12pm Start
James Wade 4-3 Dave Ladley
Dennis Priestley 4-3 Per Laursen
Colin Osborne 4-2 Wes Newton
6pm Start
Andy Jenkins 4-2 Andy Smith
Roland Scholten 4-3 Alex Roy
Third Round
Raymond van Barneveld 4-0 Rico Vonck
Dave Askew 3-4 Alan Tabern
JAMES WADE 4-3 DAVE LADLEY
(3-2, 2-3, 3-1, 1-3, 2-3, 3-1, 4-2)
JAMES WADE held off a mighty effort from qualifier Dave Ladley to progress to the last 16 of the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship for the first time in his career.
The 23-year-old world number 11 was forced to come from behind as Ladley, from Scunthorpe, took a shock 3-2 and even gave himself one dart to win the contest.
But Wade stepped in after Ladley was off-target on double 17, and won a deciding set 4-2 to set up a clash with Terry Jenkins on Thursday.
Wade began well, landing an 11-darter on his way to a 3-2 win in the first set, before Ladley hit back from 2-0 down to take the second.
Wade was clinical on double top in taking the third set 3-1, but lost his way in the next as Ladley again hit back to level the game.
The qualifier, playing in only his second televised tournament, then took out a brilliant 156 finish - with Wade needing just 60 - to win the fifth set 3-2 and move ahead for the first time in the game.
Wade responded with legs of 16, 15 and 12 darts to take the sixth set 3-1 and stay in the game, but trailed 2-1 in the decider.
Ladley then left himself double 17 for a 12-darter and the match in leg four, but was just inside the wire before Wade scrambled home a three-dart 92.
Wade broke Ladley's throw to win the fifth leg as the game entered a tie break, and he then took out 40 with double one and double 19 to get over the finishing line.
"I've been fortunate - Father Christmas has come twice for me this year," said Wade. "Dave did well and he probably played better than me, but he let me in.
"I've always been a fighter with my darts but the way I'm playing is not good enough to threaten anybody at the moment.
"I'm not playing my game but we'll see what happens on Thursday. Maybe Terry Jenkins is the opponent I need to bring me out of my shell."
Ladley had overcome 1983 World Champion Keith Deller in the PDPA Qualifiers just to reach the Circus Tavern, and then ended Lionel Sams' hopes in round one.
"It's a shame to end in this way," said the 31-year-old from Scunthorpe. "I never thought I'd win it but I was in control when I went in front.
"It was a good game. James is a terrific player but if I can live with him for seven sets then I must be going okay.
"This will give me confidence for next year and also the chance to get back regularly onto the PDC circuit. I'm still searching for a sponsor but this run has been good for me."
Match Stats
|
James |
4-3 |
Dave |
|
45 |
100+ |
40 |
|
21 |
140+ |
15 |
|
5 |
180 |
7 |
|
27.79 |
Ave1 |
27.57 |
|
83.36 |
Ave3 |
82.72 |
|
92 |
High Finish |
156 |
Dennis Priestley 4-3 Per Laursen
(2-3, 2-3, 3-2, 0-3, 3-0, 3-2, 3-1)
DENNIS PRIESTLEY produced one of the greatest comebacks in his career to keep alive his Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship hopes with a 4-3 win over Per Laursen.
Priestley was poised for an unexpected exit from the tournament when he trailed the Danish star 3-1.
Laursen also had eight darts to win the match in the sixth set, but his misses allowed the double World Champion to step in and move into the last 16.
"I'm so relieved," admitted Priestley. "It was hard work but maybe the Gods were smiling on me."
Laursen, who made his PDC debut in the first round with a win over Colin Monk, began the match in clinical fashion, coming from behind to win the first set and then holding his throw to take the second in a decider.
Legs of 15, 14 and 14 helped Priestley to pull back set three, but the Dane made him pay for wayward finishing in the fourth to take a 3-1 lead in the match.
Priestley took the fifth set 3-0 to keep himself alive in the match, but found himself staring down the barrel in the sixth.
Laursen led 2-0 and was first to the double in the third leg before missing double 16 and double eight for the match.
Priestley took out double ten to keep himself in the contest, and a 120 finish in the next leg levelled matters.
Laursen then missed six darts at double top, ten and five in the deciding leg before Priestley landed double four to make the scoreline 3-3.
Despite Laursen winning the opening leg of the decider against the throw, Priestley had a sudden wave of enthusiasm and took three successive legs to seal the win with a 116 finish.
"I'm absolutely delighted," admitted the 56-year-old Yorkshireman. "I've got out of jail - he had eight darts to win it and they were all on the wire, so I've been very lucky.
"He has to be kicking himself. I've been in that situation a few times and I do feel sorry for him - but I won't lose any sleep over it!
"I've got to fire in a lot better than I did today at the start of the match. I wasn't throwing very well in practice beforehand and it was very difficult early on but I dug in."
