Blue Square UK Open West Midlands Regional Final

ANDY JENKINS reached the last 32 of the fifth of eight regional play offs at the Ricoh Arena Coventry but was beaten 6-4 by yesterday's winner Mark Walsh.

Colin Monk made the same round but went down 6-2 to Colin Osborne.

Both won £300 towards the Bolton finals in June but none of the other travelling Hampshiremen were able to add to their totals.

Phil Taylor edged Wayne Jones in the final to take the top prize of £6,000.

West Midlands Players Championship

LITTLE joy for the travelling contingent from Hampshire as five of the players were eliminated from the £30,000 PDC Pro Tour event in the last 64 at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry.

Andy Jenkins was beaten 6-1 to Stuart Bousfield. Ricky Williams lost 6-4 to Dennis Priestley. James Wade went down 6-4 to Tony Ayres. Arron Monk was knocked out 6-1 by Matt Clark and Colin Monk by 6-0 to Martyn Turner.

Each collected £200.

Steve Musson, Robbie Newland and Ian Jopling all lost out before the prize money round.

Mark Walsh beat Phil Taylor 6-4 in the final to take the £6,000 top prize and inflict Taylor's first floor defeat of the year.

Wade keeps unbeaten run going at Birmingham NIA

JAMES WADE extended his unbeaten run in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts to six matches with a draw against John Part.

Wade saw the Canadian end his winning streak, but won the deciding leg of a tight battle where amazingly no legs went against the throw.

Both players proved too strong when starting the leg, only to find themselves unable to apply the pressure against the darts.

Wade hit a 180 in the game's opening leg, but two previous 140s from Part helped him to set up a double 16 finish.

He repeated the dose in the third leg, with Wade having got off the mark with an 85 checkout before trading 180s in winning leg four in 13 darts to level at two-all.

A third double 16 finish from Part maintained his flawless finishing and, after Wade took out double eight for 3-3, the Canadian edged in front again with a 113 checkout.

Again the duo traded 180s in leg eight, but Part's hopes of a break of throw were ended when Wade took out double five with his opponent waiting on 24.

Part hit double 16 in leg nine, with an 11-darter from Wade levelling at five-all - only to miss one dart at the bullseye for a break of throw on a 128 finish.

The Canadian took out double six - having missed two earlier darts for the leg - for a 6-5 lead, with Wade hitting back on double top.

A two-dart 65 finish ensured Part would not be defeated, and his hopes of claiming the win lifted when he kicked off the deciding leg with scores of 140 and 180.

But Wade clawed his way back into the leg, and a two-dart 78 checkout gave him a share of the spoils.

"It was a struggle throughout the match," said Part. "I'm not pressuring against the throw and was disappointed in the final leg not to win after hitting 140 and 180."

Wade admitted: "I thought I was going to blow it at times but I'll take a draw because I played pretty well and couldn't get the shot I wanted to get on top of him.

"I did enough to get a point and can't be too disappointed with that, but I can improve."

COSHAM RBL CLUB - EASTER OPEN 2009

COSHAM ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
Presents The
EASTER DARTS OPENS 2009

Comprising:
MEN’S SINGLES and LADIES SINGLES EVENTS

On EASTER SUNDAY 12th APRIL 2009
At COSHAM RBL CLUB – Sixth Avenue, Cosham, Portsmouth PO6 3PD
Register 11.00am for 12.30pm start

Entry Fee: £5.00 per player for each event

Prize funds £200.00 Men’s Winner
Runners up and other prizes from entry fees

Prize funds £100.00 Ladies Winner
Runners up and other prizes from entry fees

Every entrant gets an Easter Egg !!!!!!!!!!!!!

LINDFORD EASTER OPEN DARTS TOURNAMENT

On: Easter Monday 13th APRIL 2009
At: Lindford Working Men's Club
Register - 11am to12 noon
Toe-the Oche: 12.15pm
Entry Fee: £10 per player
Winner = £500
Runner Up = £200
Joint 3rd =£50 x 2
Joint 5th = £10 x 4

Prize Money could increase depending on Entry Numbers
To enter or for more information please contact:

Darren Oakley 07745947082
or
Lindford W.M.Club 0142047228

Blue Square UK Open South East Regional Final

JAMES WADE made the last 32 of the latest UK Open regional final at the Brentwood Centre where he was edged out by Ronnie Baxter.

