Untitled Document

PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS DONCASTER 3RD-6TH FEB

Well I had a brilliant start to the Pro Tour Finals at The Doncaster Dome, defeating The Reigning World Champion Adrian Lewis 6 legs to 4.

Adrian was making his first competitive appearance since winning the Ladbrokes.com World Championships a month ago.

I took the game’s opening four legs without any pressure from Adrian. I took out a 108 finish in the opening leg, before landing double ten and hitting a 180 in a 12 darter to win the third.

A double 16 finish to move 4-0 up, before Adrian took out 96 in two darts to win the fifth, despite me hitting a 180 in the leg.

I hit a 180 in the sixth and took the leg in 13 darts, to lead 5-1.

Then Adrian hit two 180’s in a 12 darter to kick start his challenge and followed by taking the next two legs.

Adrian hit a 180 in the tenth leg, but I was first to a finish and checked out 72 on the bullseye for a memorable win.

I felt good going into round two against Terry Jenkins.

I started the game with a 180 but missed doubles allowing Terry to take out 120 to break throw in the opening leg.

I then broke back, taking out tops, then took the third leg but missed three darts in the fourth letting Terry level on double one.

In the fifth I hit a 180 and took out a 102 on double 16 – a finish I repeated again two legs later in moving 4-3 up.

Terry then held throw, making it five all.

I then took out double top to make it 6-5 in the eleventh.

I landed a 180 in the 12th, but a 120 finish from Terry brought it level again.

Terry opened the 13th leg with a 180, 140 and stepped in after I missed two double 16s move 7-6 up, a leg which proved crucial as Terry won the 14th taking him to an 8-6 win.

I was disappointed but am still really pleased with my form, so lets see what the rest of 2011 brings.

I am in Gretna in Dumfriesshire this weekend 11th -12th Feb for a charity do At The Solway Lodge for www.whitehackle.com – a very worthy cause.
I’m looking forward to it immensely.

GERMAN WEEKEND 29/30TH JANUARY 2011

After enjoying a brilliant holiday in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote with my beautiful wife Nanette it was off to Germany for the first of the 2011 pro tour events.

Two tournaments being held at The Gerry weber Centre in Halle.

166 players competed on the Saturday.

After beating Mareno Michels 6-3 in the first round, I then lost 6-5 to Kevin Munch in a very close second round game.

Mervyn King went onto win the tournament beating Vincent Van der Voort 6-1 in the final.

On the Sunday there were 167 players at the start of the tournament.

I'm glad to say I did better than the Saturday.
In the first round I beat Kim Huybrechts 6-1, second round Mick Todd 6-1, third round John Part 6-1 and then I lost in the fourth round 6-3 to Phil Taylor.

Ronnie Baxter went onto win the tournament beating Antonio Alcinas 6-4.

Looking forward to Doncaster next weekend for The Players Championship Finals, Where I am playing Adrian Lewis last game on the Friday night.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE FOR 2011

Hope you all have a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

I would like to say congratulations to The New 2011 Ladbrokes.com World Champion, Adrian Lewis.

I was very disappointed with how 2010 ended for me, losing to Mark Hylton in The World Championships,especially as I had been playing so well, but I am now looking forward to The 2011 Pro Tour.

I'm enjoying commentating for Eurosport on The Lakeside World Championships again, but after the Final on Sunday, it's head down for some practise on the dartboard.

There isn't much going on until Germany at the end of the month.
Then the following weekend it's The Players Championship Finals in Doncaster, where I am drawn to play The newly Crowned World Champion, Adrian Lewis in the first round.

What a line up for The 2011 Premier League of Darts.
Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis, James Wade, Simon Whitlock, Raymond Van Barneveld, Terry Jenkins, Gary Anderson and Mark Webster.

Adrian Lewis will Play Phil Taylor on the opening night at The 02 in London on the 11th February.

Good luck to all eight players, I'm looking forward to some cracking games.

LADBROKES.COM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

The draw and schedule of play has been announced for the 2011 World Championships.

For my first round match, I will play Mark Hylton on the opening night.

We will be third game on, in the evening of Thursday 16th December 2010.

I'm looking forward to a great match.

DERBY WEEKEND 27TH & 28TH NOVEMBER 2010

Two Players Championships this weekend being held at The Moorways Centre in Derby.

I had a good run to the Quarter Finals on the Saturday.

First round I beat Anton Liscsey 6-1, Second Wayne Mardle 6-0, Third Wayne Jones 6-3,
Fourth Andy Jenkins 6-4 and the I lost in the Quarter Finals to Phil Taylor 6-1.
I think he was out for revenge after The Grand Slam.

