michael van Gerwen in his third round match, hit double 18 to take the opening leg of set two, and after both players traded 180s in the next he took out a fabulous 121 checkout, finishing on the bullseye.

Anderson broke his opponent’s throw in the third leg, by landing double top with his third dart, and then won the fourth in 13 darts.

Whitlock held advantage of throw in the deciding leg, and he made that count with an accurate attempt at double four to take the set and level the match.

The start of set three saw Anderson miss five chances to win the first leg, but Whitlock missed four of his own to allow him to return and hit double one.

Whitlock landed double top to take the second leg in 13 darts, and the third also fell the way of the Australian as he took out 74 after Anderson wasted five darts at doubles.

Anderson missed a dart at the bullseye in the fourth leg, and Whitlock landed double eight to seal the set and lead the match 2-1.

Whitlock hit two maximums in the process of taking the first leg of the fourth set, and then landed double 16 with his first dart to take the second.

Anderson broke back with a 14-dart finish to win the third, and then hit double top to win the fourth leg, before Whitlock kicked-off the fifth with a 180.

That maximum pushed the 2010 runner-up to a finish first, and he hit double seven to take the set and move two clear of Anderson.

Whitlock capitalised on two more missed darts at doubles from his opponent to make a winning start to the fifth set, before Anderson hit a 177 at the start of the second leg.

The Scot was again first to a finish, but a missed dart at double top was punished by Whitlock, courtesy of an 81 finish.

That put the Australian in command of the set, and an accurate attempt at double ten in the third leg put Whitlock 4-1 ahead with a second 14-darter against the throw to leave him a set away from the semi-finals.

Anderson took the opening two legs of the sixth set with finishes of 68 and 76, before Whitlock hit another 14-dart finish to take the third.

The fourth leg saw Anderson off-target with five chances to win the set, and Whitlock hit double two with his third dart to level.

Anderson hit a 180 in the fifth leg, but a missed dart at tops proved expensive as Whitlock landed double eight to secure the match.

Whitlock now meets Andy Hamilton in the semi-finals, having lost 17-15 to the Stoke ace in the World Matchplay quarter-finals in July when his opponent won nine successive legs to come from 15-8 down to take victory.

“Andy Hamilton will be a tough opponent in the semi-finals,” added Whitlock. “He’s playing some fantastic darts at the moment, and he seems to thrive under pressure.

“I don’t want to get in a close match with him because Andy is one of the best players when it gets in a tight match, as he’s shown in the last few matches here.

“I want to get revenge for that but it’s nice to see him playing well because he’s a fantastic player and a really good friend as well.”

Anderson admitted: “I was miles off and deserved to get beaten. I wasn’t good enough on the night and I’ll put it behind me now and move on to next year.”

ADRIAN LEWIS 5-3 TERRY JENKINS
(3-1, 3-1, 3-0, 1-3, 2-3, 0-3, 3-1, 3-1)
ADRIAN LEWIS remains on course to defend his Ladbrokes World Darts Championship title after overcoming the challenge of Terry Jenkins with a 5-3 quarter-final victory at Alexandra Palace.

Lewis romped into a three-set lead and lost just two legs in the process before Jenkins fought back to win three of his own to leave the match finely balanced.

However, Lewis managed to win six of the next eight legs to end Jenkins hopes of claiming a first major title and progress to a semi-final with number three seed James Wade.

“I had to dig really deep to pull that off,” admitted Lewis. “I lost my way during the middle of the match, but I pulled myself together and got the job done, which I’m delighted with.

“Terry came back brilliantly and every dart I threw for a while in those three sets was on the wire. Terry put me under pressure but, as soon as I’m under pressure, I fire.”

Lewis, who enjoyed a straight-sets victory against Wayne Jones in the last 16, started the match in excellent fashion by taking first two legs with finishes of 89 and 101.

Jenkins managed to win the third leg on double top, after Lewis missed the bullseye for the set, but the Stoke star made no mistake in the next leg as he recorded a 71 finish to take first blood.

The second set began with Jenkins hitting double top, before Lewis left a chance of hitting a nine-dart finish after kicking-off the second with back-to-back 180s.

His hopes of achieving that feat for the second time in as many years at Alexandra Palace where ended when his seventh attempt at the treble 20 was off-target, but he posted double four to win the leg and then broke throw for a 2-1 lead.

Lewis added another maximum in the fourth leg, and secured the set by landing double ten to move 2-0 up.

The defending champion’s high standard continued into the third set as he hit a 13-dart finish to take the first leg, followed a clinical 76 checkout in the second.

Lewis then hit double 18 to win the third set without reply, and took out an 87 finish for a 12-darter to claim his sixth leg in a row at the start of the fourth.

Jenkins stopped the rot with a 117 finish to win just his third leg of the match, and the Ledbury man then recorded a 14-darter in the next.

Lewis was off-target with a dart at bullseye to take the fourth leg and Jenkins managed to hit double five to reduce the match score to 3-1.

Lewis won the opening two legs of set five, which included a 136 in the second to break his opponent’s throw with another 12-darter.

Lewis also hit a 180 in the third leg, but a missed dart at double top for the set, allowing Jenkins to step in on double 12.

Jenkins then hit double 15 to win the fourth leg against the darts, and he took the decider by hitting double ten to edge closer to Lewis at 3-2.

He then made a positive start to set six by taking the first leg, after Lewis was off-target with two darts at doubles.

The tenth seed hit double top at the first time of asking to take his fifth leg in a row, and then won the set in style with a two-dart 100 checkout to level the match.

The seventh set started in sensational fashion, as players kicked-off with 180s, and Lewis managed to take the opening leg on double five to end Jenkins’ run of six winning legs.

Jenkins won the second in 13 darts, but missed a chance to break throw in the third as he missed a dart at tops for 104 checkout.

Lewis hit double ten to win the leg and then took out double eight at the first time of asking to take the set and lead 4-3, after Jenkins crucially missed three darts at double top to force a deciding leg.

Jenkins won the first leg of the eighth set, courtesy of accurate dart at double ten after Lewis missed two chances for a break of throw on tops.

