down the barrel issue 3

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IAN DIAMOND

WHITE

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ISSUE 3 - JUNE 2016

world cup preview - equipment focus - JABBA’S JABBerPLUS

GERWYNPRICE

DIAMOND AIMING TO REJOIN TOP TABLE

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4-5 | NEWS FROM THE OCHE | Need to catch up with the latest developments from the darts world? Never fear, within two pages you’ll be up to speed with all the latest from a hectic month on the big stages.

10-11 | PREMIER PICS | Mighty Michael van Gerwen has been almost imperious since the first darts thrown in this year’s Betway Premier League. As his winner’s trophy is placed on the mantelpiece, take a look at how he scooped glory.

12-13 | WORLD CUP PREVIEW | Thanks to our wonderful sport EVERY year is a World Cup year. The finest team tournament in the PDC is just around the corner. Who are the favourites? And who could run a brave race on the rail? All of these questions – and more – are answered here.

14-15 | GERWYN PRICE | The former professional rugby player has not been afraid to ruffle a few feathers since an impressive switch to darts. Now, he sets his sights on climbing even higher in yet another Down The Barrel exclusive.

16-17 | EUROPE OR BUST | Another month, another two drama-packed events on the European Tour. Relive the thrills and spills at the Peperami Gibraltar Darts Trophy and the HappyBet German Darts Masters.

18-19 | FLOOR FOCUS | From the Players Championship to the Unicorn Development Tour, there have been a lot of darts thrown in anger on the floor. Take a look at the month’s biggest winners.

20 | BDO FAN? | This is the page for you. It has been a particularly busy few weeks for the BDO – catch up with all the action, including an eventful Welsh Open.

21 | EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHT | Fancy yourself as a budding Gary Anderson or Phil Taylor? You’ll be after the best value gear to get you even closer to their giddy heights. This month we take a look at the latest releases – including a new board.

22 | TOP TWEETS | You can’t move on Twitter for darts-related tweets. But have you seen these? We bring you the funniest, most informative and down-right crazy messages from players, pundits and fans alike.

23 | UNDER PRESSURE | Ever wondered who darts’ biggest characters room with? What they listen to in the car on the way to the venue? Or how they think you could progress in the sport? MC Russ Bray is the latest to face our quickfire grilling.

24 | DARTING DATES | Get ready to plan your next darts fix as we bring you the hottest events across the continent for the next month. Big tournaments, floor outings and selected exhibitions – you’ll find them all here.

26 | NEXT MONTH | Finished so soon? Hopefully you’re already craving more! The dust may have barely settled on this edition, but we’re already busy designing issue three. Make sure you subscribe and never miss a copy, keep visiting www.downthebarrel.co.uk, following us on Twitter and like our Facebook page.

This summer’s all about the Euros, right? WRONG! It’s another World Cup year, with the globe’s best battling in the PDC’s premier team tournament in June.Here at Down The Barrel towers, we’re looking forward to what promises to be a fascinating few days at the Betway-backed event in Frankfurt, Germany.Sandwiched between the Premier League and next month’s BetVictor World Matchplay, the competition is a fantastic way to keep your darting appetite whetted when sport headlines elsewhere are no doubt going to be dominated by THAT kickabout in France.This month we’ve gone to town to help spread World Cup fever, taking a look at who we all expect to be the major players, as well as looking at some potential surprises.Ian White shines like a diamond on our front page as he aims to back up big-name praise with a return to the world top ten.One of the most affable players in the game away from the oche, he is a fierce competitor at it. Having had a taste of the elite, he wants to return as soon as possible and knows he has the game to match.Gerwyn Price has certainly caused a stir since becoming a professional darts player. He swung by to let us know what he hopes to achieve over the coming months and explained how he hasn’t quite yet entirely hung up those rugby boots.And if your insatiable darts appetite still isn’t satisfied, we give Russ The Voice Bray a grilling, Jamie Caven’s on hand to give his entertaining take on the month and we bring you news of a new dartboard to grace the major stage.Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook and bookmark our website www.downthebarrel.co.uk!Until next time,Chris and Jim

CONTENTS

6-9 | IAN WHITE | Has this man found the answer to the question perplexing the sport? Whilst others have tried in vain, White boasts a 6-0 final drubbing of Michael van Gerwen in 2016. Now he wants to rejoin him at the top table.

A Down the Barrel publication.For more information and to advertise email [email protected]: Lawrence Lustig/PDC unless otherwise stated Design and words copyright of Down the Barrel

25 | JABBA’S JABBER | World number 23, five-time ProTour winner, fans’ favourite – and now a regular columnist for Down The Barrel. Jamie Caven gives us another fascinating insight into life behind the scenes on the tour.

welcome to issue two of down the barrel

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Avenging final disappointment and beating the best there has been gave Michael van Gerwen a satisfying darting double at The O2 Arena.

The dynamic Dutchman capped a stunning Betway Premier League campaign by lifting the winners’ trophy earlier last month, beating Phil Taylor 11-3 in the final.

The world number one, who previously claimed the trophy in 2013, picked up the £200,000 first prize in style as he firstly saw off Adrian Lewis 10-4 in the semi-finals before sweeping past Taylor in the decider.

