Taylor took an early lead on the Wright throw and set himself 116 to take the first leg but missed double tops. Chasing 78 Wright missed the same and then Taylor missed doubles at 20, 10 and 5. Peter Wright won it with a double ten. 1-0. A one hundred opening from Taylor was bettered by a 140 from Wright in the second leg. Another 100 from Taylor was then upped by a maximum from his opponent. 134 from Taylor left 167 and 65 left Wright on 116. 99 from Taylor left 68 and Wright gave him a chance to revisit by missing double 18. Taylor secured a leg he was behind in the whole way with a double four. 1-1. 140’s from both players mid leg kept the pressure on in the third leg and after nine darts each they both sat on 180. 100 from Wright left 80 whilst Taylor again matched him. Wright got the double tops to take a 2-1 lead. One hundred left Taylor on 161 and with Wright well behind in the fourth leg Taylor scored 82 to leave 79. He then missed double eight but Wright could only go to 44 with a 140. Taylor got the required double eight with his last dart in hand, sneaking it into the only corner of the bed he could see. 2-2. Strong scoring in the next leg moved both players through quickly and a 180 saw Wright go to 81 after nine darts. With Taylor back on 136 Wright got a triple 19 and he threw the double 12 at the second attempt to take a lead into the first break, 3-2. Taylor could only get 83 when he threw 60 with his first dart but a 140 on his next visit was better in the first leg after the break. A 100 and 140 start from Wright was even better. A bounce out cost Taylor on his next visit although he still managed 120. Wright showed what can be done with three darts though with a maximum. Taylor missed the double 19 for the leg and Wright chased 81 for the break. Wright hit a double 17 and double 20 with his last two darts for the break! 4-2 With a 139 Wright consolidated his lead in the next leg to leave 62 but he had pressure on him as 137 moved Taylor to 60. Wright missed the double tops for a three leg lead and Taylor then missed two darts for the leg himself. Wright then missed three doubles (including two at fives) and with last dart in hand Taylor hit the only part of the bed he could have possibly seen. 4-3. A 180 start against the throw gave Wright more confidence again although he only secured 60 at his next visit. 135 left Snakebite on 126 as 136 moved The Power to 122. Wright just missed the bull for the leg but Taylor was further away with his shot at it. Wright could not convert the 25 needed and Taylor showed him how to do it to make it four all. Wright took a comfortable lead in the next leg and moved from 195 to 138 with a 57. That did open the door a bit for Taylor who scored a century to move to 146. Wright chased double tops to take back the lead back but missed it and then did the same with the double ten before throwing a flyer to miss the double five. Taylor then seemed to miss his chance as Wright stepped up again but he missed another three chances. Taylor hit the 25 required to take the break, and the lead, 5-4. Taylor turned up the heat in the next leg to move quickly to 139. With Wright on 201 Taylor left 39 but 105 gave Wright half a chance only for Wright to secure the leg with his next two darts. 6-4 to Taylor. A 180 from Wright first up after the break would have helped Wright’s confidence but Taylor responded well with a 140. A follow up 140 from Snakebite put him in a good position as Taylor scored 100. With Wright on 81 Taylor moved from 261 to 121. Snakebite hit the wrong treble but secured the leg anyway with two successive double 18s. 6-5 to Taylor. A slow start from Taylor was not punished by Wright but his second visit was better with 140. Taylor hit his own 140 but it left him on 179. Wright’s maximum moved him to 124. 139 put the pressure on as Taylor left tops after twelve darts. Wright did not have a dart at the leg as Taylor held his throw at his next visit. 7-5 to Taylor. A 140 punished Wright’s slow start in the next leg. A 140 of his own moved Wright to 201 and then Taylor had two bounce outs to only score 60. With both on 201 Wright got to 96 and Taylor the same. Wright got the treble 20 and then missed two shots at the double 18. Taylor got the job done with two darts. 8-5 to Taylor. A 140 in the next leg moved Wright to 81 and with Taylor only on 152 Wright had his chance in the 14th leg and Wright converted it for the third time in the match (with different combinations on each occasion.) 8-6 to Taylor. The next leg was a great battle but 85 from Wright only left him on 191 as 100 moved Taylor to 125. Taylor tried bull, 25 and bull but missed the second dart and so set himself up with 40. Wright hit the bull to take the leg and get the match back to one leg difference. 8-7 to Wright. Hundreds from both players was the start in the 16th leg and Taylor got the same on his second visit. Wright upped the pressure with a 140 and Taylor could only secure 60 at his next time on the oche. Wright hit 100 to leave a 161 finish. With 137 he left 24 and Taylor could only move to 43. Wright hit the double twelve with his first dart. 8-8. 32 from Wright and a 140 from Taylor meant the tide had seemed to turn again in the next leg but Wright simply stood up and scored a 180. Wright moved to 180 under pressure as Taylor could only get to 201. Wright then got to 80 but Taylor put the pressure on by moving to 60. With one shot at double tops Wright missed and Taylor secured the leg with last dart in hand. 9-8 to Taylor. Taylor started the next leg poorly but Wright could not take advantage. 136 at his next visit was better by Taylor. 98 left the World Matchplay champion on 208 and Wright was well back after his next visit on 267. Taylor needed 112 to go one leg away from the tournament win and he converted it in style. 10-8 to Taylor. 100 and 140 from Wright helped his cause to chase three legs in a row down but a 177 from Taylor gave him the lead. With Wright on 161 Taylor moved to 126. Wright moved to 56 after his next visit but it would be his last as Taylor won the Melbourne Darts Masters with the bullseye. 11-8.
Semi Final 1
Peter Wright 11 (95.27) Daryl Gurney 4 (93.68)
Peter Wright threw first and hit a treble 20 with his initial dart, completing a 140 on his first visit. Gurney started with a 60 to fall behind straight away. A 140 from Wright was then met with a maximum by Gurney. Another 140 left 81 and 140 from Gurney left 121. With 12 darts in total Wright went one game up. Gurney and Wright then threw a tight leg with a 100 putting Gurney on 180 and the same score putting Wright on 161. Gurney could only score 60 and Wright the same at their next visits. Gurney missed double tops for Shanghai and Wright got the required double 12 at the first time of asking to lead 2-0 and have a 100% check out record for the match. Another 140 start from Wright with 43 from Gurney and Wright was away to a strong lead in the third leg. A 140 left 136 for Wright and a 96 on his next visit left double tops. Gurney was way back on 240 and despite missing his first check out dart from the match Wright got his second in the double 20 bed to go to a three leg lead. A 140 start from Gurney was matched by his opponent. A 30 visit was punished by Wright with another three figure visit (one hundred.) A century left 161 for Wright and a 140 put Gurney back in the conversation on the leg with 95 left. 52 was Wright’s worst visit of the match to that point but Gurney could only score 55 on the back of it. His next visit was more effective and Gurney’s first dart at a leg was put away to bring the score back to 3-1. Another 140 start from Wright and he took a strong lead in the next leg. Wright chased 141 for the check out and hit the treble twenty but could only leave 52 for himself. Using the second dart which fell just outside the wire, Wright was able to put his third dart in the double 16 and return the match to a three leg gap. 4-1. A 100 start from Gurney was matched by Wright. 140 moved Gurney to 165 whilst a century left Wright behind. A 134 left a double 16 for Gurney which he collected with his first dart on the next visit. 4-2. A 140 from Wright left 161 and with Gurney well back on 258 Wright could afford to set up the next leg. Ninety left 71 but a 180 from Gurney did put the pressure on as he moved to needing only 78. Wright hit the bull with his last dart in hand, securing the leg despite having hit a single four with his first dart. 5-2 to Wright at the first break. A 140 mid leg after the break moved Gurney on to 231 but he could only back it up with 60. A 100 left Wright on 161 and the first shot at the leg. He did not get it but Gurney missed double tops for the leg and so Wright returned and with his last dart in hand scored the double 8 required to collect a second break and lead 6-2. A 60 start from both players in the next leg and then another from Wright was punished as Gurney hit 140. Wright then matched it but Gurney stayed just ahead. A 140 left 101 for Wright but he missed the required trebles on his next visit. Wright hit the corner of the double 16 bed to go to a 7-2 lead. Wright then went to a 121 to 304 lead on Gurney’s next throw but a big 140 at least put Gurney on a check out at 164. He just missed the bull at the next visit and with Wright missing the check out with his next three darts Gurney used his next two darts to take out the leg. 7-3. Another 140 start from Wright and a similar score two visits later and Wright moved to 126 with a fair amount of ease. With 94 he set up the leg by leaving 32 and with two darts on his next visit he put the match back to a five leg lead. 8-3 A 100 and then 57 on Gurney’s next throw was not capitalised on by Wright. A 180 later in the leg moved Gurney to 68 but he missed his chance for a check out. A 141 was then needed by Wright but after the perfect first dart he could not finish the job and with a double eight on his next visit Gurney secured his fourth leg. 8-4. In leg 13 a 137 from Daryl Gurney left him needing 126 and with Wright on 172 the Northern Irishman had first shot at the leg. Two perfect darts from Wright after Gurney could not take out the big score gave him a 9-4 lead and he was now just two legs away from the final. On 245 Gurney scored a maximum to move to 65 in the 14th leg. A century left Wright on 76 and he got a shot at it after Gurney missed the double four. Wright took full advantage to lead 10-4. A 96 start in the next leg from Wright was matched by Gurney and then 100 was humbled by a maximum from the youngster. 105 left 120 for Gurney but one hundred was not enough from his next visit. That score was needed by Wright for the match but he only secured 60. Gurney missed the double 10 and the double five so chose to bust the leg and with two darts Wright was able to get the required double twenty for the match. 11-4 to Peter Wright and he was into the final of the first ever Melbourne Darts Masters.
