REPORTS from the second night of the SkyBet World Grand Prix, as the first round concludes with eight matches.
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SkyBet World Grand Prix
First Round
Mervyn King 2-0 John Elder
Roland Scholten 2-1 Kevin Painter
Colin Lloyd 2-0 Dennis Priestley
Alan Tabern 2-1 Barrie Bates
Raymond van Barneveld 2-1 Vincent van der Voort
James Wade 2-0 Denis Ovens
Adrian Lewis 2-0 James Keogh
Alex Roy 2-1 Wes Newton
ROLAND SCHOLTEN 2-1 KEVIN PAINTER
(3-2, 1-3, 3-1)
ROLAND SCHOLTEN scrambled past Kevin Painter in three sets to book his place in the second round of the SkyBet World Grand Prix.
The duo missed a host of doubles both at the start and end of legs in a scrappy contest, with the Dutchman eventually prevailing in a decider.
The first set created the tone for the game, with neither player getting into a rhythm and Painter paying for two missed darts for the set in leg four before Scholten took out double top and then double ten to lead 1-0.
Painter took a 2-0 lad in set two, but paid for three missed darts to square the game as Scholten landed double 18 to stay alive.
A superb 180 left Painter with 50 in the fourth leg, and he was on hand following further misses from Scholten to take the set 3-1 and level matters.
Painter also led in the decider after hitting double ten, and the duo traded 180s in the second before Scholten levelled on double 16.
Painter missed two darts at double four in the third leg, allowing Scholten in to hit double seven to break the throw and move to within a leg of victory.
And the Englishman was punished once more in the next as Scholten hit double four to wrap up his win.
"We both made it hard and neither of us stamped any authority on the game in the first set," said Scholten.
"I could have gone out but Kevin also missed a lot of doubles - I'm pleased to get through though, and that is the main thing."
COLIN LLOYD 2-0 DENNIS PRIESTLEY
(3-2, 3-2)
COLIN LLOYD banished his first round blues with a tight 2-0 triumph over Dennis Priestley in the SkyBet World Grand Prix.
Lloyd has struggled in major tournaments since reaching the final of the World Grand Prix two years ago - with a string of round one defeats seeing the former World Number One slip down the rankings.
However, a solid display saw Lloyd edge out the double World Champion in straight sets - although the match could not have been closer.
Priestley missed doubles to win both sets in a fifth leg, with Lloyd stepping in to book his place in the last 16.
The first four legs went with the throw, with a 14-darter seeing Lloyd pull level at 2-2.
A 180 from Lloyd left him 51, and he was able to sneak in to win the set on double eight after Priestley missed the same double for a 136 finish.
Lloyd kicked off the second set with a confidence-boosting 106 checkout, although Priestley hit back with a 12-darter and then broke the throw to lead 2-1.
Another maximum from Lloyd set up a 76 finish in leg four, and he was on hand to wrap up the win on double six after Priestley was off-target for the bullseye.
"I'm the only player left who's won this event and I know how to win it," said a relieved Lloyd afterwards.
"You have to grind out wins and dig deep, and I had to do that against Dennis. He's world class and he doesn't often give you an inch - but when he did I stepped in.
"I've got the result and I'm over the moon - I'm through and that's all I care about, I just needed to get through that first round."
ALAN TABERN 2-1 BARRIE BATES
(3-1, 2-3, 3-0)
ALAN TABERN withstood the challenge of Barrie Bates to book his place in the last 16 of the SkyBet World Grand Prix.
Tabern looked set to coast to the win after opening up a one-set and two-leg lead - only for the Welshman to hit back.
Bates, still battling the leg injury which has hampered him since June, won the second set only to see Tabern lift his game and take the deciding set without reply.
Bates won the first leg despite a 180 from Tabern, only to see his opponent land double 12 to level, then break the throw in the third and land double ten in the fourth.
Double eight and a 70 finish on double 16 put Tabern two up in the second set before Bates took out 68 on double four to stay in the contest.
The Welshman then hit double top with Tabern waiting on 24 in the next leg, and stepped in again in the decider after his opponent missed double five for a 130 checkout and the game.
