stanjames.com World Matchplay Day Four

REPORTS from Wednesday's play at the stanjames.com World Matchplay as the first round concludes.

The second round will also commence with two matches in the evening session at Blackpool's Winter Gardens.

Wednesday July 22
Afternoon Session (1pm start)
Alan Tabern 10-5 Andy Smith
Terry Jenkins 10-4 Peter Wright
Dennis Priestley 5-10 Denis Ovens
Mark Walsh 10-5 Andy Jenkins

Evening Session (7pm start)
Raymond van Barneveld 10-3 Michael van Gerwen
Second Round
Adrian Lewis 13-5 Colin Lloyd
Phil Taylor 13-3 Kevin Painter

Click here for a first round photo gallery

ALAN TABERN 10-5 ANDY SMITH

ALAN TABERN made a brilliant comeback to overcome Andy Smith 10-5 at the stanjames.com World Matchplay.

Tabern found himself 3-1 and 4-2 down as Smith made a superb start to the contest - only for a 126 finish to be followed by three further ton-plus checkouts as he progressed to a second round clash with Ronnie Baxter.

Tabern started well, winning the opening leg in 13 darts after setting up a double 12 finish with a 177 score.

Smith replied with a maximum to set up double 18 in the second, and punished five misses from Tabern to secure the first break of throw and take a 2-1 lead.

Double top put Smith two legs clear, but crucially he missed one dart at the same bed in the next for a 4-1 lead before Tabern finished 126 on the bullseye to kick-start his comeback.

A 14-darter edged Smith into a 4-2 lead, but Tabern took out double 12 in the next and then broke the throw to level - and never looked back.

A 180 helped to set up a double 12 finish in taking a 5-4 lead, and he then made Smith pay for three misses at double top to level by finishin 82 on double 16.

Tabern then took out 111, 150 and 101 in three successive legs to pull clear - with Smith needing to finish 112 on tops to stay in the game.

But Tabern landed another maximum and a two-dart 76 checkout to set up a second round meeting with Ronnie Baxter.

Match Stats

Alan Tabern	10-5	Andy Smith
22	100+	19
16	140+	15
2	180	1
32.98	Ave1	31.76
98.95	Ave3	95.29
150,126,111,101	High Finish	112
3	Legs Against Throw	1

TERRY JENKINS 10-4 PETER WRIGHT

TERRY JENKINS powered into the second round of the stanjames.com World Matchplay with an impressive 10-4 win over Peter Wright.

The 2007 runner-up in Blackpool began his bid this year in strong fashion, hitting seven 180s and averaging close to 97 to progress.

He made a fine start to the contest, kicking off the match with a 180 and landing double top for the first leg.

Wright broke back on double eight to settle any nerves on his Blackpool debut, but Jenkins secured his second leg with a brilliant ten-darter - opening with successive 180s and taking out double 18.

He also hit 180s in the next two legs in taking a 4-1 lead, which was extended with a 92 checkout as Jenkins maintained a 105 average.

Double top and then double five saw him pull clear to 7-1 before Wright landed double five to end the run of six successive legs.

Jenkins added another 180 in taking leg ten, but Wright replied with two maximums in an 11-darter.

However, the qualifier from Lowestoft was unable to maintain the pressure as Jenkins missed six darts at a double in the next before finally landing double eight for a 9-3 lead.

Double top from Wright gave him a fourth leg, but Jenkins sealed the win on double 19 to ensure safe passage to the last 16.

"I'm happy with that," said Jenkins. "I've been practising well at home and hitting a lot of 180s and it's pleasing to take that on stage with you.

"Peter has been playing brilliantly in the floor tournaments and has beaten some top players comprehensively, so I knew if I gave him chances he'd take them.

"I had keep my head and take my chances to keep him under pressure, and I managed to do that.

"I feel pretty good coming into this event and been preparing well, and I think I'm getting my old self back."

Match Stats

Terry Jenkins	10-4	Peter Wright
17	100+	17
8	140+	9
7	180	2
32.31	Ave1	29.80
96.93	Ave3	89.39
92	High Finish	96
4	Legs Against Throw	1

DENIS OVENS 10-5 DENNIS PRIESTLEY

DENNIS PRIESTLEY'S stanjames.com World Matchplay hopes were devastated by Denis Ovens at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

Priestley has made three previous finals in the World Matchplay during his illustrious career, but a nightmare summer continued with a 10-5 defeat.

The Yorkshireman was whitewashed by Phil Taylor in the recent Las Vegas Desert Classic, and never recovered from going 4-1 down as Ovens set up a second round clash with Terry Jenkins on Thursday.

"Dennis is a legend but that wasn't the real Dennis Priestley up there," said Ovens, who hit three key finishes of 118, 125 and 116 in the match.

"He did not perform and I took my chances. I knew he would come back at me when I went 4-1 up but I held on and am delighted to be through."

Ovens made the ideal start, punishing three missed doubles from Priestley to take the opening leg and then landed double nine to go 2-0 up.

Double top saw Priestley get off the mark, but a miss at the same bed in the next allowed Ovens to move 3-1 up.