Semi Final 2
Phil Taylor 11 (93.97) Simon Whitlock 4 (90.48)
Simon Whitlock opened poorly with his first throw and Taylor could not take full advantage but did take a lead and with a 43 on his third visit Whitlock opened the door for Taylor who scored 97. A 140 left Whitlock on 117 but Taylor chased 126. A wrong treble (seven) meant Taylor could not finish so he set up 32. Whitlock missed the bull for the leg after hitting double five and Taylor checked out the double 16. A maximum from Whitlock in the next leg meant he took a good lead into his second visit but 91 was not what he wanted from that, especially as Taylor hit 125 on his return to the oche. 88 left Whitlock on 195 and both players then could only get 60 on their next visits. With Taylor on 82 Whitlock had to get the 78 and he did so with double tops with his third dart to break straight back. 1-1. A 140 start from the Wizard was followed up by a 92. With a bounce out Taylor could not leave a finish and Whitlock chased the maximum check out of 170. 86 left the Australian on 84 and with Taylor on 125 Whitlock had a shot at the leg through the bull but missed it. He secured the leg in two darts on his next visit. 2-1. With his sixth ton Taylor moved to 208 but 162 from the treble 18s left Whitlock on 143. Whitlock got his first required treble but missed the second. Taylor then missed double 16 for the leg but chasing double twelve the Australian’s second dart fell into the 9 to blow open the leg. As ever, Taylor took the chance afforded him with his next shot at double 16. 2-2. A 140 from Taylor in the next leg was matched two visits later by Whitlock. Taylor then hit 137 to move to 167. 57 left Whitlock needing the same score. Taylor scored 99, Whitlock 139. Taylor secured the leg with double tops to move to a 3-2 lead. Taylor started the next leg with a 139 which was bettered by a 140 from Simon Whitlock. A poor visit from Taylor next up was not punished enough by his opponent. 58 left the Australian on 152 but 133 left Taylor on 32. Whitlock could not convert and Taylor got his third leg in a row with his second dart next visit. 4-2 to Taylor. Taylor took a comprehensive lead in the next leg but left a bogey score of 176. Whitlock gave himself an outside chance as he left 56 and he was handed a shot after Taylor missed the double tops for the leg. Whitlock then missed two leg darts at double four himself and on his return Taylor hit the double five with last dart in hand to lead 5-2 at the first break. Leg eight saw both players start with treble figure visits but Whitlock made the most of his by backing it up with a 140. With a 46 next time around Whitlock handed the impetus back to his opponent although Taylor could only score sixty next up to leave 181. Whitlock needed 140 to break Taylor and left double tops. Taylor checked out 81 first though to take the leg. 6-2 to Taylor. Whitlock fell behind on his throw in the next leg and was punished with Taylor’s first maximum in the match. Chasing 125 Taylor scored 65 but Whitlock was so far behind it did not mean much. Taylor scored the 20 and double 20 required with his next two darts to secure his sixth leg in a row. 7-2. A maximum start from Whitlock would have helped the Australian’s confidence and he followed it up with a 97. With Taylor on 206 Whitlock moved from 224 to 92. Two magical double 18s in a row gave Whitlock his third leg. 7-3. 134 from Whitlock on his second visit in the next leg moved him to 319. One hundred from the Aussie was not matched by Taylor but 136 later in the leg moved the Englishman to 129. Whitlock missed the double 7 for the leg and with the bull Taylor secured the leg. 8-3. 137 start from Taylor put him into a good lead in the 12th leg. From 168 Taylor scored one hundred to set himself up. A 140 was not even enough to leave Whitlock a finish so he could not take advantage of Taylor’s failure to secure a check out on his next visit. The double 16 instead came with Taylor’s first dart on the next visit. 9-3. The same start in the next leg as the previous one for Taylor gave him the darts but he was unable to hold those darts after his next visit. At 245 each Whitlock could only score 59 and Taylor showed him how to do it with his second 140. 138 left Whitlock on 48 and Taylor then missed double 16 for the leg. Whitlock needed the same but missed it with his second and third dart. Taylor then threw it with his next dart. 10-3 to Taylor. A 140 start from Taylor on his throw was almost matched by Whitlock with 134. 44 gave Whitlock a chance and he scored 99. Taylor scored one hundred to move to 217. 128 left Whitlock on 140 and with Taylor on 121 the Aussie had a shot at the leg but missed out. Taylor aimed up at the bull for the match but missed and Whitlock secured the required double with his second dart to get a break back. 10-4 to Phil Taylor. Whitlock moved ahead early in the next leg but a 57 after Taylor secured 140 was not enough and Taylor snuck a lead. Whitlock left 148 as Taylor moved to 144. Whitlock scored two treble 18s but missed double tops for the 148 check out. The Australian did not visit the oche again though as Taylor scored treble 20, treble 20 and a double 12 to secure the win and the opportunity to face Peter Wright in the final with a 11-4 final score-line. Night 2 Melbourne Darts Masters
Quarter Final 1
Peter Wright 10 (89.82) Michael Smith 9 (88.88)
