Dramatic league finale of Premier League Darts
The league format of the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts came to a dramatic conclusion last night as the final three play-off positions were decided.
Phil Taylor had already qualified for the semi-finals, but we now know the 15-time champion of the world will be joined in the final four by Simon Whitlock, James Wade and Mervyn King.
Defending Premier League champion Wade opened up the night with an 8-5 victory over Terry Jenkins, and finished third on the table. Having lost his opening three matches, Wade bounced back to record five victories.
Both players shared the first four legs, and when Jenkins went 3-2 in front, Wade stepped up, and took the next three legs, capitalising on Jenkins’ missed double in the seventh leg to break the throw. The Machine had the chance to go 6-3 in front, but he missed double tops and allowed Jenkins a way back.
Wade extended his lead by checking out a 110, but when Jenkins hit back again, Wade guaranteed himself a point by getting double tops once more to take a 7-5 lead.
Jenkins looked to come back once more, but he missed double 12 after leaving himself a 141 checkout, and that allowed Wade to take the leg and the two points, finishing with an average of 95.79.
“That's the most pressure I've ever felt in my life. It's my own fault I was in this situation but I'd love to get hold of the trophy again. The 110 finish was crucial and won me the game. It wasn't the best match but I did the job and that's what was important,” said Wade.
Whitlock demolished King 8-2 and finished second in the standings. The 2010 PDC world championship runner-up has been efficient on his finishing throughout the competition, and last night was no different, as he hit eight out of nine attempts at a double.
The Australian made the perfect start by taking a 2-0 lead, taking out a 130 on the way. He hit the wire on bullseye for a 164 checkout, but he managed to take the leg with double eight and to take a 4-0 lead. King got off the mark in the fifth leg, and when both players shared the next two legs, it was Whitlock who saw the winning post in sight, hitting double 16 and a finish of 88 to advance, ending with an impressive average of 104.6.
“My goal was to qualify and I've done that but to finish second is crazy. It would be incredible if I can win this now, but I'll be going to Wembley to do just that,” said Whitlock.
The defeat for King proved not to be costly as he just managed to scrape into the play-offs at Ronnie Baxter’s expense.
Baxter suffered a resounding 8-2 defeat to Raymond van Barneveld and missed out on the last four by leg difference.
Baxter started the match well, taking the opening leg, but once again he missed attempts at doubles and that allowed Van Barneveld to take advantage, as he broke the throw and took a 3-1 lead. Barney took a three leg advantage by checking out 120. Both players struggled to hit their doubles, but like last week against Adrian Lewis, Baxter was unable to take the legs, and it was Barney who opened up a 7-1 lead to make it seven legs on the spin. The Rocket pulled a leg back, but Van Barneveld was able to finish the match in style and sealed the win with scores of 180 and 137 to finish off on double three.
“I'm really happy to finish with the win. It's been disappointing to miss out on the top four but I can build for the rest of the year now,” said the Dutchman.
Baxter came so close and just a draw would have been sufficient. He failed to finish Lewis off last week and paid the price for poor finishing in his last two matches. “I had a nightmare on my doubles. My scoring was no problem but when it came to the double it just didn't happen. I've been in the top four for a long time but my doubles in the last couple of weeks have cost me. I've enjoyed the season and I'll be trying my hardest to get back in next year,” said Baxter.
Taylor was the first man to get to the semi-finals, and he ended the league campaign undefeated by destroying Lewis 8-1, who had faint hopes of qualifying. Jackpot Lewis took the opening leg, but Taylor replied in superb fashion, hitting double eight and a 98 finish to lead 2-1. The Power was on a role, and he took a 4-1 lead after Lewis missed doubles. Taylor surged further ahead, and eased to victory with finishes of 71 and 105.
“There was probably too much pressure on Adrian in that match and you could tell, but I concentrated on my job and did it. That's the first part of the job done now. I'm delighted to be unbeaten but it's a whole new format now next week and I'd love to win back this title,” said Taylor.
Taylor will now play King in the semi-finals at Wembley Arena next Sunday, and it is a repeat of their showdown at the same stage from last year, with The Power looking for revenge after his defeat. “Mervyn will have to turn up and play well in the semi-finals because I'm confident and know I can go up two or even three gears if I have to. This semi-final I'm going to be after Mervyn and I'm sure he's going to try and do the same. It's going to be a different game this year; that was a year ago. This time I'm after the Premier League, I'm not after Mervyn. I'm after winning it,” said Taylor.
In the other semi-final, Whitlock will play the defending Premier League champion Wade. Whitlock has already beaten Wade in the league format. “I love playing James and we seem to have great matches, but hopefully I can keep up this form and go all the way,” said the Australian.
Wade has the chance to defend his title, and is feeling confident. “It's really up for grabs in the play-offs. I'm starting to come into a little bit of form and we'll see what happens at Wembley now,” said Wade.
The play-offs will be contested on May 23rd at Wembley Arena, with the final on the same night. The four players will compete for £125,000 and the title of 2010 Premier League champion.
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