Players Championship 26 Crawley

JAMES WADE made the last 32 round of the second of the weekend's PDC Pro Tour events at the K2 Centre, Crawley before losing out to Brendan Dolan.

Arron Monk, Colin Monk and Andy Jenkins each reached the last 63 losing to James Wade, Gary Anderson and Simon Whitlock.

Jamie Caven hit a 9 dart 501 netting a bonus of £2,800 scoring 167, 180 and finishing 154 and Colin Lloyd beat Simon Whitlock to the £6,000 first prize.

Players Championship 25 Crawley

JAMES WADE reached the last 16 of the latest Players Championship at the K2 Centre Crawley but was edged out by Steve Farmer.

Wade accounted for Andy Jenkins in the last 32 and Simon Whitlock defeated Colin Monk in the last 64.

Adrian Lewis beat Steve Farmer to take the £6,000 top prize.

Players Championship 24 Canadian Masters

ANDY JENKINS again makes the last 64 before being edged out by 6-5 in his match with former three-time World Champion John Part.

Arron Monk is also beaten 6-5 by Dave Switzer in his opening match.

Players Championship 23 London Ontario

ANDY JENKINS and ARRON MONK both made the last 64 of Saturday's Players Championship in Canada.

Jenkins lost 6-4 to Scott Rand after beating 14th seed Paul Nicholson and Monk lost by the same score to Mark Walsh after a win over former World Matchplay champion Larry Butler.

A second event takes place on Sunday.

Dinslaken defeat for Wade

COLIN LLOYD sent world number three James Wade packing in the PartyPoker.net European Championship with a 6-4 victory at the Stadthalle in Dinslaken.

Lloyd put his World Matchplay nightmare, where Kevin Painter came from 8-2 down to defeat him 11-9 ten days ago in Blackpool, behind him with a gritty display against Wade.

Left-hander Wade had battled back from 4-2 down to level as Lloyd's doubles deserted him, but he regained his cool to win the next two and set up a tasty second round clash with Michael van Gerwen.

Wade hit a 180 in the opening leg, which he won on double top, but Lloyd posted double five to level and double 18 to break throw in the third leg.

A 100 finish saw the Essex man move 3-1 up, although Wade replied in 11 darts with a superb fifth leg, which featured two 180s amongst seven perfect darts to open the leg.

Double 16 saw Lloyd edge 4-2 ahead, and he hit scores of 140 and 180 to leave 42 in the seventh, only to miss eight darts for the leg as Wade took out double two to pull back into the game.

Two further misses from Lloyd, at double top and double ten, gave Wade the chance to level in the eighth, and he took out 61 on double ten to square the game.

Lloyd, though, kicked off the ninth with a maximum, and he regained his range on double top to move a leg away from the win before posting another 180 and double 14 - at the fourth time of asking - to ensure progression.

End of the road for Wade at Blackpool

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD won through to his first StanJames.com World Matchplay final with a 17-8 demolition of James Wade at the Winter Gardens on Saturday night.

World number two van Barneveld continued his dream return to form at the World Matchplay, having returned from a two-month lay-off with a nine-darter in the first round a week ago and swept aside Denis Ovens, Alan Tabern, Co Stompe and now Wade in Blackpool.

Another fine performance, where he hit 43 percent of his chances at a finish, including three ton-plus scores, and five maximums, blew the 2007 champion apart and saw him power into Sunday's final, where he meets Phil Taylor or Simon Whitlock.

"I have a target to win every big PDC tournament and I've not won this so it would be massive to win the World Matchplay," said van Barneveld.

"I still feel pressure, especially from being the number one in Holland and being number two to Phil Taylor but it would be amazing to beat him and win this."

Wade had actually made the brighter start, winning three of the opening four legs to hold the early advantage, taking out 121 for a 12-darter as well as two double ten finishes, although van Barneveld had hit a 174 score in setting up double 18 to get off the mark.

The Dutchman landed a 180 in taking the first, and after Wade checked out 140 to take the sixth with another 12-darter he found another gear to reel off four sparkling legs.

They included one 14-dart finish, two 15-darters and a 136 checkout for a 12-darter in assuming a 6-4 lead.

Wade ended that run with a 14-darter, but three more legs from van Barneveld saw him move 10-6 up as he landed a brace of 13-darters and a 100 finish to take control of the game.

Wade won two of the next three, including a 145 checkout, but a thrilling ten-darter from van Barneveld moved him into an 11-7 advantage.

He then missed five darts to take the next leg, as Wade posted double ten to pull back to within three legs - but he was frustratingly left waiting on a finish without getting a chance as van Barneveld moved 14-8 up with another burst of three legs, including a 101 checkout.

Double nine and double top put him to the brink of victory, and though Wade landed scores of 171 and 170 in the next the Dutch star took out 91 for a 14-darter to ensure his first televised final since the World Grand Prix last October.

Wade into World Matchplay semi-finals

JAMES WADE remains on course for a second StanJames.com World Matchplay title following a 16-12 win over Wolverhampton battler Wayne Jones in Blackpool.

The 2007 Winter Gardens champion continued his improvement as the tournament progresses to see off Jones, who had won through to his first quarter-final in Blackpool and matched the number three seed blow for blow.

Wade will now meet Raymond van Barneveld or Co Stompe in Saturday's semi-finals, as he bids to reach the final for the fourth time in five years.

Wade landed a 180 in taking the game's opener, only for Jones to reply with a 13-darter and take out double 18 to break for a 2-0 lead.

Wade bettered that with a 121 finish for a 12-darter, and then won the next three legs to move into a 5-2 advantage, only for Jones to hit back with legs of 13, 14 and 14 darts to square the match.

The duo traded double top finishes in the next two before Wade again found an extra gear, defying a quartet of 180s from Jones to win four successive legs, twice punishing misses from the Wolverhampton man.

A double 16 finish from Jones ended that run, and was followed by finishes of 83 and 128 as he pulled back to 11-9, only to see Wade edge clear again, taking the next two legs to lead 13-9.

Jones replied with another double salvo, punishing missed doubles from Wade on double 18 and double eight, although double six moved Wade two legs away from the win at 14-11.

The former champion then produced his best leg of the game, an 11-darter, for a 15th leg, and after Jones posted double top to keep the match alive Wade hit the same bed to complete his victory.

"It was an exceptionally hard game for me because Wayne has a good record against me and it was psychologically hard," said Wade. "But there was a bit of the old James Wade there and it's getting better.
"I made a break early on but didn't kill him off as quickly as I could, but I know I've got three more gears to find yet.

"It would be amazing to win this tournament again and it's about time I won another big title because it's over a year, so we'll see what happens this weekend."

Jones said: "I enjoyed the game, and James played well under pressure and deserved to win.

"I had two or three legs where I should have broken his throw and that cost me, and those two or three legs where I should have pressured him more were disappointing.

"I'm pleased I played well and I wasn't out of it at any stage - even when I was two or three legs I was still in it but couldn't quite get the breaks of throw.

"I said I'd need a 94 or 95 average to beat him and he had a 98 average so I've no complaints there.

"This week my performances have been more like they have been in the floor tournaments and that's good. I did quite enjoy this game and all the matches this week and this was a decent game of darts."

Blackpool ride continues for Wade

JAMES WADE powered into the quarter-finals of the StanJames.com World Matchplay with a 13-10 win over Vincent van der Voort in Blackpool.

Wade, the Winter Gardens champion in 2007, continued his challenge for a second World Matchplay title with an assured display to end the Dutchman's hopes.

He came from 3-2 down to lead 6-3 and 11-6 before holding off a fightback from van der Voort to set up a quarter-final with Wolverhampton's Wayne Jones.

However, the world number three said afterwards: "I've got to improve if I want to win this title.

"I got my game quite a bit there and started relaxing and playing to the crowd instead of getting on with it and you're not going to win tournaments like that.

"There were glimmers of my best darts but Vincent missed a lot of doubles and I finished pretty well. I've won my first two games and this was an okay day's work - but I want to bury players and not let them back in."

Wade hit a maximum in the game's opening leg but van der Voort edged ahead on the bullseye before landing double top for a 2-0 advantage.

The left-hander hit the same bed to get off the mark, but a 180 was not enough in the fourth leg as van der Voort posted double nine to move 3-1 up.

Wade finished 62 to take the fifth leg, and an assured two-dart 96 checkout saw him level matters.

The Dutchman missed the bull for a 124 finish in the seventh, with Wade following up an earlier maximum with double ten to lead for the first time, and a 96 finish followed by double ten took his run to five successive legs as he took a 6-3 lead.

