JAMES WADE claimed a quarter-final berth at the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championshiop with a 4-0 victory over Vincent van der Voort.
The UK Open champion failed to hit top gear but van der Voort was unable to repeat to kind of form that saw him defeat Colin Osborne in the previous round.
Wade broke throw at the start of the match but failed to capitalise on that by missing three darts at tops for a 2-0 lead and van der Voort levelled.
The world number three broke the Dutchman's throw for a second time in the set by hitting double five and then went on to take the fourth leg and go 1-0 ahead.
Van der Voort won the first leg of the second set against the darts, but Wade broke back on double ten.
He then won the next two legs, hitting a two-dart 60 checkout to extend his lead to 2-0.
Wade had opportunities to take a 2-1 lead in set three, but missed two darts at double top and van der Voort stepped to go ahead in the set.
Wade hit an excellent 124 finish on the bullseye to take the fourth leg, and then won the fifth in 14 darts to increase his lead to 3-0.
In the fourth the opening three legs went with throw, giving Wade a 2-1 lead before van der Voort hit double 18 to take the fourth leg.
Despite a maximum, he was unable to land double 19 to keep the match alive and Wade stepped up to land double 18 and claim a straight sets victory to set up a quarter-final against Paul Nicholson.
"I'm frustrated because I'm playing badly but still winning," said Wade. "I know I have to step up my game but I'm rtying as hard as I can and my preparation is perfect.
"It's only a matter of time before it clicks in and I'll be back producing what I know I can do."
Wednesday 31 December 2008
Monday 29 December 2008
Wade beats Eccles to reach last sixteen at Alexandra Palace
JAMES WADE earned his place in round three of the 2009 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship with a 4-2 defeat of Tony Eccles.
In a game mirroring his first round win over Brendan Dolan, Wade never hit top gear during the contest but did enough to end the challenge of the Hartlepool man.
Wade led 2-0 in the opening set, breaking throw in the second leg by landing double ten.
Eccles missed two darts at doubles to win the third leg, and Wade stepped in to hit double top and take an early lead.
All three legs were won with throw at the start of the second to give Eccles the edge, and he then managed to win the fourth with an excellent two-dart 79 finish to level the match.
Wade missed two darts at doubles to win the first leg of the third set, and Eccles managed to hit double one with his last dart to go 1-0 up.
But Wade was clinical from then on, and took the next three legs in 14, 15 and 15 darts to regain lead.
Both players hit maximums at the start of set four, but it was Eccles who ended up taking the leg.
Wade soon levelled and then won the third leg against the darts with a 14-dart finish before punishing Eccles misses to take a 3-1 advantage.
In the fifth set Eccles, who defeated Remco van Eijden his first round game, produced some brilliant finishing to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
He hit a two-dart 65 finish to win the first leg, a 119 checkout to break throw in the second and a fine 143 to wrap up the set.
Both players held throw at the beginning of the sixth set, before Eccles hit a superb 123 finish on the bullseye to go 2-1 ahead.
Wade won the fourth leg and then hit his seventh maximum of the game in a 13-darter to seal victory.
Wade admitted afterwards to being frustrated with his performances so far at Alexandra Palace, saying: "I'm practising well but not taking it up on stage.
"The standard for the World Championship is high and I'm not there yet, but I can do it.
"A year ago I'd caught up with Phil but then he started to play under-par. Now he's found a new level and I'm chasing him again, and I'm not playing at the top of my game.
"I'm in the last 16, playing bad darts but still winning and I need to knuckle down now. I'm relaxed and happy and it's only a matter of time before it clicks in."
In a game mirroring his first round win over Brendan Dolan, Wade never hit top gear during the contest but did enough to end the challenge of the Hartlepool man.
Wade led 2-0 in the opening set, breaking throw in the second leg by landing double ten.
Eccles missed two darts at doubles to win the third leg, and Wade stepped in to hit double top and take an early lead.
All three legs were won with throw at the start of the second to give Eccles the edge, and he then managed to win the fourth with an excellent two-dart 79 finish to level the match.
Wade missed two darts at doubles to win the first leg of the third set, and Eccles managed to hit double one with his last dart to go 1-0 up.
But Wade was clinical from then on, and took the next three legs in 14, 15 and 15 darts to regain lead.
Both players hit maximums at the start of set four, but it was Eccles who ended up taking the leg.
Wade soon levelled and then won the third leg against the darts with a 14-dart finish before punishing Eccles misses to take a 3-1 advantage.
In the fifth set Eccles, who defeated Remco van Eijden his first round game, produced some brilliant finishing to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
He hit a two-dart 65 finish to win the first leg, a 119 checkout to break throw in the second and a fine 143 to wrap up the set.
Both players held throw at the beginning of the sixth set, before Eccles hit a superb 123 finish on the bullseye to go 2-1 ahead.
Wade won the fourth leg and then hit his seventh maximum of the game in a 13-darter to seal victory.