Wright started on his throw and in a fairly even leg collected 95 to leave the first opportunity at 170 but Smith put the pressure on by leaving 39. Wright missed at tops with his one dart for the leg and with two darts Smith immediately broke. 1-0 Michael Smith Smith then opened with a 180. Smith held a solid lead throughout the leg in the second and chased 144 for the big check out, leaving 24 with Wright on 229. 129 from Wright (and he chased the treble 19s with his second and third dart) put a little pressure on but Smith hit the target with his first dart on the next visit. 2-0 Smith. In the next leg a 100 and then 55 from Wright was not punished by his opponent. Wright was on 171 before Smith moved to 32 with a 140. Wright scored 100 to move closer to the mark but expected not to visit the oche again this leg only for Smith to miss with his three darts. Thus Wright chased 71 but he missed the big 18 for the set up. Smith then busted his score dropping it into double 16 when he wanted double 8 and Wright secured the leg on the next visit with double ten on his second dart. 2-1 to Smith. In leg four a 180 for Wright moved him to 221 with Smith is a long way behind at 349. 65 left Wright on 56 and a 140 left Smith on 112. Wright thought he had the win but just missed and had to chase the double 10 which he missed. Smith left 70 before Wright missed the double 10 and 5. Both players had missed 5 at double in the last two legs before Smith missed tops. Wright missed on the next visit as well and Smith got double ten to steal the leg. 3-1 to Michael Smith. A one hundred start from Wright in the next leg was matched by his opponent. With Smith on 127 a 180 from Wright left him on 58 in a leg he had struggled with and he hit 18 and his first shot at double tops to take the leg. 3-2 to Smith A 180 from Wright (three in three legs) put him in a good position in the sixth leg and he had first shot at 161. With 97 he left 64 (he had missed the treble 19 with his second dart.) Again Wright missed a double check out, double 16, and Smith hit 25, 17 and tops to take the leg. 4-2 to Smith, but still only one break of throw in it. A slow start from both players in the next leg but on 336 Wright collected a 140 and with 60 left, and Smith on 64, Wright, who missed the first big 20, readjusted by throwing a big 15 and then got the required tops with his last dart in hand. 4-3 to Smith at the first break. Wright opened with a 140 and Smith 100 after the break before Wright hit a maximum. A 140 put Smith to 181 but Wright was already on 161. After a wayward second dart Wright had to be satisfied with leaving 60 and despite a 129 putting Wright under pressure (as Smith left double 16), Wright checked out in two darts to draw the match back up at 4-4. A 140 start from Wright and a 100 follow up was matched by Smith in reverse. However Wright moved ahead on the next set of darts to leave 56 with Smith on 116. Wright then missed multiple darts for the leg only for Smith to do the same. Wright and then Smith both missed on another visit before, with both in the mad house, Wright takes out the double one required. 5-4 was the score-line with Wright in front for the first time. Despite opening with 134 the next leg was very close on Smith’s throw until a 45 by Smith was topped by a 98 from his opponent. Smith moved to 176 with 46 and Wright moved onto 108 with sixty. Smith left 36 and Wright got the treble 19 and 19 and then the double 16 for the big 108 check out. (He was now at 26% for check outs in the match.) 6-4 to Wright. Wright then took a considerable lead in the next leg and left himself 161 which he then got down to 32. He got it with his first dart on the next to take a 7-4 lead. 140 from Wright to open the next leg meant he led well in the next leg but a 180 mid leg helped Smith get into the contest but he was still only on 182. Wright took out a 140 to leave 121 and despite his big lead (Smith was on 124) he chased it, completing it with the middle of the bull to go 8-4 up. A slow start from Wright, 45, was trumped by a 140 from his opponent. 100 was then beaten by 134. Sixty left Smith on a 167 check out whilst Wright scored a century to be on 156. 93 left Smith on 74 and 100 left Wright on 56.In three darts Smith finally secured his fifth leg, 8-5. A 140 start from Smith was a statement of intent having broken Wright in the previous leg. The next visit from each player saw them collect 140 each before Wright scored one hundred. The same score from Smith on his next visit and a 140 from Wright left both players on 121. With 87 Smith left himself on 34. Wright missed the treble 11 and chased the bull again but this time got 25 and with a check out of double 17 Smith went back to back in legs. 8-6 to Wright. In the next leg Wright moved to 301 after a 140 start and 60 second visit with Smith on 318 at the same point. Smith was unable to take advantage of a poor visit from Wright but with his second chance to punish he did score 140 and left 118. 135 from Wright left 51 and with Smith unable to convert Wright had a shot. However he missed it again and Smith got the break back with a double 12 from his first throw on his next visit. It was Smith’s third leg win in a row and moved the score to 8-7 to Wright. A 180 on Smith’s throw by Wright was immediately matched by his opponent. 140 from Wright left him on 181. His opponent threw 99 to leave 124. 125 left Wright on 56 before Smith missed the bull chasing 124. Wright had two at tops and his third darts kissed the second to get double tops. Wright goes back out to a two leg lead by breaking Smith again, the score now being 9-7 to Wright. A poor start of 60 was not punished by Smith and Wright quickly moved to 161. 105 left 56 for Wright again but Smith hit a maximum to move to 30 and put pressure on his opponent’s next visit. Wright did miss tops and then missed double 10 before Smith missed the double 15 to get back into the match, leaving himself on 8 instead. Wright missed his third match dart, scoring five instead of double five before he missed a shot at double two with his last dart. Smith was able to collect the double four to bring the match back to 9-8. Wright missed four match darts and his check outs now sat at 9 from 34. 180, 101, and 81 from Smith and Smith moved quickly to 139 with Wright on 299. Smith only got 39 to leave 100. A 100 from Wright was not enough but Smith missed hitting two successive double tops. Wright got 99 to leave his own 100 but never got a shot at it as double tops with his first dart gave the leg to Smith. 9-9. 180 start from Wright was a great way to start the final leg, Smith securing just 60. Wright then scored 125 to move to 196. 57 left Smith on 384. 60 left 136 for Wright as Smith hit 140 to go to 244. Another 60 and Wright has let Smith in with an outside chance with 100 putting him on 144. 76 was required with Smith now on a finish and Wright does it in three darts (20, 16 and double 20.) 10-9 was the final score to Peter Wright over Michael Smith.
