STANJAMES.COM WORLD MATCHPLAY RESULTS 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 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. 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. WORLD MATCHPLAY BLACKPOOL 2010 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. WORLD SERIES OF DARTS LAS VEGAS Firstly great news, I have qualified for The Stan James World Matchplay, Blackpool, 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 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. HOLLAND 19TH JUNE 2010 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. BARNSLEY 12TH JUNE 2010 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 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. Back to the practice board now. UK OPEN BOLTON 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. AUSTRIA WEEKEND 15/16TH MAY 2010 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. I was to meet Simon Whitlock in the final. Simon then held his throw in the next leg to seal the win. I was very pleased with how I played and am well chuffed at beating Phil. The next hurdle was making it home as all flights were cancelled due to the ash cloud. WIGAN WEEKEND 24/25TH APRIL 2010 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. 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 I am playing well and am very positive about my darts, so better things are to come.
CLASH OF THE TITANS, MANCHESTER 12/03/2010 I won The Clash of the Titans for the third time out of the five years it has been running. 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. SCORES ON THE NIGHT QUARTER FINALS SEMI FINALS FINAL A great night was had by all. GERMAN DARTS CLASSIC PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, GLADBECK 07/03/2010 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. I beat Christian Hengl 6-0 in the 1st round Stuart Bousfield 6-1 in the 2nd roundJohn Part 6-5 in a very close game in the third 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. HI EVERYBODY 25/02/10Looking 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. Will write next week hopefully with good news. Good luck to all you darters wherever you are playing.
2010 TOTESPORT.COM PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS, CIRCUS TAVERN PURFLEET 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. The win set up a second round clash with Paul Nicholson. 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. Well done Paul, you had a great few days and it has given you a top 16 place, I'm off to Gibraltar this coming weekend for the first Pro Tour Event of 2010.
2010 LADBROKES.COM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, ALEXANDRA PALACE For my first game I was drawn against Carlos Rodriguez. I emerged a 3 sets to 0 winner. 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. That set up a last 32 clash against Andy Hamilton. 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. Most sets were closely fought and the score line didn't justify the game. It goes without saying that I was very disappointed, but you have to look forward. I hope I can continue my recent good form into 2010. MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS. LET'S HOPE 2010 IS A GOOD YEAR FOR ALL
PARTY POKER.COM GRAND SLAM OF DARTS 14/11/09 TO 22/11/09 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. Next I played Gary Anderson, unfortunately I lost to Gary 5-2. 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. That was the end of my first Grand Slam experience.
SUNDAY SCOTTISH PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, IRVINE 08/11/09 Today I made it to the Semi Finals. I was seeded No: 3 for this tournament. 1st round I had a bye 2nd round I beat Chris Allen 6-3 3rd round I beat Matt Padgett 6-2 4th round I beat Kirk Shepherd 6-5. In the Quarter Finals I beat Dave Smith 6-3 In the Semi Final Michael Van Gerwen got his own back for last weekend and beat me 6-3. I'm hoping I can take my recent form into The Grand Slam next weekend. My first game is on Sunday 15th Nov 2009 at The Civic Centre, Wolverhampton at 12 midday.
SATURDAY SCOTTISH PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, IRVINE 07/11/09 I made it to the Saturday's Players Championship Final held at The Magnum Centre in Irvine this weekend. 1st round I beat Stuart Holden 6-4 2nd round I beat Colin Monk 6-5 3rd round I beat Mark Webster 6-4 4th round I beat Jelle Klaasen 6-5 In the Quarter Finals I won 6-3 against Vincent Van der Voort 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 had defeated Wes a fortnight ago to claim my first title for eight years. I took the Finals opener and landed 180 in the second, but missed doubles to allow Wes to level. We traded the next two legs before I landed an eleven darter to put me 3-2 up. 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. It was a fantastic game, I really enjoyed it. Congratulations to Wes, he played well all day.
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP, NULAND HOLLAND 29/10/09 to 01/11/09 Fresh from my victory last weekend, I found myself in another Final, facing Phil The Power Taylor. I travelled back to Nuland and carried on where I left off. I knocked Adrian Lewis out 6-2 in the first round. 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 and making it to the Final has taken me to 19th in the world rankings. 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.
NULAND PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, HOLLAND 24/10/09 Well I claimed my first tournament win since 2001 this weekend with a 6-1 defeat of Wes Newton. My last title success was at JR & Vauxhall Open eight years ago. 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. Let's hope I will have more good news next week.
SKY BET WORLD GRAND PRIX DUBLIN, IRELAND 05/10/09 TO 11/10/09 I swept into the second round beating Ronnie Baxter 2 - 0 in sets. I dropped just one leg, setting up a second round clash with Irish star Jacko Barry. I was feeing good, but when Jacko came out, the crowd went beserk. I lost to Jacko 3 - 2 in sets. 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.