Van der Voort stopped that with double 16, but Wade won the next three - twice punishing misses from last year's quarter-finalist - to take a 9-4 advantage.

Van der Voort took out 106 to win a fifth leg, while the pair traded maximums in sharing the next two to leave Wade 10-6 up, with double ten giving him a five-leg cushion.

However, the Dutch star threatened a comeback by cutting the lead to 11-8 by winning the next two legs, forcing Wade to take out 121 in moving a leg away from the win.

Van der Voort posted two double eight finishes to pull back to within two legs and keep the game alive, but Wade sealed victory on double five to set up a quarter-final with Wayne Jones.

"Friday is my biggest game of the tournament," said Wade. "Wayne's got a pretty good record against me recently but this is on the TV stage and we'll see what happens on Friday."

Tough World Matchplay opener for Wade

FORMER StanJames.com World Matchplay champion James Wade began his bid to lift the trophy for a second time with a battling 10-8 win over Andy Smith.

The 2007 winner made hard work of victory, with Smith holding an early lead and remaining ahead until missing nine darts for a 9-7 lead, with Wade taking the final three legs without reply to sneak victory.

Smith took the opening leg before doubling his lead against the darts with a brilliant 151 checkout, only for Wade to fire in a 168 score in taking the third and a 180 plus a 124 bullseye finish to level.

The next six legs were shared to leave the scores tied at five-all before the pair traded 180s in the 11th, with Wade missing at double ten and double five to hit the front, as Smith held throw to lead 6-5 and then took out 116 for a 7-5 cushion.

Wade broke back on double top, and defied a maximum from Smith to win the 14th and square the game.

However, Smith again nudged himself back in front, with Wade hitting a 180 only to see his opponet post double top for an 8-7 lead.

When Wade lost his range on double top in the next, Smith saw his chance to move a leg away from the win arrive - only to then miss nine darts to win the leg as double five allowed the left-hander to square matters.

Wade then moved in for the kill, powering a 180 and double four to move 9-8 up - leading for the first time - before hitting his sixth maximum of the game in an 11-darter, secured with a bullseye-double top 90 finish, to seal the win.

"I'll take the win but I'm not happy with my performance," said Wade. "Everything I did didn't seem to work - I was throwing low of the treble and high of the treble - and Andy probably should have beaten me.

"What I did in the last two legs I probably expected to do for 15 to 20 legs and it's puzzling, but I've got three days to try and put it right now."

Players Championship 21 Las Vegas

JAMES WADE makes the final of the last of the tout events at the New Tropicana World Series of Darts Festival but is beaten by Co Stompe.

Arron Monk reaches the last 64 losing 6-4 to Simon Whitlock.

Players Championship 20 Las Vegas

Colin Monk reaches the last 32 losing to Simon Whitlock.

Andy Jenkins and James Wade both go out in the last 64.

Gary Anderson beats Simon Whitlock in the final.

Players Championship 19 Las Vegas

JAMES WADE reaches the semi-finals of the US Open Players Championship in Las Vegas in the first of three Pro Tour events taking place.

Arron Monk, Colin Monk and Andy Jenkins all reach the last 64.

Phil Taylor beats Denis Ovens in the final and Colin Lloyd hits a nine dart finish during the event.

World Cricket Championship

ANDY JENKINS makes the last 16 of the World Cricket Championship at Las Vegas before losing to Steve Beaton.

James Wade is beaten in the last 32 by Andy Hamilton.

The cricket discipline, popular in the United States is used for the opening event in the New Tropicana World Series of Darts Festival that will be followed by three tour events and the North American Championship.

Phil Taylor beats Mark Walsh in the final

Players Championship 18 Haarlem

ARRON MONK makes the last 32 of the second Dutch event of the weekend but is beaten by Nigel Heydon.

Andy Jenkins reaches the last 64 lsoing to Steve Brown.

Andy Smith beats Alan Tabern in the final.

Players Championship 17 Haarlem

ARRON MONK and COLIN MONK both reach the last 64 of the first of two Dutch Pro Tour events at the van der Valk Hotel, Haarlem losing to Colin Lloyd and Kevin Painter respectively.

Vincent van der Voort beats Wayne Jones in the final.

Players Championship 16 Barnsley

ANDY JENKINS had a run to the last sixteen at the Barnsley Metrodome in the second of two Players Championships held this weekend.

He beat Mick McGowan, Steve Beaton and Brendan Dolan but lost out to Andy Hamilton.

James Wade, Steve Musson and Robbie Newland all reached the last 64 losing to Tony Ayres, Co Stompe and Tony Eccles.

Ronnie Baxter beats Denis Ovens in the final to take the £6,000 first prize.

Players Championship 15 Barnsley

JAMES WADE reached the semi-finals of the first of two Players Championships this weekend at Barnsley Metrodome before going down to Mark Walsh.

Arron Monk and Steve Musson made the last 64 losing to Peter Wright and Walsh.

Walsh eventually lost to Gary Anderson in the final.

Ayres rocks Reebok with win over Wade

TONY AYRES' dream run in the Rileys Darts Zones UK Open continued as he won through to the semi-finals in Bolton, where he is joined by Gary Anderson, Denis Ovens and Phil Taylor.

Ayres, the world number 62, had won through to his first ever ranking quarter-final at the Reebok Stadium with four victories since Thursday night.

The Billingshurst-based star then knocked out 2008 champion James Wade to reach the semis, prevailing 10-9 in a brilliant encounter.

Ayres led 3-0 and 7-4 before Wade hit back to lead for the first time at 9-8, only to then miss three match darts as the newcomer to the big stage held his nerve with a sensational 152 finish before winning the decider in 13 darts.

"I don't know what to say!" admitted Ayres. "I've done brilliantly this weekend and enjoyed it, and I've thrown the darts I know I can play.

"When James has darts at double top for the match you expect to be out, but he missed and I took my chance. I'm not scared of anyone at the moment and I can't wait for the semi-finals."

Ayres' chance to prove that will come against Gary Anderson in Sunday evening's semi-finals, after the Scot superbly defeated Andy Hamilton 10-6 with a 106.49 average.

Wade into Bolton quarter finals

JAMES WADE was a comfortable 9-2 winner against Kevin McDine in the fifth round and now takes on Tony Ayres who defeated Alan Tabern 9-5 to reach his maiden televised quarter-final.

Wade still in the hunt for a second UK Open win

2008 champion James Wade remains on course for another UK Open title after ending the hopes of Irish youngster William O'Connor with a 9-3 win, and he faces Kevin McDine after the Geordie saw off Rileys Amateur Qualifier Paul Warwick 9-8 from being 8-6 down.

Rileys Darts Zones UK Open Round 3

JAMES WADE survives a battle with Steve Hine to win 9-7 on the main TV stage as the £200,000 event continues at the Reebok Stadium at Bolton.

Arron Monk loses 5-9 to Denis Ovens while his father Colin loses by the same scoreline to Dennis Smith.

Ovens and Smith draw each other in Saturday's fourth round and Wade will face Irish newcomer William O'Connor.

Rileys Darts Zones UK Open Rounds 1 and 2

FOUR Hampshiremen entered the £200,000 event at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton in the first round which was made up of the players finishing between 65th and 96th in the final table after the 8 professional qualifying rounds together with amateur qualifiers.

Robbie Newland beat John Robertson 6-5
Danny Pinhorne lost to Reece Robinson 4-6
Paul Gibbs beat Mark Wilson 6-3
Tony Hutchinson had a walk over against Darren Sullivan who failed to register.

In the second round the players rated 33-64 from the professional ranks were added to the draw and Colin Monk and son Arron Monk both began their campaigns.

Robbie Newland lost to Dennis Smith 1-6
Paul Gibbs lost to Robert Thornton 2-6
Tony Hutchinson lost to Steve Evans 1-6
Colin Monk beat Darren Johnson 6-4
Arron Monk beat Nick Fullwell 6-3 and played on the main TV stage.

Play continues at 7 p.m. on Friday evening with the third round which now involves the top 32 players including James Wade.

Arron Monk drew Denis Ovens, Colin Monk plays Dennis Smith and James Wade faces Steve Hine.