Van Gerwen, who also pocketed a £25,000 bonus for topping the league table during the 16-game regular season, was at his brilliant best in the final as he took five straight legs to move from 2-1 down to lead 6-2, before a showpiece 100 finish which featured two double tops stopped Taylor’s fightback stone dead.

That checkout sparked another five-leg burst which saw the Dutchman take the title and reclaim one of the sport’s most coveted trophies.

“It’s been an amazing season for me and I’m so proud to win this title again,” said van Gerwen. “Behind the World Championship, this is probably the biggest tournament and it was one of my goals this year to win this trophy.

“It’s extra special for me after losing in the final for

NEWSThe latest news from the world of darts.

the last two years. I could have won those games but I let myself down and I can’t ask for anything more than this because to beat Phil is a pleasure in itself as he’s the greatest player who’s ever lived.

“I was really solid and I didn’t make many mistakes. I did the right thing at the right moments and I’m really glad with this result.

“It’s not all about Play-Offs, but about the last 16 weeks. You put so much effort in and try to do well and it’s paid out by winning this trophy.”

Taylor had ended Gary Anderson’s title defence with a 10-7 victory in their semi-final, with the Scot hitting back from 8-4 down at one stage to trail by just one leg before Taylor took out a key 79 before sealing victory.

However, the Stoke legend’s bid to win a seventh Premier League title was ended as he lost out again to van Gerwen in the decider, as he had in 2013.

“I’m very proud to have got through to the final,” said Taylor, whose last Premier League win came in 2012. “Michael beat me up, put me under pressure and made me miss doubles.

“He’s doing phenomenal things and I did my best, but I just couldn’t react against him. His scoring is good but his finishing is phenomenal and that’s where he hurts you.”

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Gary Anderson made the most of an uncharacteristic dip in standards from Michael van Gerwen to end the Dutchman’s dominance

of the Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters.The Scot – who had switched from 23g darts to

heavier 25g models to combat air movement at the roof-less Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium – battled back from 8-4 to become the first new name on the trophy in four years.

Reigning champion van Gerwen had looked on course to claim the title again when he pulled clear, punishing eight missed doubles from Anderson to take a four-leg lead.

However, the World Champion fired back to level the game with the aid of back-to-back 12-darters and finishes of 68 and 76 in a run of four straight legs to level at eight-all.

The next two were shared to leave the scores tied at nine legs apiece before Anderson punished one miss from van Gerwen to land double 12 and lead for the first time, and a further six misses from the reigning champion proved costly in the next as double five sealed glory for the Scot.

“This is a brilliant win,” said Anderson. Who changed his darts from 23 grams to 25 grams ahead of the event to combat any air movement. “It was hard but I could see Michael tiring at the end - he took his foot off the gas a little and missed a couple of doubles.

“I like playing Michael - he plays my kind of game and players like Michael always make the game look good. I came back and it was a bit nip-and-tuck.

“This is my second time here and it’s a fantastic place, and it sets me up for the rest of the World Series. Last year I came here and I didn’t know what to expect, and I learned a lot - I came here with a heavier set of darts this time and they went a lot better.”

Anderson had defeated Taylor 11-7 in their semi-final as he won through to his first decider on the

anderson makes most of van gerwen’s missed chances

World Series of Darts circuit.The pair shared the opening 12 legs before the

World Champion broke for the first time in the match to move 7-6 up in a run of five successive legs which helped to establish a 10-6 advantage on his way to victory with six 180s and a 55 percent checkout ratio.

Van Gerwen had been in brilliant form during his semi-final win over Dave Chisnall, hitting five ton-plus checkouts - including a crowd-pleasing 132 finish of two bullseyes and double 16 - a ten-dart finish and seven 180s as he averaged over 105.

Chisnall had played his part in a fine contest, taking out a brilliant 140 finish and hitting four 180s, only to see van Gerwen’s combination finishing prove too strong - but it would be missed doubles which cost the Dutchman in the decider.

“I’m a bit disappointed in myself,” said van Gerwen. “It was close but I’ve only got myself to blame and Gary was the better player tonight.

“I missed too many doubles and I’m gutted - I feel like I gave the game away. I missed four darts to go 9-6 in front and that was a bit of a killer for me.

“If you miss that many doubles you can’t win, and Gary put me under pressure at the right times. Fair play to him - you can’t miss against people like Gary Anderson and Phil Taylor.”

Taylor had won through to the final a year ago, but lost out in the semis this time around as Anderson’s late surge saw him avenge his loss at the same stage in the Betway Premier League a week ago.

“Gary played really well, he finished well and that’s what won him the game,” said Taylor. “I had my chances and I didn’t take them, but I’ve enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to getting back here next year because I love it over here.

“It’s the hardest stage we play on, it’s outside and it’s red hot, but if you can play here you can play anywhere.”

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SHINEBRIGHT

LIKE A

IAN ‘DIAMOND’ WHITE

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Words: Chris SweetPictures: Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Life at the PDC’s top table has been all too fleeting for a professional labelled by a two-time global champion as one of the most dangerous players

outside of the world’s best ten.Ian White’s talent and threat requires little

introduction – five Players Championship victories, with the most recent involving a 6-0 whitewash of Michael van Gerwen in the final backing his claim.