AUSTRIAN PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, SALZBURG 06/09/09 I reached my First Pro Tour Final in Austria this weekend 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 Quarter Finals I had a 6-3 win over inform Wayne Jones. 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. Well done Jamie
STAN JAMES.COM WORLD MATCHPLAY, WINTER GARDENS BLACKPOOL 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. I averaged 92.86. I had set up a second round clash with Merv King. 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 averaged 92.30. 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. Hopefully I will qualify for The World Grand Prix, Dublin and do a bit better.
PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, DINSLAKEN, STADTHALLE, GERMANY SUNDAY 21/06/09 Not such a good run today. I started off with a bye in the first round Second round I beat Carlos Rodriguez 6 - 4 Third round I beat Patrick Bulen in a close game 6 - 5 In the fourth round I lost to Mark Walsh 6 - 0, I just could not hit a double. Back to the practise board now to get myself ready for Vegas next weekend
PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, DINSLAKEN, STADTHALLE, GERMANY SATURDAY 20/06/09 I travelled to Dinslaken, Germany this weekend. Saturday being the first of two Players Championships. 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. 1st round I beat Par Riihonen 6 - 3 2nd round I beat Steve Hine 6 - 1 3rd round I beat Kevin Painter 6 - 2 4th round I beat Colin Osborne 6 - 2 Then I lost 6 - 2 in the Quarters to Colin Lloyd Andy Smith beat Colin Lloyd in the Final in a very close game 6 - 5 Well done to Andy, he played excellent all day. Andy hit a Nine Darter in his Quarter Final game against Mark Walsh.
UK PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, METRODOME BARNSLEY 14/06/09 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. Round One I beat Rick Lowther 6 - 1 Round Two I beat Arron Monk 6 - 1 Round Three I beat Peter Wright 6 - 1 Round Four I beat Toon Greebe 6 - 2 Then lost 6 - 2 to Gary Anderson in the Quarters Colin Osborne beat Gary Anderson 6 - 2 in the Final I'm looking forward to next weekend in Dinslaken, Germany, where again there are two Player Championship Events. I'm off for a practise now.
UK PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, METRODOME BARNSLEY 13/06/09 In the first of the two Players Championships of the weekend, I made it to the Quarter Finals. Round One I beat Paul Gudgeon 6 - 1 Round Two I beat Steve Hine 6 - 5 Round Three I beat Mark Dudbridge 6 - 3 Round Four I beat Alan Tabern 6 - 5 Finally I lost to Jamie Caven 6 - 5 in the Quarters after a close fought game. Mark Walsh beat Jamie 6 - 4 in the Final
WELSH BLUE SQUARE UK OPEN, NEWPORT 10/05/09 I had a good run in this tournament today. I beat my mate Pete Allen 6 - 1 in the 1st round 2nd round I beat Andy Smith 6 - 2 3rd round I beat Gary Anderson 6 - 5, after being 5 - 1 up at one stage. 4th round I beat Mark Lawrence 6 - 5, taking it to the last leg again. 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. Jamie Caven beat Alan Tabern 6 - 5 in the final.
WELSH PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, NEWPORT 09/05/09 This was held at The Newport Centre and was the 14th Players Championship of 2009. I had a great game against Mark Webster beating him 6 - 1 in the first round. 2nd round I beat Paul Anthony 6 - 0. 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. Gary Anderson beat Merv King 6 - 2 in the final. 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.
DOUBLE HEADER WEEKEND IN NULAND, HOLLAND 04/04/09 TO 05/04/09 These two events were held at The Van der Valk hotel, in Nuland, Holland. Saturday I made it to the last 16 1st rd: Steve 6 - 2 Christian Kotal 2nd rd: Steve 6 - 4 Jarkko Komula 3rd rd: Steve 6 - 4 Mensur Suljovic Then I lost to Robert Thornton 6 - 5 in the last 16. Sunday I again made the last 16 1st rd: Steve 6 - 1 Berti Schlugan 2nd rd: Steve 6 - 0 Chris Thompson 3rd rd: Steve 6 - 1 Hannes Schnier Then I lost to Toon Greebe 6 - 5 in the last 16. Both my games in the last 16 were close and could have gone either way. Phil Taylor completed back to back victories beating Gary Anderson in both finals
WEST MIDLANDS PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, COVENTRY 28/03/09 This event was held at The Ricoh Arena in Coventry, which was nice and local for me. I made it to the Quarter Finals again, which I was very pleased about. 1st rd: Steve 6 - 0 Chris Daglish 2nd rd: Steve 6 - 4 Anastasia Dobromyslova 3rd rd: Steve 6 - 5 Martyn Turner 4th rd: Steve 6 - 3 Ray Farrell In the Quarter Finals I lost to Mark Walsh 6 - 1 for the second week running. Mark then beat Terry Jenkins 6 - 2 in the semi's and went on to beat Phil Taylor 6 - 4 in the final.
