SkyBet World Grand Prix - Quarter-Final Reports

REPORTS and reaction from the quarter-finals of the SkyBet World Grand Prix, at the Citywest Hotel, Dublin.

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PETER MANLEY 4-1 ANDY SMITH

PETER MANLEY produced a sensational doubling display to defeat Andy Smith 4-1 and move into the semi-finals of the SkyBet World Grand Prix.

Manley has earned the One Dart nickname throughout his career for his clinical finishing, and gave one of his finest displays yet in front of a packed Citywest Hotel crowd.

Only once in the game did Manley fail to get away with a double, and his accuracy at the end of the leg was similarly sharp.

He won the first set without reply and moved 2-0 up then he won the second in a decider.

Smith came from a leg down to take the third set, but missed doubles allowed Manley to move 2-0 up in the next.

Smith took the third leg, but Manley responded to missing doubles with his first three darts - for the first time, in the 16th leg - to take the set with a two-dart 76 finish.

He then took two legs to go within one of victory, before Smith hit back with two of his own - and a fifth maximum of the game - to stay in the contest.

Manley, though, produced a partypiece 120 checkout to wrap up his triumph and remain on course for a first World Grand Prix final appearance.

"I'm over the moon," said Manley. "You don't realise that you're starting well but I did today.

"I said to myself that I wouldn't start on double top throughout the tournament, but to be honest I had to do it to give myself the advantage and I was hitting it beautifully.

There wasn't a great deal of difference in the game and he stuck in there.

Manley's progress in the tournament has ensured his place in the 2007 Holsten Premier League, and he admitted there was less pressure on him going into the semi-finals.

"It's been on our minds for the past six to eight weeks," he said. "Wayne Mardle's hanging on tenterhooks and he has earned his right to be at number six at the moment.

"It's fantastic how many scenarios we had coming into this tournament and no player can argue because everyone had a chance.

"Myself and Roland have battled through our games and deserve to be there.

"The World Championship is the biggest ever and the one everyone wants to win, but the Premier League is fantastic for everyone's profile.

"I can't go shopping in Tesco without someone recognising me now and it's phenomenal what the Premier League has done for the profile of the players."

Smith said: "I missed a few doubles early on but Peter played well. He did to me what I wanted to do to him.

"He played really well. I had a few chances and missed them but the better man won.

"I'm getting better, getting used to the big stage and it's all experience. I've enjoyed this week and had a good run.

"I'm just a bit disappointed I lost."

DENNIS PRIESTLEY 4-2 JAMES WADE

DENNIS PRIESTLEY reached a second successive SkyBet World Grand Prix semi-final with a gritty 4-2 win over James Wade.

Priestley allowed a 3-1 lead to slip against Colin Lloyd in last year's semis, but will get the chance to avenge that on Saturday when he resumes his rivalry with old adversary Phil Taylor.

A sluggish start saw Priestley lose the opening set 3-1, with Wade beginning brightly with legs of 13, 14 and 15 darts.

The Yorkshireman battled through to take the second in a deciding leg, and then he stepped up a gear to race through the third 3-1 and move ahead.

Wade won the fourth without reply to level matters, but Priestley again responded, taking the fifth in a decider.

His double four was a hammer blow for Wade, and Priestley landed the killer punch with two 41 checkouts for 14-dart legs and then took out double 16 for victory.

"It's nice to be through to the semis again," said the 56-year-old. "It was a tough game and a lot warmer on stage tonight.

"It was pleasing that I found some form when I was fatigued. I'm sure my experience played a part.

"I learned a big lesson in the semi-finals last year. I was 3-1 up and the crowd affected me but Eric Bristow told me to get on with the game and take the money.

"It was a real struggle today, I battled hard and I think I deserved to win because of my fighting spirit.

"I didn't get off on double top well, I seemed to pull the dart and it was only in the last couple of sets."

Priestley has lost to Taylor in the Las Vegas Desert Classic and World Matchplay this year, but has been resurgent on the PDC circuit.

"I'd like another battle with Phil," he said. "I hope it will be a battle and I can find a little more form.