However, Diamond has ambitions to dazzle even brighter and having last year moved as high as eighth in the world he is determined to shine once more.

The 45-year-old – a six-time major quarter-finalist – boasts superstar Adrian Lewis as a practise partner.

While White is grateful for such high praise as Jackpot dished out in last month’s Down The Barrel, he knows it is down to him to make sure the pair are rubbing shoulders in the rankings and not just at their Stoke-On-Trent oches.

White said: “Adrian’s a good friend, I give him everything to say and make sure I pay him well for saying the right things. It’s good to hear someone like Adie say how good he thinks I am.

“At the end of the day, it’s about believing in yourself, going up there and doing your job. I believe I’ll be back in the top ten soon – it won’t be long.

“We have worked on a couple of things and getting

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his head around being a top four player, more than anything. We’re playing shorter games rather than 501s and everything’s coming together.

“If you think about it, we started practising a month and a half before the World Championships and he went there with so much confidence he got to the final. You can see that his game is getting better and better, as is mine, so it’s working really well for both of us.”

White’s demolition of Mighty Mike in Barnsley in April just further emphasised the man’s talent, even if the margin of victory in the final of Players Championship Five surprised even him.

“A few weeks before that I had played him on one of the ProTours and he beat me 6-1,” said White. “I went 1-0 up and he then stepped up a gear with a nine-darter and everything, like he does.

“This time I knew I just had to play my game. I thought I’d been playing well all day and knew I couldn’t worry about the person I was playing. I just had to get on with it and do what I knew I could.

“I kept playing normally, while Michael was hitting 57s, 58s and 60s. I’ve never seen him throw so low so often so I knew I had to take my chance. But 6-0? I never thought I’d do that in a million years. Even at 5-0 I was thinking he would kick on and even catch me up.

“It was about going back to basics. I just had to play the board, not the person and keep it simple. If I was on 181 I would only focus on getting a 140 – I wasn’t even thinking about leaving a double.

“There was one leg where he was waiting close behind, but it was just nice that everything went for me.”A flash in the pan for White? Most certainly not. With his recent deal with Unicorn now also making a

difference, Diamond is ready to kick on again to the next level.He said: “On the ProTour and European Tour I’ve reached a few quarter-finals and last 16s –

the level has been there. I beat Jelle Klaasen on the way to a European Tour quarter final, so I’ve been there or thereabouts.

“But only a few months ago I changed equipment, going from one set of darts to another. I think they’re coming on well, I’m hitting 100 averages.

“I’m getting there and as normal it’s a darts’ player’s head. I’ve got to get it into my head that they’re only new darts and hopefully I can step it up.

“It’s been brilliant with Unicorn. Anything I need, they send it to me. The darts we have been looking at have been going nicely for me. It’s been about getting the right barrel and the right stem for me as my flights are fairly basic. I’ve missed about three or four nine darters since January, so they can’t be too bad.

“I’ve got plenty of exhibitions and I was straight into the

“I’ve got plenty of exhibitions and I was straight into

the practice room the day after beating MvG.

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practise room the day after beating MvG. I’m playing with Adrian Lewis once a week. You can’t dwell on what you have done, the money in the bank is nice but you have got to keep going and keep up those standards.”

Talking to Unicorn’s website, he added: “It’s all about taking my game to the next level and that means winning a TV major, playing in the Premier League and getting back in the top eight in the world. I am ambitious to make the most of the career that has been given to me.

“I need to step it up, that’s for sure. There is no doubt that the next couple of years are hugely important for me. Barry Hearn and the PDC have given us all the opportunity to succeed and make a damn good living out of darts and that’s exactly what I intend to do.”

“I’ve got plenty of exhibitions and I was straight into

the practice room the day after beating MvG.

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Ladies and gentlemen, meet your Betway Premier League champion for 2016 – Mighty Michael van Gerwen.The world number one completed a phenomenal campaign that included record-breaking averages by brushing aside Phil Taylor to win the final at London’s O2 Arena.But that wasn’t the only drama in a hugely entertaining Play-Offs night and run to the capital. Take a look at these images and relive the action.

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The globe’s best darting talent will go toe-to-toe this June as Frankfurt hosts the 2016 Betway World Cup of Darts – but who are you backing for glory?

The £250,000 tournament will see 32 nations competing in a pairs format from June 2-5 at the Eissporthalle with matches throughout the Sky Sports-televised event featuring a mixture of singles and doubles games.

Reigning champions England – boasting Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis – are second favourites with the title-sponsor bookies to win a fifth successive title, behind the Dutch duo of Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld.

With the competition guaranteed to be fierce, picking your favourite could be a tough task. Take a look at our guide to the runners and riders (seeds in brackets) to see how we think the fight could pan out.

Team: Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis

Majors: 84

Verdict: Who would bet against these two darting goliaths from bringing the World Cup back to Stoke-On-Trent yet again? Taylor is the best the sport has ever seen, while one-time prodigy Lewis has the ability to be untouchable.

Together, they’re formidable.

