OLD darts articles

[Rogg]

Dave Chisnall eyes BDO darts title after thrilling win
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_s ... 446643.stm
8th January 2010




St Helens' Dave Chisnall has said that he can win the BDO World Championships after his thrilling 5-4 quarter-final win over Ted Hankey.

The 29-year-old came from 4-1 down to defeat the defending champion and book a semi-final meeting with Tony O'Shea.

"With him going 4-1 up, I knew that I could win four sets in a row as well," Chisnall told BBC Sport.

"I'm taking one game at a time and I'm happy to play anyone. If I keep playing like I am I can go all the way."

Chisnall struggled to impose himself on the two-time world champion and looked to be heading for defeat when the players left the stage at the half-way point.

"In the break I went to the practice room and threw at the 20 to try and keep my arm straight," added Chisnall.

"After that I started to hit treble 20 with my first dart and found the trebles as well."

Chisnall took the sixth set despite losing the opening leg, secured the seventh with a unconventional 73 checkout and took advantage of a number of missed doubles from Hankey to win the eighth set and level the match.

The Lancashire county player took the opening two legs of the ninth set - the first time he led in the match - and hit 180 in the third leg to close in on victory.

He missed six doubles and looked visibly nervous as he attempted to close out the match but Hankey could not take advantage, missing seven doubles of his own, before Chisnall hit double two to book his place in the last four.

"I was nervous when I got it to 4-4 and had a bit of a shake but managed to pull it off," said Chisnall.

[Rogg]

Taylor hits nine-darter
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_s ... 167116.stm
1st August 2002




Phil 'The Power' Taylor produced the UK's first ever live televised nine-dart finish and picked up £100,000 for doing it.

It came in the fifth leg of his last-eight showdown with Chris Mason at the Stan James World Matchplay Championship.

The world champion was cool and composed as he rattled in two 180s before rounding the job off with a treble 20, treble 19 and double 12.

His magnificent effort sent the Winter Gardens crowd into raptures as Taylor finally accomplished the feat.

It was the first time since Paul Lim in 1991 that the nine-darter had been hit on TV, and the first on live television.

Taylor went on to beat Mason 16-7 in an awesome display.

Mason played his part in a thrilling match with a three-dart average of almost three figures but Taylor's was an incredible 112.17.

"I was a bit tearful at the end but I had to dig in," said Taylor.

"Once I'd done the nine-darter it was a bit off-putting to then win the match.

"When everyone's waving betting slips at you, it takes you a few legs to think that this fella could knock me out of the competition if I'm not careful."

Taylor was relieved to have finally hit a nine-darter after going close before.

"I've missed it that many times that people think I'm going to miss anyway," admitted Taylor.

"So I just told myself to relax, let my shoulders flow nice and steady.

"Once the treble 20 went in that was easy but then after the treble 19, every drop of blood rushed to my feet.

"I just thought throw the thing as fast as you can, and it was right in the middle of the double."

[Rogg]

I've wondered since - see the photo above, who does Taylor point at when he hits the 2nd 180? It's like he knows what's coming and he's telling someone to get ready - photographer?

[dartvader]

Think i read in his book he'd told his mate who was at the tournament with him to have a few quid on him doing it.

[Rogg]

Think i read in his book he'd told his mate who was at the tournament with him to have a few quid on him doing it.

ahhhh right. he also mentions in the article about people waving betting slips at him.

[Randall]

Nine darter or not the match with Mason was top drawer from both. Mason played fantastic

[Justin Credible]

mason will always be the one to me who made that super comeback against spineless.

That still pisses of the spineless fans to this very day

[Rogg]

mason will always be the one to me who made that super comeback against spineless.

That still pisses of the spineless fans to this very day

wasn't smirking, chatting and gurgling his way through that one was he, the preposterous cunt.

Mason was one of those tipped constantly by Sid to become world champ - Mason, Mardle, Painter, Dudbridge. I liked them all, but never believed they would. Painter came the closest.

[Rogg]

Taylor overpowers Mardle
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_s ... 620603.stm
2nd January 2003




Reigning world champion Phil Taylor had to dig deep before overcoming the challenge of Wayne Mardle in the PDC World Championship on Wednesday night.

Mardle produced flashes of brilliance, including a 152 checkout in the opening leg, but in the end Taylor's class saw him claim a 5-3 victory at the Circus Tavern in Purfleet.

Taylor took the first two sets and although Mardle won the third, when Taylor went 3-1 up it looked done and dusted for the 10-time world champion.

However, Mardle showed his fighting qualities as he fought his way back to make it three-sets all, before Taylor responded like a true champion and closed it out 5-3.

Taylor admitted it was a tough game and tipped Mardle to have a bright future.

"It was a difficult match," said Taylor. "I gave him too much respect because I didn't really know who he was and he's a young lad coming through.

"He didn't care less about reputations and honestly thought he could knock me out of the tournament.

"I think he'll come back strongly but he's got a couple of battle scars now, so he's got to pick himself up."

--------------

Earlier Dennis Smith booked his place in the quarter-finals with an impressive 5-1 win over Denis Ovens. don't remind me

And Alan Warriner lived up to his 'Ice Man' nickname as he fought back from the brink of defeat to clinch his place in the quarter-finals.

