A very warm welcome to all our overseas guests. As a company
selling darts mainly in the Netherlands , we believe that dartsfans all over the world
are intererested in a fast news service with articles about their favourite players.
Our editors write mainly in Dutch. For results and pictures it should not be a problem,
for news an in-depth analyses, we will provide translations on this page. We hope you will
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Kind regards, DDI.
DAY 9 - WORLD TROPHY FOR TONY DAVID
MATCH 31 - The Final: Tony O'Shea (ENG) - Tony David (AUS) 0-6
DAY 8 - WORLD DARTS TROPHY FOR MIEKE
MATCH 7 (DAMES FINALE): Mieke de Boer (NED) vs. Chrissy Howat (ENG) 3-1
Mieke started strongly and won the first set in a high tempo. In the second set
she also started well, but a sprint by Chrissy"Two Dart" Howat levelled the
score 1-1 in sets. The next set was won easily by Mieke. In the fourth set on
2-2 Chrissy started the fifth leg. By stealing that leg from Chrissy victory
came to blonde lady from Amsterdam. With fewer tears in her eyes than in
yesterday's semi-final against Francis Hoenselaar, Mieke accepted Chrissy's
congratulations.
MATCH 29: Tony O'Shea (ENG) - Raymond van Barneveld (NED - Seed 4) 5-4
The ninth and last set ended in tie-break. When the score is 2-2 there has to be
won by two clear legs. Raymond came ahead by a 2-3 break, was to start the
next leg himself, a leg which could deliver him the match if won. But Tony
"Silverback" O'Shea is tough. He answered by breaking back (3-3) and reached a
place in the finals (tomorrow) by breaking Raymond again twice. (5-3)
Whenever a losing Barney appears in front of the cameras, the whole of Holland
holds it's breath. But Raymond took his defeat sportingly. Saying " in the last
set it went everywhere" he explained his defeat. Reaching the semi-finals is a
satisfying achievement. Definitely so if Tony O'Shea is your last barrier to the
finals.
The match was defaced by a few :"DartHoolies" who loudly wished O'Shea lots of
things when he was finishing. Master Caller Martin Fitzmaurice gave a firm
preach on this after the match. It can only be hoped the organisors will do
something about this. In an audience of more than 2000 people, there will always
be some idiots causing the same kind of annoyance.
It's interesting to know that Tony's nick-name 'Silverback' was inspired by the
fact that he had silver-coloured hairs on his back-side. During local darts
matches in Engeland it's tradition that players from both teams greet each other
by letting their pants drop and showing each other their back-sides.
DAY 7 - MIEKE BEATS HER 'TEACHER'
MATCH 27: Andy Fordham (ENG - Seed 7) - Steve Coote (ENG) 5-1
MATCH 6 (WOMEN): Mieke de Boer (NED) vs. Francis Hoenselaar (NED - SEED 2) 2-0
MATCH 28: Tony David (AUS) - Andy Fordham (ENG - Seed 7) 5-2>
DAY 6 - TWICE FIVE TO NIL
20: 00 uur - MATCH 23: Wayne Jones (ENG) - Raymond van Barneveld (NED - Seed 4) 0-5
21:15 uur - MATCH 5 (DAMES): Chrissy Howat (ENG) - Anne Kirk (SCO) 2-1
23:30 uur - MATCH 26: Tony O'Shea (ENG) - Bob Taylor (SCO - Seed 8) 5-0
DAG 5: THE BOSSES GO HOME
MATCH 22: Ted Hankey (ENG) - Andy Fordham (ENG - Seed 7) 1-3
MATCH 21: Steve Coote (ENG) - Martin Adams (ENG - Seed 2) 3-2
Eagerness is a good word to describe Steve Coote's game. Filled with pride, a
fresh shine in the eyes, he took stance at the oche. The young fireman gave the
number 2 seed , Martin Adams, such a hard time the he had to capitulate. In the
fourth set Steve had three darts for the match. "And then you never know if
they'll come to you again." Martin, behind by 2-0, fought his way into the
fourth set, to 3-2 in legs (and thus 2-2 in sets), but on doing so used so much
engergy that he came short in the fifth set. " This guy is the better player
today" Martin told the microphone. But in the way his vocal chords produced the
word "today" he betrayed his thoughts.
MATCH 24: Tony David (AUS) - Mervyn King (ENG - Seed 3) 3-0
MATCH 23: Peter Johnstone (SCO) - Tony Eccles (ENG) 3-2
DAY 4: BARNEY BREAKS LOOSE IN FIFTH SET
MATCH 20: Raymond van Barneveld (NED - Seed 4) - Brian Sorensen (DEN) 3-2
MATCH 19: Co Stompé (NED) - Wayne Jones (ENG) 2-3
The dartsfans in Europe watching TV had to wait for half an hour for the programme "Hart van Nederland" to finish.