England (1) 2/1 to win with Betway

Team: Gary Anderson and Rob Thornton

Majors: 7

Verdict: Thornton’s World Grand Prix victory helped him grab a spot ahead of Peter Wright, but he heads to Germany on the back of a disappointing Betway Premier League tinged by personal tragedy. Ando’s phenomenal scoring talent

requires no introduction, but do they have enough?

Scotland (2) 9/2 to win with Betway

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Rank Outsider?

Team: Max Hopp and Jyhan Artut

Verdict: You can’t underestimate the home advantage. This pair will be in their element in front of a boisterous German crowd. Both players are no strangers to PDC majors, with Artut a wily campaigner and teenager Hopp an exciting

talent climbing the world rankings.

Germany (unseeded) 66/1 to win with Betway

Seeded Outsider?

Team: Mark Webster and Gerwyn Price

Verdict: We reckon these guys could spring a surprise. Webster is beginning to produce again the darts that made him one of the PDC’s most feared

opponents and has the big stage experience to aid his partner, whilst Gezzy has confidently stormed to two Players Championship titles.

We’ll be risking 20p each way!

Wales (5) 25/1 to win with Betway

Team: Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld

Majors: 36

Verdict: Betway’s pre-tournament favourites – and easy to see why. MvG has been simply phenomenal this year, with his Premier League glory surpassing a string of European Tour triumphs. Fans’ favourite Barney remains a class apart,

with van Gerwen also able to pull his team through if his partner dips.

Netherlands (3) 6/4 to win with Betway

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Gerwyn Price may have surprised himself by his darting progress – but it is not preventing him from eyeing up a spot amongst the PDC’s top 16.

The one-time professional rugby player who has proven himself equally adept with tungsten as in the tackle has enjoyed a phenomenal rise in the sport since swapping the oval ball for the oche.Having taken the leap into the PDC barely two years ago,

Price has raced to 25 in the Order of Merit, boosted by an emphatic maiden Players Championship success in Barnsley

in April followed weeks later by a similar triumph at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena.

However, Gezzy – a quarter-finalist in last year’s World Matchplay but only a last 32 competitor in the 2016

Coral UK Open – is refusing to rest on his laurels.The Welshman said: “I wanted to do well at the UK Open, but there are plenty of other events over the course of the year where I can show what I’m made of.

“I’ve got into the world’s top 32 which I’m pretty happy with anyway, so hopefully I can keep climbing. I’m not defending much from two years ago so I am just targeting top 16 of the ProTour triumph.

“If I get in that I’m in all of the TV events and from there I can start

climbing the main Order of Merit. I’ve got all the

GERWYNPRICE

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PRICE

ProTours to come, hopefully I can get back to the World Matchplay – there’s a lot ahead of me this year.

“I’ve only been playing for just over 24 months and my third year in the PDC is just about to come up. If I was where I am now and had known that three years ago I would have taken it, but hopefully I can now reach the top 16 over the next two, two and a half years.”

Price’s South Yorkshire success came a day after Josh Payne had won his first ProTour event, leading some social media supporters to draw reference to the pair’s far-from unkempt physiques.

Although the former Neath, Cross Keys and Glasgow Warriors hooker has refused to drop his trim rugby shape, similarly to former world youth champion Arron Monk, Price acknowledges you can probably be too fit for darts.

“I don’t think you can be a bodybuilder, or that sort of thing with muscles upon muscles – I don’t think that would be good for your darts,” said Price.

“But there’s nothing wrong at all with keeping in shape. I always do some cardio and weights. I don’t do heavy weights, just light weights with more reps. As

long as I keep up that sort of thing and keep myself in shape I still think I can outrun the best in this game.”

Price’s ProTour triumph saw him avenge defeat to Payne on the Saturday by returning to eliminate Dimitri Van den Bergh, Darren Webster and Daryl Gurney in the early rounds.

He then went on to record a string of impressive 6-2 victories as first Matt Clark and then Ricky Evans and Benito van de Pas were brushed aside. His reward was a final place against Peter Wright, who subsequently succumbed 6-3.

But despite his professional focus being solely on darts, Price admitted to occasionally donning the number two jersey and returning to the scrum for his local rugby team.

Price, from Markham, Caerphilly, said: “I still play a little bit, to be honest with you. I played for my local team in a cup match the weekend before the UK Open a couple of months ago and the ref cheated us out of it. We lost unfortunately, but I do still enjoy playing every now and then.”

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James Wade hailed the “most important” double top he’d ever thrown as he “rode his luck” to claim a stunning HappyBet European Darts Matchplay in Hamburg.

The Machine claimed his second PDC European Tour title with a thrilling 6-5 victory over Dave Chisnall, bouncing back in style from missing out on the Betway Premier League Play-Offs with his first ranking title of 2016. The left-hander had overcome a scare in Saturday’s second round tie with Welshman Jonny Clayton before

disposing of World Champion Gary Anderson in the third round on Sunday afternoon.

He then edged past young Dutchman Benito van de Pas 6-5 in the quarter-finals before ending Michael van Gerwen’s bid to win a fourth

successive European Tour event of 2016 in the last four – becoming the first player to defeat the world number one this year in this series.