Priestley began leg five with a maximum, but Ovens hit a 12-darter to move three legs clear - only to again miss his chances in the next as double 18 gave the Yorkshireman a second leg.

Ovens took the eighth leg with a key 118 checkout, before Priestley landed double four and double eight to win two successive legs and pull back to 6-4.

He missed three darts at a double in the next before double eight allowed Ovens to hit back, only for a bullseye finish to keep Priestley in the game at 7-5.

But Ovens found an extra gear, taking out 125 on tops in the next, double 16 for a 9-5 cushion and a 116 checkout to wrap up victory.

"It wasn't my best performance overall but I did my best and am through to the next round," added Ovens.

"Against Dennis you have more time to think about things and I took my time. It will be different against Terry Jenkins in the second round, he's a different type of player and I know I can beat him."

Match Stats

Dennis Priestley	5-10	Denis Ovens
22	100+	25
13	140+	12
2	180	0
29.69	Ave1	30.26
89.06	Ave3	90.77
84	High Finish	125,118,116
3	Legs Against Throw	6

MARK WALSH 10-5 ANDY JENKINS

MARK WALSH kicked off his stanjames.com World Matchplay challenge with a 10-5 win over Andy Jenkins.

Walsh made amends for a defeat to Jenkins at the Winter Gardens two years ago to progress to the last 16, where he will meet either Raymond van Barneveld or Michael van Gerwen.

Although Jenkins took the opening leg with a 96 finish, Walsh settled the quickest to land a 180 in the next, double ten and then break Jenkins' throw on double four to lead 3-1.

A missed double top from Jenkins in the next allowed Walsh to move 4-1 up by hitting the same bed.

Jenkins took successive legs after the break to reduce the gap to 4-3, but Walsh crucially took the next leg - breaking throw on double top - to restore his cushion.

He landed a 180 in taking leg nine before a 64 checkout put him 7-3 up.

Portsmouth's Jenkins took two of the next three to remain in the hunt at 8-5, but Walsh landed a key 171 to set up a 36 finish in moving a leg away from the win.

He then wrapped up victory in style, taking out 121 for a 12-dart leg to move into the second round.

"I'm relieved and happy to get the win," said Walsh. "It was a hard game because Andy's a good friend and it's always tough playing him, I know what a battler he is.

"Being 4-1 didn't mean a lot to me because I know what he is capable of but I managed to edge through.

"I'm in a mindset where it doesn't worry me who I play next. I've beaten Raymond van Barneveld and Phil Taylor in finals this year and beaten James Wade twice, so it doesn't matter who I play. If I produce my darts, I'll win it."

Match Stats

Mark Walsh	10-5	Andy Jenkins
19	100+	15
12	140+	10
2	180	1
29.87	Ave1	28.44
89.60	Ave3	85.31
121	High Finish	96
6	Legs Against Throw	4

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 10-3 MICHAEL VAN GERWEN

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD stormed to a 10-3 victory in the all-Dutch clash with Michael van Gerwen to successfully begin his challenge at the stanjames.com World Matchplay.

The world number three produced one of the most accomplished performances of the first round with a 99.7 average to see off the youngster at ease.

Van Gerwen battled hard, but fell at the first hurdle for the first time in three Blackpool appearances as van Barneveld's superior finishing set up a second round date with Mark Walsh.

Van Gerwen hit a 180 in the opening leg, but van Barneveld had already missed three darts at a double before hitting double one for the lead.

Double top saw the 20-year-old level, but van Barneveld followed up a 76 finish with double top to break, and double 16 put him 4-1 up.

Van Gerwen slowed his progress with double ten, but van Barneveld landed maximums in taking the next two legs, and double top moved him into a 7-2 cushion.

A 170 scoreline from the five-time World Champion left him 91 in the tenth leg, but van Gerwen posted a superb 126 bullseye finish to win his third leg.

A two-dart 71 checkout saw van Barneveld move 8-3 up, double ten edged him towards victory and double 16 completed a thoroughly professional display.

"I hit my doubles today and Michael didn't hit his trebles," said van Barneveld, the recent Las Vegas Desert Classic runner-up who has not tasted victory in a major event for two years.

"Michael is a huge talent but there is a lot of pressure on him and he is finding it hard.

"I've been struggling a little bit mentally for the last year too. I know what I can do but it's not worked out for me - I've made finals but not won them but I need to win a tournament.

"I'm enjoying it again. I've been working hard and practising hard and everyone knows I can do it but I just need to lift a trophy again."

He takes on resurgent Mark Walsh in the second round on Thursday night, with the Englishman having successfully overcome dartitis to return to the world's top 16.

"I've got a lot of respect for Mark," added the Dutchman. "In 2007 I saw him playing with the dartitis but since then he has improved so much and he has won four Pro Tour events this year.

"I've won none, and he came from 4-0 down to beat me - but it's different tomorrow and I'll look forward to playing him."