Quarter Final 2
Simon Whitlock 10 (91.97) James Wade 9 (94.4)
Whitlock started the leg slowly but Wade did not take real advantage and Whitlock got first shot at 155 but with 57 he left 98. Wade chased 146 but missed the double 13. 58 from Whitlock on the next visit and he left tops. Wade did not need another chance, breaking Whitlock in the opening leg. The Machine opened with 140 following with a 96 in the next leg. 140 from Whitlock put him closer into the match but Wade got 98 to move to 167. A maximum from the Aussie moved him to 124. Wade hit 97 to leave 70 and Whitlock had a chance at 124 but he could only leave 32. Double tops saw Wade go to a 2-0 lead. A 97 start from Whitlock was almost matched by Wade. Wade then took a lead after a 137 from his second visit. A 115 from Whitlock left him in the match but a maximum from James Wade put him favourite for the leg on 92. 99 left Whitlock on 130 as Wade stepped up but could only score 52. Whitlock hit the bullseye for his first leg of the match. It was an important dart as Wade was waiting behind him on double tops to take a three leg lead, instead the score-line read 2-1 to Wade. A 99 start from Wade was bettered by a 134 from Whitlock. A poor visit from Wade was punished by Whitlock with a 139. 59 moved Wade to 300 whilst 90 took Whitlock to 138. A 140 from Wade put his opponent on some pressure as he moved to 160. 58 left 80 for Whitlock but Wade could not secure the big check out and left 100. Whitlock missed the double tops for the leg and Wade did not get a shot at the checkout. Whitlock then missed another three darts and Wade converted with double tops on his next visit. 3-1. Whitlock started poorly the next leg and Wade started with his second maximum of the match. Wade then scored 100 to move to 221. 140 from the Aussie moved him to 207 before a 177 from Wade moved him to 44. 99 from Whitlock left 108. After doing so well with nine darts Wade could not convert the 44. Whitlock, having been so far behind, made the big check out to go to 3-2. Slow scoring at the start of the next leg from both players but eventually Wade hit 100 with Whitlock responding with a 140 only for Wade to hit a maximum to move to 103. With his opponent on 190 Wade set up the leg by scoring 70. A brilliant 170 from Whitlock set himself up for the double ten check out but Wade never gave him the chance as with two darts he checked out 33 to go back to a two leg lead, 4-2. A slow start again from Whitlock but a 137 from Wade and then a 140 from Whitlock fired the leg up. With both players just over 300 Whitlock scored a century and Wade could only manage 43. A 140 left Whitlock on 61 and he took two darts to draw back within one leg at the break. 4-3 to James Wade. A 140 second visit up from Whitlock moved him to 261 and with Wade only moving to 210 the Aussie had a chance but could only get 91, a sore that did leave him on 170. Wade moved to 150 but Whitlock could only score 96. A century left Wade on 50 but Whitlock secured the 74 required to put the match back into equilibrium, 4-4. The following leg saw a slow start from Whitlock but he had a shot at 160 with Wade on 161 but left 128 with a disappointing 32. Wade moved to 64 with 97 and with two ton plus finishes to hold throw already the Wizard did it again to get 128 and lead 5-4, his first lead in the match Wade opened with a maximum and Whitlock missed the third dart for the same in the next leg. Wade left 138 with Whitlock nowhere near him. Wade then left double tops and converted it (with last dart in hand) but not before Whitlock put the pressure on with a maximum (leaving him on 78). 5-5. A 93 start from Whitlock was matched by his opponent. Slow scoring mid round was broken by a 140 from Wade which moved him to 208. Whitlock moved to a bogey score of 166, and with 94 Wade moved to 114. Whitlock hit one hundred only for Wade to miss double tops with his last dart in hand. Whitlock could not convert 66 and with two darts Wade took the leg. 6-5 to James Wade. Again slow starting from both players until Wade hit 137 and Whitlock got momentum back with a maximum. 134 from Wade split what he had required in half. 124 from Whitlock then left 116. Wade had a disappointing visit and Whitlock just missed the double tops for the leg with his last dart in hand. Wade had a shot at the bullseye and moved the wire but on the wrong side. It was enough of a let off for the Aussie who hit the double ten with his first throw next visit. 6-6. A one hundred start from Whitlock was followed up by a 134. Wade seemed unable to respond and was over 100 behind his opponent. 131 from Whitlock left him on 136 but Wade hit a maximum to get himself back in the leg. A 60 visit meant Whitlock only had a shot at 76 at the next visit. A 134 from Wade meant the pressure was on his opponent as he sat on 32. A very poor visit meant Whitlock did not even get a shot at a check out and Wade looked to punish the inaccuracy but could not convert the 32. The Aussie could not get his three chances in and Wade threw the double four for the 13th leg. 7-6 to Wade. A 140 start from Wade was not matched by his Aussie opponent but on his second visit Whitlock did hit 180. One hundred moved Wade to 220 and Whitlock was unable to leave a finish. A 180 from Wade left double tops and with last dart in hand he scored double ten to move two legs clear, 8-6 to Wade. A 126 start from Whitlock was not followed up by great scoring from either player. At 216 Whitlock hit yet another maximum, to leave 36. Sixty left Wade on 150 but Whitlock composed himself on his third dart to hit the double 18 required and closed the score up to 8-7 still in James Wade’s favour. Whitlock then opened with 180 on Wade’s throw after Wade had opened with 140 in the next leg. At 181 Whitlock only got 41 though. James Wade then missed double tops for the match a target Simon Whitlock missed on his next visit, leaving 10. Wade then missed again, to leave five. Whitlock busted his score chasing the ten and Wade got the one and double two required to go back to a two leg lead, 9-7. Another 180 from Whitlock and he was soon on 126 but at that point he only got to 92 as 180 from Wade moved him to 76 and into favouritism for the leg. Wade hit a maximum of his own to move to 76. The Wizard then missed the double 16 for the leg but on his next visit Wade got frustrated (as he hit the bull instead of 25) and left 5. Whitlock saw the chance and took it as he hit the double eight to move the match to 9-8 in the favour of James Wade. A 140, 82, and 97 from Whitlock moved him to 182. Wade meanwhile went from 247 to 107 with a 140. Wade left 60 and Whitlock needed another big check out at 124 but he missed the bullseye. Wade missed tops for the win and on 41 Whitlock hits 14 and missed the big 9 but then he scores 19 and double four for the leg anyway. 9-9. Simon Whitlock hits 180 to start, but a 140 from James Wade leaves him in the mix. Whitlock backed it up with a 174 and was on a nine darter. Whitlock could not convert the 9 darter but a 114 left him on 33. Wade was way back on 204 when Whitlock threw one and a double 16 to secure the win 10-9.
Quarter Final 3
Phil Taylor 10 (97.31) Corey Cadby 9 (91.22)
Phil Taylor opens with a 100 whilst Cadby could only score 65. Taylor then got a bounce out to only move to 361 before a 100 from Cadby. Taylor moved from 361 to 265 and then to 166 with Cadby scoring 125 to move to 128. With Taylor not leaving a finish Cadby almost hits the wire for the double ten after throwing two treble 18s. Under pressure Taylor set up the leg with his first two darts and he only needed the one dart to check out. 1-0. Cadby opened his throw with 100 and Taylor responded with 85. 99 was more than matched by a 137 from his opponent. Cadby responded with 140 to leave a bogey score of 162. 135 from a hard fighting Taylor put him on 144. 134 set the leg up for Cadby and Taylor only got 58. Cadby checked out with his second dart. 1-1. In the third leg Taylor opened with a 136 with Cadby scoring his own century of points. Another century from Taylor was topped with a 140 from Cadby. Taylor could only move to 205 but Cadby could not take advantage with a 45. Taylor scored 100 to move to 105. 125 from Cadby moved him to 91 and turned up the heat on his opponent. Taylor did not convert 105 with a double 16 and Cadby had a chance at 91 but missed the double 9 and Taylor got the leg at the next visit with his first dart at hand. Corey Cadby has missed darts at both of Taylor’s throw. 2-1 to Taylor. A 97 from Cadby and slower start from Taylor was typical of leg 4 until a 180 for Taylor moved him to 195 as he seemingly grabbed the darts but Cadby got 140 at his next visit to leave 145. 57 left Taylor on 138. Cadby sat on 52 as Taylor left 40. Cadby missed tops and double ten as Taylor hit tops with his first dart. 3-1 to Phil Taylor. Taylor opened with a 140 in the next leg and Cadby opened with 59. A 135 from Taylor and he was well ahead, although Cadby responded with a 128. With Taylor on 180 Cadby hit the maximum to go to 134. 