This programme featured amongst others:
Co Stompé played well during the first one and a half sets, but by the
end of the second set he was losing precision. And it was in the leg in which Co
hit
180 (his only one this tournament) that he missed 2 darts on a double. Winning
the 4th leg of
the second set would have given him the lead with 2-0. Wayne took advantage and
took over the steering wheel.
The Englishman took the third set in no time. In the fourth leg van fourth set
Co had an identical chance to end the set in his favour. When he failed to do so
it was over and out. (1-3)
" I am a sportsman and losing is all in the game" a very emotional Co Stompé
could barely mutter. Well said, Co, but he has now burdened Raymond with a
difficult task Had Co won, the two Dutch gentlemen would have met each other in
the quarter finals, guaranteeing a Dutch appearance in the semi-finals on
Saturday. Co took it up lightly, in a few month's time there'll be another
Embassy ,.... hereby indicating that this WDT is a much desired supplement in
the tournament programming for the proffessional dartsplayers in Holland.
MATCH 17: Tony O'Shea (ENG) - Mike Veitch (SCO) 3-1
MATCH 18: Bob Taylor (SCO - Seed 8) - John Walton (ENG - Seed 1) 3-2
DAY 3: GAME OVER FOR BELGIANS AND FINS
MATCH 16: Mervyn King (ENG - Seed 3) - John Snijers (BEL) 3-2
MATCH 15: Erik Clarys (BEL) - Tony David (AUS)
A typical first round match between two players, one in form , the other not.
Tony regarded all with great satisfaction, He had to prove he was a stayer,
having defeated a few English cracks in the Embassy 2002. And that wasn't a
problem. The Australian just missed double bull for a 10 darter! The Belgian,
Erik Clarys is always friendly, had been giving away signed photographs to the
public before the match. started, his somewhat clammy thereby indicating some
tenseness. Standing on the 5 meters high walking-bridge, specially constructed
for this tournament for players to come on stage, "The Sheriff" glanced down
confidently at the crowd. But behind the oche the confidence seemed to eb away,
the darts just wouldn't work for him. Pity.
The next opponent for Tony David will be Mervyn King. - a retmatch of the
Embassy final 2002. This time Tony's parents, all the way from Australia will be
there . Perhaps they will to re-live some of Tony's glorious triumph The editor
is tipping Tony David: " His name is David, he plays darts like Goliath" ..
DAY 2
MATCH 8: Raymond van Barneveld (NED - Seed 4) - Jean Paul van Acker (NED) 3-0
MATCH 11: Ted Hankey (ENG) - Wayne Mardle (ENG) 3-0
This is the kind of match you can write a book about. One of the most thrilling
matches ever! Pity these players in top-form did not have this encounter at a
later stage of the tournament when the matches are longer. This match had
everything: plenty of 180's, high bull finishes under pressure, a lost caller,
and even a shot at the double for a 9-darter. So let's just begin with this last
fact. Ted Hankey, his mother in the crowd, will be thinking back on on the third
leg of the fourth set. Had he let his ninth dart hit double 12 he would have
become the owner of a car worth 50,000 euro. Unfortunately Ted hit single 12.
The sportsmanship of both gentlemen was striking. Wayne corrected the caller
when the latter a miscalculated a score to Ted's disadvantage.
The match ended in sudden death after the tie-break in the 5th set. The score
being 2-2 in sets and 5-5 in legs, 1 decisive leg had to be played. The
players threw for the Bull to determine who may start. Ted hit double bull,
thus allowed to start and he never once gave away his lead. After tonight Hankey
is a favourite. If you're organising a great dartsparty, don't forget to invite
Wayne Mardle.
MATCH 4 (DAMES): Mieke de Boer (NED) - Karin Krappen (NED) 2-1
MATCH 12: Andy Fordham (ENG - Seed 7) - Jan van der Rassel (NED) 3-1
MATCH 7: Brian Sorensen (DEN) - Vincent van der Voort (NED) 3-0
Brian Sorensen, unknown on TV, was not impressed by the Orange atmosphere. Van
der Voort had probably had higher expectations this tournament. He managed to
repair a break in the first set, but wasn't able to reply to a break in the
third leg of the second set. Van der Voort began throwing quicker and quicker,
whereas Sorensen coolly earned himeself an entrance ticket to round two.