Match Stats
|
Dennis |
4-3 |
Per |
|
43 |
100+ |
41 |
|
20 |
140+ |
18 |
|
8 |
180 |
4 |
|
29.92 |
Ave1 |
29.78 |
|
89.76 |
Ave3 |
89.35 |
|
120,116,100 |
High Finish |
81 |
COLIN OSBORNE 4-3 WES NEWTON
(3-1, 3-1, 1-3, 2-3, 3-0, 3-1)
COLIN OSBORNE overcame Wes Newton 4-2 to book his place in the last 16 of the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship with a classy Circus Tavern display.
The Derby-based qualifier defeated Kevin Painter in round one, and knocked out another seeded player with a solid win over Newton.
Despite being pegged back to 2-2 during the contest, Osborne held his nerve to ensure a third round berth in his first ever Purfleet challenge.
The 31-year-old won the opening set in stunning style, with finishes of 141, 122 and 134 giving him the lead.
He also took set two 3-1 to double the advantage before Newton came from 1-0 down in the third to take the set, including a 106 checkout.
The first four legs of the next set went against the throw before Newton produced a fine 14-darter to level the match, after Osborne missed seven darts for the set.
But the former junior footballer with home-town Middlesbrough regained his nerve to take a 96 finish in the opening leg of the fifth set, and two more legs saw him move 3-2 up.
Legs of 14 and 16 darts gave Osborne the cushion in the sixth set, and though Newton scrambled home double three to stay in the contest Osborne hit double 16 for the victory.
"It was a very tough game," said Osborne. "I know Wes well and it's hard playing a good friend but you have to block it out when you get up there.
"I missed a few doubles in the middle of the game but kept scoring well.
"The atmosphere was fantastic and it's amazing, I'm really enjoying my first World Championship and I'll be looking forward to the next match."
Newton refused to blame a muscle problem in his throwing arm for the defeat, but added: "I'm obviously disappointed but I gave it my all and wish Colin good luck."
Match Stats
|
Colin |
4-2 |
Wes |
|
30 |
100+ |
34 |
|
23 |
140+ |
12 |
|
5 |
180 |
4 |
|
30.11 |
Ave1 |
29.01 |
|
90.32 |
Ave3 |
87.02 |
|
141,134,122 |
High Finish |
106 |
ANDY JENKINS 4-2 ANDY SMITH
(3-2, 2-3, 0-3, 3-1, 3-2, 3-1)
ANDY JENKINS reached the third round of the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship for the first time in his career with a 4-2 win over Andy Smith.
The number 12 seed was forced to come from 2-1 down and win three successive sets to book his place in the last 16 and a date with Adrian Lewis.
Jenkins edged a tight first set 3-2 before Smith took control, winning six out of the next eight legs to punish some sloppy play from the Portsmouth thrower.
Smith took also took the opening leg of the fourth set before Jenkins clicked back into gear with three in a row to level the match.
He also landed a 12-darter in a fifth set which went with the throw, with a 116 finish from Smith not enough as Jenkins moved 3-2 up.
Jenkins took the first two legs of set six to move to within one of the match before Smith again responded, but this time "Rocky" managed to land the knockout blow to move into the last 16.
"It's taken 13 years of trying so I'm delighted to be into the third round!" joked Jenkins.
"I found it hot on stage and it was hard to concentrate but I went outside behind the stage between sets to cool down.
"I played well at times but both Andy and I weren't at our best. I'm glad to be through but I know I'll have to step it up against Adrian."
Match Stats
|
Andy |
4-2 |
Andy |
|
28 |
100+ |
37 |
|
16 |
140+ |
17 |
|
4 |
180 |
4 |
|
28.15 |
Ave1 |
28.75 |
|
84.44 |
Ave3 |
86.24 |
|
80 |
High Finish |
116 |
ROLAND SCHOLTEN 4-3 ALEX ROY
(0-3, 3-2, 3-2, 1-3, 2-3, 3-2, 6-5)
ROLAND SCHOLTEN ended Alex Roy's Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship hopes in a dramatic sudden-death thriller at the Circus Tavern.
In the final second round clash at Purfleet, Roy led 3-2 before the Dutchman pegged him back to send the game into a decider, which went all the way to an 11th leg.
A brilliant start saw Roy take the first set without repl, and he also had chances to win the second before Scholten took the fifth leg to square the game.
A 116 finish gave the Dutchman the third set in a decider, before Roy took three from four to level matters.
The Hertfordshire-based star then regained the lead by edging the fifth set 3-2, producing a trademark celebration after seeing his pressure final dart sail into double six.
Scholten opened set six with a 136 finish, and took the match into the decider after all five legs went with the throw.
Two 15-darters put Scholten ahead in the decider, and he missed four darts to win the game when 2-1 up, as Roy stepped in with three legs in a row to edge ahead.