The 40-year-old looked to be heading for defeat when he found himself 4-2 down to Les Fitton at one stage.

But he reeled off the next two sets and held his nerve to win an epic decider for a 5-4 success.

[Rogg]

Darts spectator found dead under ice in Surrey lake
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/surrey/8446647.stm
7th January 2010


A darts fan has been found dead under ice in a lake at the venue where the world championships are being held.

Philip Hughes, 45, from Slough was found by a member of staff at the Lakeside Complex, in Frimley-Green.

The man had been staying at the hotel to watch the international competition which is due to finish on Sunday.

Robert Holmes, from the British Darts Organisation (BDO), said: "A body was taken from the lake and it was someone who had been here to watch the darts."

He added: "The weather has played a major part in this.

"In 25 years I have never seen weather like it.

"On behalf of the BDO we send our condolences on this. It's a tragedy."

The large lake at the centre of the complex is frozen and has now been fenced off.

Surrey police have begun an investigation into the cause of death.

[Rogg]

Hankey beaten on Grand Slam debut [Ana beats van der Voort...]
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_s ... 361778.stm
16th November 2009

-----------

Former women's world champion Dobromyslova caused the shock of the tournament so far, after becoming only the second female player to beat a man on television, with a 5-4 victory over Vincent van der Voort at the Grand Slam.

The 25-year-old Russian, who was whitewashed by Taylor in her first group match, will qualify from Group A if she beats Webster on Tuesday.

"I'm on top of the world," said Dobromyslova. "I'm really pleased a lady has won and pleased it's me.

"I'm a different player to when I played in the Grand Slam in 2008. I feel more comfortable and that shows on stage.

"But I've not qualified yet and I've got to think about playing Mark Webster on Tuesday now."

The only other female player in the tournament, Frances Hoenselaar, almost caused another upset against three-time world champion John Part, taking a 2-0 lead, before eventually going down 5-3.

[Rogg]

Players check out rival organisation
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_s ... 705997.stm
20th July 2002




A few familiar faces will be missing from this year's Embassy World Darts Championship after half-a-dozen players decided to change camp.

Six Embassy regulars have elected to toe the oche with many of the stars of yesteryear who left the British Darts Organisation following a bitter row back in 1993.

Ronnie Baxter and former Embassy champion Steve Beaton, who would both have been seeded at Frimley Green, have moved to the Professional Darts Corporation Skol-sponsored event at Purfleet.

They have been joined by Kevin Painter, Chris Mason, Andy Jenkins and Paul Williams.

Five of the players qualified for both competitions via ranking points gained throughout the year and made their decision to leave the Embassy after being offered a guaranteed cash sum and a place in two other televised competitions during 2002.

The sixth, Paul Williams, looked to be heading for the Embassy but opted for the Skol at the last minute.

Two other players, Peter Manley and England captain Martin Adams, also had enough points to take part in both world championships.

Manley elected to stay with the PDC while Embassy regular Adams was one of the first players to accept his invitation to the Lakeside Country Club in Surrey.

The 1993/94 dispute between the BDO and the PDC (then known as the World Darts Council) burned on for years and was eventually dowsed by an "out of court" settlement known as the Tomlin Order.

It gave players more freedom of movement between the camps but stated that players who reached the last 16 of either world championship could not move to the other side the following year.

Adams said: "My decisions to stay with the Embassy are two-fold.

"Firstly the Tomlin Order states if I get to the last 16 of the Embassy, which I did last year, I can not play in the Skol the following year and I don't want legal action against me.

"Two: I have always had a dream of winning the Embassy and I will not let anyone get in the way of that dream.

"So long as the Embassy is there, I will try to win it."

A spokesman for sponsors Imperial Tobacco said: "It is most disappointing that some darts players have chosen not to play in the 2002 Embassy World Darts Championship in January, particularly as this event will be celebrating its Silver Jubilee.

"However, we do respect their freedom to choose and wish them well.

"Their non-appearance gave an opportunity to other players who are now included in the line-up of 32 sportsmen who I am sure will give the Lakeside crowd and huge BBC television audiences another festival of darts skills and entertainment."

Jenkins, who just two years ago travelled to Australia in a successful bid to scramble together enough points for the Embassy said: "I still call the Embassy the biggest tournament in the world.

"I have tried to win it eight times. This was going to be my last but these contracts came out and I made the decision before I really wanted to."

[Rogg]

Top Dutch Trio Join PDC
http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/soi8emqs ... casino.com
15th January 2007


TOP DUTCH trio Jelle Klaasen, Michael van Gerwen and Vincent van der Voort have joined the PDC and will make their debuts in the Stan James Players Championship double-header in Gibraltar.

Following a week of speculation during which they participated at the Lakeside World Championship, the three have now followed in the footsteps of the godfather of Dutch darts, Raymond van Barneveld, who signed on for the PDC last February.

Klaasen, 22, and van Gerwen, 17, are the two brightest young stars of darts in the Netherlands, whilst van der Voort has been an ever present at the top end of the rankings over the last five years.