Hampshire Open 2010

Arron Monk became the 2010 Hampshire Open Champion at the Novotel Southampton thus continuing a family tradition as he took over the Title from his father Colin the 2008 and 2009 Champion

Arron played superbly all day and claimed the trophy and £1,000 first prize after winning a thrilling Final 5 legs to 2 against England International and Yourkshire player Martin Atkins who had himself defeated Colin Monk in the semi final with Arron winning his semi-final against Jamie Robinson of Essex

Players in the last 8 were:

Paul Cook [Wiltshire], Jamie Robinson [Essex]

Ben Ward [Dorset], Arron Monk [Hampshire]

Colin Monk [Hampshire] , Jason Crawley [Hampshire]

Martin Atkins [Yorkshire] , Ricky Williams [Hampshire]

496 players entered the event and the organisers would like to extend evereyone that took part for their sportsmanship and assistance in what was an absilutely brilliant and enjoyable day of fantastic darts

Special mention to Ricky Williams who celebrated his 21st birthday with a last 8 place!!

Last 64 details can be found here

Wade runs Taylor close in Wembley epic

PHIL TAYLOR smashed apart the record books with TWO nine-dart finishes in claiming glory in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts, defeating James Wade 10-8 to reclaim the £125,000 title.

Taylor became the first player in darting history to hit two nine-dart finishes in one game with a scintillating performance in the final of the tournament, as he won back the Premier League trophy.

Having avenged last season's semi-final loss to Mervyn King with a thumping 8-1 triumph, Taylor took to the stage in the final and hit his first Premier League nine-darter in the second leg against Wade.

He went on to achieve the feat again in the 15th leg of the final, halting Wade's comeback in its tracks with his second nine-darter.

Taylor also hit seven perfect darts in the next leg, settling for a ten-darter which edged him to the brink of victory before eventually sealing a 10-8 triumph.

The night was a joyous one for Taylor, whose bid to reclaim the title had been delayed by 24 hours due to a power cut on Sunday in the north London area.

However, he showed few signs of that affecting him by producing the season's highest average so far in seeing off King 8-1 in the semis.

King was restricted to only four darts at a double in the game, with Taylor's accuracy on double top in the first five legs effectively ending any chance of a repeat of his victory at the same stage last year.

King did take the sixth leg of the game, but Taylor replied with a 164 finish and swept to victory with an average of 107.98.

That was bettered in the final, as Taylor overcame Wade's brave challenge to retain the title in a thriller.

Wade won through to the final with an 8-6 defeat of Australian Simon Whitlock, and kicked off the final with a 180, taking the opening leg in 12 darts with a fine 136 checkout.

Taylor replied in style, opening leg two with a 174 score, which he followed up with a 180 and then a 147 finish of treble 20, treble 17 and double 18 to record the first nine-dart finish in a televised final.

A classy 110, of single 20, bullseye and double top, put him 2-1 up before Wade levelled on double top after the World Champion missed the bullseye for a 132 checkout.

Taylor found an extra gear to take the next three legs, taking out 86 for the fifth leg, an 11-darter which featured scores of 177 and 180 to break throw and then double top for a 5-2 cushion.

Wade left double top with a 171 score in hitting back, only for double 16 to give Taylor a sixth leg.

Wade hit a 180 and a 121 bullseye finish to take the tenth, only for Taylor to reply in kind with a maximum and an 82 checkout of bullseye and double 16 for a 7-4 lead.

Wade took a key 12th leg on double ten before edging a scrappy 13th as the tension rose, with Taylor missing the bull and two darts at double eight before Wade landed double two to cut the gap to one leg.

The pair then traded maximums in the next, with Wade first to a finish and posting double top to square the match at seven-all.

Taylor, rattled by Wade's revival, kicked off the 15th leg with a 180, which he repeated on his second visit to the oche before landing a 141 finish to create history with his second nine-darter of the game - raising the Wembley Arena roof.

Taylor also set up a potential third nine-darter of the game when he opened the next with scores of 174 and 180, only to miss his eighth dart, at treble 17, with double eight for a ten-dart finish putting him into a 9-7 lead.

However, three missed darts at double top for the match in the next allowed Wade to finish 64 on double top.

Taylor, though, found a tenth 180 of the game to open the next leg and finished 88 on double 14 for a 12-darter in taking back the coveted trophy.

Wade into third Premier League Final

JAMES WADE remains on course to retain the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts title following an 8-6 semi-final victory over Simon Whitlock at the Wembley Arena.

Reigning champion Wade jumped into the play-off places in the 14th and final weekly round, and continued his march by progressing to the final.

Whitlock had finished second in the league table in his debut Premier League season, but the deadly doubling which had seen him power through the eight-player field deserted him in the semi-finals.

He missed six darts at a double in the opening two legs as Wade opened up a 2-0 lead, although double eight in the third got the Australian off the mark after the pair traded maximum scores.

Wade broke back with a 180 and a two-dart 83 finish, before double ten gave the left-hander a 4-1 cushion.

Wade missed chances at the bullseye in the next two legs, as Whitlock hit back to cut the gap to one leg before trading 180s with the reigning champion in leg eight.

It was Whitlock who reached the double first, with double eight levelling the match, before he then hit the front by taking out 70 on double top to move 5-4 up.

He was also waiting on a finish in the next, but Wade landed a killer blow with a superb 107 finish to square the game.

A clinical 81 gave Wade the advantage once again, although Whitlock hit back to level.

Double eight, though, saw Wade edge a leg away from the win, and he defied a 180 from Whitlock to post double five in the next and move into the final.

"I'm delighted to be in the final," said Wade. "I had a bad start to the season but hopefully I'm coming good now and I'll give it everything in the final.

"It wasn't my best performance but the 107 checkout was vital and I managed to finish the job."

Whitlock admitted: "The 107 won him the game.

"Missing early doubles cost me and I was playing catch-up for a long time. It's disappointing not to reach the final and I'm pretty gutted because I played badly."

Wade's Premier League title defence postponed

JAMES WADE will return to Wembley Arena tomorrow night to defend his Whyte & Mackay Premier League title.

He opens with his semi-final against Simon Whitlock while Phil Taylor takes on Mervyn King.

No play was possible this evening due to a power failure in the area.

Monk on TV Stage at Reebok

ARRON MONK's second round clash with Nick Fullwell has been selected as one of the Main Stage matches on the opening night of the UK Open at Bolton on Thursday 3rd June.

A win will put Monk into Friday's lucrative third round draw where he would be guaranteed at least £1,000 from the £200,000 prize fund.

Players Championship 14 Salzburg

COLIN MONK reached the last 32 at the Renaissance Hotel before Mark Dudbridge stopped his run.

Andy Jenkins and Ian Jopling made the last 64 losing out to Alan Tabern and Mark Walsh.

Phil Taylor won the event despite Simon Whitlock starting the final with a perfect 9 darter.

Players Championship 13 Salzburg

JAMES WADE reached the last 16 at the first of two events in Austria this weekend but was beaten by Adrian Lewis.

Ian Jopling and Arron Monk made the last 64 losing to Mervyn King and Michael van Gerwen.

Simon Whitlock won a fourth Pro Tour title beating Steve Beaton in the final at the Renaissance Hotel.

Wade makes it to Wembley after Nottingham win

REIGNING champion James Wade qualified for the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts play-offs with an 8-5 defeat of Terry Jenkins, who is condemned to finish last in the league table after the loss in Nottingham.

World number three Wade lost his opening three games this season, but bounced back well and edged into the top four with a fifth victory of the campaign.

Wade's victory also means that Jenkins, the 2007 runner-up, finishes at the bottom of the table after losing his final three games.

A nervy opening saw the players share the opening four legs, with the first two being won on double ten and the next pair on double top.

Jenkins also posted double top to win the fifth, but Wade found another gear and landed a 180 in levelling before punishing one missed double from his opponent to break throw for the first time in the game on double top.

Another double top finish put Wade 5-3 up, before he missed the same bed in the ninth as Jenkins posted double four to hit back.

Wade claimed a sixth leg with a key 110 checkout as the pace increased, Jenkins replying in 11 darts but left waiting on a finish in the 12th leg, as double top crucially gave Wade a 7-5 cushion.

With only a draw to play for, Jenkins set up a 141 finish only to miss the double 12, and Wade sealed victory on double 18.

"That's the most pressure I've ever felt in my life," admitted Wade afterwards. "It's my own fault I was in this situation but I'd love to get hold of the trophy again.

"It's really up for grabs in the play-offs. I'm starting to come into a little bit of form and we'll see what happens at Wembley now."

He added: "The 110 finish was crucial and won me the game. It wasn't the best match but I did the job and that's what was important."

UK Open draw

THE DRAW for the first night of the UK Open at Bolton's Reebok Stadium has taken place.

None of the four Hampshiremen in the first phase of the event are drawn in a preliminary round.

Robbie Newland starts against Rileys Amateur qualifier John Robertson and Dennis Smith waits for the winner in round 2.