Scholten saved the game by winning the sixth leg with a two-dart 74, and the next four legs went with the throw to send the match into a sudden death leg.
Roy won the bull at the third attempt, but a 180 from Scholten put him ahead and gave him the first shot at a double.
He missed two darts at double 18, before Roy missed two of his own for the game at double 15 to allow Scholten to step back in and land double nine for the game.
"It's good to be through but I'm not happy with my display," said Scholten. "I never got going and wasn't quite there.
"Usually I'd follow up a 180 with a 140 or ton, but it was 60s and 65s today. I never quite had the reach or the feeling and I don't know why.
"I was struggling but at 2-1 I thought I had him. I never give up, no matter how far I was behind."
Roy said: "I always seem to be involved in great games but seem to be the unlucky loser!
"I knew I was playing well but I let Roland back in. The crucial set was the second, if I'd won that it may have been it for Roland.
"The game like a pendulum and when it got to the last set he went off like a train. It went right to the wire and I didn't have any emotion until that final dart at double 15."
Match Stats
|
Roland |
4-3 |
Alex |
|
59 |
100+ |
53 |
|
23 |
140+ |
24 |
|
8 |
180 |
2 |
|
30.55 |
Ave1 |
29.50 |
|
91.64 |
Ave3 |
88.51 |
|
136,116 |
High Finish |
86 |
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 4-0 RICO VONCK
(3-0, 3-0, 3-0, 3-0)
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD whitewashed Rico Vonck 4-0 to romp into the last eight of the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship.
The Dutchman continued his challenge for a maiden Circus Tavern title with a superb display to open the third round.
He averaged 102.48 and finished over half his chances at a double - without letting 19-year-old Vonck reach a finish with a ruthless display.
Van Barneveld landed four maximums in the 12-leg contest, which lasted only 25 minutes as he set up a quarter-final clash with Alan Tabern or Dave Askew.
He included an 11-darter in setting the tone for the match early by winning the opening set 3-0, and a 106 finish helped him on the way in the second.
Vonck landed two maximums in the third set, but was still unable to match the four-time World Champion, who ended the contest with finishes of 135 and 156.
"I was focused in every leg and am very pleased," said van Barneveld. "I felt sorry for Rico because he did very well to reach this stage in his first ever major tournament.
"My last game against Colin Lloyd went all the way so this was very different but I'm delighted to be through."
Match Stats
|
Raymond |
4-0 |
Rico |
|
13 |
100+ |
11 |
|
11 |
140+ |
4 |
|
4 |
180 |
2 |
|
34.16 |
Ave1 |
26.55 |
|
102.48 |
Ave3 |
79.65 |
|
156,135,106 |
High Finish |
- |
ALAN TABERN 4-3 DAVE ASKEW
(2-3, 3-2, 3-2, 1-3, 3-0, 1-3, 3-1)
ALAN TABERN joined Raymond van Barneveld in the quarter-finals of the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship with yet another final-set victory on day seven.
The St Helens ace ended a 12-hour marathon stint of darts at the Circus Tavern by dashing the hopes of Diamond Dave Askew at the last 16 stage.
Askew took the first set with the help of an explosive start by landing successive 121 finishes in the first two legs - despite three 180s from Tabern.
A 52 finish in the final leg gave him the first set after Tabern had hit back to level, but it was qualifier who took the next two sets in a decider after finding his rhythm.
Askew responded to level matters but legs of 13, 14 and 15 darts put Tabern back ahead.
Askew came from behind to win the sixth and send the game into a final set shoot-out, but Tabern proved too strong and a 180 to kick off the fourth leg helped him over the line.
"I'm over the moon," said Tabern, who now meets van Barneveld in Friday's quarter-final.
"This is one of the best wins of my career. I was nervous beforehand and didn't know how it would go.
"Dave finished well, especially in that first set. I didn't know what had hit me at first, hitting three maximums and being two sets down.
"I wondered if he would be able to keep it going. I could either roll over when he came at me or fight, and luckily enough I battled.
"I can look forward to playing Raymond. I've played him before a couple of times and done well so it will be exciting."
Askew had been forced to battle in his clashes with Martin Burchell and Alan Caves, and admitted: "I tried my heart out and am bitterly disappointed.
"I knew it would be hard but I had two 12-darters to start and wanted to keep that going. It's frustrating that it didn't continue like that but Alan played well and made it difficult for me.
"I needed to reach the quarter-finals, that was my goal to ensure I kept a good ranking when we move to an Order of Merit in January. I got close to it but not quite there."
Match Stats
|
Dave |
3-4 |
Alan |
|
39 |
100+ |
46 |
|
14 |
140+ |
24 |
|
6 |
180 |
6 |
|
28.37 |
Ave1 |
30.11 |
|
85.10 |
Ave3 |
90.33 |
|
129,121 x2, 116 |
High Finish |
62 |