Lewis regained his range on tops to win the next two leg, and when Jenkins missed four chances to force a deciding leg, the reigning champion made him pay by finishing 90 with a bullseye-double top combination to seal victory in style.

Lewis, who now faces James Wade for a place in the final, added: “James has a very good record against me, but he has never won a World Championship and I have, so that gives me the advantage.”

Jenkins said: “Adrian started off like a train and there wasn’t much I could do.

“I wasn’t playing that badly and when I got back to three-each he was gone, but then I couldn’t find that treble 20. He started to crumble but I couldn’t make it count and if I’d have played a steady game he might not have come back.

“I’m a bit disappointed about losing it now and I feel I had my chances. I’ve had a good tournament, my form’s come back and I feel confident that I can be dangerous next year.”

Source -PDC/Lawrence Lustig

Chisnall created history on Tuesday night with a 4-1 defeat of 15-time World Champion Phil Taylor, but his hopes of following that with his first major title were shattered by Hamilton.

The St Helens ace failed to reproduce the clinical finishing which had proved the difference against Taylor as another Stoke ace, Hamilton, took full advantage.

Hamilton now meets Kim Huybrechts in the quarter-finals on Friday afternoon, and was delighted to see off Chisnall by dropping only five legs after being taken to a deciding set in the previous two rounds.

“I was prepared for a battle and I went in there solid, but maybe this will be good for me going into the quarter-finals,” said Hamilton. ”

“Dave threw brilliantly against Phil Taylor and I thought he was going to hit me with everything. When he didn’t I knew I had to close the game out quickly, and I did that.

“I’ve proven I’ve got the whole game to beat anybody – I came come from behind and I’ve won from in front. I’m on top of the world and can’t wait for the quarter-finals.”

Chisnall admitted: “Andy played well and deserved to win, but I didn’t get going. I missed a few doubles early on and after that I didn’t get going.

Last year’s beaten finalist Gary Anderson hit top gear for the first time in the 2012 tournament with a thrilling 4-1 win over Essex’s Colin Lloyd.

The Scot hit a ten-dart finish and two 11-darters as well as ten 180s in a brilliant display which included one set that lasted only four minutes and 13 seconds and used 36 darts!

“I’ve been struggling so it’s nice to wake up and it came good tonight,” said Anderson, who averaged 100.65 in the display. “Colin’s the type of player I like to play against, and it produced some good darts.”

Anderson now meets 2010 runner-up Simon Whitlock in the last eight on Friday night, after the Australian held off Michael van Gerwen’s superb fightback.

Whitlock, continuing to play through the pain of his recovering broken ankle, took ten of the game’s first 11 legs to open up a three-set lead before van Gerwen overcame his early double trouble to hit back.

The 22-year-old Dutchman won the next three sets to level, but crucially missed two darts to win the opening leg of the decider, and Whitlock pounced to take victory.

“I kept thinking to myself I had to show some bottle and I knew how much I wanted this match, and that got me through,” said Whitlock. “I’m like when I was 15, I’m so keen again to get back on my feet and I want everything.

“I’m looking forward to the tough matches. That feeling you get when you’re under the pump is the best feeling in the world, when you know you have to throw good darts to win – and when you do it, it’s a wonderful feeling.”

The quarter-finals will kick off with Hamilton meeting impressive Belgian debutant Huybrechts in the opening clash, before three-time World Champion John Part meets number three seed James Wade.

Whitlock meets Anderson in the evening’s opening game before reigning champion Adrian Lewis takes on Terry Jenkins.

Ladbrokes World Darts Championship
Third Round
Wednesday December 28
Adrian Lewis 4-0 Wayne Jones
Justin Pipe 1-4 Terry Jenkins

Thursday December 29
Afternoon Session
John Part 4-2 Kevin Painter
James Wade 4-0 Steve Farmer
Kim Huybrechts 4-1 Paul Nicholson

Evening Session
Simon Whitlock 4-3 Michael van Gerwen
Dave Chisnall 0-4 Andy Hamilton
Gary Anderson 4-1 Colin Lloyd

Quarter-Finals
Friday December 30
Afternoon Session (2pm)
Andy Hamilton v Kim Huybrechts
John Part v James Wade

Evening Session (7.30pm)
Simon Whitlock v Gary Anderson
Adrian Lewis v Terry Jenkins

SIMON WHITLOCK 4-3 MICHAEL VAN GERWEN
(3-0, 3-1, 3-0, 1-3, 2-3, 0-3, 3-0)
SIMON WHITLOCK survived an incredible comeback from Michael van Gerwen to reach the last eight of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a thrilling 4-3 victory on Thursday evening at Alexandra Palace.

Whitlock won nine of the first ten legs to move in 3-0 ahead, and looked likely to move into the quarter-finals with a comfortable victory – which would have been much-needed to ease the strain on his injured right ankle.

However, van Gerwen produced an inspired display to take the next three sets and create a thrilling climax.

The first leg of the final set proved crucial as van Gerwen missed two darts to continue his resurgence, and Whitlock stepped in to take the leg and the next two to win the match.

“I’m very relieved to have won that,” admitted Whitlock, will now play fellow Alexandra Palace runner-up Gary Anderson for a semi-final place.

“I give full credit to Michael for the comeback he produced. He hit some amazing darts and had me very worried, but I managed to pull myself together, and taking the first leg against the darts in the final set was really important.”

Both players hit maximums in the first leg, which was won by Whitlock against the darts after van Gerwen missed four darts at doubles.

Van Gerwen hit another 180 in the second leg, but Whitlock took out 68 to double his lead and then won the third leg with a 62 finish to seal the opening set despite three maximums from the youngster.

The Dutch star, who defeated Colin Osborne and Mervyn King in his first two matches, took the opening leg of set two against the darts with a 70 finish.

Van Gerwen missed three darts to claim the second, which Whitlock won by landing double five with his third dart.

Whitlock hit double top to win the third leg and the fourth also fell in the Australian’s favour, as he recorded a 12-dart finish to seal a two-set advantage.

The opening two legs of the third set followed a similar pattern as van Gerwen missed three darts at doubles in both legs to allow Whitlock to move a leg away from a three-set lead.