Andy Jenkins was also eliminated at the same stage by Tony Eccles.

Three other Hampshiremen made the last 64.

Ian Jopling was beaten by Mick McGowan, Ian Critchett went out to James Wade and Colin Monk was beaten 6-4 by Phil Taylor in a marvellous match.

Taylor went on to complete the weekend double beating Terry Jenkins to the £6,000 first prize.

South East Players Championship

JAMES WADE made the last sixteen at the Brentwood Centre losing out to former World Champion Steve Beaton.

Ricky Williams was a narrow loser to Wayne Mardle in the last 64. Andy Jenkins was beaten at the same stage by Justin Pipe.

Phil Taylor took the top prize of £6,000 against Ronnie Baxter in the final.

Wade goes to the top of the table

JAMES WADE moved to the top of the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts table after picking up a fifth successive win, defeating Wayne Mardle 8-3 at The Brighton Centre.

Wade, the 2008 runner-up, continued his impressive renaissance to leapfrog Mervyn King and return to the top of the table - where he spent most of last year's event.

He took a 3-0 lead before Mardle levelled, but a run of five successive legs saw the 25-year-old claim the victory.

"It's great to be top of the table but we're only half-way through the league stage and it's more important to make sure I'm in the top four," said Wade, with an eye on May's play-offs.

"I'm really pleased to get a fifth win in a row, Wayne missed a lot of doubles and I made the most of my opportunities."

Wade kicked off the game in clinical fashion, hitting double ten to break throw in the opening leg and then a 114 checkout to double his lead.

He kicked off the third leg with a maximum before landing double 12 for a 3-0 lead, only for Mardle to win the next two legs on double top and then level the game going into the break.

But Wade crucially broke throw for a third time in moving 4-3 up and edged clear with a fine 11-darter.

Mardle kicked off leg nine with a 180, but four missed doubles allowed Wade in, and he took out 97 in two darts to steal the leg and a 6-3 lead.

Another 180 from Mardle set up a 121 finish in the next, only for a missed bullseye to this time prove costly as double 18 put Wade 7-3 up, and he swiftly sealed the win.

Picture courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC.

Blue Square UK Open North West Regional Final

JAMES WADE beat Kevin McDine 6-3 to win his first title of 2009 at Robin Park Tennis Centre Wigan.

The £6,000 win means he is now assured of a place in the last 64 in his defence of the title he won last June at the Reebok Stadium, home of Bolton Wanderers F.C.

Colin Monk picked up £300 for his run to the last 32 which was ended by Mark Frost. Monk had stopped Gary Anderson in the last 128.

Steve Musson reached the same round going out to veteran John Magowan. Musson had good wins earlier over Mick McGowan and Andy Hamilton.

Ian Jopling and Andy Jenkins collected £200 each for last 64 places. Jopling was beaten by Tony Eccles and Jenkins by Raymond van Barneveld.

There were early defeats for Robbie Newland, Arron Monk, Sam Rooney, Danny Pinhorne and Ricky Williams in the £30,000 event.

North West Players Championship

JAMES WADE made it through to the quarter finals at the Robin Park Tennis Centre, Wigan but was whitewashed 6-0 by local hero Louis Blundell. Wade collected £800 towards the Order of Merit.

Steve Musson beat Wayne Mardle to reach the last 64 but went down 6-2 to Chris Allen. Sam Rooney lost by the same score at the same stage to James Wade. Both picked up £200.

There were early defeats for Robbie Newland, Arron Monk, Ian Jopling, Colin Monk, Andy Jenkins and Ricky Williams in the £30,000 event.

Dennis Priestley beat Colin Lloyd 6-1 in the final to take the top prize of £6,000.

Four in a row for Wade

JAMES WADE picked up a fourth successive Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts victory with an 8-5 defeat of Terry Jenkins in Manchester.

The world number two moved level with Mervyn King at the top of the table by maintaining his run of form in seeing off below-par Jenkins.

A mid-game burst did much of the damage, winning four successive legs to open up a 6-2 lead before holding off Jenkins' fightback to claim the points.

Jenkins missed five darts at a double in the first leg, before Wade broke on double ten, only for the next two legs to also go against the throw as the 2008 runner-up took a 2-1 lead.

