Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 Final Night 2
Damon Heta 8 (95.86) Rob Cross 7 (97.92)
Damon Heta took out another big name in a week of conquests as he ended Rob Cross’s undefeated streak in Brisbane and secured the Brisbane Darts Masters, becoming only the second Australian to win a World Series event. The final score was 8-7 to Heta.
The first leg saw Cross hold throw although he tried hard not to before hitting double one with his 16th dart. Heta then held his nerve in the next leg as he visited the oche five times, securing four one hundreds and then a final 101 to hold throw.
Cross held throw in 14 darts but Heta was throwing well in terms of scoring. Despite that he could only watch as his opponent through double 16 with his 11th dart to break Heta and move to a 3-1 lead. Heta did not wait though and broke back straight away as Cross handed him the opportunity after three poor visits meant he could not check out 85 before Heta hit double 16 to pull the match back to one leg.
Heta then capitalised. With Cross requiring 71 Heta hit his second 164 check out of the night to move the match back to level terms. It would prove to be critical for his confidence and the crowd upped the volume to indicate their support of the Aussie. Cross then held throw in 15 darts before Heta did the same in one more dart.
Halfway through and the match was even. Cross poured the pressure on the Heta throw with a 12 dart leg on throw to move 5-4 up and it seemed to work as he broke the throw of his opponent in the tenth leg in 14 darts. Heta was not to be perturbed though as he checked out 75 securing tops with last dart in hand and Cross waiting behind him needing 48 to move to within a leg of the match.
With visits of 97, a maximum, 69, 96 and a check out of 68 leg 12 was all Heta’s so the match was all tied up once more. Cross was able to comfortably hold his own throw though and thus moved to within a leg of winning two consecutive Brisbane Darts Masters. The next leg saw Cross hit 118 and leave just 10, spurning a chance to take the title against the Heta throw as the birthday boy hit tops with his second dart in hand to push the match to a decider.
Cross opened with 60 and Heta jumped on it to score 140. Cross matched that before Heta backed up his opening visit with 100. Cross gave him a chance to go further ahead with a visit of 59 but Heta could only match it. A 100 drew Cross close but a magnificent 170, the visit of the tournament considering the situation, drew Heta to within 32 of glory. Cross did not really pile the pressure on as his next visit only collected him 35 points and left him requiring 107. Heta stepped up and missed with the firs dart but his second landed in the green 16 bed which was the signal of much joyous celebration both on stage and in the crowd. Heta had won the deciding leg to tke the match 8 legs to 7 and the 2019 version of the Brisbane Darts Masters.
“I am stoked, what an amazing birthday present.”
Statistics
Averages RC 97.92 DH 95.86
Check outs DH 8/12 RC 7/19
Legs against the throw 3-2 to DH
180s 3-2 to RC
Brisbane Darts Masters Semi Final 1 Night 2
Damon Heta 8 (90.49) Simon Whitlock 6 (91.04)
Damon Heta continued his strong form by defeating fellow Aussie Simon Whitlock in the first semi final of the Brisbane Darts Masters by 8 legs to 6.
The opening leg saw some strong scoring from the Wizard interspersed with some poor visits. A 118 check out from Whitlock with his opponent standing behind him needing 36 set the standard Heta would have to overcome. The second leg saw Whitlock go two legs up, checking out 58 in two darts with 18 and tops. He consolidated this by holding throw, checking out in 12 darts, his second visit included the first maximum of the match.
Heta needed to hold throw even at this stag and did so at his second attempt on throw. Chasing 160 in the next leg Heta left 20 and Whitlock stepped up and got tops with his next dart to move three clear once more. Despite strong scoring from Whitlock in the next leg an opening maximum and third visit 134 was enough to keep Heta in front and he held throw in 14 darts.
The seventh leg saw Whitlock score 100 in his opening but not get a score equal or higher to it for the remainder of the leg and with double 16 Heta was able to break back. In a poorer leg from both players Heta held throw with a double 14 to draw the match up at 4-4 at the first break. After the break Heta was able to secure a second successive break by hitting double two with last dart in hand. He then held throw in 14 darts, including a maximum at his third visit. Whitlock needed something special to stop the rot as he had lost five legs straight and a 13 dart leg was just the thing.
Heta held throw to stop the match moving back to parity after 12 legs and at 7-5 he was just a leg off the final. Whitlock held his throw comfortably in the next leg to put the pressure on the Heta throw as he would have the darts if the match went to a deciding leg. After Heta opened with 140 Whitlock scored a maximum which was matched by the West Australian two visits later. Having already missed out with in the previous visit and with Whitlock standing behind him at the oche requiring 32 Heta threw a double ten with his first dart to win the match 8 legs to 6 and secure a famous win and his position in the final, the first Australian to play a final in the World Series of Darts in Australia (his great mate Kyle Anderson had won the Auckland version.)
Statistics
Averages SW 91.04 DH 90.49
Check outs DH 8/20 SW 6/10
Legs against the throw 2-1 to DH
180s 4-2 to DH
Brisbane Darts Masters Semi Final 2 Night 2
Rob Cross 8 (105.3) Daryl Gurney 3 (96.83)
Rob Cross made his way comfortably through to the final he is defending champion of with an eight three victory over Daryl Gurney in the second semi final of the 2019 version of the Brisbane Darts Masters.
Cross started well by securing the first leg in 14 darts against the throw, including a maximum score at his second visit in the match. He then comfortably held throw of Gurney at the first attempt to move two legs clear. Gurney held throw at his second attempt and despite not checking out 82 he was far enough ahead to come back but needed another three darts to finally get his first leg on the scoreboard thanks to a double five.
Leg four saw Cross hold throw with a statement of intent. He secured the first 170 finish of the tournament. He continued this impetus early in the next leg to break the Gurney throw in the fifth leg. Another 180 in the next leg aided him in holding throw in 14 darts before Gurney gained his second leg in one less dart. With his last two visits of 134 and 114 Cross was able to move the scoreboard to 6-2.
Gurney then opened with three successive visits of 100, hit 105 and checked out 96 to move the match back to within three. He needed to break the throw of Cross at this point but with three visits of 100, 140 and 131 he never let his opponent into the leg and moved to within a leg thanks to a double 16. Cross then hit his fifth 180 of the match at his third visit and five darts later secured the match with a double 4. He had qualified to defend his title in the final of the 2019 Brisbane Darts Masters.
Statistics
Averages RC 105.3 DG 96.83
Check outs RC 8/16 DG 3/11
Legs against the throw 3-0 to RC
180s 5-1 to RC
Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 Night 2 Quarter Final 1
Simon Whitlock 8 (101.9) Kyle Anderson 0 (78.42)
Simon Whitlock defeated his World Cup team mate Kyle Anderson 8-0 in the opening match of night two, and first quarter final of the 2019 Brisbane Darts Masters.
Anderson opened the match but Whitlock took an early lead with strong scoring, including three visits 100 or over and after 14 darts was a leg up. He then held throw in the second leg although between the two players there was only two visits where they collected more than 100.
Whitlock went three legs up after breaking Anderson in the third leg scoring 180, 140, 105 and 76 as his match average sat over 106. The Wizard faced down a 161 finish and got the required triple 19 and triple 18 before reverting to safety and hitting 10 instead of the bull before hitting tops with his second dart at the next visit. He then opened with two 140s and in 14 darts he was four nil up.
Anderson lined up to hold throw for the first time in leg five but only opened with 41. Whitlock moved ahead of his opponent once more mid leg and soon held the advantage leaving a 146 chance which he missed but with Anderson well behind he had a shot at 52. A 20 and double 16 later and the Wizard was 5-0 up.
A 140 opening in the sixth leg from Whitlock was beaten by a 174 from Anderson but he could not follow it up with a treble at his next visit. A 177 from Whitlock later in the leg left him requiring 64. He missed double 8 and Anderson required 88 but missed with his second dart and Whitlock soon led six nil.