The 2010 runner-up, who saw off Steve Beaton in the second round, hit a clinical 112 checkout to wrap up the set and then landed an 11-darter at the start of the fourth.

Van Gerwen then hit double 16 at the first time of asking to win just his second leg of the match to level the set also also took the next with a 72 finish.

Van Gerwen then won his third successive leg by landing double ten to win the set and reduce the gap to 3-1.

The 22-year-old hit double eight to keep the winning run going at the start of set five, but Whitlock stopped the rot by taking the next two with checkouts of 81 and 82, which both featured 180s.

Van Gerwen hit double 12 to win the fourth, with his opponent waiting on double eight for the game, and the Australian would get the chance to close out victory in the next only to miss two match darts as the youngster posted tops to win a second set and keep his hopes alive.

Van Gerwen broke throw at the start of the sixth set with a brilliant 11-darter, and then hit a 78 finish in two darts to take the second leg.

Whitlock hit a 180 in the third, but two missed darts at doubles allowed van Gerwen to hit double eight and force a deciding set by squaring the game.

With the momentum having turned van Gerwen’s way, the Dutchman crucially allowed a golden chance to lead in the seventh set slip when he missed two darts to win the opening leg.

Whitlock stepped in to finish 60 on double ten before taking the second leg in 12 darts with a 96 checkout to move a leg away from the win, and when van Gerwen missed tops to keep his hopes alive the Australian returned to hit the same bed for victory.

Whitlock added: “I’m relieved to have won that. When I was three sets up I started to feel comfortable and then Michael started hitting everything and it was a great comeback.

“Even though he made it hard for me it’s great to see him playing so well.

“I kept thinking to myself I had to show some bottle and I knew how much I wanted this match, and that got me through. I’m like when I was 15, I’m so keen again to get back on my feet and I want everything.

“I’m looking forward to the tough matches. That feeling you get when you’re under the pump is the best feeling in the world, when you know you have to throw good darts to win – and when you do it, it’s a wonderful feeling.”

Van Gerwen said: “I started the game awfully and left myself with so much to do. I kept giving Simon chances and he kept taking them.

“I’m pleased that I made a match of it after that and I played well to take the next three sets. It’s just a disappointment that I couldn’t carry that on in the decider.

“I’m proud that I have reached the third round of the World Championship for the first time, and I will go away and work harder to improve my game.”

ANDY HAMILTON 4-0 DAVE CHISNALL
(3-1, 3-2, 3-1, 3-1)
ANDY HAMILTON ended Dave Chisnall’s dream Alexandra Palace debut with a convincing 4-0 victory in the third round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

Chisnall had created shockwaves in the sport by dumping out Phil Taylor in the second round, but was unable to recapture the magic which saw him triumph over the world number one 48 hours earlier.

The St Helens ace won just five legs in the four sets, as the clinical finishing which had proven so devastating against Taylor deserted him against another Stoke ace.

Hamilton, a semi-finalist in July’s World Matchplay, produced an excellent display to reach a World Championship quarter-final for the first time since 2007, ending with a three-dart average over 99.

“I just concentrated on my game and didn’t really take notice of the hype following Dave’s victory over Phil Taylor,” said a delighted Hamilton, will now play Kim Huybrechts in the last eight.

“I’m enjoying myself out there and I’m so focused. I fully believe that I can win this Championship and achieve my childhood dream.

“Kim played excellently against Paul Nicholson today, but if he doesn’t take his chances against me, then I will make him pay.”

Both players held throw in the opening two legs of the match, before Hamilton took the third with a 67 finish.

The fourth leg saw Hamilton miss double 19 for a 155 finish, but Chisnall failed with four attempts of his own to take the leg and the Stoke star returned to hit double 12 and win the set.

Chisnall held throw to take the first leg of the second set, before Hamilton levelled by landing double 16 for a 15-darter.

Both players hit maximums in the third leg, which Chisnall won with a 127 checkout, but a miss at tops for the set in the fourth proved costly as Hamilton hit double 12 to level.

Hamilton, who defeated Vincent van der Voort in an exciting second round encounter, then won the deciding leg courtesy of a 120 checkout to confirm his two-set advantage.

He then made a winning start to set three, with the aid of his third 180 of the game, but wasted three chances to take the second, allowing Chisnall to hit double top to level.

Both players fired 180s in the third leg, which Hamilton won on double 18, and he won the set in the next with an excellent 88 finish, completed on the bullseye, to pull further clear of his opponent with checkouts of 13 and 12 darts.

Chisnall hit double nine to take opening leg of set four, before Hamilton hit double 18 to claim the second and level the set.

Hamilton fired in an excellent 13-darter to secure the third leg to move a leg away from the sealing the match, and although Chisnall hit a fifth 180 in the next leg, the Stoke ace landed double eight to seal a place in the last eight.

“I was prepared for a battle and I went in there solid, but maybe this will be good for me going into the quarter-finals,” said Hamilton. ”

“Dave threw brilliantly against Phil Taylor and I thought he was going to hit me with everything. When he didn’t I knew I had to close the game out quickly, and I did that.

“I’ve proven I’ve got the whole game to beat anybody – I came come from behind and I’ve won from in front. I’m on top of the world and can’t wait for the quarter-finals.”

Chisnall admitted: “Andy played well and deserved to win, but I didn’t get going.

“I missed a few doubles early on and after that I didn’t get going at all, but there wasn’t much I could do when he was banging in 180s and 140s for fun.

“To beat Phil Taylor is a good achievement for me and I’ve had a good year. I’ve not got much experience on stage but that will come, and I want to keep that progression going in 2012.”

GARY ANDERSON 4-1 COLIN LLOYD
(3-2, 3-0, 3-0, 2-3, 3-0)
GARY ANDERSON produced a stunning display to defeat Colin Lloyd 4-1 and set up a quarter-final clash against Simon Whitlock at the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

After edging a tight first set, the Premier League Champion took seven legs in a row to lead 3-0, and take total command of the game with some incredible darts.

Lloyd fought back to take the fourth set, only for Anderson to win the fifth with three successive legs to complete a fine performance, which included a 10-darter and two 11-dart finishes.