Jenkins kicked off leg four with back-to-back 180s, and also hit a seventh treble 20, with a potential nine-darter going begging when he missed the treble 19.

However, he took out double top for a 12-darter to level, only for Wade to step up a gear.

Double 16 saw him break throw for a third time, and double five gave him a 4-2 lead going into the break.

He defied a 180 from Jenkins to win the next, on double top, before hitting the same bed to complete a 13-darter in taking a 6-2 lead.

Jenkins produced scores of 180, 140 and 135 in setting up a ten-darter to stop Wade's run, and double four in the next two legs saw him pull back to 6-5.

But double ten gave Wade breathing space, and he wrapped up victory on double eight.

"Terry wasn't at his best and missed a lot of doubles," said Wade.

"He usually pushes me but I had to take my chances, and I'm delighted to win even though it wasn't my best display."

HAMPSHIRE v ESSEX MATCH REPORT

Hampshire v Essex report by ALEX BRINDLEY

With confidence high after the win at Surrey last month, Hampshire were hoping for a similar result as they played host to Essex in their latest BICC match, in what was a must win game for both sides. Unfortunately, it was not to be, and it was Essex who walked away with a 20-16 victory.

Saturday saw the B-sides take to the stage, with the Ladies having made two changes to the side that faced Surrey last month, handing debuts to Charlotte Burgess and Tara Power. Both are still eligible to play at youth level, but showed on Saturday just why they have been promoted to the senior side, with two excellent performances. Charlotte produced some great darts to win 3-0 with a 15.99 average, and had it not been for double trouble in the second leg, would certainly have had a 20 plus average. Tara also played a cracking game, winning 3-1 with a 19.01 average. Not to be outdone by the young guns, it was the more experienced and slightly more mature ??? Jane Monaghan, who took the Lady of the Match award with a 3-0 win and 20.04 average.

With the Ladies securing a 3-3 draw, the Men’s B were hoping for a similar, if not better, result. Unfortunately, things didn’t go to plan, and they were defeated 7-5. Wins came from Sam Rooney 3-1 (24.28), Dave Bonnett 3-0 (19.52), Paul Reidy 3-1 (24.10) and Kev Murrell 3-2 (25.44). The man of the Match award went to Kev Ede after his 3-0 win and cracking 29.47 winning average. After his recent loss of form, it was great to see him back to winning ways.

With the score standing at 10-8 to Essex overnight, it was down to the A- sides to try and secure a win. The Ladies certainly did their bit, with a 4-2 result courtesy of Steph Smee 3-1 (20.09), Elaine Harty 3-1 (19.45) and Sue Smee 3-2 (18.42). Lady of the Match went to Sue Lowther for a hard fought 3-2 win and 20.19 average. Commiserations have to go to Wendy Reinstadtler, who played brilliantly but lost her game with a 24.81 average.

The Men’s A will probably feel major disappointment over their result, with only four players able to secure a victory, although it wasn’t that they played badly. At least four players had better averages than their opponents, but lost, with Rick Lowther the most unfortunate, losing with a 29.23.
Those players that did secure a win were Roy Brown 3-1 (25.82), Graham Huggett 3-1 (25.92) and Dennis Murrell 3-0 (25.91). Man of the Match went to Mark Smith for his 3-2 win and 28.88 average.

Hampshire remain fifth in the League Table, but are now only nine points off the relegation places with two very difficult matches coming up in the form of Yorkshire and Cheshire. On a brighter note, the Ladies A deservedly remain top of their respective table.

HAMPSHIRE LADIES - A YOUNG, BRIGHT AND TALENTED FUTURE

If anyone ever has had cause to consider the long term future of Ladies Darts in Hampshire they need look no further than the four latest County Team aquisitions as featured in the accompanying photograph

Thanks to the very wide range of opportunities for young players given by the Hampshire County Youth Darts Organisation and the Andover Darts Academy and other such Organisations there has been an emergence of some young and very talented Lady players who all look set to carry on the tradition of excellence in the Hampshire Ladies Teams