Anderson watched as Whitlock hit a maximum to move to 181 in the next leg and after Wizard’s next visit he needed 42, which he hit in two darts to break for the fourth time and go 7-0 up. Whitlock then started with a 140 to move his match average total to 104.2 in what would end up being the final leg. He left himself needing tops as Anderson could only move from 181 to 121 and within a dart Whitlock had eliminated his World Cup team mate from the Brisbane World Series of Darts 2019 version 8-0.
“I felt good, I practiced with MvG tonight which helped me. Kyle did not turn up tonight and I played well. Everything was good tonight.”
Statistics:
Averages SW 101.9 KA 78.42
Check outs SW 8/10 KA 0/0
180s 2-0 to SW
Legs won against the throw 4-0 to SW
Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 Night 2 Quarter Final 2
Damon Heta 8 (92.52) Gary Anderson 6 (91.86)
Damon Heta continued to prove his class as he finally defeated Gary Anderson in the World Series of Darts (at the third attempt), the match finishing eight legs to six.
With Anderson hitting 134 late in the first leg he moved to 68 but was unable to convert and requiring 60 Heta hit 20 and then the double twenty at the second attempt to win the first leg on throw. Anderson moved comfortably through the second leg and 100 left him needing 110 and with Heta well behind Anderson then left 64. Two darts later and Anderson was back at 1-1
Two good visits from Heta in the next leg left him needing 261 after six darts and a further 100 extended that advantage and even with a maximum Anderson was not on a check out (166.) A sixty from Heta left him needing 101 as Anderson moved to 68. Heta missed a double 16 for the leg only to watch his opponent miss two darts to break him. Heta made the most of it to go 2-1 up.
In leg four Anderson started with a maximum and he soon whittled the required task down to 105. Heta scored a maximum of his own but it still only moved him to 204. Anderson did not convert his score with his next three darts and a 134 put some pressure on Anderson. It seemed to work as he moved to 1 out of 6 doubles but Heta let him off on the next visit only for Anderson to miss once again. Heta then missed three at double as well before Anderson finally put the leg to bed with his next dart.
Heta moved to requiring 140 in the next leg as a 125 only left Anderson on 195. Three darts later and Heta needed tops. 63 from Anderson did not pile on the pressure and despite missing tops at the first attempt Heta’s second dart moved him 3-2 up on throw (there had been no breaks to this point, although plenty of opportunities for both players.)
The next leg saw Anderson move through seemingly with comfort and he soon needed 50. Heta hit 100 to move to requiring 85 and Anderson missed double ten for the leg. A double twenty from Heta moved him a break ahead in the leg he was probably most unlikely to break the two time World Champion to that point.
Unsurprisingly Anderson upped his scoring against the Heta throw in the next leg and soon had the advantage, leaving 167. At 283 Heta needed a big number and hit the maximum to leave 103. Anderson left 70 as Heta hit double twelve for a 5-2 lead and hold off the counter challenge.
A 100 start from Anderson in the next leg was upped by Heta with a 140 before Anderson hit a maximum. Anderson then watched Heta score 140 before getting a bounce out and collecting 120. 100 From Heta left him at 121 as Anderson then missed double 8 for the leg. Heta missed the bull for a second break in a row and Anderson finally closed out the leg with his next dart.
A ton from Heta put him slightly ahead in the next leg. A 140 left him off a check out score at 168 but Anderson only moved to 247. Another 100 moved Heta to requiring 68 as a maximum from the Scotsman moved him to needing one point less. Heta managed the pressure well and got a double four with the last dart in hand to move 6-3 ahead.
Anderson moved well clear in the next leg but a 140 put some pressure on him only for Anderson to put away his next two darts to hold throw and move to within two legs of his opponent. Another bounce out at his first visit in the next leg saw Anderson at a disadvantage although Heta could not follow up well on his own 140 start. A third maximum from Heta left him needing 122 and despite a loose second dart a treble twenty had him requiring tops. Anderson moved to 84 as Heta secured the required check out to move to 7-4.
Anderson was not out of the match though and opened with a 180 on throw in the twelfth leg. He followed up with 80 and soon moved to needing only 104. He left himself tops but Heta was still 164 away even after his next throw so the Scotsman missing at the next visit was not critical to Anderson’s cause. Missing on the next visit though was more concerning as Heta needed 104 but he could not convert, nor even get a shot at a check out. Anderson then busted and with 16 Heta had two match shots at double 16 but missed both. Anderson then hit double one with last dart in hand to win the leg and stay in the match at 7-5
A 100 start bettered Anderson’s 57 in the next leg and a follow up 96 from the West Australian was then exactly matched by the Scotsman. 140 moved Heta to 165 as 140 moved Anderson to requiring 207. Heta then threw a big score which was matched by Anderson and he stood behind Heta needing 76 and watched as Heta missed his chance to take the leg. Anderson hit double four to stay alive and move the match to 7-6.
Anderson started with a 125 in the next leg on throw as Heta could only manage 85. Anderson then hit another 125 to move well ahead. A century put Anderson on 151 but he only secured 49 on his next visit. Anderson then missed the big number dart at his next visit and Heta had a shot at 170. He missed the total when his second dart flew high of the treble 20 but Anderson then missed chances at the leg. A loose first throw meant Heta had only one dart at his next visit at the match but he finally took it and the birthday boy had won eight legs to six.
“To play Gary and beat my idol was just unbelievable. I am stoked, bring it all on now, and a bit of a birthday present.”
Statistics:
Averages DH 92.52 GA 91.86
Check outs DH 8/25 GA 6/30
180s 2-1 to DH
Legs won against the throw 2-1 to DH
Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 Night 2 Quarter Final 3
Rob Cross 8 (95.73) Raymond van Barneveld 4 (96.71)
Rob Cross eased past Raymond van Barneveld to continue his undefeated run at the Brisbane Darts Masters over 2018 / 2019 with an 8-4 quarter final win.
Rob Cross checked out 113 with Barney on a finish in the first leg to grab an early break. He then held throw with relative ease to double his advantage checking out 92. The third leg was relatively close but Barney kept his nose in front until a 90 moved Cross to 210. Barney could not check out 161 so Cross had a shot at 117 but failed to convert as well and Barney took the third leg on throw.
A maximum in the next leg left Cross requiring 41 but he missed it at his next visit. With Barney unable to convert 121 Cross hit 16, 8 and double four to move back to a two leg lead. Another 180 moved Cross to 203 and with Barney busting later in the leg Cross had a shot at 65 which he collected in two darts to go 4-1 up with two breaks of throw.
A 140 start on throw for Cross gave him the upper hand in the next leg and despite missing his favourite double 18 he was far enough ahead to comfortably move to a 5-1 lead anyway. RvB held on against Cross in the next leg with tops giving him the leg as Cross stood behind him requiring 32.
Cross held throw with an amazing last dart as his first two blocked the double 16 leg and he managed to drop it through the eye of the needle. A maximum from Barney moved him to 186 in the next leg and he was soon back to three legs behind his opponent. Cross then missed double 18 when attempting to check out 93 in the next leg but with Barney so far behind he visited the oche once more and this time made the most of the chance, moving one leg away from the semi-finals.
Barney required a 161 check out with the throw in the next leg but missed the bull for the big check out. He left 34 and at the next visit two and double 16 gave him the eleventh leg. Cross then opened with a 140 on throw but Barney one upped him with a maximum start. Another 140 from Cross was matched by his opponent before Cross scored 140 to move to 81. A 135 left Barney needing 36 after nine darts but Cross had a shot at 81 at his next visit and he hit double 12 to deny Barney that visit and, more importantly, secure a position in the semi-finals.
“Raymond got out of the traps slowly today but he has still got it. I knew I was strong on my own throw out there and that certainly helped” Cross reflected after the match.