Danny Pinhorne will play the winner from the preliminary match between Rileys qualifier Reece Robinson and Lothian county qualifier Hugh Ringland. Victory will mean he faces Richie Burnett or Lousi Blundell.

Paul Gibbs who came through the Rileys Amateur Qualifiers at Bournemouth faces another Rileys qualifier Mark Wilson. His second round, if successful will be against Robert Thornton.

Tony Hutchinson who won the Hampshire county qualifier starts against Darren Sullivan and will be hoping to survive to face Steve Evans.

Father and son Colin and Arron Monk both face tough openers against Darren Johnson and Nick Fullwell in the second round. Their finishing positions in the final table excuse them from having to play in the first round.

James Wade will join the event on the second night in the third round. The draw for the third round takes place after the second round is complete.

The event opens on Thursday 3 June and is live on Sky Sports.

UK Open Qualifier 8 Wigan

JAMES WADE won his first event of 2010 by takikng the last of of the UK Open Qualifiers at the Robin Park Tennis Centre with victory over Gary Anderson.

Ian Jopling reached the last 32 before losing narrowly to Matt Clark while Andy Jenkins, back on the tour after a four month suspension reached the last 64 losing to Nigel Heydon.

Co Stompe hit a perfect nine darter in his match against Vincent van der Voort.

Wade will be joined at the UK Open finals at Bolton by Arron and Colin Monk, Danny Pinhorne and Robbie Newland.

Paul Gibbs and Tony Hutchinson will also play at the finals having won through amateur and county qualifying rounds.

Players Championship 12 Wigan

JAMES WADE reached the last 8 of the twelfth Players Championship of 2010 at Robin Park Tennis Centre where he lost to Mark Webster.

Colin Monk made the last 64 but was edged out by Kevin Painter.

Simon Whitlock defeated Andy Hamilton 6-0 to win his third Players Championship in four attempts.

Hamilton scooped a £3,200 bonus for a nine dart leg against Dennis Priestley during the afternoon.

Wizard casts spell over Wade at Newcastle

SIMON WHITLOCK clamed a key 8-4 win over James Wade to put one foot into the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts play-offs on a dramatic night in Newcastle.

The pair entered the clash locked on 12 points in the league table, and it was the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship runner-up who emerged victorious to enter the final week needing only a draw to qualify.

Wade, the reigning champion, now has to defeat Terry Jenkins in Nottingham to keep alive his hopes of retaining the title at Wembley Arena on May 23.

Whitlock, as so often during the Premier League, benefitted from his tremendous finishing, hitting eight from 13 attempts at a double in the game and three ton-plus finishes.

The game's opening two legs both went against the throw before Whitlock broke with a superb 124 bullseye finish in the third.

The pair traded 180s in the fourth leg, which Wade won in 12 darts, only to then miss two darts to edge in front as Whitlock took out double eight for a third leg.

The Australian posted a third 180 of the game in holding throw for the first time, with double 16 seeing him move 4-2 up thanks to hitting four of five attempts at a double.

Wade hit a 180 in a 13-darter to pull back in leg seven, but Whitlock found another gear to win the next three, including a 104 checkout against the throw, in taking a commanding 7-3 lead.

Wade checked out 127 on the bull to win the next in 12 darts, but any hopes of a fightback to claim a draw were dashed when Whitlock took victory thanks to a 100 finish.

"I knew I needed a good result and I've got a win so I'm very happy with that," said Whitlock. "Being in fifth spot going into the game and knowing I needed at least a draw meant there was a lot of pressure.

"I've been working hard on my finishing again recently and it paid off for me. If my finishing is there my scoring usually flows and it did.

"It's down to me next week now. Mervyn King will be ready for me and it will be a big game but hopefully I can get the win again and make sure of a play-off spot."

Aberdeen draw for Wade

RONNIE BAXTER scrambled a draw against James Wade to share the spoils for the second time this season with the defending Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts champion.

The play-off chasing pair battled it out in an entertaining contest which swung both ways as Baxter led 4-2 before Wade won five legs out of six to earn a point - only to then miss five match darts in the decider.

The early stages were dominated by missed doubles, with the first four legs going against the throw, Baxter taking out 110 in the second but winning the fourth on double one to show the inconsistency of the pair's start.

Wade had landed double two and tops to take his first two legs, but missed another chance to break in the fifth as Baxter penalised two misses to take out double top, and then hit the same bed for a 4-2 lead at the break.

Wade hit a 180 after the restart, and powered home a fine 121 finish for a 12-darter after Baxter had missed double 18.

The reigning champion levelled in the next, thanks to another 180 in a 14-darter, before punishing eight missed doubles from Baxter in the next to regain the lead.

Double top put Wade 6-4 up before Baxter won his first leg in five, hitting a 96 finish of single 20, double 18 and double top.

Wade finished 101 in the 12th leg to lead 7-5 and ensure a minimum of a point, but was denied a shot at victory in the next as Baxter hit a 180 and a third-dart double two to force a decider.

The Lancastrian trailed as Wade set up victory, only to miss a total of five darts at double ten, five and two to claim both points and allow him back on 96, which he despatched in two darts for the draw.

"We both missed a lot of doubles in the early legs but I was disappointed that I went 4-2 up and didn't kick on from that," said Baxter.

"James let me in at the end and I took my chance. I'm happy with with a draw and it could prove to be a crucial point."

UK Open Qualifier 7 Wigan

RON ATWILL, Danny Pinhorne and James Wade all reached the last 64 of the penultimate UK Open Qualifier at the Robin Park Tennis Centre.

Atwill was edged out by Alex Roy, Pinhorne lost to Scott Rand and James Wade was beaten narrowly by Stuart Dutton.

Colin Lloyd beat Colin Osborne in the final to win the £6,000 first prize.

Players Championship 11 Wigan

JAMES WADE reaches the last 16 of today's event at Robin Park Tennis Centre but is beaten by Gary Anderson.

Arron Monk has another good run, to the last 32 before Jamie Caven ends his interest in the tournament.

Wes Newton takes the £6,000 top prize beating Andy Hamilton in the final.

Wade back in contention after Liverpool win

JAMES WADE turned on the style to end Raymond van Barneveld's Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts hopes with an 8-3 victory at the Liverpool Echo Arena.

Van Barneveld slumped to the bottom of the table a week ago, and an eighth defeat of the campaign means he cannot qualify for next month's play-offs, having been a semi-final loser in each of the last four seasons of the tournament.

The Dutchman shared the opening six legs, but Wade won the next five legs to storm to victory with a 100 average.

Van Barneveld began well, hitting double eight to break throw in the opening leg, but a missed double top allowed Wade to level on the same bed with a 13-darter, before the left-hander posted double ten to edge 2-1 up.

The five-time World Champion landed back-to-back 180s in the fourth, hitting an 11-darter to level, and after Wade posted a 120 finish to take the fifth he then landed another maximum and double 16 to level at the break.

Wade, though, found another gear after the restart, hitting an 87 finish for a 12-darter and then a 13-dart finish against the throw to move clear at 5-3.

Double 18 saw him pull three legs clear before he posted another 13-darter, featuring his third maximum of the game, and then sealed the win on double top.

"I feel like I'm starting to show my true colours now and my finishing was good tonight but I know I've got more in the tank," said Wade.

"All the games now are massive for me and it's a really interesting Premier League this season because seven players are in with a shout, and it's all about who's got the most bottle now."

Paul Gibbs Qualifies for UK Open Finals

Paul Gibbs won the Bournemouth Rileys Qualifier for PDC UK Open on Sunday 18th April with a 3 – 1 victory over Nigel Lamb in the semi final and another 3 – 1 win against Darren Lodge in the Final
Paul will now go forward to the televised stages in Bolton with fellow Hampshire player Tony Hutchinson
COUNTY QUALIFIERS
Four of the 8 x Counties invited to provide a player for the latter stages of the UK Open have now staged their play offs and qualifiers to date are:
Hampshire - Tony Hutchinson
Lothian - Hugh Ringland
Northumberland - Ian Gleeson
Nottinghamshire - Jay Foreman

UK Open place for Gibbs

PAUL GIBBS has won one of 32 Rileys Amateur Qualifier spots for the UK Open.

He beat Darren Lodge at the Bournemouth Darts Zone to qualify for the Bolton finals in June.

Mike Gillett was beaten in the final of a play-off at the Brighton Darts Zone.

UK Open Qualifier 6 Derby

JAMES WADE reaches the last sixteen at the Moorways Centre before losing 6-4 to Phil Taylor.

Colin Monk and Danny Pinhorne both make the last 64 losing to Andy Smith and John Part.