Tabern also missed a 130 finish in the third set's opener, but wayward finishing from Bates allowed him back in, and double four put him two up.
Another 180 gave him the cushion in the third, and there was no way back for Bates, with Tabern hitting double top to seal his win.
"It was a very good win," said Tabern. "I went into the game more nervous than I've ever been in my career, probably because we were evenly matched and I've got so much respect for Barrie.
"It was a dogfight and I thought he may come back, but I kept my head together and finished him off."
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 2-1 VINCENT VAN DER VOORT
(3-0, 1-3, 3-0)
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD made a strong start to his challenge for the SkyBet World Grand Prix with a 2-1 victory over Vincent van der Voort.
The World Champion showed glimpses of his brilliance to see off his fellow Dutchman in a repeat of June's UK Open final in Bolton.
Van Barneveld was a second round loser to Phil Taylor after coming through the qualifiers last year, but is now aiming to add yet another major title to his collection after progressing to the last 16.
He kicked off the game with a 14-darter before landing a 180 and then a 147 finish in leg two.
Van Barneveld then wrapped up the set without reply after van der Voort missed two darts at double top.
Van der Voort scrambled home double eight to win the second set's opener before van Barneveld hit back on tops in the next - but a fine 13-darter put van der Voort ahead.
The duo then traded maximums before van Barneveld was off-target on double top to allow his opponent in on double 12 for the set.
Any threat of a comeback, though, was quickly defused, with van Barneveld taking out 118 to open set three, double ten to move 2-0 up and then 111 for the match.
"Vincent came back well and he's tough to beat," said van Barneveld. "I was happy to step up in the third set and get the win.
"I've got Mervyn King next and he's one of the best players in the world - he's so consistent and I'm looking forward to it. He's a close friends and tough to beat."
JAMES WADE 2-0 DENIS OVENS
(3-0, 3-2)
JAMES WADE swept past Denis Ovens into the last 16 of the SkyBet World Grand Prix with an assured 2-0 victory.
Wade never looked in trouble against in-form Ovens, who won just two legs but could not match the strong scoring of the World Matchplay champion.
Wade took the first set without reply and looked set to coast to the win when a 14-darter put him ahead in the second.
Ovens hit back to win the second leg - the first time he had reached the double - but a superb leg saw Wade move 2-1 up, as he hit a second 180 of the game, followed by a 136 score and then double top.
Ovens produced a maximum of his own in the next leg before a two-dart 84 finish kept him in the contest.
But Wade was stronger in the deciding leg, and he took out double top to seal his second round place.
"Anything can happen in the short format and it's just a relief to get through," said Wade, who averaged an impressive 94.80.
"I expected more from Denis but I had the right breaks at the right time and it didn't happen for him."
ADRIAN LEWIS 2-0 JAMES KEOGH
(3-2, 3-1)
ADRIAN LEWIS held off a brave challenge from Ireland's James Keogh to progress in the SkyBet World Grand Prix with a 2-0 victory.
Keogh, one of the four All-Ireland Qualifiers, was roared on by a sizeable following at the Citywest Hotel and gave the number seven seed a fright in taking the first set to a decider.
The Dubliner levelled at 1-1 with a 102 finish and then took out 66 in two darts in leg four.
Lewis, though, was stronger in the fifth and took out double top for a 1-0 lead.
Keogh stepped in following a missed double top from Lewis to lead in set two, finishing 64 on double eight before a 174 score from the Englishman set up a double nine checkout.
Lewis also took leg three, despite a maximum from Keogh, and then sealed the win in the next after his opponent wasted a chance to stay in the game.
"I played well but the scoreline didn't reflect the game," said Lewis. "James played really well and it was the best performance of all the four qualifiers, although they were all good.
"I've got Roland Scholten next and I defeated him at the weekend.
"I'm confident enough and not scared of anybody, so I'll go up there and play my own game on Thursday."
ALEX ROY 2-1 WES NEWTON
(3-2, 2-3, 3-2)
ALEX ROY sneaked past Wes Newton in bizarre circumstances in a thrilling first round clash at the SkyBet World Grand Prix.