SOUTH EAST PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, BRENTWOOD 21/03/09 I travelled to The Brentwood Centre, Essex, this weekend. I made it to the Quarter Finals, one better than last week. 145 players registered for this event. 1st rd: Steve 6 - 0 Geoff Whitworth 2nd rd: Steve 6 - 3 Par Rihonen 3rd rd: Steve 6 - 0 Peter Wright 4th rd: Steve 6 - 3 James Wade In the Quarter Finals I lost 6 - 1 to Mark Walsh. Mark played so well, it was a really high scoring game. Mark eventually lost to Phil Taylor 6 - 2 in the semi's. Phil Taylor went on to beat Ronnie Baxter 6 - 2 in the final.
BLUE SQUARE UK NORTH WEST REGIONAL FINAL, WIGAN 15/03/09 Again I made it to the last 16. 1st rd: Steve 6 - 3 Dennis Zijderhand 2nd rd: Steve 6 - 4 James Barton Then I lost to Ronnie Baxter 6 - 5 in a nail biting game. James Wade beat Kevin McDine 6 - 3 in the final.
NORTH WEST PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, WIGAN 14/03/09 This weekend we were at The Robin Park Tennis Centre, Wigan. Yet again I made it to the last 16. 1st rd: Steve 6 - 1 Wayne Attwood 2nd rd: Steve 6 - 4 Barrie Bates 3rd rd: Steve 6 - 4 Michael Barnard Then I lost to Michael Van Gerwen 6 - 3 Dennis Priestley beat Colin Lloyd 6 - 1 in the final.
SCOTTISH PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, IRVINE 07/03/09 I travelled to Scotland this weekend to The Magnum Centre, Irvine. I had another decent run, making it to the last 16 yet again 1st rd: Steve 6 - 1 Paul Knighton 2nd rd: Steve 6 - 2 Dennis Zijderhand 3rd rd: Steve 6 - 4 Kevin Painter Then I lost to Ronnie Baxter 6 - 1 I would have loved to have progressed further, but all credit to Ronnie, he never missed a thing against me. Robert Thornton beat Dennis Priestley 6 - 5 in the final.
SUNDAY'S PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, GERMANY 01/03/09 Started off the day well again 1st rd: Steve 6 - 3 Andries Sterk 2nd rd: Steve 6 - 0 Bob Valies 3rd rd: Steve 6 - 5 Mensur Suljovic 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.
SATURDAY'S PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, GERMANY 28/02/09 Set off for The German Darts Classic weekend held at Gladbeck's Van der Valk Hotel. 1st rd: Steve 6 - 0 Russell Mason 2nd rd: Steve 6 - 4 Simon Craven 3rd rd: Steve 6 - 5 Andree Welge Then in the last 16, I met my buddy Phil Taylor and he whitewashed me 6 - 0 Phil went on to win the tournament. He beat Adrian Lewis 6 - 0 in the final.
THE STAN JAMES .COM PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, VICTORIA STADIUM GIBRALTAR 18/01/09 I had another good day in Gibraltar. 1st rd: Steve 6 - 5 Nick Fulwell 2nd rd: Steve 6 - 2 Dennis Priestley 3rd rd: Steve 6 - 3 Francisco Cruz 4th rd: Steve 6 - 5 Colin Lloyd Quarter Finals: Steve 6 - 3 Andy Jenkins Semi Finals: Steve 4- 6 Mark Dudbridge 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. I was happy with my overall performance during the weekend. Phil Taylor beat Mark Dudbridge 6 - 1 in the Final. THE STAN JAMES EDDIE COX MEMORIAL PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, VICTORIA STADIUM, GIBRALTAR, 17/01/09 I had a good run in this tournament today. 1st rd: Steve 6 - 4 Barry Bates 2nd rd: Steve 6 - 1 Jacko Barry 3rd rd: Steve 6 - 1 Louis Blundell 4th rd: Steve 6 - 3 Peter Wright I eventually lost in the quarter finals to my old mate Phil Taylor 6 - 2. Phil went on to win the tournament 6 - 2 in the final against Alan Tabern. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL 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. BOBBY BOURN MEMORIAL PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP RESULT, 10/01/2009 I felt in good form for this tournament, which was held at The Doncaster Dome, S. Yorks. 1st rd: Steve 6 - 0 Ian perkins 2nd rd: Steve 6 - 5 Gary Welding 3rd rd: Steve 6 - 1 Lionel Sams 4th rd : Steve 2 - 6 Jelle Klassen I was pleased with my overall performance, but all credit to Jelle, he was playing very well. Terry Jenkins was the winner of this tournament, beating Mark Dudbridge 6 - 3. |