Klaasen became the youngest ever World Champion 12 months ago when he defeated van Barneveld in a dramatic final.

And Van Gerwen, who turns 18 in April, is the current World Masters champion following success in the tournament last October.

Putting an end to the rumours which have been circulating in the press, Klaasen said: "I have chosen to play for the PDC because they are a more professional organisation with more money and more tournaments.

"I am looking forward to playing in Gibraltar and in the other tournaments throughout the year and I want to prove myself against the best players in the world."

Van Gerwen added: "I saw what a good move it was for Raymond van Barneveld last year and I want to try and emulate his achievements.

"The PDC gives me the best opportunity to become the best player in the world and I know my game will only get better for this." no no no no no

31-year-old van der Voort agreed with his younger compatriots: "This is the best move for my career - the top players in Holland and the world play in the PDC events and I am looking forward to competing against them on a regular basis.

With £40,000 in prize money up for grabs this weekend, the trio will have an instant chance to make their mark on the new-look PDC Order of Merit as they compete against over 100 other competitors on 'The Rock'.

On Saturday, van Gerwen could face recent PDC World Championship semi-finalist Andy Hamilton, whilst van der Voort is drawn on the same board as the PDC's Young Player of the Year James Wade and Klaasen looks set for a clash with world number four Peter Manley.

The following day sees an appetising potential second round clash between van Gerwen and van Barneveld, with Klaasen potentially facing Andy Jenkins, the other recent Purfleet semi-finalist and van der Voort drawn on the same board as two-time World Champion John Part.

[Rogg]

Some big history in those last two. Pray for the gimps. King also switched in 2007, no mention of him there.

[M H]

Some big history in those last two. Pray for the gimps. King also switched in 2007, no mention of him there.

Robert Holmes comments were brilliant when King switched

[Rogg]

BDO ponder legal challenge to King switch
http://www.theoche.com/test-name-124/
6th February 2007


Officials of the British Darts Organisation will meet their lawyers after former world No 1 Mervyn King became the fifth player in 12 months to walk out on them and join the rival Professional Darts Corporation.

The 40-year-old, from Great Yarmouth, reached the semis of last month’s World Championships and is contracted to play in next year’s event.

BDO spokesman Robert Holmes said: “I respect Mervyn as a player and a friend, but we all are disappointed what has happened.

“He looked me in the eyes at our world championships and said he would not be leaving. I still believe he was telling the truth at the time. But he is part of a team whose sponsor has seen the three Dutch players leave.

“We are meeting with our lawyers to see where we stand. Mervyn reached our semis which means which we would expect him to honour his agreement and return for our world championships.”

King, 40, twice a Lakeside runner-up, said: “It’s a new challenge for me. I’m looking to further my career and have noticed for a couple of years the strength in depth of the PDC. I want to be a part of that and move forward with it in the coming years.”

[Rogg]

Square Board To Revolutionise Darts
http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/p1pulttd ... nise-darts
30th March 2007




DARTS is set for the biggest revolution in its history with the introduction of a SQUARE dartboard at this year's Blue Square UK Open.

The News of the World revealed on Sunday that, following discussions with leading Professional Darts Corporation officials, the new board will be given a trial run at June's Blue Square UK Open.

If successful, the PDC will make the square board, pictured with 13-time World Champion Phil Taylor, a permanent fixture - transforming the face of darts.

PDC spokesman Olly Fasadopri revealed: "We've been in discussions for some time but have also spoken to each of the players in our membership.

"Most of them are excited about the idea and they will all be given a board to practise on."

Taylor revealed: "I've had a practice on it and it will take some getting used to - but I've won 13 world titles and I'm ready to win the first one on this square board.

"I truly believe this will revolutionise our sport."

Prof Ali Dosaly, the man credited with coming up with the new design, added: "I hope the players and supporters take to it."

[M H]

Square Board To Revolutionise Darts
http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/p1pulttd ... nise-darts
30th March 2007




DARTS is set for the biggest revolution in its history with the introduction of a SQUARE dartboard at this year's Blue Square UK Open.

The News of the World revealed on Sunday that, following discussions with leading Professional Darts Corporation officials, the new board will be given a trial run at June's Blue Square UK Open.

If successful, the PDC will make the square board, pictured with 13-time World Champion Phil Taylor, a permanent fixture - transforming the face of darts.

PDC spokesman Olly Fasadopri revealed: "We've been in discussions for some time but have also spoken to each of the players in our membership.

"Most of them are excited about the idea and they will all be given a board to practise on."

Taylor revealed: "I've had a practice on it and it will take some getting used to - but I've won 13 world titles and I'm ready to win the first one on this square board.

"I truly believe this will revolutionise our sport."

Prof Ali Dosaly, the man credited with coming up with the new design, added: "I hope the players and supporters take to it."

Wonders how many gimps believed it

[Rogg]

^A "top player" believed it apparently, and made a complaint.

[don-logan]

Darts: Bristow leads the dance to a new beat: Greg Wood sees the breakaway World Darts Council embark on its first world championship in riverside Essex in an atmosphere more familiar at ringside

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/dart ... 70169.html