Newton fought back from a set down to send the match into a third set, and then gave himself a chance of winning the match in the deciding fifth leg.
However, the Fleetwood youngster mis-counted when needing 92 - hitting 25, 17 and then throwing for double top instead of the bullseye, allowing Roy to return and land the winning double to see the qualifier progress to the last 16.
It was an amazing end to a see-saw contest at the Citywest Hotel, with Roy continuing the good form which saw him qualify for the event last month and defeat World Champion Raymond van Barneveld in the Irish Players Championship on Saturday.
He strutted his way to the first set, holding off Newton's challenge in the fifth leg to take the lead after the youngster missed darts for the set in leg four.
A 68 finish put him ahead in the second before six faultless darts from Newton - when he landed a 180 and then a 127 finish on double eight - levelled matters.
Roy took the third leg but was left sat on tops in the fourth as Newton - who had landed a second maximum - took out 72 to square the set and then a fine 104 checkout for the set, with Roy again waiting on a finish.
The deciding set went with the throw for four legs, Newton missing darts to break in leg three before Roy missed the bullseye for the match in the fourth as the world number 23 sent the game into the final leg.
Scores of 140 and 128 left Roy with 50 as Newton returned for 92, but his miscount allowed the Watford-based star to return to set up a second round date with James Wade.
"I couldn't believe it," admitted Roy, who dedicated the win to his son Reggie, who celebrated his ninth birthday on Tuesday.
"After Wes threw I came to the oche and (referee) Paul Hinks looked at me, then I realised he had miscounted and luckily I went out on double 16.
"I started brilliantly throughout the game on double 18 but struggled to hit the trebles.
"I've been playing really well and if I get my scoring right I can give James a good game on Thursday."
Newton, twice a Las Vegas Desert Classic semi-finalist, said: "I'm gutted, I can't believe it.
"I'd had a chance at 82 a few legs earlier and I guess that was still in my head - I never even thought about it.
"Having that dart to go through and going for the wrong double is devastating. It might not have gone in if I'd gone for the bull, but I'll never know."
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Audio interviews from all games are available in DartsTV
SkyBet World Grand Prix
First Round
Mervyn King 2-0 John Elder
Roland Scholten 2-1 Kevin Painter
Colin Lloyd 2-0 Dennis Priestley
Alan Tabern 2-1 Barrie Bates
Raymond van Barneveld 2-1 Vincent van der Voort
James Wade 2-0 Denis Ovens
Adrian Lewis 2-0 James Keogh
Alex Roy 2-1 Wes Newton
MERVYN KING 2-0 JOHN ELDER
(3-2, 3-1)
MERVYN KING produced a sensational display of finishing to defeat Northern Ireland's John Elder at the SkyBet World Grand Prix.
King showed no mercy against the qualifier, with two ton-plus finishes in the middle of the game turning the contest in his favour.
Elder, who battled through over 500 players in the All-Ireland Qualifiers last month to win one of four places in the event, began the brighter of the two to lead 2-1 in the first set.
King missed 12 doubles to start the game in the opening leg, before Elder took out double 12, and he finished 82 in leg three to sneak ahead once more.
But King levelled and then produced a brilliant final six darts in the deciding leg, hitting a 180 and then a 155 finish of treble 20, treble 19 and double 19 to leave Elder - who was waiting on 86 - stunned.
King kicked off set two with a 143 checkout, and another maximum set him up for a double ten finish in leg two.
Elder hit back to take the third leg, landing two 140s and double top with his first dart - but missed doubles in the next allowed King to take victory on double top.
"It was a new experience for me and it took me a little while to get comfortable," admitted King, one of the four PDPA Qualifiers and a debutant in the double-start event.
"After the first leg I went up and looked at the treble 20! I realised in time, but it was my instinct.
