Raymond van Barneveld and James Wade in action at World Grand Prix
Raymond van Barneveld and James Wade are both in action in the last-16 of the darts World Grand Prix in Dublin tonight.
Five-time champion of the world Van Barneveld plays in-form player Mark Walsh, while Wade, the 2007 World Grand Prix champion, plays Colin Osborne.
Barney eased to victory in his first game against 69-year old John MaGowan, and Walsh produced a solid performance against Denis Ovens in his game.
At times, Barney played well, but when he failed to finish off a leg, he dropped concentration, and against Walsh that could prove costly. Barney is currently suffering from a back problem, but after taking two months away from the sport, does look fresh to make it to another World Grand Prix final.
Walsh on the other hand has resorted to seeing a sports psychologist in a bid to overcome problems on his doubles. It worked against Ovens as he strolled to the win. “I've had trouble with my doubles for about six months, losing games I shouldn't be losing,” said Walsh.
“I think the turning point was when I played Phil Taylor in the European Championship, when I had something like 17 darts at a double and only hit four. I'll keep seeing him and I'll probably have a chat with him before my next game to make sure my mind's right and I'm focused on what I've got to do,” Walsh added.
Walsh believes he can give Barney a really tough game tonight and stop him from reaching the final for the third year in a row. “Raymond's a fantastic player but I've beaten him in the past and I've got no fears about him whatsoever. I feel the way I'm playing I can beat him,” he said.
A close game is in prospect, but Barney might just edge this encounter based on having the experience on the big stage.
World No.3 Wade beat local favourite Mick McGowan, while Osborne beat Co Stompe. Wade was barely troubled against McGowan, and although Osborne will prove to be a more difficult opponent, Wade should have enough in the locker to get through. Wade is in the same side of the draw as Barney and Simon Whitlock, so if he has desires on claiming a second World Grand Prix, he would have to possibly beat them along the way to meeting Phil Taylor in the final.
Australian Whitlock has a match against the Hammer Andy Hamilton, and both players are in good form. Whitlock brushed aside the challenge of Australian rival Paul Nicholson, while Hamilton beat Dennis Priestley in straight sets.
World championship finalist Whitlock is a dangerous opponent for anybody, and the man dubbed as “the beard to be feared” is prolific on his doubles. His 170 checkout to beat Nicholson was the highlight of a great performance.
Hamilton averaged over 88 and hit eight scores of 140-plus. He can score heavily when he gets in, but Whitlock has the ability to kill off a leg and check out the ton-plus finishes, and that should see him go through.
Wes Newton takes on room-mate and close friend Barrie Bates. Newton was impressive in his two sets to nil victory over former champion Colin Lloyd. He only dropped one leg, limiting Lloyd in his chances. Bates meanwhile beat William O’Connor in straight sets, and hit 15 ton-plus scores. The Welshman only managed to average around 76, and will have to increase that against Newton. Despite this, Newton should win this match.
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