"Phil's beaten me many times but we've been having some cracking games in the last 18 months. I'm gnawing away at him and letting him know he's not going to have an easy ride.

"Eventually I'll get him."

Wade admitted: "I'm angry, with myself. I've let the fans down and myself.

"I played terribly and I'm very disappointed. Dennis played better than me and that's why he won.

"My arm felt tired and I can't explain why. I'm not blaming it on the heat or pressure because I didn't feel either very much.

"It was a good lesson for me and I'll be back."

PHIL TAYLOR 4-0 ROLAND SCHOLTEN

PHIL TAYLOR piled on the agony for Roland Scholten with a whitewash win over the Dutchman to progress into the last four of the SkyBet World Grand Prix.

Scholten has battled a neck problem for the past three days and was clearly in pain throughout the contest.

As hard as the Dutchman battled, Taylor had far too much on the night and continued his march towards a seventh World Grand Prix title.

He dropped just two legs in the match with a ruthless display, and will now face Dennis Priestley in the semis.

"It was pretty difficult for both of us," said Taylor. "I knew he wasn't right and it's your instinct to pounce and put him under pressure.

"Fair play to him, he didn't roll over and had a go. If he'd been his normal self I think you'd have seen a cracking game."

Taylor meets old rival Dennis Priestley in the semi-finals, after the 56-year-old's win over rising stars Adrian Lewis and James Wade this week.

"I'm looking forward to that," Taylor added. "I'm very pleased to see his form back again.

"People keep mentioning the young kids coming through but Dennis is a tough cookie. There are not many people can beat him on that stage.

"I know how to play him. With his style and accuracy he puts people off but I'm used to him.

"I think James can't handle it yet, but I was exactly the same a few years ago. I didn't know what was going on because he's steady and consistent and when he's on song he's brilliant."

Scholten overcame Steve Beaton to reach the last eight, but was left frustrated after failing to shake off his neck problem.

"I was biting the pain all the way through, it was really tough," said the former UK Open winner, who was visibly grimacing and unable to use his left arm due to shooting pains.

"Phil didn't play as he can but I needed the whole package, not just the darts, and that makes a difference.

"The chiropractor said I should be alright by the end of next week so I'll be fine and start preparing for the World Championship now."

TERRY JENKINS 4-1 BOB ANDERSON

TERRY JENKINS reached his first major semi-final with a 4-1 win over Bob Anderson at the SkyBet World Grand Prix.

Jenkins has made an impressive name for himself away from the television cameras in the past two years, but is now on the brink of a place in the 2007 Holsten Premier League Darts.

Should he overcome Peter Manley to reach the final, he would also be assured of a place in the top six of the world rankings, and a place in the Premier League.

That was the least of his worries, though, after seeing Anderson take the first set 3-1.

The 58-year-old opened the game with a 124 finish and wrapped up the set with a 110 checkout.

He also led in the second set before Jenkins hit his stride and won six successive legs to move 2-1 up in the match.

Jenkins also won the fourth set in a deciding leg before Anderson fought to move 2-1 up in the fifth.

However, Jenkins took the fourth leg at a canter and then landed three ton-plus scores in the decider to secure the win.

"I'm not happy with the way I'm throwing," said Jenkins afterwards. "I got a little bit frustrated during the game and gave myself a talking to in one of the breaks.

"I've struggled in all three rounds to be honest but I've done enough to win.

"Tomorrow I could turn up and play a brilliant game but I will put a bit more practice in before I play Peter.

"I've blanked out any talk of the Premier League until now but with people saying I'm in with a chance it is a lot of pressure.

"That put more pressure on my in this game than before. I've only every thought about it a little bit before.

"I'm through, I'm happy and I can concentrate on the semi-final now."

Anderson admitted: "I'm not very happy with the way I played.

"I started okay, and then Terry powered back and I couldn't answer him. That hurt me a lot.

"I probably hit more stray darts tonight in succession than I have done for some time, and that cost me. But I can live with that and I'll make sure that's better for the next time I play."