"It was hard work and I was out of my comfort zone, but hopefully I'll adapt from here."
|
John Elder |
0-2 |
Mervyn King |
|
11 |
100+ |
10 |
|
5 |
140+ |
6 |
|
0 |
180 |
2 |
|
27.97 |
Ave1 |
27.43 |
|
83.91 |
Ave3 |
82.30 |
|
82 |
High Finish |
155,143 |
ROLAND SCHOLTEN 2-1 KEVIN PAINTER
(3-2, 1-3, 3-1)
ROLAND SCHOLTEN scrambled past Kevin Painter in three sets to book his place in the second round of the SkyBet World Grand Prix.
The duo missed a host of doubles both at the start and end of legs in a scrappy contest, with the Dutchman eventually prevailing in a decider.
The first set created the tone for the game, with neither player getting into a rhythm and Painter paying for two missed darts for the set in leg four before Scholten took out double top and then double ten to lead 1-0.
Painter took a 2-0 lad in set two, but paid for three missed darts to square the game as Scholten landed double 18 to stay alive.
A superb 180 left Painter with 50 in the fourth leg, and he was on hand following further misses from Scholten to take the set 3-1 and level matters.
Painter also led in the decider after hitting double ten, and the duo traded 180s in the second before Scholten levelled on double 16.
Painter missed two darts at double four in the third leg, allowing Scholten in to hit double seven to break the throw and move to within a leg of victory.
And the Englishman was punished once more in the next as Scholten hit double four to wrap up his win.
"We both made it hard and neither of us stamped any authority on the game in the first set," said Scholten.
"I could have gone out but Kevin also missed a lot of doubles - I'm pleased to get through though, and that is the main thing."
|
Kevin Painter |
1-2 |
Roland Scholten |
|
20 |
100+ |
18 |
|
4 |
140+ |
8 |
|
2 |
180 |
3 |
|
23.84 |
Ave1 |
25.45 |
|
71.51 |
Ave3 |
76.36 |
|
54 |
High Finish |
57 |
COLIN LLOYD 2-0 DENNIS PRIESTLEY
(3-2, 3-2)
COLIN LLOYD banished his first round blues with a tight 2-0 triumph over Dennis Priestley in the SkyBet World Grand Prix.
Lloyd has struggled in major tournaments since reaching the final of the World Grand Prix two years ago - with a string of round one defeats seeing the former World Number One slip down the rankings.
However, a solid display saw Lloyd edge out the double World Champion in straight sets - although the match could not have been closer.
Priestley missed doubles to win both sets in a fifth leg, with Lloyd stepping in to book his place in the last 16.
The first four legs went with the throw, with a 14-darter seeing Lloyd pull level at 2-2.
A 180 from Lloyd left him 51, and he was able to sneak in to win the set on double eight after Priestley missed the same double for a 136 finish.
Lloyd kicked off the second set with a confidence-boosting 106 checkout, although Priestley hit back with a 12-darter and then broke the throw to lead 2-1.
Another maximum from Lloyd set up a 76 finish in leg four, and he was on hand to wrap up the win on double six after Priestley was off-target for the bullseye.
"I'm the only player left who's won this event and I know how to win it," said a relieved Lloyd afterwards.
"You have to grind out wins and dig deep, and I had to do that against Dennis. He's world class and he doesn't often give you an inch - but when he did I stepped in.
"I've got the result and I'm over the moon - I'm through and that's all I care about, I just needed to get through that first round."
|
Colin Lloyd |
2-0 |
Dennis Priestley |
|
13 |
100+ |
19 |
|
4 |
140+ |
5 |
|
2 |
180 |
1 |
|
29.01 |
Ave1 |
30.05 |
|
87.04 |
Ave3 |
90.14 |
|
106 |
High Finish |
82 |
ALAN TABERN 2-1 BARRIE BATES
(3-1, 2-3, 3-0)
ALAN TABERN withstood the challenge of Barrie Bates to book his place in the last 16 of the SkyBet World Grand Prix.
Tabern looked set to coast to the win after opening up a one-set and two-leg lead - only for the Welshman to hit back.
Bates, still battling the leg injury which has hampered him since June, won the second set only to see Tabern lift his game and take the deciding set without reply.