Phil went on to win the tournament 6-3 against Mark Walsh.

On the Sunday I made it to the Fourth round beating Simon Burt 9-0, Kirk Shepherd 6-1,
Wayne Jones 6-3, the same as yesterday and finally losing 6-5 to Robert Thornton.

Mark Walsh then went on to take revenge on Phil, by beating him 6-4 in Sundays Final.

I'm now looking forward to The World Championships.

DAILY MIRROR GRAND SLAM OF DARTS 13TH - 21ST NOVEMBER 2010

Steve had a brilliant run through to the Semi Finals in The Daily Mirror Grand Slam of Darts held at The Civic, Wolverhampton.

After a slow start in the first of the group stages losing 5-2 to Ronnie Baxter, Steve took on Arron Monk and kick started my Grand Slam challenge with a superb 5-1 win with a 100 plus average.
Steve then powered into the second round defeating Paul Nicholson 5-1 in a decisive group G clash. He gave a brilliant display of darts to take the victory and to join Ronnie Baxter into the last 16.
Steve took out finishes of 73, 84, 68, 18 and 80 and averaged 98.

Steve was to meet Ted Hankey next.
Hankey made a great start in the battle of The Former Lakeside Champions, but failed to handle a brilliant run from Steve, who won six successive legs befor going on to complete the win.
Steve had his chances in the opening two legs, missing one dart to win both before Hankey hit double top and a 91 finish to lead 2-0.
Hankey then took the third leg beforeSteve fired his challenge with a 180 and double eight to take the fourth leg.
Steve opened the next with a maximum before checking out a 14 dart leg and then levelled the game in 13 darts.
Steve bettered that with a 121 finish for a 12 darter and took out double two to lead 4-2 befor hitting six perfect darts in the ninth, although he almost allowed the leg to slip away as Hankey missed double top and then ten to hit back.
Hankey did win the next two, taking out finishes of 84 and 68 to pull back to 6-5 only for Steve to again pull away.
The 2009 European Championship Finalist restored his advantage with a 86 finish and landed his sixth maximum in an eleven darter to move 8-5 up.
Hankey landed a 180 of his own in taking the next, but missed the bullseye asSteve checked out 74 for a 9-6 lead and another eleven dart finish to complete a fine display of arrows, beating Hankey 10-6 with a 101 average.

Steve said “He was delighted to be through to the Quarter Finals, very pleased with his performance because he had been so consistent”.
Hankey said “At 3-0 down Steve suddenly turned up and began playing and to be fair, Steve was brilliant”.

Steve was then to meet Phil Taylor in the Semi Finals, where he sensationally ended his three year reign as The Daily Mirror Grand Slam of Darts Champion, coming from 14-11 down to take a 16-14 Quarter Final win ending Taylor’s bid for another £100,000 title.

After Taylor twice hit tops to hold throw in the opening exchanges, he produced a moment of magic to break in the fourth when, with Steve waiting on a finish, he checked out 161 for a 3-1 lead.
The advantage was extended to three legs when he hit a 177 and tops to take the fifth, although Steve replied with a maximum to set up a 76 finish in the sixth.
Taylor took the next on double 16 to lead 5-2, but Steve then produced a brilliant run to win five successive legs – hitting three 12-dart finishes and a pair of 14-dart legs.
Having hit an 81 finish, Steve took out 161 and 121 on the bull to win the next two and then checked out double 16 and a two-dart 64 to move 7-5 up.
Taylor hit back in similarly destructive fashion, winning three successive legs to regain the lead before powering home a 167 finish for a 9-7 cushion, with the lead becoming three legs courtesy of double eight.
He could then have taken the 18th leg, but a miss at double 16 for a 104 finish allowed Steve in to hit the same double to hit back.
However, he then wasted four darts to take the next and pull back to 10-9, with Taylor hitting tops to lead 11-8 before checking out 151 for a four-leg advantage.
Taylor also posted a 12 darter, but Steve won three of the next four, including checkouts of 88 and 84 for a 12 dart finish of his own, to reduce the gap to 13-11.
Taylor, though landed what appeared to be a killer blow with 124 checkout as Steve waited on 32, putting him 14-11 up and two legs away from the win.
The World Number One also hit a 180 in the next, but Steve took out 64 for a 14-darter and then took out 68 to break, before then landing tops to level a thrilling contest.
Taylor then saw his doubles desert him, missing four darts to win a high-quality leg as Steve posted a 68 finish to move back ahead 15-14.
Three tons put him first in the next, but when he missed three darts at tops to seal victory, Taylor had a chance at 93 to force a deciding final leg
However Taylor this time missed the bullseye and gave Steve a reprieve, with double 16 at the third attempt and giving Steve Beaton a famous memorable win 16-14 with a 98 average.
Taylor said “Steve played fantastically and his finishing was the best I’ve seen from him. He was superb and every time he had a dart at a double he took it”.
Steve said “you don’t get many chances when you play Phil and you’ve got to take them, and I did. It’s amazing and I would love to go on and win the tournament on Sunday”.