Phil Taylor beats Peter Wright to win the £6,000 top prize.

Players Championship 10 Derby

ARRON MONK has another good run to the last 32 of the event at the Moorways Centre but is beaten by eventual finalist Colin Lloyd.

James Wade reached the same round but is edged out by Steve Hine.

Robbie Newland and Steve Musson both make the last 64 before losing to Kevin Painter and Paul Nicholson.

Simon Whitlock wins the event beating Lloyd in the final.

Sheffield draw with Taylor for Wade

PHIL TAYLOR dramatically kept alive his unbeaten run in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts, denying James Wade victory at the Sheffield Arena to snatch a draw in the deciding leg.

Reigning champion Wade looked set to take victory when he led 7-4, but paid the price for not closing out the win as the world number one showed his champion qualities to battle back for a draw.

Wade opened superbly to take a 2-0 lead, hitting a 14-darter in the opening leg before taking out the second against the throw in 11 darts, thanks in part to the first of seven 180s in the game.

He also hit a maximum in the third, but Taylor finished 81 to get off the mark before levelling on double 12 with Wade waiting on 24.

Wade took the next two legs in 13 and 14 darts to lead 4-2, hitting a further three 180s before then posting double five to return from the break and move three legs clear.

The pair shared the next four legs as Wade, thanks to four top for another 14-darter, ensured at least a point at 7-4.

Taylor hit double six in the next to keep alive his hopes of a comeback, and then punished a missed double 16 for a 103 finish, and victory, with double four to force a deciding leg.

And Taylor, typically, produced a killer blow with a 171 score to lead 16, with Wade unable to check out 145 before the four-time Premier League champion claimed the draw.

"The 171 was a massive shot and I'm delighted in many ways to have got a point out of this game," said Taylor. "James has got loads of guts and it's great to see him playing well again.

"He played superbly tonight and it was a really difficult game for me. I think he maybe started thinking about the win at the end, and when it was 7-4 I knew if I could break him I could get a point, and I did that."

Wade admitted: "I played well in patches but I wasn't good enough to win it at the end because I let go of the opportunity.

"I feel my form is coming back and hopefully it's not too late for me to force my way into the top four. I've got to keep going now."

UK Open Qualifier 5 Barnsley

Arron Monk made another step towards a guaranteed place in the last 64 of the UK Open finals with a run to the last sixteen at Barnsley Metrodome before Wayne Jones knocked him out.

Robbie Newland and Steve Musson enhanced their own chances in the race to the Reebok Stadium with places in the last 64. Newland was beaten by Mark Cox and Musson by Arron Monk.

Mark Walsh beat John Part in the final.

Players Championship 9 Barnsley

ARRON MONK and Ron Atwill are the only two Hampshiremen to make the last 64 at Barnsley Metrodome.

Monk was beaten by Vincent van der Voort and Atwill by Gary Anderson.

Simon Whitlock won his first PDC Pro Tour title beating Anderson in the final.

Wade crushes King in Glasgow

REIGNING champion James Wade reignited his Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts challenge with an 8-4 win over Mervyn King at Glasgow's S.E.C.C..

The left-hander had picked up only two wins from his opening eight matches this season, but remains a point behind play-off challengers Simon Whitlock and Adrian Lewis following his most clinical performance of the year.

Wade hit seven 180s in the contest and checked out 42 percent of his attempts at a double in powering past second-placed King.

The opening three legs saw Wade produce some almost identical darts, hitting a 180 in each leg, which was won on double ten - with the third including a 131 checkout.

King landed a maximum in the fourth, but was left waiting on 40 when Wade finished 81 in two darts in extending the lead to 4-0.

Wade landed a fourth 180 of the game in the next leg, but King got off the mark on double eight, and punished missed doubles from the world number three to hit the same bed in halving the gap.

Wade posted another maximum on his way to a 5-2 cushion, and then took out 106 on double 14 for a 12-darter to lead by four legs.

King replied with a 13-darter, but double ten from Wade ensured that he would at least take a point from the game.

King landed the night's highest finish, taking out 161 in leg 11 to pull back to 7-4, but his hopes of a comeback were extinguished in style by Wade, who wrapped up a confident win with an 11-dart finish.

"I'm really pleased to win," said Wade. "My scoring was patchy but it was probably the best I've finished so far this season.

"I'm still in the running for the top four but it's no secret that I've made it hard work for myself this year by losing the first three games. I shouldn't have got myself in this situation but I've still got a chance."

Steffi Smee wins Lincolnshire Open

STEFFI SMEE played fantastically to win the Lincolnshire Ladies Open on Sunday 4th April and after coming through a very strong field defeated Dawn Standley 4 - 2 in the Final

Frank Branscombe

Cosham Easter Open 2010

COSHAM EASTER OPEN SINGLES 2010

Contested at the Cosham Royal British Legion club on Easter Sunday 4th April 64 men and 14 Ladies played some terrific darts with the Ladies title going to Rose Monday who defeated Nikki Stevens in a closely contested final
In the Men’s Australian Simon Whitlock took the honours and £200 first prize and to ensure that the top two places went ‘overseas’ his opponent in the Final was Tony Broughton from the Isle of Wight who collected £100.00
Details of later stages are below – full details on Hampshire website www.hampshiredarts.org.uk

Men - Last 16
Bob Crawley def Paul Winter
Simon Whitlock def Lester Miles
Andy Jenkins def Dennis Smith
Jason Crawley def Rob Newland
Charlie Jackson def Thomas Chant
Tony Broughton def Gary Jeffery
Gary Stafford def Ian Edmunds
Johnny Brine def Jon Bramble

Men - Last 8
Simon Whitlock def Bob Crawley
Jason Crawley def Andy Jenkins
Tony Broughton def Charlie Jackson
Johnny Brine def Gary Stafford

Men - Last 4
Simon Whitlock def Jason Crawley
Tony Broughton def Johnny Brine

Men - Final
Simon Whitlock 6 4 Tony Broughton

Ladies - Last 8
Rose Monday 4-3 Jackie Moore
Sam Pink 4-0 Jasmine Quinn
Maxine Cadwallader 4-1 Mandy Keith
Nikki Stevens 4-0 Jane Monaghan

Ladies - Last 4
Rose Monday 5-0 Jason Crawley
Nikki Stevens 5-3 Maxine Cadwallader

Ladies - Final
Rose Monday 5-3 Nikki Stevens


Frank Branscombe

Hampshire Play Off - PDC UK Open

HAMPSHIRE UK OPEN PLAY OFF – 5th APRIL 2010

TONY HUTCHINSON of Gosport won the Hampshire Play Off to gain a spot in the televised stages of the PDC UK Open with an all day display of excellent darts which culminated in a terrific Final against fellow Hampshire County player NILLSON PRITCHARD
In the best of 11 legs final Nillson blistered into a 2-0 lead by firing 2 x 12 dart legs and with finishes on bull in each to take out 161 in the first leg and 121 in the second
Against this form Tony had it all to do buit with some clinical scoring and finishing he levelled the match at 4 – 4 and then seemed to go up a gear to take the score line to 6 – 4 and book himself a place at the Reebok Stadium in early June
To complement this fantastic opportunity Tony will also have all expenses paid plus 4 x nights hotel accommodation for himself and a guest at Bolton, also as part of his Prize Tony also took away £150 in cash plus a free weekend for 2 at the Mill Rythe Spring Darts Festival and free entry into the Hampshire Open 2010
As Runner Up Nillson received £100 plus a free weekend for 2 at Mill Rythe and free entry into the Hampshire Open

Preliminaries
Gary Stafford def Kevin Murrell
Andy Mitchell def Joe Holmes

Doogie Ralph def Paul Betsworth
Dave Harper def Steve May
Darren Hogg def Paul Gibbs
Nillson Pritchard def Mike Gillett

Last 32
Andy Mitchell def Gary Stafford
Graham Huggett def Doogie Ralph
Mick Street def Steve Phipps
Martin Harper def Paul Winter
Pete Collinson def Danny Smith
Dom Cleverdon def Ady Wright
Kev Ede def Ian Binge
Mat Richards def Dave Keith
Darren Hogg def Dave Harper
Nillson Pritchard def Dave Bonnett
Kevin Woodward def Johnny Brine
Kevan Merritt def Craig Binge
Charlie Jackson def Ross Hughes
Steve Phillips def Lee Ward
Tony Hutchinson def Jason Cook
Tony Moore def Dave Parker