With absolutely no disrespect to the talents of the older lady players these young stars are the future of our sport which showed in the input they gave to Hampshire's 7 - 5 victory over Essex ladies and without exception all look set for a brilliant career in the Sport of darts

the photograph shows from left to right

CHARLOTTE BURGESS a brilliant young player from Andover who gave a great performance in her first match against Essex

ABI JURD a young player from Eastleigh who has in Super League and local events shown amazing skills and potential

GEMMA HAYTER at 16 years of age Gemma has already more than justified her place in the Hampshire Ladies Team with 2 excellent wins to date

TARA POWER the young sister of Laura who, by virtue of an outstanding win at Essex is most certainly on course to follow the family tradition of darting excellence

With an average age of only just over 18 these young ladies make even young superstar Steffi Smee look elderly !!!! but they cannot compete with the Ladies Team Manager as despite having a combined age of 74 these four young ladies fall way short of Brenda's 80 years young !!

The future of Ladies Darts shines bright in Hampshire and I am sure that all will join me in wishing Charlotte, Abi, Gemma and Tara a long, happy and trophy laden future and in thanking them all for making their talents available for the benefit of Hampshire Darts

Blue Square UK Open Scottish Regional Final

COLIN MONK reached the last 32 of the second of the 2009 UK Open Regional finals at the Magnum Centre Irvine but was pipped in the last leg by former World Champion Jelle Klaasen.

Andy Jenkins and James Wade fell at the same hurdle, to Terry Jenkins and Mark Walsh.

Ricky Williams and Ian Jopling picked up £200 each by reaching the last 64 before losing to Adrian Lewis and Steve Maish.

Ian Eames, Arron Monk and Danny Pinhorne were each early casualties.

Robert Thorton defeated Dennis Priestley in the final for the second day running.

Scottish Players Championship

JAMES WADE made the last eight of the £30,000 Players Championship at the Magnum Centre at Irvine before losing out to eventual runner-up Dennis Priestley in a deciding leg.

Arron Monk had his best run to date in a Pro Tour event going down to Steve Hine in the round of 16 after good wins over Dave Ladley, Colin Osborne and three times Champion of the World, John Part.

Andy Jenkins reached the same stage but was beaten by Andy Smith.

Colin Monk went out to the eventual winner Robert Thornton in the last 32.

There were early defeats for Danny Pinhorne, Ricky Williams, Ian Eames and Ian Jopling.

Another Premier League win for Wade

JAMES WADE picked up a third successive Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts win with an 8-6 victory over Jelle Klaasen in Newcastle.

The world number two continued his impressive return to form to leave Dutch ace Klaasen rooted to the foot of the table.

Wade landed a maximum checkout of 170 during the win, and also hit a 120 finish in taking the game's final three legs for victory.

Klaasen won the game's opening leg on double ten, before Wade levelled on double eight and then broke throw with a sensational 170 checkout which brought the 5,000-plus Metro Radio Arena crowd to its feet.

He had a let-off in the fourth, with Klaasen missing double top to punish five misses from Wade before the reigning UK Open champion landed double nine for a 3-1 cushion.

A 180 from Wade left him on a finish in the fifth, but Klaasen clinically took out 76 on double top before hitting double four to make Wade pay for three more misses in levelling at three-all.

Respective two-dart finishes of 98 from Wade and 72 from Klaasen saw the next two legs shared, before Klaasen hit double 16 for a 5-4 lead.

He missed the bullseye for a 124 finish in leg ten, with Wade hitting double top, but the Dutchman responded in style with a 167 checkout to move 6-5 up.

Wade hit a 120 'Shanghai' finish for the 12th leg, and double two ensured he would gain at least a point at 7-6.

A high-quality start to the deciding leg saw both players open with scores of 180 and 140, but Klaasen missed a dart at the bull for a draw and Wade capitalised on double eight.

German Darts Classic Day 2

ANDY JENKINS went the furthest of the Hampshire contingent in the second day of the PDC Pro Tour event in Gladbeck.

Mensur Suljovic ended his hopes in Round 2 with Jenkins picking up £200.

Danny Pinhorne and Ian Jopling both lost 6-3 in the first round to seeds Mark Walsh and Kevin McDine.

Arron Monk again suffered last leg heartbreak in his first game against Denis Ovens who won in 11 darts despite Monk sitting on double top.

Colin Monk was edged out 6-4 by Toon Greebe in the preliminary round.