Match Stats

R v Barneveld	10-3	M v Gerwen
25	100+	14
7	140+	6
3	180	1
33.24	Ave1	30.42
99.73	Ave3	91.26
101	High Finish	126
3	Legs Against Throw	0

SECOND ROUND
ADRIAN LEWIS 13-5 COLIN LLOYD

ADRIAN LEWIS produced a sensational display of finishing to power to a 13-5 win over Colin Lloyd and win a quarter-final place at the stanjames.com World Matchplay.

Lewis reached the last eight at the Winter Gardens for the third time with a brilliant showing, taking out finishes of 156, 142, 139 and 127 amongst some killer checkouts to see off the 2005 champion.

Lloyd battled to come back from 7-1 down and reduced the arrears to 8-5, but Lewis found an extra gear to set up a quarter-final against former mentor Phil Taylor on Friday.

The duo shared the opening two legs before Lewis pulled clear, posting double eight before landing 180s and double top finishes in successive legs to break Lloyd's throw and lead 401.

Lloyd was waiting on 40 when Lewis took out a sensational 142 finish on double 11 in the sixth, and set up a finish with a 168 score in the next before landing double ten.

He went even better in opening up a 7-1 cushion, taking out 156 with Lloyd waiting on 36 in another hammer blow.

Lloyd landed a maximum in taking a second leg on double 16, and finishes of double four and double eight helped him to reduce the gap to 7-4.

Lewis landed a key double three to stop Lloyd pulling back further, although the former world number one broke back on double top to trail 8-5.

However, the Stoke youngster found another gear to win the next leg, hitting a 180 to leave 139, which he took out effortlessly on tops.

Lewis then punished one missed double from Lloyd to go 10-5 up, and a bullseye finish on 127 proved another killer blow with his opponent on a finish.

The pair traded 180s in the next leg as Lewis landed double top to move 12-5 up, before repeating the finish for a 92 checkout in sealing the win.

"I was delighted with my finishing again," said Lewis, who had checked out 71% of his doubles in round one and 52% against Lloyd.

"We had some good fun on stage and are good friends, but I had to put that aside and even though I struggled with my concentration at times I came through it.

"It was a good game and it's nice to see Lloydy play well, but the important thing for me was getting into the quarter-finals."

He will face defending champion Taylor in the last eight, and admitted he is determined to overcome his former practice partner and mentor to win a first major title.

"My finishing is good enough to win this but I've just got to up my scoring," he said. "I'm feeling really confident on my finishing and haven't felt like this before.

"I'm looking forward to playing Phil. If I score like I can and finish like I now know I can I'll have a good shot at it.

"I don't think he'll have it all his own way and I won't treat him with any more respect than I do any other player. I'll go up there relaxed and play darts.

"I know if I win this tournament I will go from strength to strength, and I'll have to beat Phil to do that."

Match Stats

Adrian Lewis	13-5	Colin Lloyd
17	100+	22
15	140+	8
6	180	3
31.80	Ave1	28.27
95.39	Ave3	84.80
156,142,139,127	High Finish	60
7	Legs Against Throw	3

PHIL TAYLOR 13-3 KEVIN PAINTER

PHIL TAYLOR bulldozed his way into the quarter-finals of the stanjames.com World Matchplay with a 13-3 demolition of Kevin Painter at the Winter Gardens.

Taylor, sporting shaved lightning strikes in his hair, turned up the power in Blackpool with a sensational performance, averaging 109.47 and hitting 68 percent of his doubles.

Painter had actually won the game's opening leg - shrugging off two bounce-outs to land double top and lead.

A 140 left him 40 in the second, but Taylor took out 70 in two darts and never looked back.

Two successive double top finishes saw him break Painter's throw and lead 3-1, before he took the fifth on double eight after his opponent failed to capitalise on opening scores of 180 and 140.

Double eight put Taylor 5-1 up, and he then posted legs of 12, 11 and 11 darts in extending the lead to seven legs.

Taylor then took out double top and double 12 to make his winning run nine successive legs, only for a rare missed double to let Painter in on tops for a second leg.

Double 16 saw Painter pull back to 10-3, but even two 180s were not enough in leg 14 as a 124 finish saw Taylor retain his advantage.

Taylor opened the next with a 180 before posting double top to move a leg away from the win, and he defied a maximum from Painter to seal victory on double 16.

"I'm very happy with my performance and looking forward to playing Adrian Lewis now," said Taylor. "I'm ready to win this tournament now and the average shows that.

"That was a sign of respect for Kevin because he never gives up and played well, but he's disappointed he didn't do better.

"I'll stay relaxed and focused now and that's important. I'll chill out on Thursday and get ready for my next round."

Taylor spent two years as mentor and practice partner to Lewis, but still believes the 24-year-old - who is due to become a father for the first time next month - can go on to claim major honours.

"I still think he's a future World Champion," said Taylor. "He's a cracking little player but has got a bit lost along the way.

"It's hard to live the life I do, I'm not one for night-clubbing and am dedicated and it's very difficult to be 100 percent focused and professional.

"It's a lonely life and you have to concentrate on the dartboard because some players want to enjoy themselves, but he's got a baby coming soon and it may be the making of him.

"I've got four kids and they are the people you think about it, and it changes your outlook on life."

Match Stats