Tuesday 28 July 2009

British Classic, Teenage Open &Youth K.O. Cup

British Classic
Steffi Smee reached the last 32 of the Ladies Singles at Northampton with impressive wins over Tracey Lovett [Berks] and Dawn Speed [Notts] before losing 1 - 3 to Lucy Ward Geddes of Essex

Teenage Open
Shane Filleul of Hampshire played briliantly to reach the last 8 of the Teenage Open with wins over Nathan Pearce [Sussex], Brandon Walsh [Yorkshire] and Matthew Hall [W.Midlands] and finally losing a very close match 2-3 to Matthew Dickens from the West of England

Youth K.O. Cup
Hampshire narrowly lost 3-4 to a strong Kent side at the quarter finals stages

Friday 24 July 2009

Rocket's renaissance rocks Wade's World Matchplay run

WORLD number two James Wade was dumped from the stanjames.com World Matchplay by a brilliant Ronnie Baxter display in Blackpool.

Wade has reached the final at the Winter Gardens for the past three years, winning in 2007, but was blitzed by the local-born favourite.

Baxter produced a clinical display to pull away from eight-all to win eight of the next ten legs for a 16-10 victory.

Wade made a fine start to win the opening two legs and secure a 2-0 lead, but was left waiting on a finish in the next after the duo traded 180s, with Baxter taking out double ten to break back.

A two-dart 78 finish saw Baxter level, and he produced a 14-darter to square matters again after Wade took the fifth leg in 13 darts.

Baxter then took the lead for the first time with a brilliant 132 checkout as Wade waited on 40, and he then punished a missed double top from the 2007 champion with double eight to lead 5-3.

The pair traded double top finishes before Baxter took out 102 to move three legs clear at 7-4 - but he hit two 180s in the next and failed to get a shot at a double as Wade followed up an earlier maximum with an 82 checkout.

He also hit 180s in the next two, and a sensational 153 finish saw him pull level once more.

Another pair of double top finishes took the scores to eight-all, but Wade began to feel the pressure as missed doubles in the next two legs allowed Baxter to edge in front.

They traded the next two before Wade produced a 13-darter to reduce the gap to one leg at 11-10 - but that would prove as close as he would get.

He hit an eight maximum of the game in the next leg, but missed three darts at a double as Baxter took out double top.

Four further misses in the next and one in the 24th leg allowed Baxter into a 14-10 lead, and he then landed a 177 and double top to move a leg away from victory.

Four successive visits to the oche for Wade without hitting a ton gave Baxter the advantage, and he landed double top to book a first Blackpool semi-final since 2005.

"James isn't number two in the world for nothing but it was my night," said Baxter. "It was all about hitting my doubles and I have a great chance now in this event.

"James missed a few doubles and that let me in. I'm enjoying myself and my form is coming back.

"I haven't done the business for a lot of years but I'm in the semis and have a great chance now.

"The tight matches I had in the early rounds teach you things and prepare you for if they happen again in the later stages."

Thursday 23 July 2009

Stylish Wade knocks Flying Scotsman out of World Matchplay

JAMES WADE continued his stanjames.com World Matchplay love affair with a superb 13-7 win over Gary Anderson as he progressed to the quarter-finals at Blackpool's Winter Gardens.

The 2007 champion has reached the final in his three previous World Matchplay campaigns, and remains on course for another appearance after a high-quality win over Anderson.

It was his first win over the Scot, whose debut in Blackpool came to a gallant end in an exciting contest.

The pair traded ten maximums, but missed doubles proved costly for Anderson as Wade's clinical accuracy set up a quarter-final with Ronnie Baxter.

Wade won the opening leg with a 100 finish, and defied maximums from Anderson to take the next three, with the Scot missing doubles in two.

Anderson hit a fourth 180 of the game and a 151 finish to get off the mark, but missed double 14 for a second leg as Wade punished him with a double 12 checkout set up by a 177 score.

Wade also landed 138 to leave tops to earn a sixth leg, which was sandwiched between finishes of double 18 and double top as Anderson pulled back to 6-3.

Anderson missed a chance on double six in the next as Wade landed a 62 finish on double ten, and though the Scot took out double 18 for a fourth leg further misses allowed the 2007 winner to pull clear with three successive legs.

Anderson then won two of the next three, defying a Wade maximum in the first, but at 11-6 another missed double top proved crucial.