Steve was to play Scott Waites in the Semi Final, where he lost 16-9 with a 98 average.
Waites made his customary quick start, to race out of the blocks with a pair of 14-dart finishes to establish a 2-0 lead and missed three darts to take the third as Steve hit back on double 16.
Waites though, took the next two to move 4-1 up, only for Steve to mirror Saturday’s display by winning the next three to level, including an 11-darter to break throe.
The next four went with the throw before Steve missed his chance to break in the 13th leg, seeing two darts at double ten go begging as Waites followed up a 170 score with double four.
Waites then broke in 13 darts and took out 75 with Steve waiting on a double to move 9-6 up.
Although Steve took the next with a 70 finish, Waites produced a fine run to take the next four legs with a pair of 14-dart finishes and two 15-dart legs in taking command at 13-7.
Steve landed a 180 and 68 finish to cut the gap to 13-8, only to then see five darts to win the next miss their intended target as double two gave Waites a 14th leg.
Waites then posted double 18 to move a leg away from victory, Steve took out a 99 finish and then Waites landed a 100 checkout to seal his place in the Final.

Steve admitted “I was pretty drained after beating Phil last night and Scott was outstanding, he deserved the win”.

I am so proud of Steve and what he achieved this week.

A Big ThankYou to all his Sponsors, Supporters, his family and Rob for making it such a memorable week.
Nanette

GRAND SLAM DRAW 2010

After taking part in the BRMB'S Sports Bar Program for the draw with Wayne Jones and Mark Hylton.

I've been drawn out in group G with Paul Nicholson, Ronnie Baxter and Arron Monk.

For the round robin stages, I will be playing Sunday Afternoon and Monday and Wednesday Evening on ITV 4.

I'm looking forward to The Daily Mirror Grand Slam of Darts immensley.

BARNSLEY WEEKEND 6TH & 7TH NOVEMBER 2010

I had a brilliant run to the Semi Finals in the Saturday's Players Championship held at The Metrodome in Barnsley at the weekend.

First game I beat Kevin Dowling 6-3, second Scott Rand 6-5 in a very close game, third Terry Temple 6-0, fourth Justin Pipe 6-3.

In the Quarter Finals I beat Terry Jenkins 6-1, to take me into the Semis's, where I lost
6-1 to a very inform Wes Newton.

Wes went onto win the tournament 6-3 against Cloin Lloyd in the Final.

On the Sunday I didn't fair so well.
After winning my first game 6-3 against Nick Fulwell, I lost 6-5 in the second against Ken MacNeill.

Wes Newton went onto win the Sunday Tournament also, beating Mark Webster 6-1 in the Final.

Looking forward to The Grand Slam which starts this Saturday. The draw is later today
Monday 8/11/10.

GERMAN DARTS TROPHY WEEKEND 23RD & 24TH OCTOBER 2010

I flew to Germany for two tournaments being held at The Dolce, Bad Nauheim.

On the Saturday I only won a couple of rounds.
I beat Carlos Rodriguez 6-2 in the first, William Kralt 6-2 in the second, then losing to Jelle Klaasen in a really close game 6-5 in the third.

Mark Webster went on to win his maiden PDC tournament beating Ritchie Burnett 6-4 in the final.

Sunday I faired better, making it to the last 16.
I beat Tony Ayres 6-5 in the first, Aodhagen O'Neill 6-3 in the second, Braulio Roncero 6-3 in the third, finally losing to Simon Whitlock 6-4 in the last 16.

Simon Whitlock went on to win the tournament beating Ritchie Burnett 6-4 in the final.

What a weekend Ritchie had, two finals in two days.
Well done Ritchie. S

KILLARNEY WEEKEND 16 & 17TH OCTOBER 2010

Over 300 players took to the oche at the Saturday's Gleneagle Irish Masters and I made it to the last 16. I was beaten by Simon Whitlock.