The opening two legs of the final against Chisnall were shared before Wade clinically won the next three without reply with finishes of 70,

64 and 118 to move 4-1 up.Chisnall then took out 140, 127 and 78 – on the bull – as he won four of the next five to take the game to a decider, but

he missed tops for victory to allow Wade in, and the left-hander took out 82 by hitting tops himself as he took

glory.Wade’s previous European Tour win had come in

Gibraltar in 2014, and he admitted: “It’s a lovely feeling – I don’t win often enough now so it means a lot to me when I do.

“I believe I’ve played solid darts all weekend. I rode my luck but I proved that it’s not all always

about hitting big averages but hitting crucial shots at the right time. I’m very fortunate that Dave missed the

double top and my one dart went in.“That might be the most important double top I’ve ever

thrown, and I believe that in the next three to four months I can be dangerous.”The defeat saw Chisnall finish as the runner-up for a second

successive weekend on the European Tour, after last Sunday’s loss in the decider to van Gerwen, although the St Helens ace

picked up another £10,000 in prize money for his efforts.Chisnall saw off Ron Meulenkamp and John Henderson to reach

the quarter-finals, where he overcame tricky Austrian Mensur Suljovic 6-4 before seeing off Peter Wright 6-3 in the last four.

“I can take a lot of positives from this,” said Chisnall. “I played well all day but I started too slowly. I got back into it but missed my chance and James deserved to win.”

eur peant ur

A closer look at the recent happenings on

the European Tour

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Michael van Gerwen completed a terrific trio on the European Tour by claiming his third successive title, successfully defending his

Peperami Gibraltar Darts Trophy crown in the process.The world number one continued his remarkable

run on the tour in 2016 by following up triumphs at the Dutch Darts Masters and German Darts Masters by coming out on at on The Rock.

However, dynamic Dutchman van Gerwen failed to have to all his own way on the final day, following up a third round defeat of Mervyn King by edging past host sensation Dyson Parody in a nervy quarter final.

Parody – who caused the shock of the tournament by beating Jelle Klaasen – landed seven 180s in a thrilling display as he became the first Gibraltarian in the last eight of a PDC European Tour event.

But the home favourite crucially missed three match darts before van Gerwen prevailed in a decider.

Following that scare, van Gerwen was clinical as he

restricted Kim Huybrechts to just two darts at doubles in a ruthless 6-0 semi-final victory, averaging 109.92 in the process, before powering past Dave Chisnall in the decider.

Chisnall kicked off the final with a 180, but had to come from two legs down – after van Gerwen took out 82 and 107 – to level by checking out a 13-dart finish and 124 on the bull to level.

Van Gerwen, though, kicked off leg five with two 180s as he regained the lead with an 11-darter, before finishing 106 and 124 in successive legs to lead 5-2, and a fourth straight leg sealed the £25,000 top prize.

He later took to Twitter to say: “Very happy to win the Gibraltar Darts Trophy, great tournament. Now looking forward to taking on Phil Taylor in Rotterdam.”

Chisnall also stared defeat in the face in a tight quarter-final as he survived three missed match darts from Mensur Suljovic before matching van Gerwen with a brilliant 6-0 semi-final win over Ian White.

MAGICAL VAN GERWEN RETAINS PEPERAMI GIBRALTAR DARTS TROPHY TITLE

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Ross Twell enjoyed double delight on the PDC Unicorn Development Tour as he won two events in Wigan.

It was the 23-year-old’s second and third successes on the circuit, following up glory in Germany last month by winning the £2,000 top prize on both Saturday and Sunday (May 14-15) at the Robin Park Tennis Centre.

He was joined in the winners’ enclosure by Dean Reynolds on Saturday and Aden Kirk (pictured, right) a day later.

Welsh-born Reynolds, 23, secured back-to-back victories as he took Event Nine, edging out Kirk 4-3 in the final by taking out a 161 finish for a 12-darter.

Reynolds also defeated Josh McCarthy, Scott Jackson and Ryan De Vreede before whitewashing Jimmy Hendriks in the last 16, before being pushed all the way by Callum Loose in the quarter-finals, which were followed by a 4-1 semi-final win over Nick Kenny.

Kirk – a double winner on the Development Tour in 2015 – overcame Sonny Johal, Reece Colley, Liam DeVries, Ben Oldroyd, Ted Evetts, Aaron Dyer and Adam Hunt on his way to the final.

Reynolds was defeated in the last 64 of the day’s second event as he went down 4-0 to Jeffrey de Zwaan, before 23-year-old Twell – from Sleaford in Lincolnshire – went on to take the title, having previously claimed the Event Six win in Muelheim.

Twell saw off Connor Bowler, Rhys Hayden, Jack Faragher and Billy Holmes before seeing off Bradley Kirk 4-1 in the quarter-finals and Aden Kirk 4-2 in the semis, and a 4-2 win over Dutch ace Hendriks secured the triumph.

Nottingham-based Kirk claimed his second Development Tour title, following up his previous win in April 2015, with a narrow 4-3 defeat of former World Youth Champion Keegan Brown in the Event 11 final.