Wade stepped up to hit the same bed and move a leg away from the win, although he then missed bullseye for victory in the next as Anderson scrambled home double ten.

Anderson also landed a 180 in the next leg, but Wade took out double 18 for a 13-darter which secured the win.

The 26-year-old acknowledged that he expected Anderson to prove stiff test for him, admitting: "This was the game I didn't want to play and I've come through it.

"I was very nervous beforehand because it was being built up as a massive game but I think the greatest battle for both of us was to overcome that and play a game of darts.

"Gary didn't produce his best but I hit enough vital shots to make sure he didn't turn up and did what I do best with some good finishing.

"I'm delighted to win the game but I can play better and I'll take the win and move on to the quarter-finals. I can relax now and enjoy the rest of the competition."

Wednesday 22 July 2009

Blackpool dream over for Jenkins

MARK WALSH kicked off his stanjames.com World Matchplay challenge with a 10-5 win over Andy Jenkins.

Walsh made amends for a defeat to Jenkins at the Winter Gardens two years ago to progress to the last 16, where he will meet either Raymond van Barneveld or Michael van Gerwen.

Although Jenkins took the opening leg with a 96 finish, Walsh settled the quickest to land a 180 in the next, double ten and then break Jenkins' throw on double four to lead 3-1.

A missed double top from Jenkins in the next allowed Walsh to move 4-1 up by hitting the same bed.

Jenkins took successive legs after the break to reduce the gap to 4-3, but Walsh crucially took the next leg - breaking throw on double top - to restore his cushion.

He landed a 180 in taking leg nine before a 64 checkout put him 7-3 up.

Portsmouth's Jenkins took two of the next three to remain in the hunt at 8-5, but Walsh landed a key 171 to set up a 36 finish in moving a leg away from the win.

He then wrapped up victory in style, taking out 121 for a 12-dart leg to move into the second round.

"I'm relieved and happy to get the win," said Walsh. "It was a hard game because Andy's a good friend and it's always tough playing him, I know what a battler he is.

"Being 4-1 didn't mean a lot to me because I know what he is capable of but I managed to edge through.

"I'm in a mindset where it doesn't worry me who I play next. I've beaten Raymond van Barneveld and Phil Taylor in finals this year and beaten James Wade twice, so it doesn't matter who I play. If I produce my darts, I'll win it."

Tuesday 21 July 2009

Wade brushes Caven aside at Blackpool

JAMES WADE began his bid for a second stanjames.com World Matchplay title by sweeping aside the challenge of qualifier Jamie Caven at Blackpool.

The 2007 champion - a finalist in the last three years at the Winter Gardens - made light work of the World Matchplay debutant to set up a tasty second round clash with Gary Anderson on Thursday.

Wade signalled his intent with a 122 finish in the game's opening leg and led 5-0 and 8-1 before closing out victory.

After a superb opening leg, Wade's accuracy on double top and double ten helped him win the next three to take a commanding lead.

He edged a scrappy fifth on double one, before Caven returned from the break with a 180 before getting off the mark.

Wade responded with an 11-darter which featured three successive 140s, before double ten and double 12 moved him 8-1 up.

Caven punished a rare miss from the world number two to double his score for the match, but his comeback stalled with two misses at double 18 to nick the next as Wade took a 9-2 cushion.

A 94 finish from Caven kept him in the contest, but he was again left to rue missed doubles as Wade ensured safe passage on double ten.

Sunday 19 July 2009

Graham Baker Memorial Singles

Graham Baker Memorial Singles
Staged at Basingstoke RFC
Sunday 19th July 2009

Results as received from Kevan Merritt are:

Winner Colin Monk

Final Colin Monk 7 Ricky Cull 6

[Colin won the deciding leg with a 145 checkout]

Semi Finals

Colin Monk 6 Danny Smith 3
Ricky Cull 6 Ricky Williams 4

Last 8 losers

Paul Hogan
Arron Monk
Scott Watson
Ginger Webb

Saturday 18 July 2009

English National Singles Finals

At the English National Singles Finals held in Stockport on 18th July Hampshire's
NILLSON PRITCHARD performed brilliantly to reach the last 8 stage with defeats over
Mick Bushby, Aaron Turner and Adrian Genery before eventually succumbing 2 legs to 4 to Doug Smith
Unfortunately Hampshire's Lady representative JANE MONAGHAN lost in the preliminary stage to Barbara Legge