On the Sunday for The John McEvoy Gold Dart Classic Players Championship, I again made it through to the last 16.

First round I beat Ryan Herrington 6-1, second round David Stark 6-0, third round Steve Maish 6-4. Then I lost to Nigel Heydon in the last 16, which was a heavy scoring excellent game of darts.

Gary Anderson went on to win the tournament, with a 6-1 victory over Dennis Smith.

It was nice to see Dennis playing some great darts again.

2010 CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE DARTS FINALS DAY
14TH OCTOBER
CRONDON PARK GOLF CLUB ESSEX

The nine day internet-streamed event came to a conclusion as the eight group winners face off at Crondon Park.

The league phase sees the players take each other on once over the best of 11 legs, to see who reaches the semi's.

I didn't have too good a start to the day, I lost my first three games.
First 6-4 to Wes Newton, second 6-4 to Alan Tabern, third 6-4 to Phil Taylor.The fourth game I won 6-1 against Wayne Jones, fifth I won 6-5 against Simon Whitlock, Sixth I won 6-1 against Andy Smith, but in the seventh I lost to James Wade 6-2.

This was enough to take me through to the semi-finals along with Phil Taylor, James Wade and Simon Whitlock.

In my semi's I lost 6-0 this time against Phil, I played well, but Phil was on one of his power surges.
James Wade beat Simon Whitlock 6-2 in their semi and James went on to beat Phil 6-5 in the final which was a terrific game to watch.

It was a great day of darts and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

A big thank you to all the markers, callers, organisers and sponsors.

Off to Ireland now for The Irish Masters and The Killarney Players Championship.

DUBLIN WEEKEND 2ND & 3RD OCTOBER 2010

After a very successful corporate evening in Edinburgh with Peter Manley, I flew to Ireland for two Player Championships being held at The City West Hotel, Dublin.

I only made three rounds on the Saturday but was pleased to make the Semi Finals on the Sunday.

I started off with a bye in the first round, I beat Andy Jenkins 6-2 in the second, Co Stompe 6-5 in the third and Mark Hylton 6-5 in the fourth.
In the Quarter Finals I overcame Wayne Jones 6-4, but then went on to lose 6-2 in the Semi Finals to Ronnie Baxter.

Jamie Caven went on to win the tournament by beating Ronnie 6-5 in the Final.

It was hard leaving, I would have loved to have been playing in The Grand Prix.

2010 CHAMPION LEAGUE DARTS
23RD SEPTEMBER GROUP 6
CRONDON PARK GOLF CLUB, ESSEX

I took debut glory in group 6 of Championship League Darts, defeating Vincent Van der Voort 6-3 to book my place in October's Winners Group in the internet-streamed event.

I entered the £200,000 tournament today Thursday for the first time and adapted superbly to the behind closed doors event, winning five of seven league games.

After finishing second to Van der Voort on leg difference after the eight- player group phrase, I defeated Wayne Jones 6-3 in the semi-finals and repeated the scoreline in the final.

I made an electric start to the final, hitting a 13 darter in the opening leg, a 161 finish in the second and an 11 darter to win the third.

Van der Voort took out 98 to get off the mark, but double eight restored my cushion and a 78 finish moved me to 5-1 up.

Van der Voort hit a 114 finish to stay in the game and also took the eighth on double six, but my scoring pulled me clear in the next and double 15 gave me the win.

I will now return to Crondon Park Golf Club in Essex on October 14th to compete in the winners group, with Phil Taylor, Simon Whitlock, Alan Tabern, James Wade and Wes Newton already having booked their place in the big money final.

During the day I had beaton the following over 11 legs:
Vincent Van der Voort
Wayne Jones
Dennis Priestley
Adrian Lewis
Co Stompe
Jelle Klaasen

I'm really pleased with my performance in this event as I was very disappointed the previous weekend on just missing out qualifying for the World Grand Prix next month

HOLLAND WEEKEND 18/19TH SEPTEMBER 2010

After a brilliant holiday in the Algarve with my wife Nanette, I jetted off to Nuland in Holland for two events being held at The Van Der Valk Hotel.

I got off to a good start on the Saturday beating Marenco Michels 6-5, Alex Roy 6-4, Mensur Suljovic 6-5 in the second close game of the day, then I lost to Jamie Caven 6-4 in the last 16.

On the Sunday I blew my chance of qualifying for the world Grand Prix, after winning my first match 6-0 against Tonci Restovic, I lost in the second 6-3 to Tony Ayres.

I was very disappointed, but you have to take the good with the bad in this game.