MATCH 10: Bobby George (ENG) - Martin Adams (ENG) 1-3
It was impossible not to notice Bobby George's entree: a show of about five
minutes. After which George gave his countryman Adams a good sweat and even won
the fist set. In the second leg of the set Adams hit a 180 both first and second
throw. The 9-dart dream was shattered by the seventh dart. Adams had a
relatively easy second and third set, and finished the job in set four with some
difficulty.
MATCH 3 (DAMES): Francis Hoenselaar (NED) - Carina Ekberg (SWE)
Hoenselaar, after elimination of the tournament's top favourite, Trina Gulliver,
is still not in form to take the women's WDT trophy. She won the moderate first
set with the darts and broke the Swedish lady in the first leg of the second
set. That was sufficient to go through to the quarter finals. Hoenselaars crown
on this match has secured a place in the finals for Netherlands. "The Dutch
Crown's" next opponent will come out the match between two Dutch players:
Krappen and De Boer.
MATCH 9: Steve Coote (ENG) - Stefan Nagy (SWE) 3-0
Steve Coote appeared to have problems at the beginning of the match. But the
break in the first leg of the match was a mistake. Nine consecutive legs by
Coote swept the man from Sweden, Nage, off the oche. Coote equalled the highest
checkout of 161. Earlier in the tournament, Frans Harmsen had checked 161. Coote
will meet Martin Adam in the second round. It will be a rematch of their Embassy
2002 first round match. At the time, Coote won with 3-s.
DAY 1
STOMPE PAINSTAIKINGLY THROUGH IN 5 SETS
MATCH 6: Co Stompé (NED) - Marko Pusa (FIN) 3-2
MATCH 5: Wayne Jones (ENG) - Matt Clark (ENG) 3-0
The evenings second match was a complete sweepout! Matt Clark (27,18 av.) broke Wayne Jones (29,10 av.) in the very first leg and scored
the matches only 180, but after that it was over and out for Superman. Nine legs in a row carried Jones to victory in no time.
Jones sometimes can't keep up with himself: he certainly demonstrated this by busting the third set, assuming not to have hit the tripple.
To complete the final leg Jones only needed 15 darts.
MATCH 4: Mike Veitch (SCO) - Ritchie Davies (WAL) 3-2
The evening session of the first WDT day started with an attractive inter-country: Scotland-Wales. The Scot, (30,2 av.) was broken in the first leg
by a 146 finish by Davies (29,6 av.). Veitch's answer was a 146 finish in the third leg and a rebreak in the fourth. All sets went "with the darts".
Six 180's for Davies and an 11 darter in the third game of the 4th set brought no relief. Veitch, who had thown four 180's, used his last arrow well.
MATCH 3: Frans Harmsen (NED) - Bob Taylor (SCO) 1-3.
The match started very nervously. Harmsen was broken twice in 'his' first set. The second set was without breaks. In the third set Harmsen regained
himself and fought his way back in the game with a few 180's and and a 161 finish. In the fourth leg both players held their own legs. Taylor won the
match with his fifth dart.
Quote Taylor: "It was a difficult match. I've been thinking about this match since the draw. I know what Frans in capable of. It wasn't a good match, we
were both nervous about our first round match. It bothered Frans more than me in the beginning. I'm relieved to have survived the "boogie round", once
I'm through that I'm quite capable of lot's of damaging...!"
Quote Harmsen: "During preparations I was hitting the doubles really well. But when I came onto the stage I couldn't hit them anymore. It wasn't the tension,
But once I start missing my doubles it becomes very difficult for me. It's my first appearance on a stage like this and it's been a good experience for me.
It wil help me in a next appearance."
MATCH 2: Colin Monk (ENG) - John Walton (ENG) 1-3.
A nervous take-off by Colin Monk (27 av.) enabled Walton (29,3 av.) to break straight away in the first leg. The second set went evenly, but Monk lost his
own leg once again in the fourth set. Monk started his own 3rd set with a 180 and regained confidence. The fourth set was a clean-sweep for Walton,
even though he needed five darts to win the match.
Quote Walton: " It wasn't easy, it's hot in the venue and the crowd is horrible. Neither of us was in top-form today. It could have gone both ways.
Normally there's a tripple in every throw. Things just went downhill after my first 180. It's a new tournament for us so we don't know what to expect.
You always try to do the best you can in a new tournament."
Quote Monk: "I 'wasn't home' today, neither of us was, I suppose. I was playing badly. Suddenly 2-0 in sets and I hadn't even started!.
The heat on the stage is incredible. But I'm a good loser. I lost my darts and am now playing with a lighter set. I don't want to blame the darts, John was
the least bad of us."
MATCH 1: Tony O'Shea (ENG) - Shaun Greatbatch (ENG) 3-0.