The 24-year-old raced past Ben Cheeseman and Ryan Meikle without dropping a leg before being taken to a decider by Ryan De Vreede, Kurt Parry, Twell

and Berry van Peer in a tough route to the final, where he overcame former World Youth Champion Brown.

Isle of Wight thrower Brown saw off William Borland, John Esam, Luke Humphries and Scott Dale for the loss of just three legs before edging out Declan Salter, Harry Ward and Jeffrey de Zwaan on his way to the final.

Dutch duo van Peer and de Zwaan reached the last four, with Saturday’s Event Ten winner Twell joined by Ward, Billy Holmes and Ronnie Roberts in the quarter-finals.

Twell, though, would go all the way to victory in Event 12 for his third Development Tour title of the year. The Lincolnshire thrower defeated Declan Cox, Thomas Flint, George Killington, former World Youth Champion James Hubbard, Connor Bowler and Dimitri Van den Bergh on his way to the final.

There, he found himself 3-1 down against Luke Humphries before hitting back to level and then win the deciding leg to take the £2,000 first prize.

Aden Kirk

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Benito van de Pas and Gerwyn Price both left Coventry with their second Players Championship titles in a matter of weeks

following a pair of impressive runs.Dutch ace van de Pas (pictured below) followed up

his maiden senior victory in Barnsley in April with a blistering day on Sunday, May 22, sealing the £10,000 top prize with a 6-0 demolition of Joe Cullen in the Ricoh Arena final.

Early wins over fellow countryman Christian Kist and Andy Boulton were followed by a whitewash of PDC Unicorn World Youth Championship runner-up Nathan Aspinall and a 6-1 win over Jason Wilson as van de Pas progressed to the quarter-finals.

There, the 23-year-old saw off Justin Pipe 6-3 before dropping only one leg against Darren Webster in the semi-finals, but it was his stunning display in the decider against Cullen which crowned his success, averaging over 111 in a six-leg blitz.

After winning the opening leg, he added back-to-

back 12-dart legs to move 3-0 up, and after another pair of 15-dart finishes, including a 136 finish, before taking his tally of 180s for the game to three with two in leg six, and though he missed out on a perfect leg he took out another 12-darter for victory.

Cullen had won through to his second ProTour final with his success on the day, which continues his strong form during 2016 and adds a further £6,000 to his Order of Merit totals.

The Yorkshireman enjoyed wins over Simon Preston, Andy Hamilton, Antonio Alcinas, Gilding, Dave Chisnall and Steve Beaton as he won through to the final, only to be overpowered by van de Pas.

Beaton was appearing in the semi-finals on the PDC ProTour for the second time in 2016 - after being the runner-up in a UK Open Qualifier in February - as he saw off Darren Johnson, James Wilson, Jelle Klaasen, Mensur Suljovic and Peter Wright.

Norwich’s Darren Webster also reached the last four, knocking out Kyle Anderson, Kevin Painter, Jeffrey de Zwaan, Mark Walsh and Alan Norris in a high-quality day of darts.

Wright and Chisnall both warmed up for the forthcoming Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters with runs to the quarter-finals, although James Wade - the only other World Series of Darts competitor in action on Sunday- lost out in the first round to Andrew Gilding.

Somerset-born duo Pipe and Norris were also amongst the quarter-finalists, with Austrian ace Suljovic, Belgium’s Kim Huybrechts and emerging youngster Chris Dobey reaching the last 16 alongside Saturday’srunner-up, Jamie Caven.

Caven had earlier gained revenge over Gerwyn Price for his loss in the Players Championship Eight final by knocking out the Welshman in the last 32 of Sunday’s event.

Dutch youngster de Zwaan hit the second nine-darter of his PDC career - after also landing a perfect leg in 2015 in his maiden year on the circuit - during his second round win over fellow countryman Ron Meulenkamp.

Twenty-four hours earlier, Price won a second consecutive ProTour crown, averaging more than 108 in the final against Jamie Caven.

The Welshman started his day in Coventry with a 6-4 win over Terry Temple before victories against Dirk van Duijvenbode, Mervyn King and Cristo Reyes earned him a place in the quarter-finals.

The last eight provided Price with his toughest test of the day as he needed a deciding leg to see off ninth seed Mensur Suljovic.

The 31-year-old then faced a resurgent Ronnie Baxter - who earlier in the day had beaten Kim Huybrechts and Simon Whitlock - in the semi-finals as a 6-4 triumph moved him through to the final, where he saved his best display for last.

The former rugby star enjoyed a 6-1 victory with a 108 average against Caven - who himself averaged 101 - as Price won his second Players Championship title in less than a month.

protour

20

Scott Mitchell made light work of four of the BDO’s top four players as he cruised to victory at the

Welsh Open.Dorset’s former World Champion

beat Martin Phillips, Martin Adams, Scott Waites and current number one Glen Durrant to lift the title at Prestatyn Sands Holiday Park.

He had already knocked out Richard Hosey, Neville Quinton, Chris Harrison, Daniel Ayres and Nathan Perry in an impressive run.

Forty-five-year-old Mitchell told the Bournemouth Echo that the manner of his success proved something of a surprise considering work demands.