Last 16
Andy Mitchell def Graham Huggett
Mick Street def Martin Harper
Dom Cleverdon def Pete Collinson
Mat Richards def Kev Ede
Nillson Pritchard def Darren Hogg
Kevin Woodward def Kevan Merritt
Charlie Jackson def Steve Phillips
Tony Hutchinson def Tony Moore

Last 8 – Redrawn - Losers received £20.00 plus free entry into Hampshire Open
Andy Mitchell 5 1 Dom Cleverdon
Mat Richards 5 1 Mick Street
Nillson Pritchard 5 1 Kevin Woodward
Charlie Jackson 2 5 Tony Hutchinson

Last 4 – Redrawn – Losers received £30.00 plus free entry into the Hampshire Open
Tony Hutchinson 5 1 Andy Mitchell
Nillson Pritchard 5 3 Mat Richards

Final
Tony Hutchinson 6 4 Nillson Pritchard

Loser received £100 cash, Free weekend for 2 at Mill Rythe Autumn Festival, Free entry into Hampshire Open

Winner received – place in the televised staged of the UK Open, £150 cash, free 4 x nights hotel accommodation for two at UK Open finals, £150 to cover travel and meals, Free weekend for 2 at Mill Rythe Spring Darts Festival, Free entry into the Hampshire Open

Frank Branscombe

Hutchinson is set for Bolton finals

TONY HUTCHINSON beat Nillson Pritchard 6-4 in the final at Cosham RBL to qualify for the PDC UK Open finals in June at Bolton's Reebok Stadium.

His route to the final included wins over Jason Cook, Tony Moore, Charlie Jackson and Andy Mitchell.

The eight counties who voted for further discussion on the PDC's recent offer to purchase the BDO all received a place at the finals for one of their players.

Lewis ends Wade's run at Cardiff

ADRIAN LEWIS ended James Wade's four-game unbeaten run in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts with an 8-5 victory at the CIA in Cardiff.

Reigning champion Wade had ignited his campaign with two wins and a pair of draws in the last month, but lost out in the battle of the sport's most exciting young stars.

The pair had shared the points when they met in Exeter and looked on course for another draw after a tight opening half, only for Lewis to finish the stronger in claiming his third win of the season.

Lewis hit a 180 in taking the opening leg, and took out a 12-darter for the third, while Wade finished 72 in taking leg two and landed a maximum and double ten to level in the fourth.

It was Wade who took the game's first break of throw, in the fifth leg after hitting a 180 and double five for a 14-darter, only for Lewis to reply with a maximum in levelling at the break.

Wade hit scores of 180 and 174 in the next, but wasted three darts to win the leg and Lewis capitalised on double six.

While Lewis paid the price for similar misses in falling to defeat against Phil Taylor last week, Wade steeled himself and hit double top in successive legs to wrestle back the lead.

Lewis landed double 19 to level the match again, and a 180 set up double eight in the next as he regained command.

He then stepped in to punish four missed doubles from Wade by hitting double 14 to break throw for a 7-5 cushion, and posted a 180 and double eight once again to secure a valuable win.

"That's the first time I've ever beaten him on TV and it's great," said Lewis. "I knew it was a big game for me in relation to the top four and I've won this game, and want to win my next three now.

"I wasn't too happy with my overall display but I played pretty well and took out my finishes when I had to."

Birmingham win for Wade

REIGNING Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts champion James Wade claimed his second victory of the 2010 season with an 8-5 win over Terry Jenkins in Birmingham.

Wade had picked up his maiden win of the year in Brighton last week, and backed that up with a strong victory over the 2007 finalist.

Wade pulled clear from two-all to lead 7-3 before closing out victory with a fine 11-dart finish.

Jenkins took advantage of a missed double ten from Wade - for a 140 finish - to win the opening leg on double top against the darts, only for the left-hander to his a 180 and double five to break back.

Wade took the third on double one before missing two darts to take the next, with Jenkins finishing 94 on double 13 to square the game.

The pair traded double top finishes to leave the scores tied at the break, before Wade found another gear.

He followed a double top checkout with a 13-darter to lead 5-3, before hitting a 180 and double five to take the ninth and double ten for a four-leg cushion.

Jenkins produced his best darts of the game to stay in the contest, with finishes of 14 and 13 darts giving him two more legs to pull back to 7-5.

He also hit a 180 in the next, but Wade matched that to leave 41 after nine darts before landing double top to complete the win.

"It was a strange game because my scoring in patches was so good that the doubles I was missing didn't matter," said Wade.

"If I'd finished as well as I scored then I'd have played a really good game but I was fortunate to catch Terry on the back foot.

"I've won two games but I'm not getting carried away. I've not played good enough darts for six months but I'm starting to play good darts again.

"I'm working harder and hopefully the results will keep coming now."

UK Open Qualifier 4 Crawley

JAMES WADE is beaten 6-5 by Wes Newton in the semi-final at the K2 Centre.

Colin Monk reaches the last 32.

Gary Anderson sneaks past Newton 6-5 in the final.

Players Championship 8 Crawley

JAMES WADE is narrowly beaten in the sem-finals at the K2 Centre by Denis Ovens.

Rick Lowther has his best run in a PDC Pro Tour event making the last 16 before taking Ovens to the full 11 legs.

Ian Jopling and Colin Monk both reach the last 64.

Barrie Bates beats Ovens in the final and Andy Hamilton hits a nine-darter during the afternoon,

Revenge over Whitlock at Brighton for Wade

DEFENDING Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts champion James Wade picked up his first win of the 2010 season with an 8-4 win over Simon Whitlock at The Brighton Centre - overturning a 4-1 deficit in a classy display.

Wade looked on course to suffer a fourth defeat in the opening six weeks when Whitlock powered into an early lead.

But the world number three gradually clawed back level before pulling away for victory with a run of seven successive legs.

Wade missed double ten to take the game's opening leg as Whitlock stepped in on double top, and the left-hander also struggled to close out the second leg before hitting double two to square the game.

Whitlock posted a 180 and double 18 to win the third, and a sensational 170 checkout - the highest of the night to earn him a £1,000 bonus - put him 3-1 up.

Wade's miss at double four in the next allowed Whitlock to hit double eight and lead 4-1 as the pressure mounted once more on the reigning champion.

Wade settled his nerves on double 16 and finally found his range on double top to win the next two legs, including a 14-darter to level the match.

He then punished missed darts for the bullseye and double four from Whitlock to edge a scrappy ninth leg on double one and take the lead for the first time.

Wade then landed three successive 140s in the next, hitting double five to move two legs clear despite a maximum from the Australian.

Double ten put Wade a leg away from the match, and he hit his second 180 of the contest and double top to seal his maiden win of the season.

"It's a relief to get the two points because I've been putting myself under a lot of pressure to get that first win but now I hope that the relaxed and fluent James Wade will come out," said Wade.

"I've got a lot of hard work ahead of me now if I'm going to get into the play-offs and it's a huge mountain to climb but I'll do everything I can to get in there.

"Now hopefully I can play like I know I can. I've been making it hard work but it's not that hard sometimes.

"When Simon dipped off I managed to step in and it wasn't as much of a comeback because I had chances early on but let Simon off."

UK Open Qualifier 3 Wigan

COLIN MONK makes it to the last 64 before being edged out by Kevin Painter while James Wade loses in the same round to Phil Taylor.

Taylor goes on to win the final 6-0 against Jamie Caven averaging almost 122 each visit to the board.

Players Championship 7 Wigan

STEVE MUSSON reaches the last 32 at Robin Park Tennis Centre but is beaten by Stuart Bousfield.

Colin Monk, Arron Monk, Rick Lowther and Robbie Newland all make the last 64.

Phil Taylor beats Mark Dudbridge 6-0 in the final averaging over 114 a throw.

Another draw for Wade at Manchester

RONNIE BAXTER battled back from three legs down to grab a draw with James Wade and deny the reigning Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts champion his first victory of 2010.

Wade picked up his first point of the season a week ago with a draw against Adrian Lewis in Exeter, but was again punished for failing to close out the win at the M.E.N. Arena in Manchester.

The left-hander led 4-1 and 6-3 but crucially missed three darts for a 7-4 cushion in the 11th leg before Baxter hit back to claim a point.

"I've been practising hard and am trying turn it around, but the results aren't quite coming for me," said Wade. "For the last couple of weeks I've been playing some good darts and my form is coming back."

Wade took out double top to win the opening leg, but Baxter responded in style with a 121 checkout in the second to level.

Wade moved 2-1 up with a 13-darter and hit a 180 and a 100 checkout in breaking Baxter's throw, while a double five finish saw him take a three-leg cushion at 4-1.