It was a piece of cake for Tony O' Shea in his match against Saun Greatbatch. A 30+ average, a break in each set, a handfull of 180's and a 141 finish
brought O'Shea an easy victory. Greatbatch with a 28,4 average , and winning only 50% of his own legs proved to be the "weakest link"
Quote O'Shea: " I was surprised to win. Shaun was the favourite for this match. But normally he's a hundred times better than he showed us today.
It wasn't easy, in spite of winning 3-0. It doesn't matter to me who I play in the next round. Colin Monk and John Walton are both world-class players."
Quote Greatbatch: "Just because I happened to throw a 9-darter in the Dutch Open doesn't mean I'm the favourite. Tony O'Shea
has been on the circuit for years. I wasn't ready for it today, but he was."
THE EMBASSY OF THE LOWLANDS !!
The first World Darts Trophy is being held in De Vechtsebanen in Utrecht from 7th to 15th September.
During this nine day event the world's 32 best dartsplayers will compete to become or the first winner of the
tournament popularly known as "The Embassy of the Lowlands" The tournament will be played by the English formula of seeding
8 players through a knock-out system. There will be 4 afternoon and 4 evening playing sessions.
In the past 25 years this playing formula has proved to be a guarantee for success in England.
Of course dartplayers were promoting their sport in Holland before 1995. But it was Raymond van Barneveld
who brought about a historic 2nd week in January of that year. An ousider, he reached the finals of the
unofficial World Championships, demonstrating that not only is darts a Top Sports, but also a highly thrilling form of entertainment .
After a week of "Barney" the whole Dutch population knew where to find the Tripple 20!. Raymond lost the 1995 finals but
took his revenge brilliantly in 1998. The people of The Hague (Barneys home town) were given an Orange street , an honours ribbon
and Barney himself resigned his career as a Postman. In January 1999 Barney repeated himself and obtained his second consecutive
Embassy title.
Co Stompé benefits from the changed darts climate in the Netherlands and copes well in top-level darts.
The dartsplayer from Amsterdam, a completey different personality, relativates more, is more enthusiastic and easy going
and fits in well with the colourfull group of professional darts personalities. With Vincent van der Voort, Frans Harmsen,
Jean Paul v.Acker and Jan van der Rassel we hope to continue supplying of top dartsplayers in the years to come.
For top dartsplayers, craving for success, there was only one opportunity to prove yourself and for sponsor exposure:
the Embassy, 2nd week January. After defeat you could hear the dartsplayers sigh....."a whole year's wait ahead...."
Which is why the dartsworld tore apart and a second world darts organisation was founded, organising their own
tournament cycle, three of which are televised events.
The World Darts Trophy is a step in the right direction on the road to
professionalism: not only for the players, but also for the organisation
surrounding
them:managers, callers, organisers and board-members. A successfull World Darts
Trophy will surely inspire organisers in other countries.
In most previews the exhorbitant high entry fees for the World Darts Trophy are
met with criticism. An enthusiastic
dartsfan wanting to attend all the matches will have to pay € 395 for a whole
week's auditorium tickets. In comparison: the
Embassy in Frimley Green will cost him only € 121. So it cost more than tripple
the price although it yet has to prove itself!
In April 2002 Co Stompé already warned about this and chose his fans' and
sponsors' sides saying that buying tickets for watching
a week's darts would be far too expensive for his fans, and a too expensive gift
for players and others seeking to please their sponsors,.
On September 3rd this terrible marketing mistake was corrected: 4 days before
the event started the entrance fees were cut by 50%.
According to the WDT website: thanks to a financial injection by an anonymus
sponsor.(!) It seems the WDT organisers undermined and
still undermine the intelligence of dartsplayers. The WDT organisers say they
will arrange something for people who had already
bought the too expensive tickets.
Even so, one can only hope the venue will be full. Darts is all about
atmosphere, having a drink with your friends while enjoying a good match
between the big guys. And particularly when the competion between different
counties is strong, the mastercaller can play the crowd and
heaten up the atmosphere. These are the situations in which we can enjoy Raymond
at his best.......
The World Darts Trophy is a step in the right direction on the road to
professionalism: not only for the players, but also for the organisation
surrounding
them:managers, callers, organisers and board-members. A successfull World Darts
Trophy will surely inspire organisers in other countries.
In most previews the exhorbitant high entry fees for the World Darts Trophy are
met with criticism. An enthusiastic
dartsfan wanting to attend all the matches will have to pay € 395 for a whole
week's auditorium tickets. In comparison: the
Embassy in Frimley Green will cost him only € 121. So it cost more than tripple
the price although it yet has to prove itself!