Statistics:
Averages RvB 96.71 RC 95.73
Check outs RC 8/21 RvB 4/12
180s 2-2
Legs won against the throw 2-0 to RC
Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 Night 2 Quarter Final 4
Daryl Gurney 8 (90.69) Michael van Gerwen 5 (97.38)
Daryl Gurney upset current World Champion Michael van Gerwen in the last quarter final of the 2019 Brisbane Darts Masters.
In the first leg MvG missed the bull for a 170 maximum checkout only for Gurney to get the leg on throw at the next visit. Back to back 180s left MvG needing 8 after nine darts and with his tenth dart he had tied the match at 1-1. Gurney’s throw was then broken as it looked like MvG would run riot.
In the fourth leg MvG had his second leg on throw broken as Gurney hit the bull to complete a 121 check out and move the match back to parity. With MvG missing a chance to break Gurney in the next leg the Northern Irishman took the leg on his next visit to the oche to move 3-2 ahead.
A double eight check out in the sixth leg had Gurney winning three legs in succession, including two against the van Gerwen throw. A double 14 check out in the next leg with MvG back on 76 then handed Gurney his fourth leg in a row. MvG then hit a maximum to open the next leg with Gurney replying with a 130. Another 121 from Gurney followed by 140 left him requiring 106. Gurney could not convert and MvG had to convert the 84 for the leg but missed the double 11. Double 8 gave Gurney another leg and he stepped up to try and hold throw and take six legs in a row. MvG turned up the heat though by scoring 180 on his first visit against the throw. Another 140 put the Dutchman on 181 and he then left 18 after another visit which he got with his next dart to stop the rot.
Van Gerwen got frustrated on throw in the next leg and Gurney pounced with a 140 but a poor follow up visit still gave the Dutchman the upper hand, leaving a 134 check out with Gurney still on 205. Gurney left tops but MvG converted with his last dart in hand. Gurney then hit 180 on his throw to leave 141 and then left 17 but with MvG well behind he was able to get it on his next visit.
A 140 from Gurney moved him to 167 as the same 140 score moved van Gerwen to requiring 66. Van Gerwen then missed two at double 18 but Gurney missed treble 19 to give him a shot at a 113 check out and the Dutchman collected the leg on his next visit.
A 134 left Gurney requiring 170 in the 13th leg. He collected 98 to leave 72 as MvG moved to 219. Gurney missed his first match dart, a double 16, and then the Dutchman left 83. He would never get another chance at the oche though as Gurney got double eight with his second darting hand at his next visit.
Statistics:
Averages MvG 97.38 DG 90.69
Check outs Dg 8/14 MvG 5/16
180s 4-3 to MvG
Legs won against the throw 3-2 to DG
Night 1 (Round of 16)
Match 1 Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 Night 1
Raymond van Barneveld 6 (90.16) Haupai Puha 2 (84.99)
Raymond van Barneveld put the doubters to the sword as he moved through round 1 at the Brisbane Darts Masters with greater ease than most thought defeating Kiwi star Haupai Puha 6-2.
Haupai Puha opened with a 44 but after three good visits following he was able to set up a check out and checked out 32 to hold his throw. In the following leg Raymond can Barneveld checked out a double 5 to hold throw with his opponent requiring 32 at his next visit had he missed.
Leg three was a poor one from Kiwi Puha as he gave his opponent an opportunity at a break and despite Barney throwing just 14 in one visit when he required 46 he was able to return to the oche and check out the remaining 32. Barney then attempted to hold throw but was left requiring 16 with Puha checking out 65 with a final double ten.
Puha then looked to hold throw for himself but was unable to do so in leg 5 as Barney checked out double 18 with his 13th dart of the leg. A maximum start from the Dutchman in the next leg followed by two more visits of a ton or more gave him a good lead and with a double 4 with his 14th dart he was 4-2 ahead.
Barney then broke his Kiwi opponent once more after Puha missed multiple darts for the leg and he finished off the match in the eighth leg with a double 18 as Puha stood behind him requiring tops to take the leg himself.
Statistics:
Averages: RvB 90.16 Puha 84.99
Check outs: RvB 6/20 Puha 2/9
180s 2-0 to RvB
Legs won against the throw: 3-1 to RvB
Match 2 Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 Night 1
Daryl Gurney 6 (95.07) Koha Kokiri 4 (86.96)
Daryl Gurney looked to have completed a comfortable win over Koha Kokiri in the second match of the night before a mini revival saw the PDC professional have some nervy moments before finishing off the match six legs to four.
It was Kokiri who threw first in the opening leg with a 140 start and three visits later a 137. He won the leg with a double 16. Gurney’s throw was dominant in the second leg with four initial visits in or around one hundred. A conversion of double 10 pulled him back to parity in the match.
Leg 3 saw Kokiri hold throw comfortably although he failed to convert 69 but as Gurney was so far behind (despite a maximum on his third visit) all he could do was set up 32 with a 137 visit. He never had a dart at that target though as Kokiri stepped up and two darts later hit double 6 to move back into the lead. Gurney then held throw although some inaccuracy on his fifth visit saw his opponent try and hit 125. Kokiri left tops as Gurney hit double 8 to clean up 32 with his last dart in hand on his next time at the oche.
The Northern Irishman then consolidated the match with a break of throw in 14 darts to move to 3-2. Leg 6 saw Gurney comfortably hold throw to move two legs clear. A 12 dart leg against the throw, including a 121 check out and the match looked as good as done at 5-2 however no one told Kokiri that. Gurney missed three darts at double ten for the match having had the pressure put on him with a 140 visit moving Kokiri to needing 16 for the leg. After Gurney’s failure to score Kokiri hit the required double with his next throw.
Kokiri then piled the pressure on as he held throw securing 60 in three darts on his final visit that leg. However the key leg for the Kiwi was the next one as he had to break Gurney to get the darts back for the final leg. After four visits he still required 204 and despite Gurney failing to collect 42 for the match he was able to revisit the oche and secured the double 16 on his next throw to take the match 6-4.
Statistics:
Averages: DG 95.07 KK 86.96
Check outs: DG 6/23 KK 4/7
180s 2-1 to DG
Legs won against the throw: 2-1 to DG
Match 3 Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 Night 1
Damon Heta 6 (91.63) James Wade 4 (96.98)
Damon Heta pulled off the big win of the night as he defeated James Wade 6-4 to continue his recent run of victories over big name players.
The opening leg of the match saw Wade miss bullseye for an opening break of throw with his 12th dart. Heta, who had missed the bull himself on the same dart then got the required 25 with last dart in hand to hold throw. The next leg saw Heta fail to convert a 124 in nine drts as Wade managed to hold throw despite missing multiple chances at the leg himself.
Heta then nearly threw away the third leg after he threw the first maximum of the match to require just 102 after 9 darts. Visits of 70, 24, and nothing left him requiring eight as Wade stormed back in the leg With his 20th dart Heta took a 2-1 lead. Wade then drew the match back up to level terms with Heta missing another chance to break Wade.
With Heta so uncertain on his finishes Wade pounced to break the Heta throw with a 14 dart leg before holding throw in 12 darts. Heta finished 287 points behind and it looked like his race had been run. He held throw in the seventh leg thanks to a third visit maximum (after Wade had opened the leg with a maximum of his own.)
Wade then moved to within a leg of the match by winning the ninth despite only one visit securing him a triple figure score (100.) Heta had failed to secure 60 to win a leg that would have moved the match back to equal terms and it looked like the earlier issues with check outs had returned to kill off this match.
In leg nine Heta did manage to hold throw thanks in no minor part to two opening visits of 140. The tenth leg was vital and Wade threw 100 and then two 140s to require 121. Heta had started with 59 so Wade would have been confident stepping up to chase 121. He left 64 but in the critical visit of the match Heta hit two triple 19s and the bull to check out 164 as the emotion was expelled from Heta with an uncharasteristic celebration that showed the determination he had to win the match no matter what. Heta had the darts in the last leg as both players started nervously. After 12 darts Heta required 90 and Wade 196. Heta left tops on his next visit but failed to get the required result next time around with three darts missing the target completely. It meant Wade had an outside shot at 136 but he left 49. It did put pressure on Heta and he missed two more darts at a finish before the double ten finally became his friend to take out the match 6-5.