“I was very motivated for tonight’s game, and I feel that I really showed up tonight,” said Anderson, who ended the match with a three dart average of 100.65.

“I’ve been a bit patchy in my first couple of games against Jyhan Artut and Devon Petersen. Tonight was much better and I’m looking forward to the quarter-finals now.”

Anderson hit double top at the first time of asking to open the match, before Lloyd claimed the second to level in 14 darts.

The Scot, who defeated Devon Petersen in the second round, hit a 120 checkout to take the third leg and then opened the fourth with a 177, only for Lloyd to post a 177 to level again.

A dramatic deciding leg saw Anderson miss a host of chances to seal the set, but Lloyd was unable to capitalise as he missed a dart at double 16 and the number four seed took out double one to edge the set.

Anderson then finished 81 for an 11-darter to start the second set, landed another 180 in winning the second in 15 darts before posting scores of 134, 180 and 171 to set up a ten-darter in establishing a two-set lead.

Lloyd could only applaud the Scot as they entered the break, with Anderson using just 36 darts to win the set in four minutes and 13 seconds, although the Essex star returned to open the third set with a 180 of his own.

Anderson, though, maintained the relentless pace with a 13-dart finish to make a winning start to set three, and he then hit double top to take the next, after Lloyd was off-target with three darts at double four.

Anderson then hit a second 13-darter in the space of three legs to move 3-0 up and go one set away from a place in the quarter-finals.

Anderson won his eighth successive leg at the start of the fourth set with a 70 finish, after Lloyd missed three attempts at doubles.

However, Lloyd stepped in after Anderson missed a dart at double 18 for a 156 checkout to take the second with a 64 finish to win his first leg since the opening set.

The Colchester-based thrower won the third leg on double one, before Anderson recorded another 13-darter to move one leg away from victory.

The deciding leg saw Lloyd miss two darts to win the set, but Anderson could set up a shot a double and allowed him back to hit double one again to win the set and reduce the gap to 3-1.

Anderson held throw at the start of the fifth set, before taking the second leg against the darts by landing double seven with his third dart.

That put the Scot one leg away from victory, and he fired in two 180s in the third leg before taking out 82 with a bullseye, double 16 combination for an 11-darter to end Lloyd’s challenge.

“I’ve been struggling so it’s nice to wake up and it came good tonight,” said Anderson. “Colin’s the type of player I like to play against, and it produced some good darts.

“Simon’s a class player and it will be a great fight on Friday.”

Lloyd admitted: “I could have taken the first set, but I didn’t and after that Gary produced his best game so far in the tournament.

“I knew it would be a hard game and I don’t think I played too badly, but he went crash, bang, wallop for a while. He was on top of his game and he put me to bed, and I can’t argue with that.

“I’ve enjoyed the tournament and I’m upbeat at the minute, and hopefully my performances have shown people that I’m playing well again.”

The Australian, who played for the first time since suffering the injury in late October when he hit a 105 average against Dennis Smith in the first round last week, moved into the last 16 at Alexandra Palace with another determined effort.

He capitalised on misses from Beaton to take the first set, hitting back from 2-0 down to edge the set and win the second without reply before Beaton took three successive legs to edge the third in a decider.

However, Beaton paid the price for failing to set up a double in the fourth set’s decider, and instead of pulling back to two-all found himself 3-1 down before Whitlock sealed victory in the next, setting up a third round clash with Michael van Gerwen on Thursday.

“I’m loving every minute of this,” said Whitlock. “It’s great to be back playing again and I live for the game, so to be part of matches like that is brilliant because it was a real struggle, despite the scoreline.

“My leg’s still a big problem and the ankle is swollen, but when I’m playing it doesn’t affect me because the adrenaline takes over.

“I’m only practising for 10-15 minutes at a time, so to play for five sets and longer is a struggle, but when I’m up there I forget about my foot because I’m so focused on the darts.

“I’ll have some physio tonight and see how I pull up ahead of Thursday because I’ve a tough game against Michael van Gerwen. He’s playing the best darts I’ve seen from him for a few years and it should be a great match.”

Van Gerwen won through to the last 16 for the first time at Alexandra Palace with a classy 4-1 win over Mervyn King.

The 22-year-old Dutchman hit finishes of 158 and 148 during the contest to deny King, who hit nine 180s and averaged almost 99 but paid for missing doubles at key times.

“I hit the right shots at the right times and that was important for me,” said van Gerwen.

“I feel confident at the moment. I have reached the third round of this tournament for the first time and I hope to go further.”

The afternoon’s other game saw Colin Lloyd defeat Scott Rand 4-1 to move into the last 16.

After winning two of the opening three sets Lloyd provided a killer blow in the fourth set’s decider, taking out 167 with Rand waiting on a double to level the match, and he won the next set 3-2 to seal the victory.

“I’m over the moon with that,” said Lloyd. “I’m playing pretty well and although it’s not fantastic I’m getting the job done and I can build on this.

“The 167 was a massive shot, to move 3-1 up instead of Scott getting back to two-all, and I know it hurt him.

“I’m enjoying myself and trying to have fun on stage as well but there’s also the serious prize at the end of this tournament, and to become Ladbrokes World Darts Champion is what I’m aiming for.”

Last year’s runner-up Gary Anderson plays South African Devon Petersen in the final second round game, with the winner progressing to play Lloyd on Thursday night.

Reigning champion Adrian Lewis opens the third round games against Wayne Jones, before last year’s semi-finalist Terry Jenkins takes on Justin Pipe.

Ladbrokes World Darts Championship
Wednesday December 28
Afternoon Session
Mervyn King 1-4 Michael van Gerwen
Simon Whitlock 4-1 Steve Beaton
Colin Lloyd 4-1 Scott Rand

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

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN 4-1 MERVYN KING
(3-2, 0-3, 3-1, 3-2, 3-2)
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN secured an excellent 4-1 triumph over the experienced Mervyn King in the second round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship on Wednesday afternoon.

Van Gerwen, who is now the only Dutchman left in the competition, defied nine maximums from his opponent to reach the third round at the Alexandra Palace for the first time.