In April 2002 Co Stompé already warned about this and chose his fans' and
sponsors' sides saying that buying tickets for watching
a week's darts would be far too expensive for his fans, and a too expensive gift
for players and others seeking to please their sponsors,.
On September 3rd this terrible marketing mistake was corrected: 4 days before
the event started the entrance fees were cut by 50%.
According to the WDT website: thanks to a financial injection by an anonymus
sponsor.(!) It seems the WDT organisers undermined and
still undermine the intelligence of dartsplayers. The WDT organisers say they
will arrange something for people who had already
bought the too expensive tickets.
Even so, one can only hope the venue will be full. Darts is all about
atmosphere, having a drink with your friends while enjoying a good match
between the big guys. And particularly when the competion between different
counties is strong, the mastercaller can play the crowd and
heaten up the atmosphere. These are the situations in which we can enjoy Raymond
at his best.......
"I was standing behind him and could only admire him" Tony O'Shea remarked after
having had to take defeat by 6-0. These words by O'Shea adequately summarize the
whole final. Tony O'Shea wasn't a shadow of the player he had been yesterday in
his heroic semi-final match beating Raymond van Barneveld. Tony David was
supreme tonight and gave away nothing at all. In the six sets won by the "Deadly
Boomerang" there were only six legs for "Silverback" Tony O'Shea.
The first set went to Tony David very quickly. In the second set it seemed Tony
O'Shea was recovering, but with a 121 finish for 0-2 in sets, Tony David locked
the door. "In the third set" Tony O'Shea said later on " I began to realise this
wasn't going to be my evening."
Proud Mum and Dad David witnessed their son's excellent dart capacities. The
couple thought his winning the Embassy 2002 was just luck. After this week in
Utrecht they know for sure what their son is capapble of. This, in spite of all
the set-backs the parents have gone through with their son. (illness of the
blood, disablility)
Tony David accepted the very heavy trophy from of hands of the dutch Secretary
of Sports, Clémence Ross. The very first World Darts Trophy goes to Down Under.
Tony David is an example of will-power and perseverance. We will be hearing lots
more from him.
In the preview Chrissy Howat said Mieke de Boer had had an easy time, having had
two matches against her fellow countrywomen."Besides, Mieke has never won from
me". But Mieke de Boer teases all laws of darts. A newcomer and thus with little
experience at this level she wins from renowned opponents and takes the first
World Darts Trophy..
The way Raymond came on stage this semi-final was identical to his previous
three entrances. With less expressionon his face than a slab of concrete , he
set foot on the walking-bridge which would lead him to the exuberant
audience.Raymond was determined to reach the finals and didn't like merriment.
In the first set, which was started by Tony O'Shea, Raymond straight away had
chances. But the ex-postman missed too many doubles. In the second set Tony had
just one dart for a double. Raymond's scores were superior. He started the
second leg with two 180's. Unfortunately the 7th dart for the triple 20 of the
141 outshot failed. This dart could have won him a car.
As he went along, Raymond started missing his doubles in the third and fouth
set, causing him to lose his controle over the match. In the interval after 4
sets, the score was 3-1 to Tony O'Shea's advantage. By gaining the fifth set Tony
put Raymond with his back against the wall. But Raymond's comeback in the match
was impressive. The twice Embassy champion won three consecutive sets and
levelled the score: 4-4 in sets.
Andy Fordham is feeling at home in Utrecht. For the third consecutive evening no
one had yet got near him. Steve Coote certainly was not playing badly, he was
simply unable to step out of "The Viking's" shadow. In the interval Andy was
leading 4-0. In the fifth set Andy had darts for the match, threatening to
eliminate Coote in straight sets, 5-0, as had happened the evening before to
Wayne Jones and Bob Taylor. The crowd reacted unsportingly a few times, was
noisy when Steve was on a double. Perhaps the organisers should have
contemplated hiring a few crowd watchers. The only really serious "barrier" for
Andy seems to be the specially constructed walking-bridge which leads the
players to the stage.
It had already been determined that a Dutch lady would be in the finals, but few
had expected the lady would be Mieke de Boer. They also were opponents in the
World Cup's last finals in Kuala Lumpur. It was victory for Francis Hoenselaar
then. The number 2 seed for this event, Francis Hoenselaar, could not win the
fifth leg of either set, Mieke's merits of course. Francis, who has already
won every existing title at least once, will have to go on another trip next
year. Beautiful tears from Mieke after the winning dart for double 4. She
realises now that this victory has carried her to the absolute world top in
ladies darts. And she's only 22 years old! Martin Fitzmaurice had a little gift
for her, the nick-name "Bambi". Those who've seen the Disney film will
recognise....The venue called "De Vechtsebanen" is an ice-rink. And Bambi
doesn't feel very much at home on ice.