Statistics:
Averages: JW 96.98 DH 91.63
Check outs: DH 6/33 JW 5/11
180s 2-1 to DH
Legs won against the throw: 1-1
Match 4 Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 Night 1
Simon Whitlock 6 (87.58) Brendon McCausland 1 (74.87)
Simon Whitlock returned home to put his good mate Brendon McCausland to the sword by six legs to one in the fourth match of night one at the Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 version.
McCausland started with a 140 on his first visit but this was coupled around the visit by 100 and 131 from Whitlock and Wizard comfortably held throw. Leg two saw Whitlock break throw despite not converting 45 at his fifth visit. He then held throw despite taking 21 darts to do so.
McCausland started with a 135 only to be trumped by Whitlock’s 180 opening. A second macimum on his fourth visit left the Wizard requiring tops. He failed to convert that at his next visit and then failed to get ten with his next three darts to see McCausland come back and steal the leg. In the end the only leg McCausland would win saw Whitlock hit two of his three (and the matches) maximums.
Leg five saw Whitlock produce better darts as he went back to a three leg buffer in 13 darts. Leg six saw McCausland unable to secure an unlikely 156 check out and Whitlock hit the double 5 to move within a leg of the match. Tops with his 17th dart in the final leg of the match saw victory go the way of Whitlock.
Statistics:
Averages: SW 87.58 BM 74.87
Check outs: SW 6/21 BM 1/2
180s 3-0 to SW
Legs won against the throw: 2-0 to SW
Match 5 Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 Night 1
Rob Cross 6 (101.17) James Bailey 5 (87.5)
James Bailey was left just 76 away from a famous upset in the fifth match of the 2019 Brisbane Darts Masters as Rob Cross won the deciding leg to take away a 6-5 win over The Bull.
The opening leg saw Bailey hold throw as Cross missed double 18 and then double 9 to break and the Aussie, having missed a shot at the bull cleaning up the required 25 on his next visit. Cross then showed his class as visits of 140, 97, 180 and 84 gave him his first leg. He then looked to have the next leg having secured 134, 100 and 180 but multiple 140 visits from Bailey kept him in the leg. Both players then struggled to convert the leg before Bailey finally threw double five to move back to the front, 2-1.
Cross then bettered his first leg on throw by collecting 501 in 11 darts. Cross took a comfortable lead in the fifth leg but requiring 16 he had six darts at a break and missed them all. His Aussie opponent took out 60 to move back to the lead. Bailey then broke the Cross throw as the Matchplay champion missed bull for the leg and Bailey pounced with tops to take a two leg lead.
Cross then stepped up the class by hitting 11 and 12 dart legs, including two successive 180 visits in leg seven, to move the match back to parity. It looked like Bailey would be unable to hold back his opponent as Cross moved clear mid way through the ninth leg but with Cross missing double 8 as a check out Bailey hit 43 to stop the juggernaut.
Cross then switched up again with three visits of over 100 to complete a 14 dart leg to set up a final leg decider. Both players started slowly but a 134 saw Bailey edge slightly ahead until a 177 moved Cross to 110. Bailey hit 52 to leave 76 at his next visit but he would never get a shot at it as Cross secured the 110 with last dart in hand to take out the match 6-5.
Statistics:
Averages: RC 101.17 JB 87.5
Check outs: RC 6/27 JB 5/11
180s 5-1 to RC
Legs won against the throw: 2-1 to RC
Match 6 Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 Night 1
Michael van Gerwen 6 (94.93) Benn Robb 0 (79.29)
Michael van Gerwen demonstrated his class as he whitewashed Ben Robb 6-0 in the sixth match of night one at the 2019 Brisbane Darts Masters.
The opening leg saw three visits of 140 out of four (Robb hitting 137 at his second visit to the Oche) but with Robb unable to convert 80 MvG pounced to take the first break of the match. He then consolidated on throw although it was not a great leg from either player.
Back on throw Robb stood back and watched van Gerwen collect the his second break in 14 darts with the leg lasting less than a minute and a half, Robb still 101 behind when MvG’s 14th dart hit the double 16. Despite hitting a maximum on his second visit MvG was again not at his best on throw in the next leg but with Robb unable to get a shot at a check out from 156 or 96 the Dutchman still took the leg with a double ten.
The fifth leg saw van Gerwen win his third break in succession in 13 darts and he then cleaned up the match with a double 17 after visits of 139 and 120 in the sixth and final leg of the match.
Statistics:
Averages: MvG 94.93 BR 78.29
Check outs: MvG 6/13 BR 0/1
180s 1-1
Legs won against the throw: 3-0 to MvG
Match 7 Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 Night 1
Gary Anderson 6 (101.68) Corey Cadby 1 (87.15)
Gary Anderson put on a comprehensive display as he defeated Corey Cadby 6-1, including hitting 85.71% of his checkouts in the penultimate match of the 2019 Brisbane Darts Masters night one.
The opening leg saw Cadby hold throw as he hit double ten to take an early lead. The bullseye then saw Anderson convert 90 to move the match back into parity at one all. Leg three saw Cadby hit three successive 100 scores but it was not enough as he failed to get a shot at check out from 120 and then left 20 chasing 80. Anderson pounced to convert 72 and take the lead for the first time.
Anderson then easily held throw in the fourth leg to put the pressure on Cadby. Opening visits of 58 and 131 from The King and The Flying Scotsman respectively saw Anderson with an early lead, one which he opened up further thanks to visits of 180 (the only of the match) and 130. His 12th dart of the leg put Anderson 4-1 up.
He backed the break up with a second successive 12 darter, this time on his own throw, with both players scoring over 100 on each visit, indeed Cadby threw 120 or more in this three visits but still did not get a shot at a checkout.
In what would be the final leg Cadby opened with 27 and proved to never really be in the leg (even though a final 125 visit left him requiring 97) as Anderson secured a double 12 with his 14th dart to secure the match six legs to one.
Statistics:
Averages: GA 101.68 CC 87.15
Check outs: GA 6/7 CC 1/5
180s 1-0
Legs won against the throw: 3-0 to GA
Match 8 Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 Night 1
Kyle Anderson 6 (86.03) Peter Wright 5 (90.84)
In a tight match Peter Wright spurned plenty of opportunities to be edged out by Kyle Anderson six legs to five as the first night of the Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 drew to a close.
The opening leg of the match saw Anderson hold throw with Wright unable to take out 24 to steal an early break. Anderson then stole the advantage himself thanks to three final visits of 123 134 and a 108 check out. He then backed it up with an 11 dart leg, finishing off in spectacular style with a 156 finish to go three nil up.
In such a short format Wright had to hold throw in the fourth leg and he did so fairly comfortably in 13 darts. He then moved well ahead in the next leg, thanks in no small part to visits of 140 and 180. Wright then left tops after trying to check out 105 but was put under some pressure as a maximum left Anderson requiring 41. Wright secured the leg with his middle dart at his next visit. He then comfortably held throw to move the score back to 3-3.
Despite some early high scoring from Wright Kyle Anderson was able to hold throw in leg seven, thanks to Wright’s inability to put away 40 at his fifth visit to the oche. Leg eight saw Wright hold throw with relative ease once more and this time he made the most of it by breaking his opponent in the next leg. Anderson presented his opponent that opportunity after failing to collect tops in two full visits. It meant that the next leg was do or die for the Australian. Against the throw Anderson threw a maximum at his second visit to the oche and followed it up with a 140. Wright still had first shot at the leg as he missed the bull for the big fish finish. Anderson then missed the bull himself as Wright looked to be on course for the win. He missed his chance at the win on his next visit and left ten but would not get another shot at it as Anderson hit the required 25 with a fat nine and double eight to take the match to a deciding leg.