96 left 84 for Taylor 94 left 40 for his opponent. Taylor missed the bull for the leg. Cadby missed at double 20 but with last dart in hand he hit the double ten to break straight back. 2-2. A poor start from Cadby was capitalised on by Taylor. A maximum from Taylor on his next visit put him miles in front and a 137 left him at 84. (Cadby got 57 to leave 323.) Taylor goes to a 4-2 lead with a treble 20 and double 12. It was the first leg of the match Cadby had not had a dart at the leg. 58 from Taylor was matched by his opponent. 96 from Taylor was responded with another 180 by Cadby on Phil’s throw, giving him a slight upper hand. Taylor replied with 100 but Cadby gets to 181 with 82. Taylor then threw to leave 189. 98 left 83 for Cadby. The Aussie threw a double nine with last dart in hand to break Taylor back again. 4-3 at the break to Phil Taylor with four legs going against the throw out of seven. After the break Cadby gets 99 before Taylor responds with 140. Through the leg there was some fairly low scoring but Cadby threw 119 to go from 207 to 88. Cadby missed two throws at tops but Taylor was on 174. With his second dart Cadby drew level at 4-4. A 59 start from Taylor continued his low scoring and Cadby punished it with a 140. A good last dart gave Cadby a 93 on his next visit and 134 left him on 134. Taylor finally clicked in and scored 180 to move to a 104. Cadby left tops as Taylor could not convert the 104. Cadby missed the double 20 and 10 only to hit the double five and break Taylor and move the score to 5-4. 140, 140 and 134 from Cadby is matched by 140, 140 and 140 from Taylor. Chasing 87 Cadby missed the double 5 for the leg and Taylor, sitting on 81, hit the 19, treble 12 and double 13 to break straight back and move the score-line back to 5-5. A 180 from Taylor in the next leg could not be responded to by Cadby and Taylor moved well ahead in the leg. Taylor seemed comfortable as he moved from 203 to 103 but Cadby scored 140 to move to 121. Taylor missed the big trebles with his first two darts and had to settle for 62. Cadby then throws treble 20 and 11 before he hits the bullseye to celebrate a 6-5 lead and yet another break in the match. A good start was made by both players in the next leg but Taylor has a bounce out with his third dart on his second visit. A 92 from Cadby left 99 and with Taylor back on 130 Cadby hit the double 16 to go 7-5 up. After a century start a 180 from Taylor on his third visit moved him onto 177. Cadby was well back on 247. Sixty left 117 for the Englishman whilst 93 put his Aussie opponent on 154. Taylor emphatically put away the 117 with treble 20, 17 and double tops. Taylor came within a leg again at 7-6 up. Corey hit 180 at the start of the next leg and Taylor scored a century of his own. 57 from Cadby was a disappointing follow up and when Taylor hit 100 things were fairly even although Cadby had a slight advantage. He maximised this with a 180 on his next visit. Cadby then missed two double 12s for the leg but Taylor could only move from 257 to 217. Cadby missed another three darts for the leg. 177 from Taylor left a score of 40 to really pile the pressure on. Corey missed the double six but then hit his seventh attempt at the leg to go 8-6 up. An 85 from Taylor and a 140 from Cadby gave the Aussie slight advantage which Cadby jumped upon with a 140. 96 from Taylor left him on 320 whilst 95 left Cadby on 266. A 100 and 60 left 160 for Taylor whilst 99 from Cadby chased 167 at this point. Cadby could only get 44 whilst Taylor scored another 100. Cadby had another poor visit as Taylor got the job done in two darts. 8-7 to Corey Cadby. Two opening centuries from both players in the next leg. Then a 134 from Cadby and 42 from Taylor broke the leg the Australians way. 97 left Cadby on a finish at 170. With Taylor still well behind in the leg a 134 from Cadby left him on 36. Taylor tried to put the pressure on a bit by scoring a 140 to leave 119. Double 18 with his first dart gave Cadby a 9-7 lead. Taylor moved well ahead in the next leg. A 140 start and 58 from Taylor moved him to 303. Sixty left Cadby on 384. A 180 from Taylor put him on 123 and then 87 left a single dart for him to check out on his next visit, which Taylor got. 9-8 to Corey Cadby. 100 is a good start from the Aussie but Taylor missed that total by only one. 59 left the door open and a 180 from Taylor left him on him on 222. Another 59 from Cadby is not enough and Taylor has the darts. A 140 left Taylor on 82. Taylor started the next visit with a bullseye but he missed two darts at double 16s. 92 left Cadby on 154 but Taylor scored the double 16 to move the match back into equilibrium at 9-9. A poor 46 start from Taylor was punished by Cadby with a 140. However Taylor hits a maximum in response. 97 from Cadby put him 11 in front but Taylor threw 130 to leave 145. Cadby can only score 43 on his next visit but Taylor could not cash in and has to leave 80 after 65. Cadby then threw 60 to move to 161. Taylor hit the treble 20 but missed the double ten to leave an awkward double five but it is his third throw into the bed of the double five that gives Phil Taylor the match 10-9.
Quarter Final 4
Daryl Gurney 10 (96.21) Gary Anderson 8 (91.25)
Gary Anderson started with a 100 and Daryl Gurney 59. Another one hundred was matched by Gurney. 98 left Anderson on 203 and 134 left him on 69. With Gurney well behind Anderson missed double 18 for the leg. Gurney was still not on a finish when Anderson missed the double nine and the double 4. One hundred left Gurney on 111 as Anderson missed another three throws at the leg. Gurney missed double 16 for the steal but Anderson then missed another three darts at the double one. Gurney hit the double 16 to lead 1-0. In the next leg Gurney opened with a 140 as Anderson cannot match it. A 134 put Gurney further ahead although a 131 kept Anderson in the leg. With Gurney on 167, and Anderson not on a finish, Gurney hits 97 to leave 70. Gurney missed the double 16 for the leg and Anderson missed the bullseye for the steal only for Gurney to throw double eight with his first dart on his next visit. 2-0 to Gurney. A one hundred from Anderson was not beaten on the next three visits by either player until Anderson sores 134 to move to 210. A 134 left Anderson on 76. Anderson missed the double 8 and double 4 for the leg and Gurney hits 137 to move from 161 to 24. Anderson misses another finish before he checked out with double 2. It was his 14th attempt to check out a leg in the match but he did move to 2-1 on the leg count. A 120 start in the next leg by Daryl Gurney was bettered by a 140 from his opponent. Gurney matched that score on his next visit before Anderson scored one hundred. A maximum from Gurney put him on 61 as sixty left Anderson well behind on 201. Gurney missed the double 16 for the leg with his first dart at it but on his next visit he scored the double 16 that put him two legs up again, 3-1. A 140 from Gurney (Anderson had scored 60) moved him into an advantage in the 5th leg as well. Anderson was down to 79.39 in terms of average as Gurney left himself 61. A 180 moved Anderson up to needing a double tops but Gurney stepped up and with two darts went 4-1 up. Anderson takes a slight lead in the next leg against the throw with a 140 start but he left a 165 score when Gurney moved to 100. Anderson then scored 98 to move to 67 and with Gurney missing the straight ton Anderson hit double tops to get one break back. 4-2 to Daryl Gurney. Gurney took a slight lead after nine darts each in the seventh leg as Gurney left himself tops with Anderson on 60 but two darts missed (now on 2/17) gave Gurney a chance. However he missed with all three. With his last dart in hand Anderson hit double ten to get within a leg at the break. 4-3 to Daryl Gurney. Gurney started with a 134 after the break as Anderson secured a 140. Another three figure visit for both players moved the match on quickly and Anderson had a bounce out to only secure 120 next time at the oche. 131 from Gurney left him on 55 as Anderson sat on 118. Anderson could not convert and Gurney hit the double ten with his last dart. 5-3 to Gurney. A slow start from both players in the next leg until Gurney’s second visit secured him 140. Gurney moved to 167 as a 137 helped Anderson move to 112. Gurney could not convert his big check out and left 110 as Anderson could only score 38 to leave 74. Gurney did not have a shot at the double on his next visit and with two darts Anderson was able to move the match to 5-4. A 93 from Gurney in the next leg saw the response from Anderson a poor 38, hampered by a first dart bounce out. 140 from Gurney gave him a substantial lead in the leg. Gurney missed the 170 check out but with 134 he left 36. Anderson was on 164 when Gurney missed all three at double 18. 