Wade admitted afterwards to being frustrated with his performances so far at Alexandra Palace, saying: "I'm practising well but not taking it up on stage.
"The standard for the World Championship is high and I'm not there yet, but I can do it.
"A year ago I'd caught up with Phil but then he started to play under-par. Now he's found a new level and I'm chasing him again, and I'm not playing at the top of my game.
"I'm in the last 16, playing bad darts but still winning and I need to knuckle down now. I'm relaxed and happy and it's only a matter of time before it clicks in."
Tuesday 23 December 2008
Wade marches on at Alexandra Palace
WORLD number three James Wade avoided a scare against Brendan Dolan before beginning his challenge in the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship with a win on Tuesday night.
Wade has endured a torrid autumn since winning the UK Open and reaching the finals of the Las Vegas Desert Classic and World Matchplay in the summer - but avoided a first round exit at Alexandra Palace.
Northern Irish qualifier Dolan held the early advantage, but missed six darts for the first set before Wade escaped to take the lead.
He then won six of the next seven legs to power to a straight sets victory, which earns him a date with Tony Eccles in round two.
"Brendan started well but he gave me the first set if I'm honest," said Wade. "There was a lot of pressure on me and I'm glad to get through that but I didn't play as I should have done."
Dolan, who came through the PDPA Qualifiers in Telford earlier this month to win a place in the event, started the better of the two and built-up a 2-1 lead in the opening set.
But he preceeded to miss a total of six darts at doubles in the next two legs and Wade punished his opponent for those errors by landing a crucial 106 checkout to snatch a 1-0 lead.
After that first set scare, Wade stormed through the second, taking it without reply to double his advantage.
He hit double ten to win the first leg, and won the next with a 90 finish, despite the Northern Irishman registering his second maximum of the game.
And he duly wrapped up the set in the third, landing double ten for the second time in the set to move clear.
The world number three then opened up a 2-0 lead in the third set to go to within touching distance of victory.
Dolan stemmed the tide in third by hitting double 16 to end a run of seven straight legs from Wade, who replied with a 13-darter to ensure a second round clash with Eccles.
Eccles - a 3-2 winner against Remco van Eijden earlier on Tuesday - had knocked Wade out in round one of the World Grand Prix in October, but he added: "Lightning won't strike twice.
"I've been under par lately but I've been practising hard and am feeling good."
Dolan said: "Neither of us got going and if I'd won the first set it may have been a different story.
"I was chasing the game after that but it's been a great experience and I'll be better for it. I've enjoyed the year overall and am looking forward to 2009."
Wade has endured a torrid autumn since winning the UK Open and reaching the finals of the Las Vegas Desert Classic and World Matchplay in the summer - but avoided a first round exit at Alexandra Palace.
Northern Irish qualifier Dolan held the early advantage, but missed six darts for the first set before Wade escaped to take the lead.
He then won six of the next seven legs to power to a straight sets victory, which earns him a date with Tony Eccles in round two.
"Brendan started well but he gave me the first set if I'm honest," said Wade. "There was a lot of pressure on me and I'm glad to get through that but I didn't play as I should have done."
Dolan, who came through the PDPA Qualifiers in Telford earlier this month to win a place in the event, started the better of the two and built-up a 2-1 lead in the opening set.
But he preceeded to miss a total of six darts at doubles in the next two legs and Wade punished his opponent for those errors by landing a crucial 106 checkout to snatch a 1-0 lead.
After that first set scare, Wade stormed through the second, taking it without reply to double his advantage.
He hit double ten to win the first leg, and won the next with a 90 finish, despite the Northern Irishman registering his second maximum of the game.
And he duly wrapped up the set in the third, landing double ten for the second time in the set to move clear.
The world number three then opened up a 2-0 lead in the third set to go to within touching distance of victory.
Dolan stemmed the tide in third by hitting double 16 to end a run of seven straight legs from Wade, who replied with a 13-darter to ensure a second round clash with Eccles.
Eccles - a 3-2 winner against Remco van Eijden earlier on Tuesday - had knocked Wade out in round one of the World Grand Prix in October, but he added: "Lightning won't strike twice.
"I've been under par lately but I've been practising hard and am feeling good."
Dolan said: "Neither of us got going and if I'd won the first set it may have been a different story.
"I was chasing the game after that but it's been a great experience and I'll be better for it. I've enjoyed the year overall and am looking forward to 2009."
Saturday 20 December 2008
Jenkins out of the Ladbrokes.com World Championship
CO STOMPE made an impressive Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship debut to defeat Andy Jenkins 3-1 in the first round at Alexandra Palace.
The Dutchman's victory completed a nightmare opening night for the four seeded players, who all crashed out of the event.
Stompe had claimed his maiden PDC title at the German Darts Championship three weeks ago, and made an ideal start at Ally Pally by winning the opening two legs.
Jenkins took the next two to level, but the Dutchman landed double twelve in the deciding leg to take an early lead.
The Englishman took a 2-1 lead in the second set, aided by finishes of 120 and 68, but Stompe took the fourth to square the set before double two saw Jenkins level the match.