King, who reached the last four back in 2009, missed chances to win the first and fourth sets, which proved to be vital in the final outcome.

King, who enjoyed a whitewash victory over Australia’s Geoff Kime in the first round, hit a 180 with his first three darts and landed double eight to secure a break of throw after van Gerwen missed three chances to hold in the opening leg.

Van Gerwen hit back superbly by converting a 148 checkout to level and then hit double top at the first time of asking to take the third.

The 22-year-old Dutchman, who defeated Colin Osborne in his first match, missed two darts for the set in the fourth leg and King capitalised by landing double eight to force a decider.

The conclusion to the first set proved to be a dramatic affair, as King missed four darts at double eight to win the set and van Gerwen landed double 16 with his third dart to convert a 74 finish and edge ahead.

King recovered from the loss of the first set to win the second without reply from the young Dutchman to level the match.

The number 12 seed hit a 13-dart finish to win the first leg, and the second followed on double two before King hit double eight to win the set.

Van Gerwen started the third set superbly with a 158 checkout, but King levelled by taking out 86 before the youngster forged ahead again by landing double top with his first dart after the Englishman had missed a dart at the same bed.

The Dutch ace then took out 64 in the next leg to win the set and lead the match for the second time.

Both players held throw in the opening two legs of the fourth set before King landed a fantastic 132 checkout, completed on the bullseye.

King missed two darts to win the set in the fourth leg, and van Gerwen hit a pressure double seven for an 85 finish as he snatched the leg to level.

The deciding leg saw King hit a 180, only for van Gerwen to hit two of his own – but after missing a dart at the bullseye, the Dutchman returned to punish a missed double nine from the world number 12 to square the game and land double eight.

That put van Gerwen 3-1 up, and he managed to hold throw at the start of the fifth set, after King was guilty of missing two more darts at doubles.

King hit double four to claim the second leg before van Gerwen landed double eight to move a leg away from the match.

The Bradwell thrower hit his ninth 180 of the match in process of winning the fourth leg, but two 180s in the decider from van Gerwen, followed by double eight, ended the match.

“I hit the right shots at the right times and that proved to be really important for me,” said van Gerwen, who now faces Simon Whitlock in the third round.

“I feel confident at the moment. I have reached the third round of this tournament for the first time and I hope to go further.”

SIMON WHITLOCK 4-1 STEVE BEATON
(3-2, 3-0, 2-3, 3-2, 3-2)
SIMON WHITLOCK continued to defy the pain of his broken ankle by reaching the last 16 of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a 4-1 triumph against Steve Beaton.

Beaton missed chances to win the opening set and also wasted chances to win two other sets as Whitlock limped through to the third round.

Whitlock, who reached the final at Alexandra Palace two years ago, will now face Michael van Gerwen for a place in the last eight of the tournament, having followed up his 105 average in a first round win over Dennis Smith with another determined display.

“Steve did miss a few chances which could have changed the course of the match,” said Whitlock. “My leg is still hurting, but my throwing arm is absolutely fine, which is the important thing!

“I’m playing Michael next and that will be tough. He’s playing some excellent darts and has just beaten Mervyn King, which is no easy feat.”

Beaton, who came back from the brink of defeat against Magnus Caris in his first round game, won the first leg with an 80 finish and took the second against the darts.

The third leg saw Beaton miss two darts at double top to win the set, and Whitlock managed to take the leg on double six.

Whitlock then hit an excellent 100 checkout, with his opponent waiting on 32, and the Australian landed double 12 to snatch the set, after Beaton missed a dart at the bullseye.

Whitlock, who averaged over 105 against Dennis Smith in the first round, hit a maximum in the process of taking the first leg of set two, and then broke throw in the next with a 15-dart finish.

Beaton stopped the rot by hitting double ten to win his first leg in nine, after Whitlock had missed a dart at double top for the set.

Beaton then won the fourth leg with a 64 finish, after Whitlock was off-target with two more darts to win the set, and the 1996 Lakeside Champion converted a 108 checkout in the deciding leg to win the set and pull back to 2-1.

Whitlock made a positive start to the fourth set, taking the first two legs with the aid of legs of 14 and 11 darts which both featured a maximum, before Beaton took the third after the Australian missed two chances to win the set.

Beaton hit an excellent 121 checkout to take the fourth leg, but was unable to set up a double when attempting to take out 79, and Whitlock hit tops to restore his two-set advantage.

Beaton started the fifth set well with a 12-dart finish to take the first leg before Whitlock levelled by taking out 81 for another 11-darter.

The third leg fell the way of Beaton before Whitlock hit double top with his first dart in the fourth to move a leg away from victory.

The fifth leg saw Beaton crucially miss a dart at tops to win the set and keep the match alive, allowing Whitlock in to hit the same bed and take the win.

“I’m loving every minute of this,” said Whitlock. “It’s great to be back playing again and I live for the game, so to be part of matches like that is brilliant because it was a real struggle, despite the scoreline.

“My leg’s still a big problem and the ankle is swollen, but when I’m playing it doesn’t affect me because the adrenaline takes over.

“I’m only practising for 10-15 minutes at a time, so to play for five sets and longer is a struggle, but when I’m up there I forget about my foot because I’m so focused on the darts.

“I’ll have some physio tonight and see how I pull up ahead of Thursday because I’ve a tough game against Michael van Gerwen. He’s playing the best darts I’ve seen from him for a few years and it should be a great match.”

COLIN LLOYD 4-1 SCOTT RAND
(3-1, 2-3, 3-1, 3-2, 3-2)
COLIN LLOYD defeated Scott Rand with an excellent 4-1 win in the second round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

The match turned in Lloyd’s favour when he hit a superb 167 checkout in the deciding leg of the fourth set, as he denied emerging star Rand the chance to level at two sets all.

Lloyd kicked on from a 3-1 lead to take victory, a decade after he reached the semi-finals in his previous best performance in the World Championship.

Colchester’s Lloyd started confidently, hitting a 180 with his first three darts before going on to win the opening leg with a 76 finish to break throw.

Rand, who was hugely impressive in his victory against Andy Smith in the first round, broke back immediately, hitting a 180 of his own in a 14-darter before Lloyd regained the lead by hitting double top with his third dart.