92 left Anderson on 72 as Gurney threw his first dart of his next visit into the double 18 for the tenth leg and a 6-4 lead. A 140 start in the next leg put Anderson under some early pressure but he scored one of his own only to watch as Gurney threw the same. Anderson hit the third 140 in succession to go to 64. Gurney chased 139 but 99 left double tops. Anderson hit the double eight with last dart in hand to move back to 6-5. A 97 from Gurney was beaten by a 140 from Anderson. Gurney hit a 140 of his own as Anderson three peated the score-line. 125 from Gurney left him on another 139. A 140 from Anderson left him on 81. Gurney did not get a shot at the leg so left 40 for the second leg in a row. Yet again Anderson secured the leg with his last dart in hand, this time with a double 13. The match is back in equilibrium, 6-6. Two one hundreds was followed up by a 140 from Anderson and 91 form Gurney. A maximum from Gurney left him on 130 and Anderson was unable to convert 161, although he did leave 40. Gurney missed the bullseye for the leg and Anderson hit double tops with his first throw at the next visit to take the lead in the match for the very first time, 7-6 to Anderson. A 180 from Gurney to start the next leg was followed up by a 140 from Anderson. Another four perfect darts from Gurney got the crowd excited but he missed his 8th target for the perfect leg. More importantly he still won the leg by throwing a double 8 with his eleventh dart. 7-7. Anderson took a comprehensive lead in the next leg with a 140 and 100 start. 81 left Anderson on 180 as he wasted a couple of darts but 58 left Gurney on 316. Another 140 from Anderson left him needing double tops which he got with his second dart on his next visit to the oche. 8-7 Anderson. 100 from Gurney as a start to the next leg was followed up by a 140 but 66 only put him on 195. 120 moved him to 75 and although Anderson scored 137 he was still on 182. Gurney got double 12 in completing the 75 to draw level, 8-8. A 140 on his second visit at the next leg moved Anderson to 264 and with a century Gurney sat on 342. A 60 from Anderson was punished by Gurney with a 134. Anderson responded with a 140 to leave 64 as 140 left Gurney on 68. With one dart at a double Anderson missed but Gurney threw his one dart at the leg much better as he hit the target to take a 9-8 lead in the match. With Gurney throwing for the match he scored 100. Anderson got 85 in response. Gurney then threw 60 as a 140 from Anderson improved his cause only for Gurney to match it. A 140 from Anderson moved him to 136. A bounce out from Gurney at just the wrong time left him on 121. Sixty left 76 for Anderson whilst Gurney moved to 68 to leave some pressure on his opponent. It may have worked as Anderson missed two shots at the double eight. Gurney then missed the double 16 that would have won him the match. As if to end where the match began Anderson missed three more darts at the checkout on his next visit (it would have meant all the quarter finals would have gone to a deciding leg) before Gurney finally hit a double, this time sixteen with his first dart in hand, to win the match 10-8.
Night 1 Melbourne Darts Masters
Match 1
Daryl Gurney 6 (94.93) Dave Marland 0 (73.3)
A good start from Marland with a 180 on Gurney’s throw but the follow up darts were less consistent. With Marland on 150 Gurney had a shot at 14 and with Marland missing his next visit he converted in two darts. 1-0 Gurney Marland scored a maximum in his next visit and left 50 with Gurney on 170. Gurney collected 60 but the Big Fish missed the double 10 for the leg. Gurney did not convert at his next visit to the oche so Marland had another chance to convert but he missed the double 5 with his last dart in hand. Gurney took his chance and won the leg. 2-0. The next leg was clearly Gurney and with 135 he left tops. He converted that and was just as comprehensive in the next leg, opening with a 140 and a 171 on his third visit to leave 132. He checked it out by hitting the bull to go 4-0 up. Gurney left 110 in the next leg and with Marland well behind he still went for the treble and then double 18 to go give up. In the sixth leg Gurney opened up with 180. Mid round Marland matched it with his third 180. With both players on 221 Gurney left 164 which he only collected 64 of on his next visit. Marland chased 161 and got 100. With Gurney needing 100 he missed his first dart at the match but scored the double 10 to win 6-0.
Match 2
Peter Wright 6 (87.82) Rhys Mathewson 2 (76.59)
Wright won the first leg on throw, despite missing the treble 19 for 141 and then missing three darts at double 16. With Mathewson unable to take out 80, missing double tops with his last dart, Wright came back and got the required 32 with his first dart. On his first throw Mathewson got to a bogey score of 178. A century left Wright on 89 whilst Mathewson moved to 97. Wright missed bull for the leg but with Mathewson leaving 58 Wright made the most of it to win the leg 2-0. With Mathewson on 170 Wright converted 76 to take the third leg. The next leg did not start with high scores but a 139 from Muff left him on 266 and with Wright only getting 83 to go to 318 the opportunity was there for Mathewson. At his next visit the Aussie scored 96 to leave 170 once more. Wright sat on 95 as Mathewson left 60. Wright missed the double 18 and Mathewson missed tops for the leg but Wright hit the double nine with his first dart in the next visit. 4-0. Wright skipped clear to a 5-0 led after two 140 visits he scored a third to leave 81. He did not check that score out but with Mathewson at 238 Wright scored double tops with his first dart at the next visit. 5-0 In leg six with 140 Mathewson left 177 and another 123 left 54. On 155 Wright hit two doubles to give himself a shot at the bull but missed. Mathewson then hit the 14 but missed the double 20 for the leg but Wright failed to get the required 48 and with double 10 Muff secured a leg on the scoreboard. 5-1. The next leg saw Wright go well ahead on his throw with a 137 but Mathewson scored a 140 to crawl back into the leg. A magnificent 118 check out with Wright on double 12 was enough for Mathewson to win a second leg, this one against the throw. 5-2. With Wright on 96 Mathewson had to score well from 242 but got a bounce out with his third dart to only collect 120. Wright went for double 18 and double 20 with his last two darts and Mathewson could not convert on his next visit but Wright also failed as he missed two shots at double tops. Rhys missed the double ten for the leg twice and Wright got tops to win the match 6-2.
Match 3
James Wade 6 (84.3) Koha Kokiri 3 (82.8)
In leg one Kokiri started with a 140 which was matched by Wade. Kokiri then backed it up with a 280 and another 60 left him on 121. 105 left one shot at double 8 but Kokiri missed it. 97 left Wade on 104 and Kokiri missed his next three shots. Wade made no mistake in checking out the 104 at the first attempt. 81 was Wade’s opening but Kokiri could only get 60. Average scoring from both players until Kokiri hit 140 to move to 207. Another 140 left 67 for Kokiri but Wade put himself on 104 again. Kokiri had one shot at double 16 but missed it. Wade failed to convert the 104 this time but Kokiri missed three shots again for the checkout. Wade could not convert 48 either and Kokiri could not check out on his next visit. Wade stepped up again and with his second dart he went 2-0 up. An early 140 gave Kokiri an advantage in the next leg and on 172 he scored 140 to leave double 16. This leg he only needed one dart at that double and he dragged the match back to 2-1. A 45 start from Wade was not jumped upon by Kokiri (with 60.) 123 from Wade was better on his next visit and a 180 next up left him on 153. Wade moved to 56 with his opponent well off the mark and with two darts Wade put a two leg gap in the score-line once more. 3-1. Kokiri took an early lead in the next leg and he moved from 183 to 83 with a century. Wade was unable to put the pressure on and left 172. Kokiri left himself twenty on the next visit which he secured with the second dart. 3-2 to Wade. A maximum start from Wade in the next leg put him strongly in front. With Wade on 177 Kokiri could only move to 222 from 320. A 137 left tops for Wade and he completed a 13 dart leg with the required tops at his first throw in the next leg. 4-2. Slow scoring starts from both players in leg seven but with Wade on 56 Kokiri chased 116 and checked it out to bring the match back to 4-3. The next leg was on Wade’s throw and with Wade on 100 Kokiri had three darts at 133 but was unable to convert. Wade then missed the 100 and left tops with Koha just missing the double twenty and then hitting the wire on the double ten. Wade then chased the board with misses on double 20, 10 and 5. Kokiri then missed his three and Wade missed his chance to sit on 2. Kokiri then busted (3 from 23 on doubles) and Wade with his second dart got the double one to go 5-3 up. Koha’s opened the scoring with a 60 in the next leg and later collected a 130 to move to 216. A 140 from Wade left him on 184 and Kokiri only followed up with a 60 to leave 156. A century from Wade left him on 84 and with Kokiri on 96 Wade finished the match in two darts. 6-3 to James Wade.