Wright got a slight lead after three visits in the final leg although Anderson had the upper hand in that he had the throw. A visit of only 57 saw Anderson move to 144 before Wright hit 100 to leave 84. Anderson could only get 58 and Wright stepped up to set up a match winning attempt. He missed it and left 12 and Anderson took the unexpected opportunity to step up and score all 86 required points thanks to a double 16 with last dart in hand. It was enough to set up an all Aussie quarter final the following night against Simon Whitlock.
Statistics:
Averages: PW 90.84 KA 86.03
Check outs: KA 6/15 PW 5/23
180s 5-4
Legs won against the throw: 2-2
Damon Heta 8 (95.86) Rob Cross 7 (97.92)
Damon Heta took out another big name in a week of conquests as he ended Rob Cross’s undefeated streak in Brisbane and secured the Brisbane Darts Masters, becoming only the second Australian to win a World Series event. The final score was 8-7 to Heta.
The first leg saw Cross hold throw although he tried hard not to before hitting double one with his 16th dart. Heta then held his nerve in the next leg as he visited the oche five times, securing four one hundreds and then a final 101 to hold throw.
Cross held throw in 14 darts but Heta was throwing well in terms of scoring. Despite that he could only watch as his opponent through double 16 with his 11th dart to break Heta and move to a 3-1 lead. Heta did not wait though and broke back straight away as Cross handed him the opportunity after three poor visits meant he could not check out 85 before Heta hit double 16 to pull the match back to one leg.
Heta then capitalised. With Cross requiring 71 Heta hit his second 164 check out of the night to move the match back to level terms. It would prove to be critical for his confidence and the crowd upped the volume to indicate their support of the Aussie. Cross then held throw in 15 darts before Heta did the same in one more dart.
Halfway through and the match was even. Cross poured the pressure on the Heta throw with a 12 dart leg on throw to move 5-4 up and it seemed to work as he broke the throw of his opponent in the tenth leg in 14 darts. Heta was not to be perturbed though as he checked out 75 securing tops with last dart in hand and Cross waiting behind him needing 48 to move to within a leg of the match.
With visits of 97, a maximum, 69, 96 and a check out of 68 leg 12 was all Heta’s so the match was all tied up once more. Cross was able to comfortably hold his own throw though and thus moved to within a leg of winning two consecutive Brisbane Darts Masters. The next leg saw Cross hit 118 and leave just 10, spurning a chance to take the title against the Heta throw as the birthday boy hit tops with his second dart in hand to push the match to a decider.
Cross opened with 60 and Heta jumped on it to score 140. Cross matched that before Heta backed up his opening visit with 100. Cross gave him a chance to go further ahead with a visit of 59 but Heta could only match it. A 100 drew Cross close but a magnificent 170, the visit of the tournament considering the situation, drew Heta to within 32 of glory. Cross did not really pile the pressure on as his next visit only collected him 35 points and left him requiring 107. Heta stepped up and missed with the firs dart but his second landed in the green 16 bed which was the signal of much joyous celebration both on stage and in the crowd. Heta had won the deciding leg to tke the match 8 legs to 7 and the 2019 version of the Brisbane Darts Masters.
“I am stoked, what an amazing birthday present.”
Statistics
Averages RC 97.92 DH 95.86
Check outs DH 8/12 RC 7/19
Legs against the throw 3-2 to DH
180s 3-2 to RC
Brisbane Darts Masters Semi Final 1 Night 2
Damon Heta 8 (90.49) Simon Whitlock 6 (91.04)
Damon Heta continued his strong form by defeating fellow Aussie Simon Whitlock in the first semi final of the Brisbane Darts Masters by 8 legs to 6.
The opening leg saw some strong scoring from the Wizard interspersed with some poor visits. A 118 check out from Whitlock with his opponent standing behind him needing 36 set the standard Heta would have to overcome. The second leg saw Whitlock go two legs up, checking out 58 in two darts with 18 and tops. He consolidated this by holding throw, checking out in 12 darts, his second visit included the first maximum of the match.
Heta needed to hold throw even at this stag and did so at his second attempt on throw. Chasing 160 in the next leg Heta left 20 and Whitlock stepped up and got tops with his next dart to move three clear once more. Despite strong scoring from Whitlock in the next leg an opening maximum and third visit 134 was enough to keep Heta in front and he held throw in 14 darts.
The seventh leg saw Whitlock score 100 in his opening but not get a score equal or higher to it for the remainder of the leg and with double 16 Heta was able to break back. In a poorer leg from both players Heta held throw with a double 14 to draw the match up at 4-4 at the first break. After the break Heta was able to secure a second successive break by hitting double two with last dart in hand. He then held throw in 14 darts, including a maximum at his third visit. Whitlock needed something special to stop the rot as he had lost five legs straight and a 13 dart leg was just the thing.
Heta held throw to stop the match moving back to parity after 12 legs and at 7-5 he was just a leg off the final. Whitlock held his throw comfortably in the next leg to put the pressure on the Heta throw as he would have the darts if the match went to a deciding leg. After Heta opened with 140 Whitlock scored a maximum which was matched by the West Australian two visits later. Having already missed out with in the previous visit and with Whitlock standing behind him at the oche requiring 32 Heta threw a double ten with his first dart to win the match 8 legs to 6 and secure a famous win and his position in the final, the first Australian to play a final in the World Series of Darts in Australia (his great mate Kyle Anderson had won the Auckland version.)
Statistics
Averages SW 91.04 DH 90.49
Check outs DH 8/20 SW 6/10
Legs against the throw 2-1 to DH
180s 4-2 to DH
Brisbane Darts Masters Semi Final 2 Night 2
Rob Cross 8 (105.3) Daryl Gurney 3 (96.83)
Rob Cross made his way comfortably through to the final he is defending champion of with an eight three victory over Daryl Gurney in the second semi final of the 2019 version of the Brisbane Darts Masters.
Cross started well by securing the first leg in 14 darts against the throw, including a maximum score at his second visit in the match. He then comfortably held throw of Gurney at the first attempt to move two legs clear. Gurney held throw at his second attempt and despite not checking out 82 he was far enough ahead to come back but needed another three darts to finally get his first leg on the scoreboard thanks to a double five.
Leg four saw Cross hold throw with a statement of intent. He secured the first 170 finish of the tournament. He continued this impetus early in the next leg to break the Gurney throw in the fifth leg. Another 180 in the next leg aided him in holding throw in 14 darts before Gurney gained his second leg in one less dart. With his last two visits of 134 and 114 Cross was able to move the scoreboard to 6-2.
Gurney then opened with three successive visits of 100, hit 105 and checked out 96 to move the match back to within three. He needed to break the throw of Cross at this point but with three visits of 100, 140 and 131 he never let his opponent into the leg and moved to within a leg thanks to a double 16. Cross then hit his fifth 180 of the match at his third visit and five darts later secured the match with a double 4. He had qualified to defend his title in the final of the 2019 Brisbane Darts Masters.
Statistics
Averages RC 105.3 DG 96.83
Check outs RC 8/16 DG 3/11
Legs against the throw 3-0 to RC
180s 5-1 to RC
Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 Night 2 Quarter Final 1
Simon Whitlock 8 (101.9) Kyle Anderson 0 (78.42)
Simon Whitlock defeated his World Cup team mate Kyle Anderson 8-0 in the opening match of night two, and first quarter final of the 2019 Brisbane Darts Masters.
Anderson opened the match but Whitlock took an early lead with strong scoring, including three visits 100 or over and after 14 darts was a leg up. He then held throw in the second leg although between the two players there was only two visits where they collected more than 100.