The fourth leg saw Lloyd off-target with four attempts to win the set, but Rand failed to capitalise as he missed four darts at double top to allow him back in on double nine.

Lloyd then took the opening leg of the second set on double top and finished 90 on the bullseye, to win his fourth successive leg before Rand hit double eight to win the next.

Rand hit double 16 to win the fourth leg and then landed double ten with a pressure third dart to level the match, after Lloyd missed a dart at double 14.

The third set began well for Lloyd as he hit double ten to take the first leg, and a 14-dart finish gave him the second.

Rand, who will give up his day job as a lorry driver to become a full-time professional following the World Championship, hit a superb 140 checkout to win the third leg, but a missed dart at double top was costly for the Coventry man, as Lloyd hit double 16 to take the set 3-1.

Rand broke throw at the beginning of set four by hitting double top, but Lloyd claimed the second by landing the same double.

Both players held throw in the next two legs before Lloyd produced a fantastic 167 checkout in the deciding leg to move 3-1 ahead, with Rand waiting on double four to tie the game.

The opening two legs of the fifth set were held with throw before Rand hit back-to-back maximums to leave the opportunity of a nine-dart finish in the third.

The attempt at seventh treble 20 missed its intended target, but the leg was won in 13 darts, as he landed double eight to lead again.

Lloyd took out 64 to win the fourth leg to move a just one away from victory, after Rand was off-target with a dart at bullseye to win the set.

The deciding leg saw Rand miss another dart at the bullseye, and the former world number one hit double five with his third dart to seal victory.

“I’m over the moon with that,” said Lloyd. “I’m playing pretty well and although it’s not fantastic I’m getting the job done and I can build on this.

“Scott gave me a few chances, but the 167 was a massive shot to move 3-1 up instead of him getting back to two-all, and I know it hurt him.

“I’m enjoying myself and trying to have fun on stage as well but there’s also the serious prize at the end of this tournament, and to become Ladbrokes World Darts Champion is what I’m aiming for.”

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

The Australian has not competed since the end of October, when he broke a bone in his left ankle, and was still limping as he took to the Alexandra Palace stage.

However, he hit seven 180s and dropped only one leg in defeating Swindon’s experienced Smith, who could only applaud Whitlock’s brilliant performance as he was knocked out of the £1 million tournament.

Whitlock, the 2010 runner-up, will now take on Steve Beaton in the second round after Christmas – with the English star also having undergone minor knee surgery this week – after firing a warning shot to the rest of the field in the World Championship.

“I’m shocked to be honest because my preparation for this has been awful,” said Whitlock. “A week ago I couldn’t hit three 20s in a row and I’ve only really had one week’s practice in the last seven.

“Just walking has been hard so it’s an achievement for me to make the stage, and to play like that is amazing. I feel like I did when I first started playing when I was 16.

“I have a lot of determination and desire to do well here because I’m defending £100,000 on the Order of Merit and I want to be in the Premier League again next year, and I also want to be World Champion.”

The night also featured high drama, with South African number one Devon Petersen winning a dramatic five-set clash with Steve Brown, while debutant Scott Rand and three-time World Champion John Part took 3-0 wins.

Petersen, who played in last year’s World Championship before moving to the UK to compete full-time as a professional, showed his improvement over the last 12 months with a thrilling display.

The 25-year-old from Cape Town, defeated Portugal’s Jose de Sousa 4-3 in the preliminary round and battled back from 1-0 and 2-1 behind against Brown to force a deciding set, in which he found himself 2-0 down before winning four successive legs to claim victory.

“It’s a great feeling to win, unbelievable and just crazy,” admitted Petersen. “It’s been a boyhood dream of mine to play in the Ladbrokes World Championship and last year was a new thing for me to be around these great players.

“This year was a bit different because I’m used to playing the other players and I have more experience but it’s a dream come true. I’m sure I have more in me.”

Rand, meanwhile, enjoyed a superb World Championship debut by whitewashing under-par Andy Smith 3-0, following up his run to the semi-finals of the Cash Converters Players Championship in Doncaster with another assured display.

The lorry driver from Coventry averaged nearly 95 and finished 64 percent of his chances at a double to see off Smith and set up a second round clash with Colin Lloyd in the second round.

“I really enjoyed playing on the big stage tonight, just as I did in Doncaster,” said Rand. “I’m not here to make up the numbers, I’m here to win this World Championship and smash anybody who gets in my way.

“I take the game seriously and want to get to a stage where I can make darts my full-time occupation, and this is another step in the right direction.”

2008 World Champion Part’s bid for a fourth title saw him drop only two legs in a 3-0 defeat of Scotland’s John Henderson, who again struggled after recently suffering a nerve problem in his right arm.

Part now meets another former World Champion, Welshman Richie Burnett, in the last 32 after Christmas.

“I’m very happy to be through,” said Part. “He struggled and wasn’t himself but I was up there trying hard to close out the win because I know how quickly things can turn around.

“I’m looking forward to playing Richie and it should be a great game. We know what we’ve both got in the locker, and I don’t have anything to prove in my mind – I’m here to cause people a few problems and maybe win another title.”

The second round begins on Thursday night, with reigning champion Adrian Lewis playing Robert Thornton, UK Open finalist Wes Newton up against Justin Pipe and Wayne Jones meeting Holland’s Roland Scholten.

Ladbrokes World Darts Championship
Preliminary (P) and First Round
Wednesday December 21
Andy Smith 0-3 Scott Rand
Devon Petersen 4-3 Jose de Sousa (P)
John Part 3-0 John Henderson
Simon Whitlock 3-0 Dennis Smith
Steve Brown 2-3 Devon Petersen

Second Round
Thursday December 22 (7pm)
Wayne Jones v Roland Scholten
Adrian Lewis v Robert Thornton
Wes Newton v Justin Pipe
Best of seven sets

SCOTT RAND 3-0 ANDY SMITH
(3-0, 3-0, 3-0)
SCOTT RAND enjoyed a sensational Ladbrokes World Darts Championship debut, whitewashing Andy Smith 3-0 to storm into the last 32 at Alexandra Palace.