Baxter landed a 180 in a 14-darter to pull back the sixth leg, and landed a 13-dart finish in the eighth after Wade posted a sparking 11-dart leg.

A 127 checkout from Wade saw him take a 6-3 lead, but Baxter finished 83 in two darts to take a fourth leg of the match and then stepped in to win a crucial 11th leg, when the world number three missed three darts at double ten and five before the Blackpool man took out 64.

Baxter then hit double 16 to level the game, although Wade regained his composure to take out 85 in two darts for a 14-darter to secure a minimum of a draw.

His hopes of claiming a first win of the year, though, were ended when Baxter opened the deciding leg with two 180s, and although a potential nine-darter went begging he took the leg in 11 darts to take a point.

"I'm happy to get a draw and it's another step towards the play-offs, which is where I want to be," said Baxter. "My average of nearly 104 shows that my hard work in practice is paying off.

"I'm focused and happy with how it's going so far this season."

Players Championship 6 Gladbeck

JAMES WADE makes the quarter-finals but is beaten by Gary Anderson.

Adrian Lewis beats Mark Walsh in the final.

Players Championship 5 Gladbeck

JAMES WADE is beaten in the last 32 by Peter Hudson and Colin Monk reaches the last 64.

Vincent van der Voort beats Wayne Jones in the final at the van der Valk Hotel.

First point at Westpoint for Wade

JAMES WADE was denied his first win of the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts season as Adrian Lewis snatched a point from a thriller in Exeter.

Reigning champion Wade hit three ton-plus finishes in taking a 7-4 cushion against Lewis, but failed to close out victory as the Stoke youngster grabbed a draw.

Wade shook of his below-par form of the opening three weeks with a blistering start to the contest at the Westpoint Arena, bringing the 4,000-strong crowd to its feet in the opening two legs with checkouts of 148 and 104.

He then hit a 180 to set up a double 12 finish for a 13-darter in the third leg as he took a 3-0 lead, only for Lewis to hit back in style.

Lewis landed his first 180 of the game in taking the fourth leg, and punished two missed doubles from Wade in taking out a 13-dart finish of his own to pull back to 3-2.

Lewis then levelled the game by taking the sixth leg, and returned from the break to open the next leg with a maximum - which was matched by Wade before the left-hander landed double ten to regain the lead.

Lewis took out a brilliant 134 checkout to take leg eight, only for double six to edge Wade back in front before the world number three produced a brilliant 132 checkout of bull, bull and double 16 in moving 6-4 up.

A missed bullseye from Lewis, for a 161 finish, was then punished in leg 11 as Wade followed up a 171 score with double 18 to ensure his first point of the season.

Lewis fired in a fifth 180 of the game in taking the next leg, and a 14-darter against the throw ensured the game would go to a decider.

Wade kicked off with a maximum, but Lewis hit a 180 of his own to take him to the finish first, and he returned from a missed bullseye to land double four and secure a draw.

"I gave myself enough opportunities to win the game but 18 months ago I would have killed the game off and I'm not doing that at the moment," said Wade.

"It's my own fault because I didn't play well enough to finish the game off, but hopefully this was a glimmer of the James Wade that is there.

"Perhaps this is a building block for me, and I'm not as negative as I have been for the past three weeks and I know if I turn up and play I can beat anybody on my day."

Lewis said: "I knew James would be determined to get his first win tonight but I went out there and dealt with it.

"Other players have been hitting big finishes against me recently and he did a few against me - the 132 finish was fantastic - and when I went 7-4 down I hit the scores and put the pressure on.

"If I'd been 7-4 up and in James' shoes, I'd have been so relaxed that I'd have won but he hadn't got a point on the board and it's different for him."

UK Open Qualifier 2 Derby

COLIN MONK reaches the quarter-finals losing to Mark Walsh. James Wade makes the same round losing to Co Stompe.

Arron Monk reaches the last 32 and Robbie Newland the last 64.

Walsh beats Phil Taylor in the final.

Players Championship 4 Derby

JAMES WADE reaches the last sixteen at the Moorways Centre where Terry Jenkins ends his hopes.

Rick Lowther makes the last 64.

Phil Taylor beats Jenkins in the final.

Taylor beats Wade in Belfast

PHIL TAYLOR returned to top form in condemning reigning Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts champion James Wade to a third successive defeat this season with an 8-2 triumph in Belfast.

Wade's slow start to the 2010 season continued with another below-par display, as he failed to match Taylor's impressive scoring as the World Champion piled in six maximums and a 104 average.

Taylor's display saw him warm up in style for a clash against old rival Raymond van Barneveld in Exeter next week and show that he is approaching his best after overcoming a recent virus.

Opening scores of 140 and 180 from Taylor helped him to the first leg before he hit another maximum and double 16 to break Wade immediately.

He hit another 180 in the third, as double 16 put him 3-0 up, before Wade punished four missed doubles in the next to get off the mark on double ten.

Wade kicked off the fifth with a maximum of his own, but Taylor took out 71 to regain his three-leg cushion.

Wade produced his best leg of the game with a 12-darter in pulling back to 4-2, hitting a 180 which he followed up in style with a 128 bullseye checkout.

Taylor, though, found another gear after the break to leave Wade trailing, hitting 180s in successive legs in taking a 6-2 lead, double eight for a seventh leg and then tops to wrap up a comprehensive triumph.
"
I'm over the moon to have won three from three," said unbeaten Taylor. "I'm enjoying it and feel like I'm getting back to my best after the virus I had at the start of the season.

"I'm not 100 percent yet but James didn't play as well as he can and at times I was waiting for him to kick in.

I played steady and where I was hitting 90-odd averages I'm getting up now to 100-odd averages."

UK Open Qualifier 1 Swindon

JAMES WADE is defeated by Mervyn King in the semi-final at the Oasis Leisure Centre.

Arron Monk beats his father Colin Monk in the last 32 in his run to the last 16.

Mervyn King beats Simon Whitlock to take the first of eight event in the UK Open Qualifying series.

Players Championship 3 Swindon

JAMES WADE loses to Wayne Jones in the last sixteen of the event at the Oasis Leisure Centre.

Mervyn King beats Andy Hamilton to take the top prize.

Bournemouth blow for Wade

MERVYN KING maintained his winning start to the 2010 Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts with an 8-4 defeat of James Wade in Bournemouth.

King avenged his loss to the left-hander in last year's Premier League Darts final at the Wembley Arena with a clinical display, taking out eight from 13 attempts at a double in the contest.

Wade landed a 180 in winning the first leg and took out 76 for a 2-0 cushion, but missed doubles in the third allowed King in and set the pattern for the remainder of the contest.

King took out 101 to win the fourth leg and level, before stepping in after further misses from Wade to in the next three legs to lead 5-2.

A sparking 11-dart finish saw King assume a 6-2 cushion, but Wade hit scores of 180 and 171 in a 14-darter to claim his third leg of the game.

King ensured a minimum of a draw with a 120 'Shanghai' finish, and though Wade won the 11th leg the Norfolk man was swift in wrapping up victory on double 16.

"James missed a lot of doubles and it was unlike him," said King. "That wasn't the real James Wade and he let me in leg after leg after leg, but I took my chances and am grateful I got them.

"If James had hit his doubles I'd have been history because I wasn't scoring as well as I can, but I'll take any wins I can get and hopefully I can carry that on in Belfast next week."

O2 Opener ends in defeat for James Wade

DUTCH star Raymond van Barneveld condemned reigning champion James Wade to defeat on the opening night of the 2010 Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts.

Van Barneveld avenged his semi-final loss to the left-hander last season with an assured display at The O2 in London, returning to action for the first time since the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship.

Wade edged the early stages to lead 3-2, but a mid-game surge from van Barneveld saw him win four successive legs in taking a vital 6-3 cushion.

Perhaps inspired by a 180 in opening the sixth leg, he landed double ten to break throw and returned from the break to land double top and lead 4-3.

Wade then hit 180s in the next two legs, but failed to close out the eighth as double 16 allowed van Barneveld to step in, and an 11-darter from the Dutchman, including a maximum of his own, gave him a three-leg advantage.

Van Barneveld then opened the tenth leg superbly, with scores of 140, 180 and 145 leaving him 36 after nine darts - only for five missed doubles to allow Wade to land a maximum and double top to steal the leg.

Wade then missed his chance to pull back another leg when, following another 180, he was off-target on double top for a 120 finish, with double 16 ensured a minimum of a draw for van Barneveld.

Tops gave Wade hope of snatching a point, but he missed a dart at the same bed in the 13th leg, and van Barneveld posted double four to ensure the win.