“It’s always good to win an open tournament and I think the Dutch, the British and the Welsh are probably the hardest ones to win,” he said.

“I was very pleased to beat the players that have been in form of late. In the final I did what I usually do, go 5-3 up and give away a couple of legs and set

BDO NEWS

up a nail-biter – that’s the only way I know how to do it.

“It’s not usual for me to have a good bit of form at this time of year. Usually I’m busy on the farm and working, so it is a big bonus for me.”

Mitchell – now ranked second by the BDO – opened his World Trophy campaign against Scotland captain Ross Montgomery.

The competition ran from May 28-30. See www.downthebarrel.co.uk for a full report.

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21

EQUIPMENTSPOTLIGHT

Unicorn has unveiled the new board to be used at PDC major tournaments – starting with June’s Betway World Cup in Germany.

The Eclipse HD2, already availble on pre-order, will get its first live television airing at the Frankfurt team tournament from June 2-5.

Boasting a new radial wiring system, injection moulded high definition replaceable numbers, invisible number ring and super-thin bullseye wiring, a number of the game’s top names have expressed their delight.

Joe Cullen tweeted: “This looks the business…. Can’t wait to play on it”

Chris Mason added: “Can’t wait to see the new HD board in action at the upcoming World Cup.”MC Russ Bray simply said: “Just seen the new Unicorn Eclipse HD2 board, phwoooooooaaaahhhh!”

Winmau has signed a three-year sponsorship deal with 2016 Lakeside World Championship finalist Jeff “The Silencer” Smith.

Smith burst onto the televised scene in 2015 when he reached the last four of the BDO worlds at his first attempt, going one better 12 months later.

He said: “Having lost out to two current members of Team Winmau (Scott Mitchell in 2015, Scott Waites in 2016) I suppose it was inevitable that I had to sign with them to try and fulfil my dream of becoming World Champion!

“In all seriousness, Winmau are such a well-renowned and respected name in darts and they are the number one brand in Canada. So I know their products and their quality well.

“It is a dream to be part of such an elite team of players and they have already impressed me with their help and advice in the short time that I have been dealing with them.”

Target has announced it will launch its latest range at an exclusive event at its headquarters next month.

The company that currently supplies the likes of 16-time World Champion Phil Taylor and two-time global winner Adrian Lewis will reveal new products in Harlow on July 26.

However, the occasion is invite only, with invites promising “the largest and most innovative launch day yet” and company chief Garry Plummer tweeting “Unmissable”.

22

A selection of tweets from the world of darts.

ON THESOCIAL

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23

Name?

Russ Bray 58Age?

Nickname?

When I played at county level I was the Smooth Operator - because I liked the Sade song of the same name!

Best mate on tour?

He doesn’t play any more, but it’s Keith Deller. He’s such a lovely guy, he lives 20 minutes from me and we do a lot of work together.

Best dressed on tour?

I’m going to have to say me.

Biggest joker on tour?

One of the funniest guys is Dean Williams, a PDC scoring official.

Worst dressed on tour?

I don’t think it would be fair to say.

most satisfying career achievement?

As a caller I called the very first nine dart leg on the television in the

PDC with Phil Taylor. I was the first to call ten nine-darters - they’re all

milestones in that respect. There’s only one person I have never called

“game shot and the match” for in the World Championships and that was

Dennis Priestley, who won the year before I started. But every other

player that’s won the final, I’ve called them.

Favourite venue?

I’d have to say the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. The time of the year makes it and the building is beautiful.

Favourite band/artist?

Led Zeppelin. As a child I was crazy about David Bowie.

Favourite food?

Indian. A tough one, but I do like a Chinese.

Favourite tv programme?

Spooks.Favourite sport other than darts?

Golf. I play a lot of it.if i wasn't a darts caller...

I would certainly be doing a lot more voiceover work. I would like to be doing that anyway, but understandably darts is the priority and is what takes the time.

if my house was on fire i'd save...

My laptop - my life is on there. I would also have to save my missus and kids, but the laptop is what I’d also go for.

How I want to be remembered when I retire:

I want people to say “Russ Bray, he was alright, he was a nice bloke”.

one thing nobody knows about me

with RUSS BRAY

20 questions

how did you get into calling?

Totally by accident. The caller never turned up for a county match that I was playing in anyway. I turned around and said I’d do it and would help out. As well as a few people saying I was good at it, I really enjoyed it. Later, I got asked by the PDC to be a reserve referee. I went for a trial at Blackpool in 1996. After that the PDC said they wouldn’t be having a reserve referee, they would have three and they welcomed me with open arms.

I was driving home from the UK Open once and in two minds about buying a new

car. I actually drove past my house to get to the car dealer only for the traffic

to stop and not me a mile and a half later. I wrote off my car and trashed the

Mercedes Benz in front of me.