Rand, a lorry driver by trade, who has made impressive strides in 2011 and reached his first major semi-final at the Cash Converters Players Championship earlier this month, will now face Colin Lloyd on December 28 for a place in third round.

“I really enjoyed playing on the big stage tonight, just as I did in Doncaster,” said a delighted Rand.

“I’m here to win the World Championship, not make up the numbers. I take the game seriously and want to make darts my full-time occupation.”

Rand started positively with finishes of 81 and 76 to take first two legs and leave Smith shell-shocked.

The third leg saw Rand hit a second 180, before Smith was off-target with two darts at doubles and the Coventry man landed double five to win the first set.

The second set followed a similar pattern as Rand won the first leg on double 12 and then hit double top after his opponent missed a dart at double 16.

The third leg saw Smith miss a dart at the bullseye, and Rand took his sixth straight leg to increase the lead to 2-0.

Smith missed four darts to take his first leg of the match at the start of the third set, and that allowed Rand to step in and hit double 16.

The 36-year-old then took out 87 to win the second leg and hit a 13-dart-finish to close the match out in impressive fashion.

“I’m devastated,” said Smith. “I played really well in practice leading up to this and hit a nine-darter but I came here and it didn’t happen.

“I missed doubles and didn’t score as well as I wanted to and it was a bad day at the office. A lot of players have had them but it was really disappointing and it means I’ve got to put the practice in and make it happen in 2012 because I want to get into the top 16 next year.”

DEVON PETERSEN 4-3 JOSE DE SOUSA
DEVON PETERSEN defeated Jose de Sousa with a 4-3 victory in the preliminary round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

The 25-year-old South African, who won a Tour Card to play on the PDC circuit after competing in last year’s World Championship, now faces Steve Brown later on Wedneday for a place in the last 32.

Portuguese debutant de Sousa hit a 180 in the opening leg, but three missed darts at doubles proved costly as Petersen landed double five to take the lead.

De Sousa, who won the West European Qualifier to seal a place in this event, hit a two-dart 83 finish to level before Petersen kicked-off the third with back-to-back maximums.

The South African was unable to land a seventh treble – which extinguished hopes of a nine-dart finish – but the leg was won on double eight as he led for the second time.

Petersen, who lost to Jamie Caven in last year’s competition, hit a third 180 in the fourth leg, but missed five chances to secure a break of throw, allowing de Sousa to square the match.

De Sousa hit double eight to win the fifth leg against the darts but Petersen immediately broke back by taking out 61 to set up a deciding leg.

Petersen hit a fourth maximum to forge ahead in the final leg and an accurate attempt at double 16 secured victory and a place in the first round proper.

JOHN PART 3-0 JOHN HENDERSON
(3-1, 3-0, 3-1)
JOHN PART enjoyed a comfortable passage into the second round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a straight-sets victory against John Henderson.

Part, who dropped just two legs in the match, will now face Welshman Richie Burnett for a place in the last 16 of the competition after Christmas.

Part, who won the first World Championship staged at Alexandra Palace in 2008, took the opening two legs of the match before Henderson took the third, with the aid of a 180.

The Scotsman, who was sidelined during November after suffering radial palsy in his throwing arm, also hit a maximum in the fourth leg, but Part hit double top to claim the first set.

The Canadian began the second set by breaking Henderson’s throw with a two-dart 96 finish, before taking the next with a 58 checkout.

That put the three-time World Champion in control of the set, and he took the third leg by landing double ten to lead 2-0 and leave Henderson under immense pressure.

Part missed two darts at doubles to win the opening leg of set three, but Henderson could not land tops for a 120 checkout, and the former Las Vegas Desert Classic winner returned to win his fourth leg in a row.

Henderson stopped the rot by taking out a 67 finish to win the second, but Part hit double four in the next to move within touching distance of victory.

The fourth leg saw Henderson miss a dart at double five to keep the match alive, and Part landed double top to end the contest.

“First round matches in a World Championship are very hard to play in and I’m very happy to get through that,” said a victorious Part.

“John struggled and wasn’t himself but I was up there trying hard to close out the win because I know how quickly things can turn around.

“I’m looking forward to playing Richie and it should be a great game. We know what we’ve both got in the locker, and I don’t have anything to prove in my mind – I’m here to cause people a few problems and maybe win another title.”

SIMON WHITLOCK 3-0 DENNIS SMITH
(3-1, 3-0, 3-0)
SIMON WHITLOCK made a stunning return from a broken ankle by storming to a 3-0 win over Dennis Smith at the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship on Wednesday – hitting a 105.11 average in an amazing display.

The Australian has not competed since the end of October, when he broke a bone in his left ankle, and was still limping as he took to the Alexandra Palace stage.

However, he hit seven 180s and dropped only one leg in defeating Swindon’s experienced Smith, who could only applaud Whitlock’s brilliant performance as he was knocked out of the £1 million tournament.

Whitlock, the 2010 runner-up, will now take on Steve Beaton in the second round after Christmas – with the English star also having undergone minor knee surgery this week – after firing a warning shot to the rest of the field in the World Championship.

“I’m shocked to be honest because my preparation for this has been awful,” said Whitlock. “A week ago I couldn’t hit three 20s in a row and I’ve only really had one week’s practice in the last seven.

“Just walking has been hard so it’s an achievement for me to make the stage, and to play like that is amazing. I feel like I did when I first started playing when I was 16.

Whitlock hit double eight to win the first leg of the game before hitting back-to-back 180s at the start of the second.

The fifth seed missed the seventh treble 20 to end hopes of a nine-darter, but the leg was won double five as he moved 2-0 up.

Whitlock hit a 14-dart finish to win the first set before taking out a superb 11-darter to make a positive start to the second.

Smith was guilty of missing seven darts at doubles to take the next leg, allowing Whitlock to break throw, before converting a 15-dart finish to win the set without reply.

The 2010 World Championship runner-up hit a 125 checkout to win the first leg of the third set, and then produced a fantastic 11-dart finish, which included two maximums, to move a leg away from the match.

He then sealed victory with a 13-darter, completing a superb display which saw him produce the tournament’s highest average so far.