Match 4
Michael Smith 6 (90.24) David Platt 3 (89.63)
Platt broke Smith in the first leg. Both players started with low scores but Platt was a little more consistent to take a slight lead through the leg but Smith could only score 96 to go to 194 whilst Platt scored 84 to go to 152. Smith then only moved to 150 and his opponent moved to 24. Platt scored the required double 12 with his first dart in hand. 1-0 Platt starts with a perfect three darts and then backs it up with similar. His third visit, with Smith on 316, saw Platt hit treble 20, treble 19 and then hit the wrong side of the wire on the double 12 to just miss with his ninth dart. However he was able to come back (after Smith got a 180 of his own) and complete the job on the next visit (with his next dart) to go 2-0 up in the match. A 134 start from Smith and 42 from Platt and the last leg seemed to have thrown Platt and inspired Smith, who scored 140 on his next visit. It looked like a quick leg before Smith managed to miss all three darts at double ten. Fortunately for Smith his opponent could not convert the 130 he was on, and Smith came back to the oche to secure his first leg of the match, although it took another three darts to do so. Had he missed Platt would have been throwing at double tops for a three leg lead but it was not to be and instead the scoreboard read 2-1 to David Platt. The next leg started with average scoring from both players but a 134 mid match from Smith moved him well ahead, not helped by a 38 visit from Platt. A follow up visit 145 left Smith on 40. 137 left Platt on 153 but as in the previous leg with his last dart in hand Smith was able to win the leg. 2-2. A 100 opening was not matched by Platt, who secured only 46, but was replicated by himself on his next visit. Smith moved to 113 over the next two visits and he checked it out to take a 3-2 lead, his first time in front in the match. In leg six Smith moved to 197 with Platt on 260 (he then could only collect 60). With 58 left Platt could only put the pressure on his opponent with a big score improve from 200 but he could only secure 65. With two darts (18 and double tops) Smith broke again to lead 4-2. Platt had an outside chance in the next leg on 126 with Smith on 88 but Platt failed to convert. Smith missed his chance at the next visit (missing double seven) but he got to return as Platt just put the dart the wrong side of the wire for the double 16. In response Smith converted the double two with his last dart in hand to go to one leg away for the match. 5-2 to Michael Smith. A one hundred start and a 140 through the next leg left Platt on 121 whilst with the same score moved Smith to 210. Platt missed his first dart for the leg but Smith could only score 62 when chasing 140. Platt secured double tops with his first dart in hand on his next visit to the oche to get the match back to 5-3. In the next leg, which Platt had to break to stay in the match, Smith opened with just 41 but Platt could only replicate that score. On the next visit Smith’s third dart bounced out to gain him only 120. Later in the leg Platt scored a 180 to go to 223 before Smith moved to 106. Platt then sat on 126 as Smith checked out the 106 for the match. 6-3 to Michael Smith was the final score.
Match 5
Phil Taylor 6 (98.01) Cody Harris 3 (91.85)
Taylor started with one hundred before backing it up with a 140. Harris matched that visit before Taylor scored 95 and 134 on his next two visits to leave 32. He did get the double in the end with his last dart in hand. 1-0 to Taylor. He then opened with 137 and 100 before a 140 put him on 124. Harris could only score to move to 221. Taylor again left 32 but this time could not complete it at his next visit. Harris had an outside shot at 126 to hold his throw and managed it with two treble 19s and a double six. 1-1. 139 mid the next leg from Taylor moved him to 307 to give him a reasonable lead which he increased with a 140 the next visit. Taylor required 70 and completed it with two darts. 2-1 to Taylor. A 140 visit from Cody Harris which was matched by Taylor at the start of the next leg. Harris secured a very important 140 to move to 83 whilst Taylor got one of his own to go to 67. It took three darts, but Harris was able to hold his throw. 2-2. Harris took a slight lead in the next leg after the first visit of each player and consolidated that with a 140. Taylor responded with a 140 of his own and then 127 left Harris on 134. 140 put Taylor on 76 and with Harris unable to convert Taylor stepped up and secured the leg with his only dart at the checkout. 3-2 to Taylor. A 140 in the sixth leg left Taylor on the same as Harris at 301 but a 60 from Harris was well beaten with a 140 from his opponent. Taylor could not convert 161 though, but Harris then only got 59 chasing 141. Taylor missed the double with his last dart in hand and would have expected Harris to do better on the next visit than he did, as Cody missed the big numbers to leave 24 and not even have a shot at double. At his next visit Taylor missed all three at double 16 after his first dart basically blocked the bed. Harris then got a double 6 to go to 3-3. Games remained on throw at this point with Taylor 3 from 12 at his checkouts. Taylor missed the double 7 for a 122 check out in the next leg. A 100 left 95 for Harris but Taylor got the double seven he needed to go 4-3 up. A 180 in the next leg against the darts for Taylor set himself up and towards the end of the leg he sat on 42 as Harris was on 132. Taylor missed the double 16 again but on his next visit got the job done to get within one leg. 5-3 to Phil Taylor. Taylor now threw for the win and started with 100, which was matched by Harris. 121 left Cody on 180 but Taylor moved to 141 in response. A century and Harris moved to 80 but 85 left Taylor looking over Harris’s shoulder on 56. Harris put his one dart for the leg under the double 20 and the miss was enough to make it his last throw for the match as Taylor stepped up and threw 16 and double 20 for the match. 6-3 to Phil Taylor.
Match 6
Corey Cadby 6 (93.42) Raymond van Barneveld 4 (85.71)
Barney started the match with a century which was matched by Cadby. Another 100 and then a 128 score to visits later left the Dutchman on 78 with Cadby well behind on 132. In 14 darts Barney was able to move to a 1-0 lead. 140 was a better start from Cadby in the next leg and he matched it at his next visit. 93 was also a good visit that put him on 128 and although he could not convert the next time around he was so far ahead he secured it with his last dart in hand on his visit after that. 1-1. A century start from each player was again replicated the next visit by Barney, but not Cadby. 140 moved Cadby closer to Barney but a 105 moved him to 96. Sixty moved Cadby to 144 and 56 his opponent to 40. Cadby only got close thanks to a treble 18 with his last dart but it did put some pressure on his opponent, however van Barneveld hit double tops with his first dart in hand. 2-1 to van Barneveld. A 60 start from Cadby then 100 from his opponent meant Barney took a small lead in the next leg. 59 from Cadby and only a dart more by Barney, then 59 from Cadby meant there had only been one treble all leg. 85 seemed to give the impetus to Barney but a 140 from Cadby left 183. On 256 Barney could only move to 196. With Cadby on 90 his opponent only scored 26 to move to 170. Cadby missed the double 14 and Barney moved to 48 but Cadby then threw the double 14 with his first dart of the next visit. 2-2. Barney opened the fifth leg with a maximum and got through to 56 in nine darts. A 140 moved Cadby to 216. Van Barneveld failed to get double tops with his last dart in hand. Another 140 from Cadby, back to back, left him on 76. It seemed to put the pressure on his opponent as Barney then missed double 20, 10 and 5. Cadby missed tops with his last dart in hand for the first break of the match but then Barney missed double 2, twice, the last throw being his eighth dart at a double this leg. The young Aussie then missed his three chances and with his second dart Barney got his double 1 for the leg (1 20 dart leg!). 3-2 to van Barneveld. A 140 start from Cadby in the next leg and then further along another 140 left him on 162. Cadby left 72 as Barney moved to 173 on his next visit. A 64 visit from Cadby left 8 and on his next visit (Barney had not been on a checkout score) the Aussie hit the double 4 to put the score level again, this time at 3-3. A 95 start from Barney on the next leg is not at all punished by his opponent and then a 125 and 97 put Barney on 184. With Cadby well back on 294 Barney moved to 86 and a double 16 on the visit after his next one gave Barney the lead again, this time 4-3. Cadby started with an 84 the next leg and Barney scored his first 140 of the match in response. However a 180 on the next visit leg was his first one of the match and put him on 237. Another 140 moved the Aussie to 97. 57 left 40 for Cadby but under no pressure as Barney was on 241 and only managed to move to 160. Cadby fires up a little after collecting double 20. 4-4 but the last throw seemed to have switched a light on for Corey Cadby. Two centuries from Barney gave him a good lead and then 140 put him on 161. He seemed to be slowing the match down. 140 from Barney moved him to 161 and a seemingly strong position in the leg as the 140 only put the Aussie on 183. A strange switch from Barney cost him as he only got 97 despite starting with a treble 20. Cadby then left himself on 24 with a 159 as van Barneveld had to score 64 to hold his throw. A single seven meant Barney had to score a fat 17 and then double tops but his final throw hit the wire on the top side of the target. Cadby got the double 12 required with his first dart at the target to break the throw. 5-4 to Cadby. A 140 start from Cadby as the crowd started to become more vocal. 60 from Barney and another 140 from Cadby (his 13th) put him on a strong lead. 85 from the Dutchman and a third 140 in a row from the local demonstrated the gap between the two. With Cadby on 81 Barney was on 314. Cadby hit the treble 19 and then chasing double 12 his dart went low and lay in the double nine bed instead. The challenge was set a double three to win the match and it took courage but Cadby went for it and executed it perfectly with his final dart in hand. 6-4 to Corey Cadby.