I'm off to play in The Champion League Darts being held at The Crondon Park Golf Club in Essex on Thursday 23/09/10. This will be an experience, as it's my first time in it and only officials and players are in the room because of the internet betting, but I am looking forward to it.

I didn't do any good on the Saturday, losing to Jamie Atkins in the second round, but did better on the Sunday, making it to the last 16.

I had a bye in the first round, second round I beat Mark Hylton 6-2, third round Ian White 6-5, then losing to Colin Lloyd 6-4 in the last 16, it was a really great game.
So I still haven't qualified for The World Grand Prix in Ireland. I have two more chances in Holland, the weekend of 18/19th Sept.

I made it to the last 16 in the Saturdays London Ontario Players Championship.
First round I beat Chris Greenwood 6-0, second round Doug Boehm 6-4, third round Steve Maish 6-5 in a very close game. Then I lost to Kev Painter 6-5 in a game I should have won, I lost count of how many doubles I missed altogether.

On Sunday in the Canadian Masters, I had a bye in the first round, second I beat Tony Randall 6-5 in another close encounter, third round I lost 6-5 to Steve Evans.

So I still have not qualified for The Grand Prix in Ireland next month.
Let's hope I can do something about that in Crawley this weekend.

THE WILD TURKEY DARTS PRO TOUR
LIVE DARTS SHOWS WITH UK LEGENDS IN AUSTRALIA

I'm in Australia for this Pro Tour, hoping to make it to Sydney on the 22nd August for The Players Championship being held there.

The Wild Turkey Darts Pro Tour “Live Darts Shows with UK Legends in Australia”.
Across Australia in August experience the instinctive talent displayed by some of the greatest darts players the world has seen. Come and join passionate fans at these amazing live events – brilliant darts, dancing, sing-a-longs and partying, just like on television and direct from the UK.
The Wild Turkey Pro Tour begins on August 15th in Tasmania and travels across seven locations, culminating at The Grand Final on the Gold Coast on August 21st.
International Darts Superstars including Steve “The Bronzed Adonis” Beaton, Dennis “The Menace” Priestley, Alan “The Iceman” Warriner, Bob “The Limestone Cowboy” Anderson & Ritchie “The Prince Of Wales” Burnett will compete in seven action packed major events across Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
Darts is the next big sporting phenomenon in Australia. As the battles are won and lost, enjoy the unique atmosphere created by the excited tones of the Announcer “…….One Hundred and Eighty………!!!!!
Please go to www.wildturkeydartsprotour.com.au for all the latest information.

I had a great game against Paul Nicholson in the first round, with a 10-3 victory.

I took the opening leg against the throw, with a 14 dart finish and then doubled my lead before Paul finished 108 to get off the mark.
I then replied with a 110 finish and then Paul landed double 16 in the next.
I took the next three legs to move 6-2 up.
Paul took the ninth, which was to be his last.
I took out double 16 in the following 3 legs, having hit six perfect darts with a pair of 180's in one of them.
Then I sealed the victory taking out double top for a 14 darter.
I was well happy with how the match went.
It set me up for a second round clash with Phil Taylor.
I had beaton Phil earlier in the year, so I knew he would want to kick my backside.

I started well against Phil, hitting a 12 darter to take the opening leg and then trading maximums with Phil to win the second on double eight. I missed bullseye and three darts for a 3-0 cushion and so Phil posted double 16 to get off the mark.
Phil levelled the game on double top and took the next six legs, taking it to 8-2.
I took the 11th leg with a 136 checkout and Phil hit two maximums and won the 12th.
I then traded maximums with Phil in taking my fourth leg of the game with an 11 darter.
We both landed 180's in the next but Phil took out a 121 checkout to go 10-4 up.
Phil won the next three legs for a 13-4 victory.
What can you say about Phil, he is a genius on the dartboard and you have to be on your top form to beat him.
Phil went on to win the tournament beating Raymond Van Barneveld 18-12 in the Final.

My aim now is to qualify for The World Grand Prix in October as I was very disappointed at missing out on the European Championships.

The draw has been completed for The StanJames.com World Matchplay and I will be playing Paul Nicholson last game on of the first rounds, approx 10pm Tuesday 20th July, televised by Sky Sports. If I beat Paul, I could be in for a second round clash With Phil Taylor.

Firstly great news, I have qualified for The Stan James World Matchplay, Blackpool,
I have drawn Paul Nicholson in the first round.

I didn't have much success in the first two tournaments which were held at The New Tropicana, Las Vegas, but I did better in the third.