DEVON PETERSEN 3-2 STEVE BROWN
(0-3, 3-2, 2-3, 3-1, 4-2)
DEVON PETERSEN secured a memorable victory in the first round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a five-set triumph against Steve Brown.

The South African ace, appearing in his second World Championship, produced the performance of his career to follow up a 4-3 preliminary round win over Portugal’s Jose de Sousa earlier on Wednesday with victory over the number 29 seed.

Bristol’s Brown was 2-0 up in the deciding set and missed one match dart at the bullseye before Petersen won the match in dramatic style with four straight legs to set up a last 32 clash against Gary Anderson.

Brown made a good start to the match by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the first leg before hitting double top at the first attempt to win the second.

The Bristol man then won the third leg to take an early lead before Petersen hit double ten to win his first leg of the match at the start of the set two.

Brown, who lost to Terry Jenkins in last year’s tournament, hit double two to take the next leg and landed double top to take the third.

The South African hit double three with a pressure last dart to take the fourth leg and then produced an excellent 13-dart finish to take the set and level the match.

Brown hit double 12 to win the first leg of set three against the darts but Petersen hit back immediately with a clinical 120 finish.

The South African took out 76 to win the third leg before Brown hit an impressive 13-darter to take the fourth.

Petersen held advantage of throw in the deciding leg and, with the aid of a 180, left 54 after 15 darts only to see Brown finish a 130 checkout on the bullseye to snatch the set.

Petersen put that disappointment behind him to break throw at the start of the fourth set, before landing double 16 to take the second leg.

The South African then missed a dart at bullseye for the set in the third leg, and Brown hit double top at the first attempt to hit back.

Brown, though, missed double 16 for a 131 checkout in the fourth leg and Petersen hit double 17 to send the match into a fifth set.

The Bristol player made a good start in the first leg by hitting double top at the first time of asking, and the second soon followed as he moved a leg away from victory.

Petersen hit tops to claim the third leg, and hit a superb 80 finish to win the fourth after Brown missed a dart at the bullseye to take the match.

Petersen then won his third successive leg by hitting double top with his first dart, and secured victory in the next by landing a pressure double nine with his third dart.

“It’s a great feeling to win, unbelievable and just crazy,” admitted Petersen. “It’s been a boyhood dream of mine to play in the Ladbrokes World Championship and last year was a new thing for me to be around these great players.

“This year was a bit different because I’m used to playing the other players and I have more experience but it’s a dream come true. I’m sure I have more in me

“I’m buzzing for the second round. Gary is an awesome player and the Premier League champion but it’s a game of two warriors battling it out, and whoever’s sword is the sharpest and who moves the quickest wins.

“On reputation, he’s brilliant but on stage that counts for nothing. If your doubles don’t go in you can go out and I could be through to the last 16.”

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

The popular paint brand, new sponsors of World Champion hopefuls Mark Webster and Simon Whitlock, is hoping to win friends and influence people by offering signed postcards of the stars, along with other themed memorabilia including darts flights and keyrings.

All fans have to do is follow @leylandpaints on twitter or like their specially created Facebook page, before leaving their score predictions for Mark and Simon before their respective matches.

Anyone successfully predicting either or both scorelines correctly will be entitled to a prize to be announced.

Leyland will also be launching a series of ‘glossy finish’ competitions on twitter, where supporters will be invited to tell the brand what their favourite finish of the evening was, on selected evenings of play.

Leyland will judge each entry and pick a winner based on their reasoning.

Marketing manager Sharon Hendry said: “We can’t wait for the World Championships to get underway now.

“This tournament is one of the reasons why we were so keen to get involved in darts. We are obviously keeping our fingers crossed for Mark and Simon, while we really want to engage with as many darts fans as possible during the tournament.

“We would love it if people can follow us as we make the first of many forays into the online darting fraternity.

“We want to hear from as many fans as possible and are on the lookout for some good banter in between wins for Mark and Simon!”

People can follow @leylandpaints on twitter and can search for the Leyland Paints page on Facebook.

Leyland has stepped up to the oche by agreeing to sponsor 2008 BDO world champion Mark Webster and 2010 PDC world championship runner-up Simon Whitlock for the whole of the 2012 season, as the pair bid to cement their statuses as household names in the sport.

With more than 200,000 sports fans inside the arenas along with a television audience of 12.5 million viewers in 2010 alone, the brand believes that the time has never been better to target the tungsten for a sustained period.

Marketing manager Sharon Hendry said: “The potential of our darts sponsorship is absolutely huge and we are thrilled to be involved with the sport.

“Aside from Premier League football, the darts world championship drew the biggest audience on Sky Sports last year, which underlines how powerful the sport is. Simon and Mark are firm crowd favourites already and we are thrilled to be working with from now on.”

Before turning professional, Simon was a builder by trade, while Mark Webster is a professional plumber and still likes to keep busy working in between tournaments.

Simon, known as The Wizard, said: “I am delighted to receive the support from Leyland. I have come across their product from my time as a builder, so it is great to be working even closer with brand from now on.

“I’ll be doing all I can to gain maximum exposure by winning as many tournaments as possible!”

Mark Webster, from Denbigh, Wales, said: “I have been in the Professional Darts Corporation for over two years now, and even in that time I have seen the sport grow so much.”

The current world number six added: “For me to be able to receive the backing of Leyland is the best news I could wish for. They are a huge paint brand and one I will be wearing on my shirt with pride.”

Aside from the sponsorship itself, both Simon and Mark will be making a number of personal appearances for Leyland, while incentives throughout the year mean customers will get the chance to see the pair play at future televised tournaments.

Sharon concluded: “More than 20 per cent of the UK’s population were exposed to darts in 2010 and it is now regarded as the second most popular sport on Sky behind football.

“With all this in mind, we couldn’t be more excited to be involved with Simon and Mark, who we will be cheering on from now on!”

Leyland’s sponsorship of the two players will officially kick-off at the World Championships in December at the Alexandra Palace, London.

However, Mark Webster will be wearing the Leyland branding on his shirt even sooner than that, at the Players’ Championship from December 8.