Match 7
Gary Anderson 6 (103.09) Justin Thompson 2 (82.43)
Anderson opened with an 85 but Thompson only scores 41. A 115 from Anderson then moved him to 301 as Thompson scored his first century of the match. 45 from Anderson and then 140 from both players saw the Scotsman take a big lead only for Thompson draw back to within four with another century. Anderson scored 56 before Thompson could only score 60. Anderson then missed two at double tops and the Aussie showed Anderson how it was done for the break. 1-0 to Thompson. 100 and 140 were good starts from both players in the next leg but Anderson took a strong lead and with 140 moved to 87. With two darts, his tenth and eleventh of the leg, Anderson drew level at one leg apiece. A 140 from his second visit put Anderson into a good lead in the third leg and he backed it up with another one hundred next time around. A further century saw Anderson move to 101 and with Thompson only on 303 the Scotsman set up the leg, leaving double tops. 133 from Thompson did leave himself on 170 but Anderson threw his first dart onto the desired bed to take the leg at the next visit and move himself into the lead for the first time in the match, 2-1. A strong start from Anderson was not built upon at his second visit and with a hundred Thompson looked to have got back into the leg, until Anderson threw 137 to leave 170. A 43 from Anderson on his next visit did not take advantage of the fact that Thompson was on a bogey score (175) and a 125 gave the Aussie an outside chance if his opponent messed up his next visit. Anderson did not look to have done this but missed the final double eight for the 127 finish. Thompson then failed to secure the 50 necessary only for Anderson to miss his next three darts at the leg. Thompson missed three at double four only for Anderson to leave 2 on his next visit. Thompson finally took the leg with a double four. 2-2. A 135 start from Anderson gave him a strong advantage when his opponent only scored 83. Further into the leg and 100 from Anderson took him to 170 again. This time Anderson was not going to muck around and with two treble 20’s and the bull he took out the maximum check out to lead 3-2. Thompson opened with only 60 in the next crucial leg but with 44 it looked as though Anderson would not take advantage. 125 from Thompson put him well ahead and another hundred moved him to 216. A 180 from Anderson and he was within two of his opponent. Eighty from the Aussie was cut down with Anderson’s second maximum in a row. Chasing 136 Thompson only managed 42 and Anderson hit the double 19 with his second dart in the next visit to get a break of throw and a 4-2 lead. A 140 start from Anderson in the next leg was almost matched by Thompson’s 125. Sixty from Anderson and 140 from his opponent and then scores of 125 and 100 from the two put the Scotsman on a bogey score of 176 and Thompson on 136. A 140 from Anderson left him a dart away from the leg and Thompson was unable to convert, gaining only 96, and with one clinical dart Anderson went up by three legs, 5-2. Thompson started the next leg with a 140 of his own and Anderson scored 134 in response. Another 140 gave Anderson a strong lead, and the darts on Thompson’s throw and with another 140 he left 87. 85 left Thompson on 146. Treble 17 and double 18 at the first attempt was enough to hand Gary Anderson the match, 6-2.
Match 8
Simon Whitlock 6 (107.69) Kyle Anderson 1 (103.37)
Whitlock opened with a 134 whilst Anderson could only get 57. An 85 follow up from Whitlock was answered with the first maximum of the match by Anderson. A sixty from the Wizard and 140 from Anderson put the Original in front. One hundred left Whitlock on 122. Anderson missed the bull for the leg and Whitlock hit a crucial bull of his own, and despite being so early it set the platform for what was to come. A 131 start from Anderson on throw was met with a 140 from his opponent. Only 41 from Anderson and Whitlock moved to 261 with a century on his next visit. A second 180 from Kyle, two in two legs, put him back in the leg on 149. 131 from Whitlock moved him to 130. With visits of 78 and 105 (just missing the bull) from the two players it came down to Anderson’s next visit as he hit the double 16 to convert the 71 asked of him. 1-1. The third leg started with a maximum from Whitlock and he moved to a considerable lead. On 176 Whitlock threw 136 to leave double tops. A 140 left Whitlock under pressure as he stood behind the Wizard on 70 but with two throws the Aussie number one went ahead 2-1. A 140 start from Whitlock was matched by Anderson on his second visit. Whitlock was not finished though as he hit 100. 140 from Anderson moved him to 176 but 91 left Whitlock on a check out score of 70. A poor last darts from Anderson left him on 95. With his opponent unable to convert the highest possible check out Anderson stepped up to the oche but scored just 45. With 110 needed Whitlock missed the double 16. Anderson missed the same target last and the Wizard broke the throw of his opponent with a double eight. 3-1 to Whitlock. Another century start from Whitlock was bettered with a maximum from Anderson. A 125 visit the next time moved Anderson into a strong lead but he only scored 28 to move to a bogey score of 168. Whitlock punished it with a 180 of his own to move to 62. 140 left Anderson on 28 but it was too late as Whitlock got his required score in two darts. 4-1 to Whitlock. Anderson opened with 100 before Whitlock slammed home a 140. Anderson scored the same on his next visit and his opponent only gained 57. One hundred from Anderson moved him to 161 but his lead was whittled away with another maximum from Whitlock. Another poor visit at this point of the leg, just 45, let Anderson down again and on 124 Whitlock heaped the pressure on by scoring 80. Anderson could not convert 116 (with 31 leaving 85) and Whitlock went to a 5-1 lead in two darts at his next visit to the oche. Whitlock opened the next leg with yet another 180 although Anderson did his bit with 135. The Wizard then scored another three perfect darts, only for Anderson to score 140 in response. Whitlock then scored 97 on his next visit to leave 44. Anderson then looked to have scored a maximum but his third dart did not settle in the treble 20 bed and 120 left him on 106. Simon Whitlock stepped up and threw 12 with his first dart and double 16 with his third to round off a sensational performance, winning 6-1 over Kyle Anderson.