Friday 10 July 2009

Hampshire Qualifiers - BDO Events

Congratulations to the following Players who have won through from Hampshire Play-Offs to represent the County in next stages
These are:

World Professional Championships International Play Offs
Thursday 3rd September - Bridlington
Men
DAVE HARPER
Ladies

NIKKI STEVENS

Winmau World Championships RegioNal Play Off
Saturday 1st August - Bristol

Winmau Men Qualifiers

STEVE DONOHOE
DAVE HARPER
PHIL HARTY
TONY HUTCHINSON

Winmau Ladies Qualifiers
SHIRLEY DERRICK
ABI JURD
JANE MONAGHAN
TARA POWER


Winmau Boys Qualifiers

JUSTIN BRADSHAW
THOMAS CHANT
RYAN GROVES
GEORGE HIBBERT


Winmau Girls Qualifiers

MAXINE CADWALLADER
GEMMA HAYTER

Qualified to Winmau Finals
CONNER BEVIS - Winner Mill Rythe Youth

BDO Presentation to BRENDA CUMMINGS


Brenda will be presented with the 2009 BDO Loyalty Award at the British Gold Cup Finals at Lakeside,Frimley Green, on Saturday 11th July at approximately 12.30pm

This is a very proud day for Brenda and Hampshire

Sunday 5 July 2009

Stan James World Matchplay Draw

JAMES WADE seeded 2 will begin his campaign against Jamie Caven in the £400,000 event at the Blackpool Winter Gardens in a couple of weeks.

Andy Jenkins starts against seed 14 Mark Walsh.

Wade will be the third match of the evening on Tuesday 21 July and Jenkins wraps up the afternoon session on Wednesday 22 July.

2007 champion Wade is bidding for his fourth consecutive final at the famous venue.

Wade beaten by van Barneveld in Vegas semi

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD won a place in the PartyPoker.net Las Vegas Desert Classic final with an 11-6 win over James Wade.

The Dutchman avenged his defeat to Wade in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts semi-finals recently with another classy display to remain on course for a second Desert Classic win.

Although Wade led 2-1 early on, van Barneveld did the damage by winning eight of the next nine legs to power clear.

He landed a 12-darter in the fourth leg and then took out 156 to win the first break of throw and a 3-2 lead.

He also hit 180s in the next two legs, including an 11-darter to break throw, before taking out double 16 to win a fifth successive leg.

Wade replied with an 11-darter, a 171 in the next set up double 16 for van Barneveld to go 7-3 up, and he followed up a 12-darter by punishing a missed double top from the world number two to move further clear.

Wade landed double ten and double eight to reduce the arrears, before van Barneveld once again landed double 16, moving himself a leg away from the win.

Double six kept Wade in the game, but three ton-plus scores pulled van Barneveld away before he took out double 16 for victory.

"I've been relaxed this week and the tournament has gone well so far," said van Barneveld, who meets Taylor in the final.

"The standard is great in every event now and it's up to me to be good enough.

"I was depressed by not making the Premier League final but I have to start believing in myself again and I believe I can go all the way in this.

"Phil will have to play his best darts to beat me."

Steffi Smee - Finalist - Welsh Classic Ladies Singles

After a tremendous performance at the Welsh Classic Ladies Singles and despite defeating some top players en route to the Final including Tricia Wright, Dawn Standley and Rhian Edwards Steffi Smee fell at the last hurdle to an in form Dee Batemen

Saturday 4 July 2009

Wade beats Lewis to reach Vegas semi-final

JAMES WADE won through to the semi-finals of the PartyPoker.net Las Vegas Desert Classic with a 10-6 win over Adrian Lewis.

The world number two remains on course for a second successive Desert Classic final following the victory against his fellow young gun.

Lewis had produced his best displays this year to defeat Vincent van der Voort and Peter Manley and reach the quarters, but was failed by missed doubles at crucial stages.

Wade kicked off the game with a 104 finish to break Lewis' throw and then doubled his lead on double ten.

A 121 bullseye finish got Lewis off the mark, with Wade going 3-1 up in 13 darts as the pair traded 180s before the Stoke star posted another maximum in winning leg five.