My first match I beat Howard Meyers 6-0
Second game Steve Maish 6-4
Third game in a close encounter with Barrie Bates 6-5
Losing in the last 16 to Co Stompe 6-2
Co Stompe went on to win the tournament beating James Wade 6-3 in the final.

It seemed a very long week and you are not over your jet lag when the tournament starts, but I'm really pleased with the outcome as The Winter Gardens, Blackpool is one of my favourite venues.

Again I made it to the last 16 in the 17th Players Championship held in Nuland Holland at the weekend.

I met Vito Quintieri in the first round and beat him 6-1, Rico Dera in the second beating him also 6-1, Steve Brown 6-3 in the third and lost to a very inform Antonio Alcinas 6-5 in a very close game.

Off to Vegas next where there are three Players Championships to compete in before the qualifiers for The World Matchplay are announced and I hope I will be one of them.

I made it to the last 16 in the Players Championship held at The Metrodome, Barnsley at the weekend.

I started with a 6-4 win over Martyn Bevan
Second game I beat Gary Welding 6-2
Third game I beat Kirk Shepherd 6-2
Then I lost to Andy Hamilton 6-3

Looking forward to Holland next week and hope to go further as I want to keep in the running for The World Matchplay, Blackpool in July.

I won the game against Ricky Evans in Bolton only to loose in the third round against Jamie Caven.

I have drawn the winner of Noel Grant or Ricky Evans in the second round of The UK Open Finals to be played Thursday June 3rd, the start of the 4day event held at The Reebok Stadium and being televised by Sky Sports.

I enjoyed my best result of 2010 in the Saturdays Players Championship held at The Renaissance Hotel in Salzburg, Austria by making it to the Final.

The day started well with a 6-1 win over Karl Binder.
Second game I beat Jochen Graudenz 6-1.
Third round Brendan Dolan 6-2.
I then took the deciding leg against Andy Hamilton in the last 16.
I beat Mark Dudbrige 6-1 in the Quarter Finals
Then I took a dramatic Semi Final Victory over Phil Taylor-defying a three dart average of 111 from The World Champion.
Phil led 4-2 thanks to 10 & 11 dart finishes before I fought back to win the next three legs to go one leg away from the match.
Phil held his throw to send the game to a deciding leg but missed two darts for the match, which allowed me to step in and claim my place in the Final.

I was to meet Simon Whitlock in the final.
At the start of the game, I held my throw to win the opening leg and then doubled my lead to 2-0.
I also won the third leg after Simon missed a dart at a double.
Simon then won his first leg and followed it up with a second when I missed 4darts at a double.
Simon kept the run going by converting a 120 finish to level the game.
But I produced a fantastic ten dart finish in the seventh to go ahead once again.
Simon squared 4-4 with a 14 dart finish, then won the ninth leg with a 161 finish to move one leg away from victory.

The next hurdle was making it home as all flights were cancelled due to the ash cloud.

Well I had a better weekend and made it to the last 16 in the 11th Players Championship this year, held at The Robin Tennis Centre in Wigan.

Firstly I beat Mark Lawrence 6-4, Matt Clark in a close game 6-5, John Part 6-0.
Then I lost to my mate Kevin Painter 6-3 after missing a few doubles.

On Sunday in the 7th UK Open Qualifier of the year, I again made it to the last 16.

On the way I beat Jamie Atkins 6-2, Peter Wright 6-3, Darren Webster 6-4, then lost
6-4 to Ronnie Baxter in an excellent game of darts.

I am playing well and am very positive about my darts, so better things are to come.

I won The Clash of the Titans for the third time out of the five years it has been running.
Colin Lloyd has won it twice.

We had a sell out crowd of over 250 people at The Alma Lodge Hotel, Stockport, Manchester.

First round I beat Terry Jenkins 5-4, Second round I beat Peter Manley 5-0 with a 161 checkout to finish the game. In the Final I beat Roland Scholten 5-4.
Colin Lloyd could not make it this year, but he will be back next year.

QUARTER FINALS
Roland Scholten 5-1 Andy Hamilton
Colin Osbourne 5-1 Alex Roy
Peter Manley 5-1 Alan Warriner-Little
Steve Beaton 5-4 Terry Jenkins

I travelled to The Van Der Valk Hotel, in Gladbeck, Germany this weekend and made it to the last 16, which was a lot better than the week before.

Stuart Bousfield 6-1 in the 2nd round

Eventually I lost out to Steve Brown 6-4 in the last 16, after missing a couple of doubles.