"I'm very happy with the win and pleased with the performance but I know I'll improve as this tournament goes on," said van Barneveld. "I'm working hard on my fitness at the moment and am back practising well too, and that showed a bit.

"The O2 Arena is an incredible place to play darts and the level I want to perform at. It's a superb venue and I can't wait to play the next three months in arenas like this."

Wade admitted: "I started well but didn't keep up the pressure on Raymond, and it's disappointing. But there are another 13 games remaining and I've plenty of chances to put it right."

Gibraltar Players Championship

JAMES WADE reached the quarter-finals of the second Pro Tour event of the weekend before new tour player Nigel Heydon ended his run.

Colin Monk reached the last 64.

Denis Ovens beat Gary Anderson in the final and Matt Clark hit a nine-darter in the early rounds.

Eddie Cox Memorial Players Championship Gibraltar

JAMES WADE is edged out by Wayne Jones in the semi-final at the Tercentenary Sports Hall.

Colin Lloyd beats Jones in the final.

Eastbourne Open

Congratulations to:

Men's Singles Winner - Arron Monk

Men's Pairs Winners - Arron Monk & Ricky Williams

BDO British Gold Cup 2010 - Hampshire Qualifiers

B.D.O. BRITISH GOLD CUP SERIES 2010
HAMPSHIRE PLAY OFFS
Men’s Singles, Ladies Singles
Men’s Pairs, Ladies Pairs

Held on Sunday 31st January 2010
Results:

Men's Singles
Winner Lee Ward
Runner Up Martin Harper

Ladies Singles
Winner Wendy Reinstadtler
Runner Up Sue Lowther

Men’s Pairs
Winners Lee Ward & Graham Huggett
Runners Up Dave Harper & Martin Harper

Ladies Pairs
Winners Sue Lowther & Gemma Hayter
Runners Up Maxine Cadwallader & Jane Monaghan

The Winners now go forward to the Great Britain Finals to be held as follows:
Date: SATURDAY 10th JULY 2010
Venue: LAKESIDE COUNTRY CLUB, FRIMLEY, SURREY
Congratulations to all winners and the Best of Luck at the Finals

On behalf of the organisers Alex Brindley thanks everyone that participated in the play offs for their co-operation and support

Arron Monk and Ricky Williams enjoy success at Eastbourne

Arron Monk enjoyed fantaasti success inwinning the Eastbourne Singles, Men's Pairs with Ricky Williams and coming runner up in the Mixed Pairs with Kathy Nye and Mixed Triples again with Ricky Williams and Kathy Nye

EASTBOURNE DARTS WEEKEND 2010

RESULTS SHEET

The Eastbourne Open Singles
Champion: Arron Monk
Finalist: Peter Evison
Semi Finalists: John Ferrell / Melvin Beckett

Men’s Singles – Saturday
Winner: Steve Lovett
Runner Up: Paul Cook

Ladies Singles
Winner: Deta Hedman
Runner Up: Margaret Sutton

Youth Singles
Winner: Ben Longhurst
Runner Up Lewis Venes

Open Pairs
Winners: Lewis McGurn / Steve Douglas
Runners Up: Ronnie Godbeer / Mark Harris

Men’s Pairs
Winners: Arron Monk / Ricky Williams
Runners Up: Paul Neate / Aaron Turner

Ladies Pairs
Winners: Mandy Solomons / Deta Hedman
Runners Up: Laura Mackintosh / Donna Rainsley

Mixed Pairs
Winners: Arron Monk / Kathy Nye
Runners Up: Ben Burton / Pat Rogers

Mixed Triples
Winners: Dennis Smith / Deta Hedman / Paul Cook
Runners Up: Arron Monk / Ricky Williams / Kathy Nye

Great comeback from King ousts Wade at Purfleet

MERVYN KING came back from 5-2 down to defeat James Wade in a thrilling first round contest at the totesport.com Players Championship at the Circus Tavern, Purfleet.

Wade took command in the clash between two of the world's top five players, but only earned two darts to seal victory in the final four legs as King mounted a sensational fightback.

Wade, who reached the semi-finals of last year's event in Essex, won the first leg with an accomplished 14-dart finish.

The man from Aldershot then secured a break of throw with an 80 checkout to win the second leg, after King missed three darts at doubles.

King managed to break back to win the third and levelled the game at two-all with an excellent 50 finish.

Wade won the fifth leg to lead the game for a second time thanks to a 65 checkout, completed on double top.

Both players hit maximums in the next leg, but Wade moved 4-2 up with an excellent 103 checkout, and a 13-dart-finish put the left-hander one leg away from victory.

King hit a fine 130 checkout on double five to win the eighth leg and then broke throw in the ninth to keep his hopes alive.

Wade appeared to have gained the advantage in the tenth leg after hitting three consecutive 140s, but he missed two darts at double 12 to take the win and King converted a two-dart 96 finish to force a decider.

The final leg was finely balanced but, with Wade waiting on 60, King held his nerve to hit a 106 checkout to complete a superb comeback and set up a tasty second round contest with Jelle Klaasen on Saturday.

"When I was 5-2 down I couldn't quite believe it because I felt comfortable and had been playing well," said King. "I could have been 4-1 up at the break but I missed a couple of chances and James took his.

"I kept believing, dug in and thankfully he missed a couple of chances for the match and I stepped in."

Wade said: "At 5-2 it was my game to lose but Mervyn stuck in there well and did the job. I felt good on stage and it was a good game."

Monk honoured at The Dorchester

COLIN MONK was rewarded with a silver pin for his nine-darter on the PDC Pro Tour achieved at Barnsley during 2009 at the annual Awards Dinner at the Dorchester Hotel,

Wizard Whitlock casts spell over Wade

SIMON WHITLOCK produced the performance of his life to send James Wade crashing out of the 2010 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship with a 5-3 defeat in arguably the finest game seen on the Alexandra Palace stage.

The Australian recorded the second highest average of the tournament so far at 105.37, as well as landing 15 maximums and a 170 checkout in a superb display.

Whitlock had led 3-1 only for the number three seed to hit back and level the game - but the Cessnock-based thrower powered to the finishing line by winning six consecutive legs to seal a place in the semi-finals.

Whitlock produced an astonishing start to the match, winning the first leg with an 11-darter, a 122 checkout to take the second in 12 darts and the third in 14 to wrap up the first set in just 37 darts.

A brace of 14-dart finishes followed without Wade having a shot at a double, before he won a sixth successive leg with another 122 finish, which was converted by hitting treble 18, double 18 and double 16 to take a 2-0 lead.

Wade only had one attempt at a double at that stage but he managed to win his first leg of the game at the start of the third set, and traded maximums with Whitlock in a 13-darter to take the second.

Whitlock hit another 180 in the process of recording a 12-dart finish to win the third leg, but Wade landed double top in the next to win the set and get himself into the contest.

The Australian took an early advantage in the fourth set with a two-dart 87 finish before Wade won the second to level. Whitlock regained the lead with a 70 finish to win the third and then took the next by hitting double top to restore a two-set cushion.

Whitlock claimed the first leg of the fifth before Wade won a high-quality second leg after both players had hit maximums, while the third was a dramatic affair that was won by the left-hander on double six following misses from the Australian.

Whitlock, the 2008 Lakeside Championship runner-up, put that disappointment behind him to win the fourth leg, but Wade took the decider with a two-dart 98 checkout to seal the fifth set.

Wade hit a 12-dart finish to win the opening leg of the sixth before Whitlock landed the second with a fantastic 126 checkout on the bullseye.

Wade won the next leg after both players hit a 180, and the players repeated the trick in the fourth which was won by Whitlock after his opponent had missed a dart at bullseye to take the set.

The Aldershot man, who came through a tough third round match against Andy Hamilton, won the deciding leg by hitting double 10 to square the game at three apiece and threaten another comeback victory.

Whitlock, though, regained the lead by winning the seventh set in stunning fashion. He hit a wonderful 170 checkout to win the opening leg - the first of his career in a televised game - followed by 150 finish in the second leg, before taking out 50 to regain the advantage and move a set away from victory.

Whitlock secured a vital break of throw at the start of the eighth set after converting an 80 finish, and landed a 15th maximum of the game in taking the second.

And when Wade failed to leave a double in the next, twice hitting the wrong single number, Whitlock capitalised on double top to end an incredible match.

"That's probably the hardest match I've ever played in," revealed Whitlock. "I was really focused and knew that I had to play at my best.

"My whole life has changed through this one tournament and I have been able to gain a sponsor too and that will enable me to move to the UK and play on the PDC circuit full-time this year. I try to play the board and not the better and I have full belief in my ability."