Wade took out double top to win two of the next three legs, but Lewis landed two 180s in an 11-darter to pull back to 5-4.

Wade denied him the chance to level with another tops finish to move 6-4 up, before they once more traded maximums in the 11th leg, which Lewis edged on double eight.

It was, though, to be as close as he would get as Wade took the next two legs on double ten and then punished Lewis' misses to take out double six for a 9-5 cushion.

Double 19 from Lewis kept him in the game, but Wade was too strong in the next and took out double ten to progress to a last four clash with Raymond van Barneveld.

"It wasn't a vintage performance but Adrian missed a lot of doubles," said Wade. "It was a battle and I came through it.

"I can't wait to play Raymond, it will be a good game and also a tough game."

Friday 3 July 2009

Wade into Las Vegas quarter-finals

JAMES WADE powered through to the quarter-finals of the PartyPoker.net Las Vegas Desert Classic, seeing off Andy Hamilton 8-4 at the Mandalay Bay Resort.

The world number two followed up his win over Phillip Hazel on Thursday with a strong performance to overcome Hamilton, who hit two ten-dart legs but fell to defeat.

Hamilton started well, kicking off the match with a 180 and holding his throw for a 2-1 lead before Wade landed double top for the second time in the game to level.

The left-hander then found another gear, producing a superb 11-darter to break throw and then also win the next two legs to push 5-2 up with maximums in three successive legs.

Hamilton responded with a ten-darter in leg eight and another in the tenth to reduce the gap to 6-4 - but crucially missed four darts at a double in the next.

Wade stepped in once more on tops to lead 7-4, before wrapping up victory and a last eight spot with a 13-darter on double 14.

"Andy missed a few shots and I took advantage," said Wade.

"I think I can play better and know I'll have to if I'm going to win this but I'm enjoying the event and looking forward to my next game."

Thursday 2 July 2009

Wade wins through in the Desert Classic

JAMES WADE survived a scare against rookie Phillip Hazel before second his place in round two of the PartyPoker.net Las Vegas Desert Classic.

World number two Wade, the recent Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts champion, roared out of the blocks with 180s in the first two legs before allowing qualifier Hazel to level and provide him with nervous moments before securing a 6-3 win.

Wade kicked off the match with a 13-darter, and landed a second 180 in the next as he established a 2-0 cushion.

Missed doubles in the next allowed Hazel to get off the mark on double 18, and the Kiwi hit a 180 in taking the fourth to square the game.

Wade fired in a 14-darter to edge the fifth, but a missed double top allowed Hazel in to level matters again on double eight.

Wade, last year's runner-up, landed two double top finishes to move clear at 5-3, and landed a 180 in the next before sealing the win on double nine.

Wednesday 1 July 2009

Monk out of Desert Classic

DENNIS PRIESTLEY opened the PartyPoker.net Las Vegas Desert Classic with a clinical 6-1 victory over Colin Monk.

Monk had battled through the qualifiers to win a spot in the Desert Classic for the first time, but his stay in the main event was made brief by a strong Priestley display.

While the pair traded finishes of 66 and 81 in the opening two legs, Priestley took the third with a 96 checkout and then broke in the fourth with a 136 finish to lead 3-1.

Monk missed four doubles to break back in the fifth, which Priestley took on double four, before the pair endured some wayward finishing in the next.

Monk saw a dart for double top land in double five, and Priestley stepped in to finish on double one to move 5-1 up and a leg away from the victory.

He then sealed victory by taking out 81 on double 18, setting up a second round date with Phil Taylor.

PartyPoker.net Las Vegas Desert Classic Draw

COLIN MONK will open the £200,000 event live on Sky Sports this evening at 7.00 p.m. with a clash against Dennis Priestley.

James Wade will start against Kiwi qualifier Phillip Hazel on Thursday evening.

Las Vegas Players Championship

JAMES WADE reached the quarter finals of the £30,000 Players Championship at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas but was beaten by Gary Anderson. Wade collected £800 towards the Order of Merit.

Andy Jenkins and Colin Monk both reached the last 64 winning £200.

Jenkins had guaranteed his place at the Stan James World Matchplay by finishing sufficiently high in the Players Championship Order of Merit at the conclusion of the Las Vegas event.

Ronnie Baxter took the top prize of £6,000 with a final win over Phil Taylor. Larry Butler and Wes Newton both hit nine dart legs during the event.