The story of these quarter finals is quite boring... In the interval another 4-0
... In this match the scores were going Tony David's way (deserved of course)
Peter Johnstone managed 2 sets after the interval , thereby registering the best
result of all losing quarter finalists. Tony David is quickly becoming a new
star in BDO/WDF skies. Tony also signed a new sponsoring agreement this week
with Datadart, so that we wil soon be able to buy his darts, flights and other
articles for fans. This privilege is only for top dartsplayers
Set 1 - (1-0) (1-1) (2-1) (2-2) (2-3) [0-1]
Set 2 - (0-1) (0-2) (0-3) [0-2]
Set 3 - (1-0) (1-1) (1-2) (1-3) [0-3]
Set 4 - (0-1) (0-2) (0-3) [0-4]
Set 5 - (0-1) (1-1) (1-2) (1-3) [0-5]
Raymond van Barneveld has done himself a big favour. The only left over Dutch
player, he was able to reach the semi finals of the World Darts Trophy at Wayne
Jones's cost. The way he did so (0-5) has given hem a great deal of
self-confidence. Raymond hit back right away in the first leg. The man from The
Hague opened with impressive 140-140-180 scores. Het did lose the leg in the
end, but Jones had been warned. Breaking point in the match was the end of the
first set. In the fourth leg Jones missed 1 dart for the set, in the fifth leg ,
a leg he had started himself, there were another two missed darts.
These missed chances influenced Waye Jones mentally for a long time. He had won
two legs in the (lost) first set. In the other four sets another two legs were
won. In the commentaries after the match Wayne expressed his huge
disappointement by saying het wants to stop playing (top) darts.
Barney displayed his vunerable side during that TV interview."I too have
experienced a dip (lost the Head to Head with Phil Taylor, knocked out the
Embassy in the first round by Chirs Mason ) but I think that he (Jones) will be
back soon"
We must mention one small detail of this quarter final match. At the end of
match Barney gave himself a pat on his shoulder. Bets are already being taken,
that if Barney does come to stand with the World Darts Trophy in his hands this
Sunday, he will Knight himself.
The first women's semi final had much more competition in it than both the men's
matches added up together. Anne Kirk was not able to reproduce the good form she
showed on Saturday. Chrissy Howat goes to the finals. She may well be darts
birthground 's only ihabitant.
The Englishman O'Shea hit out freely. The darts landed in the triple 20 in a
high tempo. No way at all for the slower playing Bob Taylor to keep up. Tony
finished the match with a fabulous 170 check-out and has won himself a prize. If
more players check 170, the € 2000 will be split.
Set 1 - (0-1) (0-2) (0-3) [0-1]
Set 2 - (0-1) (0-2) (0-3) [0-2]
Set 3 - (1-0) (1-1) (2-1) (3-1) [1-2]
Set 4 - (0-1) (1-1) (1-2) (1-3) [1-3]
Darts is a sports, almost opposite to other sports, such as Formula 1 racing.
The outcome predictability is low (quite nice for the bookies). The man who made
by far the best impression in the first round was Ted Hankey. He had been able
to maintain high level darts in a long match against Wayne Mardle. Today Ted
started off moderately against the unleashed Andy Fordham. Andy won the first
set with 0-3 in a commanding manner: 2 breaks, a 130 finish and a leg started by
Andy with 7 darts in the tripple 20! In the second set Ted Hankey was still
looking for his form. Andy took maximum advantage again (0-3). Ted avoided
humiliation by gaining the third set with 3-1. A 101 finsh in the fourth leg
which had been started by Andy, was a confidence boost for the Embassy 2000
winner. But Andy didn't relax for a second and cashed the first matchdart on
double 20 in the fourth set, 1-3 in legs and thus also 1-3 in sets.
Set 1 - (0-1) (1-1) (1-2) (2-2) (3-2) [1-0]
Set 2 - (0-1) (1-1) (2-1) (2-2) (2-2) [2-0]
Set 3 - (0-1) (0-2) (1-2) (1-3) [2-1]
Set 4 - (1-0) (2-0) (2-1) (2-2) (2-3) [2-2]
Set 5 - (1-0) (2-0) (3-0) [3-2]
Whilst everyone was looking forward to a long and exciting match, Tony David
demonstrated the the previous Embassy final could have gone quicker. Mervy King,
who complained about the distance to the board, was swept away. So next year ONE
wild-card to Down Under.