Bates won the first leg despite a 180 from Tabern, only to see his opponent land double 12 to level, then break the throw in the third and land double ten in the fourth.
Double eight and a 70 finish on double 16 put Tabern two up in the second set before Bates took out 68 on double four to stay in the contest.
The Welshman then hit double top with Tabern waiting on 24 in the next leg, and stepped in again in the decider after his opponent missed double five for a 130 checkout and the game.
Tabern also missed a 130 finish in the third set's opener, but wayward finishing from Bates allowed him back in, and double four put him two up.
Another 180 gave him the cushion in the third, and there was no way back for Bates, with Tabern hitting double top to seal his win.
"It was a very good win," said Tabern. "I went into the game more nervous than I've ever been in my career, probably because we were evenly matched and I've got so much respect for Barrie.
"It was a dogfight and I thought he may come back, but I kept my head together and finished him off."
|
Alan Tabern |
2-1 |
Barrie Bates |
|
20 |
100+ |
12 |
|
6 |
140+ |
4 |
|
2 |
180 |
1 |
|
27.20 |
Ave1 |
23.36 |
|
81.60 |
Ave3 |
70.07 |
|
80 |
High Finish |
76 |
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 2-1 VINCENT VAN DER VOORT
(3-0, 1-3, 3-0)
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD made a strong start to his challenge for the SkyBet World Grand Prix with a 2-1 victory over Vincent van der Voort.
The World Champion showed glimpses of his brilliance to see off his fellow Dutchman in a repeat of June's UK Open final in Bolton.
Van Barneveld was a second round loser to Phil Taylor after coming through the qualifiers last year, but is now aiming to add yet another major title to his collection after progressing to the last 16.
He kicked off the game with a 14-darter before landing a 180 and then a 147 finish in leg two.
Van Barneveld then wrapped up the set without reply after van der Voort missed two darts at double top.
Van der Voort scrambled home double eight to win the second set's opener before van Barneveld hit back on tops in the next - but a fine 13-darter put van der Voort ahead.
The duo then traded maximums before van Barneveld was off-target on double top to allow his opponent in on double 12 for the set.
Any threat of a comeback, though, was quickly defused, with van Barneveld taking out 118 to open set three, double ten to move 2-0 up and then 111 for the match.
"Vincent came back well and he's tough to beat," said van Barneveld. "I was happy to step up in the third set and get the win.
"I've got Mervyn King next and he's one of the best players in the world - he's so consistent and I'm looking forward to it. He's a close friends and tough to beat."
|
Raymond |
2-1 |
Vincent |
|
16 |
100+ |
14 |
|
5 |
140+ |
2 |
|
3 |
180 |
1 |
|
29.69 |
Ave1 |
24.99 |
|
89.07 |
Ave3 |
74.96 |
|
147,118,111 |
High Finish |
36 |
JAMES WADE 2-0 DENIS OVENS
(3-0, 3-2)
JAMES WADE swept past Denis Ovens into the last 16 of the SkyBet World Grand Prix with an assured 2-0 victory.
Wade never looked in trouble against in-form Ovens, who won just two legs but could not match the strong scoring of the World Matchplay champion.
Wade took the first set without reply and looked set to coast to the win when a 14-darter put him ahead in the second.
Ovens hit back to win the second leg - the first time he had reached the double - but a superb leg saw Wade move 2-1 up, as he hit a second 180 of the game, followed by a 136 score and then double top.
Ovens produced a maximum of his own in the next leg before a two-dart 84 finish kept him in the contest.
But Wade was stronger in the deciding leg, and he took out double top to seal his second round place.
"Anything can happen in the short format and it's just a relief to get through," said Wade, who averaged an impressive 94.80.
"I expected more from Denis but I had the right breaks at the right time and it didn't happen for him."
|
James Wade |
2-0 |
Denis Ovens |
|
12 |
100+ |
16 |
|
6 |
140+ |
2 |
|
2 |
180 |
1 |
|
31.60 |
Ave1 |
27.00 |
|
94.80 |
Ave3 |
81.00 |
|
76 |
High Finish |
84 |
ADRIAN LEWIS 2-0 JAMES KEOGH
(3-2, 3-1)
ADRIAN LEWIS held off a brave challenge from Ireland's James Keogh to progress in the SkyBet World Grand Prix with a 2-0 victory.