Whitlock went three legs up after breaking Anderson in the third leg scoring 180, 140, 105 and 76 as his match average sat over 106. The Wizard faced down a 161 finish and got the required triple 19 and triple 18 before reverting to safety and hitting 10 instead of the bull before hitting tops with his second dart at the next visit. He then opened with two 140s and in 14 darts he was four nil up.
Anderson lined up to hold throw for the first time in leg five but only opened with 41. Whitlock moved ahead of his opponent once more mid leg and soon held the advantage leaving a 146 chance which he missed but with Anderson well behind he had a shot at 52. A 20 and double 16 later and the Wizard was 5-0 up.
A 140 opening in the sixth leg from Whitlock was beaten by a 174 from Anderson but he could not follow it up with a treble at his next visit. A 177 from Whitlock later in the leg left him requiring 64. He missed double 8 and Anderson required 88 but missed with his second dart and Whitlock soon led six nil.
Anderson watched as Whitlock hit a maximum to move to 181 in the next leg and after Wizard’s next visit he needed 42, which he hit in two darts to break for the fourth time and go 7-0 up. Whitlock then started with a 140 to move his match average total to 104.2 in what would end up being the final leg. He left himself needing tops as Anderson could only move from 181 to 121 and within a dart Whitlock had eliminated his World Cup team mate from the Brisbane World Series of Darts 2019 version 8-0.
“I felt good, I practiced with MvG tonight which helped me. Kyle did not turn up tonight and I played well. Everything was good tonight.”
Statistics:
Averages SW 101.9 KA 78.42
Check outs SW 8/10 KA 0/0
180s 2-0 to SW
Legs won against the throw 4-0 to SW
Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 Night 2 Quarter Final 2
Damon Heta 8 (92.52) Gary Anderson 6 (91.86)
Damon Heta continued to prove his class as he finally defeated Gary Anderson in the World Series of Darts (at the third attempt), the match finishing eight legs to six.
With Anderson hitting 134 late in the first leg he moved to 68 but was unable to convert and requiring 60 Heta hit 20 and then the double twenty at the second attempt to win the first leg on throw. Anderson moved comfortably through the second leg and 100 left him needing 110 and with Heta well behind Anderson then left 64. Two darts later and Anderson was back at 1-1
Two good visits from Heta in the next leg left him needing 261 after six darts and a further 100 extended that advantage and even with a maximum Anderson was not on a check out (166.) A sixty from Heta left him needing 101 as Anderson moved to 68. Heta missed a double 16 for the leg only to watch his opponent miss two darts to break him. Heta made the most of it to go 2-1 up.
In leg four Anderson started with a maximum and he soon whittled the required task down to 105. Heta scored a maximum of his own but it still only moved him to 204. Anderson did not convert his score with his next three darts and a 134 put some pressure on Anderson. It seemed to work as he moved to 1 out of 6 doubles but Heta let him off on the next visit only for Anderson to miss once again. Heta then missed three at double as well before Anderson finally put the leg to bed with his next dart.
Heta moved to requiring 140 in the next leg as a 125 only left Anderson on 195. Three darts later and Heta needed tops. 63 from Anderson did not pile on the pressure and despite missing tops at the first attempt Heta’s second dart moved him 3-2 up on throw (there had been no breaks to this point, although plenty of opportunities for both players.)
The next leg saw Anderson move through seemingly with comfort and he soon needed 50. Heta hit 100 to move to requiring 85 and Anderson missed double ten for the leg. A double twenty from Heta moved him a break ahead in the leg he was probably most unlikely to break the two time World Champion to that point.
Unsurprisingly Anderson upped his scoring against the Heta throw in the next leg and soon had the advantage, leaving 167. At 283 Heta needed a big number and hit the maximum to leave 103. Anderson left 70 as Heta hit double twelve for a 5-2 lead and hold off the counter challenge.
A 100 start from Anderson in the next leg was upped by Heta with a 140 before Anderson hit a maximum. Anderson then watched Heta score 140 before getting a bounce out and collecting 120. 100 From Heta left him at 121 as Anderson then missed double 8 for the leg. Heta missed the bull for a second break in a row and Anderson finally closed out the leg with his next dart.
A ton from Heta put him slightly ahead in the next leg. A 140 left him off a check out score at 168 but Anderson only moved to 247. Another 100 moved Heta to requiring 68 as a maximum from the Scotsman moved him to needing one point less. Heta managed the pressure well and got a double four with the last dart in hand to move 6-3 ahead.
Anderson moved well clear in the next leg but a 140 put some pressure on him only for Anderson to put away his next two darts to hold throw and move to within two legs of his opponent. Another bounce out at his first visit in the next leg saw Anderson at a disadvantage although Heta could not follow up well on his own 140 start. A third maximum from Heta left him needing 122 and despite a loose second dart a treble twenty had him requiring tops. Anderson moved to 84 as Heta secured the required check out to move to 7-4.
Anderson was not out of the match though and opened with a 180 on throw in the twelfth leg. He followed up with 80 and soon moved to needing only 104. He left himself tops but Heta was still 164 away even after his next throw so the Scotsman missing at the next visit was not critical to Anderson’s cause. Missing on the next visit though was more concerning as Heta needed 104 but he could not convert, nor even get a shot at a check out. Anderson then busted and with 16 Heta had two match shots at double 16 but missed both. Anderson then hit double one with last dart in hand to win the leg and stay in the match at 7-5
A 100 start bettered Anderson’s 57 in the next leg and a follow up 96 from the West Australian was then exactly matched by the Scotsman. 140 moved Heta to 165 as 140 moved Anderson to requiring 207. Heta then threw a big score which was matched by Anderson and he stood behind Heta needing 76 and watched as Heta missed his chance to take the leg. Anderson hit double four to stay alive and move the match to 7-6.
Anderson started with a 125 in the next leg on throw as Heta could only manage 85. Anderson then hit another 125 to move well ahead. A century put Anderson on 151 but he only secured 49 on his next visit. Anderson then missed the big number dart at his next visit and Heta had a shot at 170. He missed the total when his second dart flew high of the treble 20 but Anderson then missed chances at the leg. A loose first throw meant Heta had only one dart at his next visit at the match but he finally took it and the birthday boy had won eight legs to six.
“To play Gary and beat my idol was just unbelievable. I am stoked, bring it all on now, and a bit of a birthday present.”
Statistics:
Averages DH 92.52 GA 91.86
Check outs DH 8/25 GA 6/30
180s 2-1 to DH
Legs won against the throw 2-1 to DH
Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 Night 2 Quarter Final 3
Rob Cross 8 (95.73) Raymond van Barneveld 4 (96.71)
Rob Cross eased past Raymond van Barneveld to continue his undefeated run at the Brisbane Darts Masters over 2018 / 2019 with an 8-4 quarter final win.
Rob Cross checked out 113 with Barney on a finish in the first leg to grab an early break. He then held throw with relative ease to double his advantage checking out 92. The third leg was relatively close but Barney kept his nose in front until a 90 moved Cross to 210. Barney could not check out 161 so Cross had a shot at 117 but failed to convert as well and Barney took the third leg on throw.
A maximum in the next leg left Cross requiring 41 but he missed it at his next visit. With Barney unable to convert 121 Cross hit 16, 8 and double four to move back to a two leg lead. Another 180 moved Cross to 203 and with Barney busting later in the leg Cross had a shot at 65 which he collected in two darts to go 4-1 up with two breaks of throw.
A 140 start on throw for Cross gave him the upper hand in the next leg and despite missing his favourite double 18 he was far enough ahead to comfortably move to a 5-1 lead anyway. RvB held on against Cross in the next leg with tops giving him the leg as Cross stood behind him requiring 32.
Cross held throw with an amazing last dart as his first two blocked the double 16 leg and he managed to drop it through the eye of the needle. A maximum from Barney moved him to 186 in the next leg and he was soon back to three legs behind his opponent. Cross then missed double 18 when attempting to check out 93 in the next leg but with Barney so far behind he visited the oche once more and this time made the most of the chance, moving one leg away from the semi-finals.