I'm feeling more settled in the new house now, even though Nanette has a list of jobs waiting for me, but I'm very positive about this coming weekend in Wigan.

Looking forward to this weekend in Derby, two tournaments- Players and Uk Open. Didn't get off to the best start this year, but hoping for some good results this weekend.

Been moving house and if you have ever moved yourself you will know what great fun it is and how easy it is to lose focus on things.

After our move next week I hope to keep on top of my blog page, and hopefully write every couple of days about how i'm going to shoot up the rankings and be back in the top 16 . You never know !

Also a big thankyou to all my sponsors for supporting my website, it means a great deal to me, and a big help towards my travelling costs this year.

2010 TOTESPORT.COM PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS, CIRCUS TAVERN PURFLEET
28/01/10 T0 31/01/10

First round I played Tony Eccles. I made a superb start to the match, winning the first five legs of the contest, with Tony making a brief revival, before I killed off the game with 74 checkout.

Unfortunately I became the second World Champion to fall victim to Paul, losing 8-5. Paul had overcame the challenge of Dennis Priestley in the first round.

I was very disappointed, it was a great game, but I didn't seem to get into my rhythm.

Paul went on to win the tournament, beating Adrian Lewis in the Quarters, Phil Taylor in the Semi's and Merv King in the Final.

I took out a 98 finish to clinch a close first set and took the second 3-0. Then I hit a 13 dart leg taking the third set also 3-0.

I was looking forward to the game against Andy. I was feeling good and playing well.

I lost the first set 3-2, took the second set 3-0 with a 76 finish. I lost the third, fourth & fifth sets, Andy winning 4-1.

It goes without saying that I was very disappointed, but you have to look forward.

I enjoyed a debut victory at The Party Poker Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-2 win over Co. Stompe, putting myself in a good position to qualify for the knockout places.

Kevin McDine was the third player in our round robin and we both needed to win to make the final knockout place in our category as Gary Anderson had already secured his.

I beat Kevin 5-4 in a dramatic final leg shoot out and I was through to the last 16, where I was to meet a very inform Simon Whitlock.

Even though I put in a good performance, Simon took every chance he got and beat me 10-1.

In the Semi Final Michael Van Gerwen got his own back for last weekend and beat me 6-3.

My first game is on Sunday 15th Nov 2009 at The Civic Centre, Wolverhampton at 12 midday.

I made it to the Saturday's Players Championship Final held at The Magnum Centre in Irvine this weekend.

In the Semi Finals I had an exciting game against Peter Wright winning 6-5 in the deciding leg by taking out 128 on the bull for the victory after Peter had missed three darts at a double to beat me.

I was to play Wes Newton in the Final with him narrowly beating me 6-5 in a thrilling few legs of darts and Wes claimed his first ranking title.

I took the Finals opener and landed 180 in the second, but missed doubles to allow Wes to level.

Wes scored two 140's and 70 to finish to level. Then Wes defied another 180 from myself to land double 12 for a break of throw for a 4-3 lead after I had missed double 16 for the leg.

Wes then hit four ton plus scores and double 8 to move 5-3 up, before I landed back to back 14 dart finishes to send the Final into a decider.

I landed two 140's but missed double 16 and allowed Wes who had hit scores of 139 and 137 in leaving 66 back in to snatch the win on double 18.

Fresh from my victory last weekend, I found myself in another Final, facing Phil The Power Taylor.

I met Michael Van Gerwen in the second round and beat him 9-7 before overcoming Mark Walsh 10-6 in a high scoring Quarter Final.

In the Semi's I played James Wade, I was 10-7 up before James reeled off three legs on the trot to take the match into a thrilling deciding leg.

I held my nerve knowing that if I won the match I would qualify for The Grand Slam and finished on double five securing my place in the Final against defending champion Phil.

I lost to Phil 11-3 but I was not at all disappointed as I had done what I wanted to do which was to qualify for The Grand Slam in The Wolverhampton Civic

In the final leg Phil Started off with a 180, followed by 177 before skimming the wire outside double 12. It's a shame it didn't go in , as a nine darter would have been a great way to have finished the tournament.

I am over the moon how the last few weeks have gone and am now looking forward to The Players Championships in Irvine, Scotland next week and I'm really pleased that I will not have to play in the qualifications for The Grand Slam.

Well I claimed my first tournament win since 2001 this weekend with a 6-1 defeat of Wes Newton.

After losing in The Austrian Final last month, I thought it was about time to go one better.