Keogh, one of the four All-Ireland Qualifiers, was roared on by a sizeable following at the Citywest Hotel and gave the number seven seed a fright in taking the first set to a decider.
The Dubliner levelled at 1-1 with a 102 finish and then took out 66 in two darts in leg four.
Lewis, though, was stronger in the fifth and took out double top for a 1-0 lead.
Keogh stepped in following a missed double top from Lewis to lead in set two, finishing 64 on double eight before a 174 score from the Englishman set up a double nine checkout.
Lewis also took leg three, despite a maximum from Keogh, and then sealed the win in the next after his opponent wasted a chance to stay in the game.
"I played well but the scoreline didn't reflect the game," said Lewis. "James played really well and it was the best performance of all the four qualifiers, although they were all good.
"I've got Roland Scholten next and I defeated him at the weekend.
"I'm confident enough and not scared of anybody, so I'll go up there and play my own game on Thursday."
|
Adrian Lewis |
2-0 |
James Keogh |
|
9 |
100+ |
8 |
|
6 |
140+ |
4 |
|
2 |
180 |
1 |
|
27.78 |
Ave1 |
23.44 |
|
83.35 |
Ave3 |
70.31 |
|
126 |
High Finish |
102 |
ALEX ROY 2-1 WES NEWTON
(3-2, 2-3, 3-2)
ALEX ROY sneaked past Wes Newton in bizarre circumstances in a thrilling first round clash at the SkyBet World Grand Prix.
Newton fought back from a set down to send the match into a third set, and then gave himself a chance of winning the match in the deciding fifth leg.
However, the Fleetwood youngster mis-counted when needing 92 - hitting 25, 17 and then throwing for double top instead of the bullseye, allowing Roy to return and land the winning double to see the qualifier progress to the last 16.
It was an amazing end to a see-saw contest at the Citywest Hotel, with Roy continuing the good form which saw him qualify for the event last month and defeat World Champion Raymond van Barneveld in the Irish Players Championship on Saturday.
He strutted his way to the first set, holding off Newton's challenge in the fifth leg to take the lead after the youngster missed darts for the set in leg four.
A 68 finish put him ahead in the second before six faultless darts from Newton - when he landed a 180 and then a 127 finish on double eight - levelled matters.
Roy took the third leg but was left sat on tops in the fourth as Newton - who had landed a second maximum - took out 72 to square the set and then a fine 104 checkout for the set, with Roy again waiting on a finish.
The deciding set went with the throw for four legs, Newton missing darts to break in leg three before Roy missed the bullseye for the match in the fourth as the world number 23 sent the game into the final leg.
Scores of 140 and 128 left Roy with 50 as Newton returned for 92, but his miscount allowed the Watford-based star to return to set up a second round date with James Wade.
"I couldn't believe it," admitted Roy, who dedicated the win to his son Reggie, who celebrated his ninth birthday on Tuesday.
"After Wes threw I came to the oche and (referee) Paul Hinks looked at me, then I realised he had miscounted and luckily I went out on double 16.
"I started brilliantly throughout the game on double 18 but struggled to hit the trebles.
"I've been playing really well and if I get my scoring right I can give James a good game on Thursday."
Newton, twice a Las Vegas Desert Classic semi-finalist, said: "I'm gutted, I can't believe it.
"I'd had a chance at 82 a few legs earlier and I guess that was still in my head - I never even thought about it.
"Having that dart to go through and going for the wrong double is devastating. It might not have gone in if I'd gone for the bull, but I'll never know."
|
Alex Roy |
2-1 |
Wes Newton |
|
23 |
100+ |
21 |
|
7 |
140+ |
6 |
|
0 |
180 |
2 |
|
26.41 |
Ave1 |
25.84 |
|
79.23 |
Ave3 |
77.53 |
|
68 |
High Finish |
127,104 |