Barney required a 161 check out with the throw in the next leg but missed the bull for the big check out. He left 34 and at the next visit two and double 16 gave him the eleventh leg. Cross then opened with a 140 on throw but Barney one upped him with a maximum start. Another 140 from Cross was matched by his opponent before Cross scored 140 to move to 81. A 135 left Barney needing 36 after nine darts but Cross had a shot at 81 at his next visit and he hit double 12 to deny Barney that visit and, more importantly, secure a position in the semi-finals.
“Raymond got out of the traps slowly today but he has still got it. I knew I was strong on my own throw out there and that certainly helped” Cross reflected after the match.
Statistics:
Averages RvB 96.71 RC 95.73
Check outs RC 8/21 RvB 4/12
180s 2-2
Legs won against the throw 2-0 to RC
Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 Night 2 Quarter Final 4
Daryl Gurney 8 (90.69) Michael van Gerwen 5 (97.38)
Daryl Gurney upset current World Champion Michael van Gerwen in the last quarter final of the 2019 Brisbane Darts Masters.
In the first leg MvG missed the bull for a 170 maximum checkout only for Gurney to get the leg on throw at the next visit. Back to back 180s left MvG needing 8 after nine darts and with his tenth dart he had tied the match at 1-1. Gurney’s throw was then broken as it looked like MvG would run riot.
In the fourth leg MvG had his second leg on throw broken as Gurney hit the bull to complete a 121 check out and move the match back to parity. With MvG missing a chance to break Gurney in the next leg the Northern Irishman took the leg on his next visit to the oche to move 3-2 ahead.
A double eight check out in the sixth leg had Gurney winning three legs in succession, including two against the van Gerwen throw. A double 14 check out in the next leg with MvG back on 76 then handed Gurney his fourth leg in a row. MvG then hit a maximum to open the next leg with Gurney replying with a 130. Another 121 from Gurney followed by 140 left him requiring 106. Gurney could not convert and MvG had to convert the 84 for the leg but missed the double 11. Double 8 gave Gurney another leg and he stepped up to try and hold throw and take six legs in a row. MvG turned up the heat though by scoring 180 on his first visit against the throw. Another 140 put the Dutchman on 181 and he then left 18 after another visit which he got with his next dart to stop the rot.
Van Gerwen got frustrated on throw in the next leg and Gurney pounced with a 140 but a poor follow up visit still gave the Dutchman the upper hand, leaving a 134 check out with Gurney still on 205. Gurney left tops but MvG converted with his last dart in hand. Gurney then hit 180 on his throw to leave 141 and then left 17 but with MvG well behind he was able to get it on his next visit.
A 140 from Gurney moved him to 167 as the same 140 score moved van Gerwen to requiring 66. Van Gerwen then missed two at double 18 but Gurney missed treble 19 to give him a shot at a 113 check out and the Dutchman collected the leg on his next visit.
A 134 left Gurney requiring 170 in the 13th leg. He collected 98 to leave 72 as MvG moved to 219. Gurney missed his first match dart, a double 16, and then the Dutchman left 83. He would never get another chance at the oche though as Gurney got double eight with his second darting hand at his next visit.
Statistics:
Averages MvG 97.38 DG 90.69
Check outs Dg 8/14 MvG 5/16
180s 4-3 to MvG
Legs won against the throw 3-2 to DG
Night 1 (Round of 16)
Match 1 Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 Night 1
Raymond van Barneveld 6 (90.16) Haupai Puha 2 (84.99)
Raymond van Barneveld put the doubters to the sword as he moved through round 1 at the Brisbane Darts Masters with greater ease than most thought defeating Kiwi star Haupai Puha 6-2.
Haupai Puha opened with a 44 but after three good visits following he was able to set up a check out and checked out 32 to hold his throw. In the following leg Raymond can Barneveld checked out a double 5 to hold throw with his opponent requiring 32 at his next visit had he missed.
Leg three was a poor one from Kiwi Puha as he gave his opponent an opportunity at a break and despite Barney throwing just 14 in one visit when he required 46 he was able to return to the oche and check out the remaining 32. Barney then attempted to hold throw but was left requiring 16 with Puha checking out 65 with a final double ten.
Puha then looked to hold throw for himself but was unable to do so in leg 5 as Barney checked out double 18 with his 13th dart of the leg. A maximum start from the Dutchman in the next leg followed by two more visits of a ton or more gave him a good lead and with a double 4 with his 14th dart he was 4-2 ahead.
Barney then broke his Kiwi opponent once more after Puha missed multiple darts for the leg and he finished off the match in the eighth leg with a double 18 as Puha stood behind him requiring tops to take the leg himself.
Statistics:
Averages: RvB 90.16 Puha 84.99
Check outs: RvB 6/20 Puha 2/9
180s 2-0 to RvB
Legs won against the throw: 3-1 to RvB
Match 2 Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 Night 1
Daryl Gurney 6 (95.07) Koha Kokiri 4 (86.96)
Daryl Gurney looked to have completed a comfortable win over Koha Kokiri in the second match of the night before a mini revival saw the PDC professional have some nervy moments before finishing off the match six legs to four.
It was Kokiri who threw first in the opening leg with a 140 start and three visits later a 137. He won the leg with a double 16. Gurney’s throw was dominant in the second leg with four initial visits in or around one hundred. A conversion of double 10 pulled him back to parity in the match.
Leg 3 saw Kokiri hold throw comfortably although he failed to convert 69 but as Gurney was so far behind (despite a maximum on his third visit) all he could do was set up 32 with a 137 visit. He never had a dart at that target though as Kokiri stepped up and two darts later hit double 6 to move back into the lead. Gurney then held throw although some inaccuracy on his fifth visit saw his opponent try and hit 125. Kokiri left tops as Gurney hit double 8 to clean up 32 with his last dart in hand on his next time at the oche.
The Northern Irishman then consolidated the match with a break of throw in 14 darts to move to 3-2. Leg 6 saw Gurney comfortably hold throw to move two legs clear. A 12 dart leg against the throw, including a 121 check out and the match looked as good as done at 5-2 however no one told Kokiri that. Gurney missed three darts at double ten for the match having had the pressure put on him with a 140 visit moving Kokiri to needing 16 for the leg. After Gurney’s failure to score Kokiri hit the required double with his next throw.
Kokiri then piled the pressure on as he held throw securing 60 in three darts on his final visit that leg. However the key leg for the Kiwi was the next one as he had to break Gurney to get the darts back for the final leg. After four visits he still required 204 and despite Gurney failing to collect 42 for the match he was able to revisit the oche and secured the double 16 on his next throw to take the match 6-4.
Statistics:
Averages: DG 95.07 KK 86.96
Check outs: DG 6/23 KK 4/7
180s 2-1 to DG
Legs won against the throw: 2-1 to DG
Match 3 Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 Night 1
Damon Heta 6 (91.63) James Wade 4 (96.98)
Damon Heta pulled off the big win of the night as he defeated James Wade 6-4 to continue his recent run of victories over big name players.
The opening leg of the match saw Wade miss bullseye for an opening break of throw with his 12th dart. Heta, who had missed the bull himself on the same dart then got the required 25 with last dart in hand to hold throw. The next leg saw Heta fail to convert a 124 in nine drts as Wade managed to hold throw despite missing multiple chances at the leg himself.
Heta then nearly threw away the third leg after he threw the first maximum of the match to require just 102 after 9 darts. Visits of 70, 24, and nothing left him requiring eight as Wade stormed back in the leg With his 20th dart Heta took a 2-1 lead. Wade then drew the match back up to level terms with Heta missing another chance to break Wade.
With Heta so uncertain on his finishes Wade pounced to break the Heta throw with a 14 dart leg before holding throw in 12 darts. Heta finished 287 points behind and it looked like his race had been run. He held throw in the seventh leg thanks to a third visit maximum (after Wade had opened the leg with a maximum of his own.)