We have rarely seen such a happy Scot facing the TV cameras after a darts match.
Peter Johnston lost the throw for the Bull and therefore was not the one to
start the sudden-death leg. (5th set). And yet he was able to stand the test
with a 15 darter in this decisive leg.
Set 1 - (0-1) (1-1) (1-2) (2-2) (3-2) [1-0]
Set 2 - (0-1) (0-2) (0-3) [1-1]
Set 3 - (1-0) (2-0) (2-1) (3-1) [2-1]
Set 4 - (0-1) (0-2) (0-3) [2-2]
Set 5 - (1-0) (2-0) (3-0) [3-2]
" I just can't get them in,...." Raymond van Barneveld complained after winning
in five sets from the dour Dane, Brian Sorensen. The Netherlands best
dartsplayer in despair. His changeable game was punished brutally by Brian, who
won the second and fourth set 3-0. In the fifth and decisive leg Raymond hit two
15 darters and one 13 darter. The young Dane had no reply to these forceful
deeds.
Set 1 - (1-0) (2-0) (2-1) (3-1) [1-0]
Set 2 - (0-1) (1-1) (2-1) (2-2) (2-3) [1-1]
Set 3 - (1-0) (1-1) (1-2) (1-3) [1-2]
Set 4 - (0-1) (1-1) (2-1) (2-2) (2-3) [1-3]
- Previous Dutch TV-star Viola Holt has taken up painting
- Prinsess Christina (Dutch Royal) has recorded a new single of which the proceeds go to the September 11th victoms.
- a girl driving to an from Paris on a tractor
- Swiebertje's reunion: the actors are about 80 years old by now, but Swiebertje continues to
be a phenomenan.( Swiebertje was a popular Dutch children's tv programme)
At the eind of the fourth set Tony O'Shea had already put his darts away in his
shirt pocket. His opponent, the number one seed John Walton, had already missed
two darts for the match. But John 'Boy' missed another three darts after that.
Tony benefitted and dragged out a fifth set which he also was able to win. The
somewhat strikken Walton took his defeat in a sporting spirit.
Bob 'The Bear' Taylor was feeling at home on the big darts-stage. He often used
to lose his first round matches at the Embassy, but lately we see him more
frequently in the later stages of tournaments. His Scottish countryman, Mike
Veitch play this match was a class lower- homeward bound for Mike.
Set 1 - (1-0) (2-0) (2-1) (2-2) (3-2) [1-0]
Set 2 - (1-0) (2-0) (3-0) [2-0]
Set 3 - (0-1) (1-1) (2-1) (2-2) (2-3) [2-1]
Set 4 - (0-1) (0-2) (0-3) [2-2]
Set 5 - (0-1) (0-2) (1-2) (2-2) (3-2) (3-3) (3-4) (4-4) (5-4) (6-4) [3-2]
In the rules for major dartstournaments we will surely soon see a new
regulation forbidding chewing-gum on stage. Thoughout this match both
gentlemen displayed the cow-like mouth movements, which looked absoutely
disgraceful. Lot's of sweat for Mervyn King , despite that things were
going his way very smoothly. Mervyn had 2 breaks in both 1st and 2nd
set.(break=winning a leg started by the opponenent). With a 101 finish the
Embassy runner-up won the 2nd set putting himelf on a smiling 2-0 lead.
Some of the audience already started making moves to retrieve thier coats,
but the Belgian, John Snijer had other plans.I haven't yet read this in
other reports, perhaps the tv-commentators didn't notice, but I had a very
strong impression the John was deliberately slowing down the match. Mervyn
King is the kind of player who likes a quick game. Well, after his throw,
Mervyn had plenty of time ot nip at his drink, while John was still
slowing his way to the oche. One could repeatedly see Mervyn 'pushing'
John. Mervyn's decline started in the third set by missing some doubles.
The loss of self-confidence which is often a result of this, weakened his
scoring power. John took maximum advantage: 0-3 in the 4th set. In the 5th
and final set John could smell victory. 2 darts for the match on double 4
was not cashed. Mervyn eventually decided the match with 6-4 in the
tie-break.