I began Saturday's event with a 6-4 win over Wayne Mardle, hitting a 170 finish, then whitewashed Dennis Smith before seeing off Denis Ovens 6-4 and Steve Hine 6-1

I beat Kevin Painter 6-4 in the Quarter Finals and produced some impressive darts to beat Vincent Van derVoort 6-1 in the Semi's.

In the Final Wes Newton took the first leg and I'm glad to say the only leg as I took the next six, sealing the victory on double16.

I'm absolutely delighted, it's been a long time coming and I have been close a few times recently, so am glad it all came together this weekend.

I'm well happy at being back in the Top 32 and have The European Championships to look forward to next weekend, I'm hoping for a good run in that.

My wife and I have just moved house, so it's been a pretty busy time. Nanette, bless her, has had to cope with most of the move on her own, as I have either been in Ireland or Holland.

I dropped just one leg, setting up a second round clash with Irish star Jacko Barry.

The Irish were supporting their boy, but unfortunately I let the crowd get to me.

I'm annoyed with myself, but it's a learning curve, I won't let it happen again.

I'm well pleased as I have definately qualified for The World Grand Prix, Dublin, Ireland in October and I am now in with a chance of Qualifying for The European Darts Championship, held in Holland also in October.

First round I beat Nandor Bezzeg 6-3, Second round Tony Ayres 6-3, Third round Adrian Lewis 6-1, Fourth round Mensur Suljovic 6-4.

In the Semi Finals my winning form continued with a 6-3 win over Vincent Van der Voort, sealing my place in the Final against Jamie Caven.

Unfortunately I got off to a slow start in theFinal, something you cannot afford to do with such a short format and lost 6-2 to Jamie.

I won my first round match at The Winter Gardens, Blackpool on Monday against Colin Osborne.

I was 4 - 1 down and didn't feel that I deserved that scoreline, so I dug deep and came out on top with a 10 - 7 victory.

Despite Merv having spent two years on the PDC circuit, we have not met competitively since our BDO days.

On the Thursday afternoon I started off slow and went 4 - 1 down. Unfortunately this time I didn't recover and lost 13 - 8.

I was disappointed not to have progressed further, but My Wife and I had a brilliant week in Blackpool, it's such a great venue.

I made it to my 7th Quarter Final of 2009. I've had one semi this year and it would be great to have another or even a Final, but I'm certainly not complaining.

Well done to Andy, he played excellent all day. Andy hit a Nine Darter in his Quarter Final game against Mark Walsh.

Again I made the Quarter Finals. Wished I had gone further but very pleased with how I am playing especially after my disappointment at The Blue Square Open Finals in Bolton last week.

I'm looking forward to next weekend in Dinslaken, Germany, where again there are two Player Championship Events.

In the first of the two Players Championships of the weekend, I made it to the Quarter Finals.

In the Quarter Finals I eventually lost to Co. Stompe 6 - 5, again in this match I was 5 - 2 up and really should have won the game.

This was held at The Newport Centre and was the 14th Players Championship of 2009.

I lost in the 3rd round 6 - 5 against Mark Dudbridge, it was a really hard fought game and a shame there had to be a loser.

I am really happy with the way I am playing and am in with a very good chance of qualifying for The World Matchplay, Blackpool, in July.

Phil Taylor completed back to back victories beating Gary Anderson in both finals

This event was held at The Ricoh Arena in Coventry, which was nice and local for me.

Mark then beat Terry Jenkins 6 - 2 in the semi's and went on to beat Phil Taylor 6 - 4 in the final.

I would have loved to have progressed further, but all credit to Ronnie, he never missed a thing against me.

Then for the second time this weekend I had to play Phil Taylor in the last 16. He beat me 6 - 2.

He then went and completed a Players Championship double by beating Adrian Lewis 6 - 1 in the final.

Set off for The German Darts Classic weekend held at Gladbeck's Van der Valk Hotel.

The semi was a good game, I came back from 3 - 1 down and levelled it 4 - 4, then Mark took the last 2 legs.

THE STAN JAMES EDDIE COX MEMORIAL PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, VICTORIA STADIUM, GIBRALTAR, 17/01/09

I had a very disappointing start to the year losing to Alan Tabern in The 2009 World Championships, but you have to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and put it behind you, and make sure your ready for the start of The 2009 Pro Tour.

I have joined The Board of Directors for The Professional Dart Players Association. My first meeting is on Wednesday 21st January at Federation House, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

I felt in good form for this tournament, which was held at The Doncaster Dome, S. Yorks.

I was pleased with my overall performance, but all credit to Jelle, he was playing very well.