A sensational 164 checkout gave Stompe the advantage in set three, and he also landed two 180s in another leg in edging the set for a 2-1 cushion.
Jenkins started the fourth set well to take the first leg on double top, but Stompe quickly levelled and won the next two legs for a 2-1 lead.
He then secured victory on double twelve to move into the last 32 and set up a potential clash with either Alan Tabern or Steve Beaton.
The Dutchman's victory completed a nightmare opening night for the four seeded players, who all crashed out of the event.
Stompe had claimed his maiden PDC title at the German Darts Championship three weeks ago, and made an ideal start at Ally Pally by winning the opening two legs.
Jenkins took the next two to level, but the Dutchman landed double twelve in the deciding leg to take an early lead.
The Englishman took a 2-1 lead in the second set, aided by finishes of 120 and 68, but Stompe took the fourth to square the set before double two saw Jenkins level the match.
A sensational 164 checkout gave Stompe the advantage in set three, and he also landed two 180s in another leg in edging the set for a 2-1 cushion.
Jenkins started the fourth set well to take the first leg on double top, but Stompe quickly levelled and won the next two legs for a 2-1 lead.
He then secured victory on double twelve to move into the last 32 and set up a potential clash with either Alan Tabern or Steve Beaton.
Friday 12 December 2008
Monk's a chip off the old block
ARRON MONK, son of Basingstoke professional Colin, has won Phil Taylor's New Kids on the Oche, an event shown exclusively on Nuts TV.
Eight PDC players under the age of 21 took part in the event held at Crondon Park Golf Club, Essex last month but it was Monk who claimed the title to win a year's entry fees to PDC events worth some £4,000.
Eighteen year old Arron topped his group of four to reach the semi-finals.
He had wins over Darren Whittingham from Market Drayton by 3-0 and Andover's Jamie Kelling by 2-1 and suffered a 2-1 reverse at the hands of Portsmouth's Ricky Williams.
He then beat Michael Smith from St Helens by 3-1 in the semi-final and secured the title with a 3-0 final win over Bradford's Joe Cullen.
Eight PDC players under the age of 21 took part in the event held at Crondon Park Golf Club, Essex last month but it was Monk who claimed the title to win a year's entry fees to PDC events worth some £4,000.
Eighteen year old Arron topped his group of four to reach the semi-finals.
He had wins over Darren Whittingham from Market Drayton by 3-0 and Andover's Jamie Kelling by 2-1 and suffered a 2-1 reverse at the hands of Portsmouth's Ricky Williams.
He then beat Michael Smith from St Helens by 3-1 in the semi-final and secured the title with a 3-0 final win over Bradford's Joe Cullen.
Wednesday 10 December 2008
Ladbrokes.com World Championship Order of Play
ANDY JENKINS will be in action on the opening night of the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship.
Jenkins plays Co Stompé at around 11 p.m. on Friday 19 December.
James Wade will take on Brendan Dolan at around 9.15 p.m. on Tuesday 23 December.
The whole of the £740,000 event will be televised live by Sky Sports.
The full order of play can be found at www.planetdarts.tv
Jenkins plays Co Stompé at around 11 p.m. on Friday 19 December.
James Wade will take on Brendan Dolan at around 9.15 p.m. on Tuesday 23 December.
The whole of the £740,000 event will be televised live by Sky Sports.
The full order of play can be found at www.planetdarts.tv
Monday 8 December 2008
Ladbrokes.com World Championship Draw
JAMES WADE, the number three seed will start his campaign for the 2009 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship against Northern Ireland's Brendan Dolan.
Andy Jenkins faces the in-form Dutchman Co Stompé fresh from his final victory over Phil Taylor in the PartyPoker.net German Darts Championship.
The draw was made live on Sky Sports News by Eric Bristow and Sid Waddell.
The event starts on 19 December at Alexandra Palace. 70 players will take part.
Andy Jenkins faces the in-form Dutchman Co Stompé fresh from his final victory over Phil Taylor in the PartyPoker.net German Darts Championship.
The draw was made live on Sky Sports News by Eric Bristow and Sid Waddell.
The event starts on 19 December at Alexandra Palace. 70 players will take part.
Saturday 6 December 2008
Ladbrokes.com World Championship PDPA Qualifier
BOB CRAWLEY was denied a final play-off match to make it to Alexandra Palace later this month as Louis Blundell took the last leg to win 5-4 in their board final.
Colin Monk also fell at the board final stage, by 5-3 to Dave Smith. Both collected £500 towards their Order of Merit earnings.
Sam Rooney and Arron Monk both reached board semi-finals losing 5-4 to Chris Thompson and 5-2 to Gary Welding respectively.
Colin Monk also fell at the board final stage, by 5-3 to Dave Smith. Both collected £500 towards their Order of Merit earnings.
Sam Rooney and Arron Monk both reached board semi-finals losing 5-4 to Chris Thompson and 5-2 to Gary Welding respectively.
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