Set 1 - (0-1) (0-2) (1-2) (1-3) [0-1]
Set 2 - (0-1) (0-2) (0-3) [0-2]
Set 3 - (1-0) (1-1) (1-2) (2-2) (2-3) [0-3]
Set 1 - (1-0) (1-1) (2-1) (3-1) [1-0]
Set 2 - (1-0) (2-0) (3-0) [2-0]
Set 3 - (1-0) (1-1) (2-1) (3-1) [3-0]
Van Barneveld was emotional when he came on stage. His mastercaller and friend,
Albert John, who died recently, was on his mind. Albert would certainly have
been here today and maybe even on stage too, as a mastercaller. This extra
tension led to a moderate start of the match. A break in the fourth leg pput
Raymond ahead with 1-0. J.P. van Acker is a newcomer on this level and couldn't
believe his eyes. " This looks like the showbizz-quiz" He was excused by all
for his poor play. But poor play doesn't get you into the next round. Ahead by
2-0 in sets Raymond started to relax. Twice he left himself a 170 finish, worth
2000 euro, Once he hit single bull instead of dubble bull. But this shows that
Raymoond is feeling good and this is promising for the coming days.
Set 1 - (1-0) (1-1) (2-1) (3-1) [1-0]
Set 2 - (1-0) (2-0) (2-1) (3-1) [2-0]
Set 3 - (1-0) (1-1) (1-2) (1-3) [2-1]
Set 4 - (1-0) (1-1) (2-1) (2-2) (2-3) [2-2]
Set 5 - (1-0) (1-1) (2-1) (2-2) (2-3) (3-3) (3-4) (4-4) (5-4) (5-5) (6-5) [3-2]
In this match between two Dutch top lady-players, Karin Krappen started off with
determination. But Mieke de Boer was able to bear her arms well, and so
eventually won the match.
Jan started nervously and couln't keep up in the first set. In the second set he
demonstrated a reasonable performance. However, Andy Fordham won this match
routinely, the last set in in straight legs.
Set 1 - (1-0)(2-0)(2-1)(2-2)(3-2) [1-0]
Set 2 - (0-1)(1-1)(2-1)(3-1) [2-0]
Set 3 - (1-0)(1-1)(2-1)(2-2)(3-2) [3-0]
Set 1 - (0-1)(0-2)(1-2)(2-2)(3-2) [1-0]
Set 2 - (0-1)(0-2)(0-3) [1-1]
Set 3 - (1-0)(1-1)(1-2)(1-3) [1-2]
Set 4 - (1-0)(2-0)(2-1)(2-2)(3-2) [1-3]
Set 1 - 2-0 (1-0)(1-1)(2-1)(2-2)(3-2) [1-0]
Set 2 - (1-0)(2-0)(2-1)(3-1) [2-0]
Set 1 - (0-1)(0-2)(1-2)(2-2)(3-2) [1-0]
Set 2 - (1-0)(2-0)(3-0) [2-0]
Set 3 - (1-0)(2-0)(3-0) [3-0]
(1-0)(2-0)(3-0) [1-0]
(0-1)(0-2)(0-3) [1-1]
(1-0)(1-1)(1-2)(1-3) [1-2]
(1-0)(1-1)(2-1)(3-1) [2-2]
(1-0)(2-0)(2-1)(3-1) [3-2]
The last match of day one was a nail-biting combat: Stompé vs. the hard to distract stoical Fin, Marko Pusa.
Distraction, though unintended, was aroused by the organisors. On appearance in the dartsarena, swelling with bombastic music,
Pusa was introduced as Jarkko Komula's fellow countryman! A quick first set for Stompé (3-0) was followed by a 3-0 for Pusa.
The Fin appeared to be taking advantage in the third set by breaking Co. But Stompé kept his wits and balanced the score (2-2)
In the fifth set, as in the fourth, there were no less than three breaks.Stompé hit the correct target with is third dart and got the crowd dancing.
(0-1)(1-1)(2-1)(3-1) [1-0]
(1-0)(2-0)(3-0) [2-0]
(1-0)(2-0)(3-0) [3-0]
(0-1)(0-2)(1-2)(2-2)(3-2) [1-0]
(0-1)(1-1)(1-2)(1-3) [1-1]
(1-0)(1-1)(1-2)(2-2)(3-2) [2-1]
(0-1)(1-1)(1-2)(2-2)(2-3) [2-2]
(0-1)(1-1)(2-1)(3-1) [3-2]
(0-1)(0-2)(0-3) [0-1]
(0-1)(1-1)(1-2)(2-2)(2-3) [0-2]
(1-0)(2-0)(3-0) [1-2]
(0-1)(1-1)(1-2)(2-2)(2-3) [1-3]
(0-1)(0-2)(1-2)(1-3) [0-1]
(0-1)(1-1)(1-2)(1-3) [0-2]
(1-0)(2-0)(3-0) [1-2]
(0-1)(0-2)(0-3) [1-3]
(1-0)(1-1)(2-1)(3-1) [1-0]
(0-1)(1-1)(1-2)(2-2)(3-2) [2-0]
(1-0)(2-0)(3-0) [3-0]