24

JUNECALENDAR

JUNE2016

1st

1 ET5-6 European Qualifier. Frankfurt, Germany

2NDBetway World Cup of Darts. Frankfurt, Germany

3RD

Betway World Cup of Darts. Frankfurt, Germany

BDO Swiss Open

BDO International Open. Brean Sands, Somerset

4TH


BDO Swiss Open


Scottish Youth Open. Glenrothes

5TH


BDO Swiss Open


Canterbury Open. New Zealand

9thET5 Host Nation Qualifier. Vienna, Austria

10thEuropean Tour Event 5. Vienna, Austria

11thEuropean Tour Event 5. Vienna, Austria

12th

European Tour Event 5. Vienna, Austria

Darren Morley Memorial Trophy. St Thomas Sports and Social Club, Wigan

17th

David Brown’s 24-hour Personal Darts Marathon. In aid of families who are battling or have battled cancers

or leukaemia. A180 Darts, WiganCanadian Open

England National Singles. SelseyAuckland Darts Masters. Auckland, New Zealand

19TH

26th

18TH

Canadian Open

England National Singles. Selsey

Auckland Darts Masters. Auckland, New Zealand

Puma New Zealand Masters. Porirua, New Zealand

Paul Clough Testimonial. With Michael Smith. St Anne’s Social Club, St Helens

England National Singles. Selsey

Auckland Darts Masters. Auckland, New Zealand

Puma New Zealand Masters. Porirua, New Zealand

25th

Unicorn Challenge Tour 9-10, Milton Keynes

Norwich Charity Darts Masters. With Eric Bristow MBE, Keith Deller, Bobby George and Steve Beaton.

Norwich City FC

Shanghai Darts Masters, China

Austrian Open. Vienna

Central Coast Australian Classic

Shanghai Darts Masters, China

Austrian Open. Vienna

Central Coast Australian Classic

Unicorn Challenge Tour 11-12, Milton Keynes

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25

The more you put in, the more you get out. That’s certainly the case with darts and certainly what’s happened in the past month where I’ve reached a

Players Championship final, qualified for two European Tour events and pretty much sealed my by place at the BetVictor World Matchplay.

There’s been nothing really that different with how I’ve gone about things. The only real difference is that I’ve been doing that bit extra with more practise and being more focused.

There comes a point where if you don’t do that bit extra, you become stale very quickly. It’s about wanting to do it – if you don’t have the desire you won’t get there. I haven’t lost any hunger but with lots going on – I’ve moved house, for example – some things take a step back.

But with the standard always improving and being so high, if your game starts to slip it’s not just hard to get back to your best but to then also kick on to match your rivals. Hopefully this past month can act as the catalyst.

Away from the tour, I was recently involved in a brilliant event for the Leicester City Foxes Foundation. We raised £2,500 and I played seven venues across the city. It was hard work and almost eight hours of play, but it was all for a wonderful cause.

Following on from that, I went up to Aberdeen to renew my sponsorship with CP Cases. As with all my sponsors, they are a fantastic support and I couldn’t do what I do without them.

I travelled to Hamburg at the start of May for a European Tour event on the back of a week filled with practise. I beat Josh Payne in the first round – and he’s a great player. I thought because he hadn’t had much experience with a big crowd, that might get to him but we went all the way.

Then against Simon Whitlock, I was 5-0 averaging 112. But the German crowds love him and he started to get back at me. Memories of a few years ago when he

Jabba’s Jabber

overturned a similar deficit came flooding back, but that only spurred me on and it was great to win 6-3.

I may have lost to Peter Wright in the last 16 but my averages showed that I was improving. If I had been more around the 96 mark that I had been for much of the weekend, the game would’ve been a lot closer than the 6-3 score it finished with.

Before my good weekend in Coventry, I also went to Runcorn for an exhibition with Ian White. It’s his hometown so it was great for him to see some old friends and have a really good laugh.

It was so important to do well over those few days at the Ricoh because I wanted to make sure that I got to Blackpool. But, it’s clear that I always like to do things the hard way.

I think I must have had about 15 6-5 results already this year, and that weekend added a couple to the tally. I’ve won more than I’ve lost and it’s almost as if I have to put myself under extreme pressure to win.

I seem to find an extra gear when players are clawing back games. It’s good to know I can perform under that sort of pressure – even if my wife Debbie would prefer it if I won without the stress!

I also must have had about four 170 checkouts across the weekend. Having lost to Gerwyn Price in the Players Championship final on the Saturday, I beat him in the board final a day later. He said revenge must be sweet, but it would have been better to have won the day before.

We now also know what we’ll be doing for Debbie’s birthday weekend – the European Darts Open in Dusseldorf! She’s obviously delighted that I’m going to be there and hopefully we’ll all have extra reason for celebration.

Until next time!

Jamie

26

That’s it for another issue of Down The Barrel

We hope you’ve enjoyed your read and keep coming back for more!

The calendar earlier in the mag shows that there’s plenty of darts on the horizon, as well as the BetVictor World Matchplay just around the corner.

That can only mean one thing – another jam-packed edition of Down The Barrel heading your way.

We’ll be speaking to one of the game’s big names as they prepare for a hugely important summer, while MC John McDonald takes time out to reveal more about his role.

Keep visiting www.downthebarrel.co.uk for all the latest news from the darts world.

Like us at www.facebook.com/DownTheBarrel180 to get involved in the debate and give us a follow on Twitter at @dtb180.

Thanks for reading, your support is greatly appreciated and we look forward to speaking to you soon!

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down the barrel issue 3

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