Wade then moved to within a leg of the match by winning the ninth despite only one visit securing him a triple figure score (100.) Heta had failed to secure 60 to win a leg that would have moved the match back to equal terms and it looked like the earlier issues with check outs had returned to kill off this match.
In leg nine Heta did manage to hold throw thanks in no minor part to two opening visits of 140. The tenth leg was vital and Wade threw 100 and then two 140s to require 121. Heta had started with 59 so Wade would have been confident stepping up to chase 121. He left 64 but in the critical visit of the match Heta hit two triple 19s and the bull to check out 164 as the emotion was expelled from Heta with an uncharasteristic celebration that showed the determination he had to win the match no matter what. Heta had the darts in the last leg as both players started nervously. After 12 darts Heta required 90 and Wade 196. Heta left tops on his next visit but failed to get the required result next time around with three darts missing the target completely. It meant Wade had an outside shot at 136 but he left 49. It did put pressure on Heta and he missed two more darts at a finish before the double ten finally became his friend to take out the match 6-5.
Statistics:
Averages: JW 96.98 DH 91.63
Check outs: DH 6/33 JW 5/11
180s 2-1 to DH
Legs won against the throw: 1-1
Match 4 Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 Night 1
Simon Whitlock 6 (87.58) Brendon McCausland 1 (74.87)
Simon Whitlock returned home to put his good mate Brendon McCausland to the sword by six legs to one in the fourth match of night one at the Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 version.
McCausland started with a 140 on his first visit but this was coupled around the visit by 100 and 131 from Whitlock and Wizard comfortably held throw. Leg two saw Whitlock break throw despite not converting 45 at his fifth visit. He then held throw despite taking 21 darts to do so.
McCausland started with a 135 only to be trumped by Whitlock’s 180 opening. A second macimum on his fourth visit left the Wizard requiring tops. He failed to convert that at his next visit and then failed to get ten with his next three darts to see McCausland come back and steal the leg. In the end the only leg McCausland would win saw Whitlock hit two of his three (and the matches) maximums.
Leg five saw Whitlock produce better darts as he went back to a three leg buffer in 13 darts. Leg six saw McCausland unable to secure an unlikely 156 check out and Whitlock hit the double 5 to move within a leg of the match. Tops with his 17th dart in the final leg of the match saw victory go the way of Whitlock.
Statistics:
Averages: SW 87.58 BM 74.87
Check outs: SW 6/21 BM 1/2
180s 3-0 to SW
Legs won against the throw: 2-0 to SW
Match 5 Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 Night 1
Rob Cross 6 (101.17) James Bailey 5 (87.5)
James Bailey was left just 76 away from a famous upset in the fifth match of the 2019 Brisbane Darts Masters as Rob Cross won the deciding leg to take away a 6-5 win over The Bull.
The opening leg saw Bailey hold throw as Cross missed double 18 and then double 9 to break and the Aussie, having missed a shot at the bull cleaning up the required 25 on his next visit. Cross then showed his class as visits of 140, 97, 180 and 84 gave him his first leg. He then looked to have the next leg having secured 134, 100 and 180 but multiple 140 visits from Bailey kept him in the leg. Both players then struggled to convert the leg before Bailey finally threw double five to move back to the front, 2-1.
Cross then bettered his first leg on throw by collecting 501 in 11 darts. Cross took a comfortable lead in the fifth leg but requiring 16 he had six darts at a break and missed them all. His Aussie opponent took out 60 to move back to the lead. Bailey then broke the Cross throw as the Matchplay champion missed bull for the leg and Bailey pounced with tops to take a two leg lead.
Cross then stepped up the class by hitting 11 and 12 dart legs, including two successive 180 visits in leg seven, to move the match back to parity. It looked like Bailey would be unable to hold back his opponent as Cross moved clear mid way through the ninth leg but with Cross missing double 8 as a check out Bailey hit 43 to stop the juggernaut.
Cross then switched up again with three visits of over 100 to complete a 14 dart leg to set up a final leg decider. Both players started slowly but a 134 saw Bailey edge slightly ahead until a 177 moved Cross to 110. Bailey hit 52 to leave 76 at his next visit but he would never get a shot at it as Cross secured the 110 with last dart in hand to take out the match 6-5.
Statistics:
Averages: RC 101.17 JB 87.5
Check outs: RC 6/27 JB 5/11
180s 5-1 to RC
Legs won against the throw: 2-1 to RC
Match 6 Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 Night 1
Michael van Gerwen 6 (94.93) Benn Robb 0 (79.29)
Michael van Gerwen demonstrated his class as he whitewashed Ben Robb 6-0 in the sixth match of night one at the 2019 Brisbane Darts Masters.
The opening leg saw three visits of 140 out of four (Robb hitting 137 at his second visit to the Oche) but with Robb unable to convert 80 MvG pounced to take the first break of the match. He then consolidated on throw although it was not a great leg from either player.
Back on throw Robb stood back and watched van Gerwen collect the his second break in 14 darts with the leg lasting less than a minute and a half, Robb still 101 behind when MvG’s 14th dart hit the double 16. Despite hitting a maximum on his second visit MvG was again not at his best on throw in the next leg but with Robb unable to get a shot at a check out from 156 or 96 the Dutchman still took the leg with a double ten.
The fifth leg saw van Gerwen win his third break in succession in 13 darts and he then cleaned up the match with a double 17 after visits of 139 and 120 in the sixth and final leg of the match.
Statistics:
Averages: MvG 94.93 BR 78.29
Check outs: MvG 6/13 BR 0/1
180s 1-1
Legs won against the throw: 3-0 to MvG
Match 7 Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 Night 1
Gary Anderson 6 (101.68) Corey Cadby 1 (87.15)
Gary Anderson put on a comprehensive display as he defeated Corey Cadby 6-1, including hitting 85.71% of his checkouts in the penultimate match of the 2019 Brisbane Darts Masters night one.
The opening leg saw Cadby hold throw as he hit double ten to take an early lead. The bullseye then saw Anderson convert 90 to move the match back into parity at one all. Leg three saw Cadby hit three successive 100 scores but it was not enough as he failed to get a shot at check out from 120 and then left 20 chasing 80. Anderson pounced to convert 72 and take the lead for the first time.
Anderson then easily held throw in the fourth leg to put the pressure on Cadby. Opening visits of 58 and 131 from The King and The Flying Scotsman respectively saw Anderson with an early lead, one which he opened up further thanks to visits of 180 (the only of the match) and 130. His 12th dart of the leg put Anderson 4-1 up.
He backed the break up with a second successive 12 darter, this time on his own throw, with both players scoring over 100 on each visit, indeed Cadby threw 120 or more in this three visits but still did not get a shot at a checkout.
In what would be the final leg Cadby opened with 27 and proved to never really be in the leg (even though a final 125 visit left him requiring 97) as Anderson secured a double 12 with his 14th dart to secure the match six legs to one.
Statistics:
Averages: GA 101.68 CC 87.15
Check outs: GA 6/7 CC 1/5
180s 1-0
Legs won against the throw: 3-0 to GA
Match 8 Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 Night 1
Kyle Anderson 6 (86.03) Peter Wright 5 (90.84)
In a tight match Peter Wright spurned plenty of opportunities to be edged out by Kyle Anderson six legs to five as the first night of the Brisbane Darts Masters 2019 drew to a close.
The opening leg of the match saw Anderson hold throw with Wright unable to take out 24 to steal an early break. Anderson then stole the advantage himself thanks to three final visits of 123 134 and a 108 check out. He then backed it up with an 11 dart leg, finishing off in spectacular style with a 156 finish to go three nil up.
In such a short format Wright had to hold throw in the fourth leg and he did so fairly comfortably in 13 darts. He then moved well ahead in the next leg, thanks in no small part to visits of 140 and 180. Wright then left tops after trying to check out 105 but was put under some pressure as a maximum left Anderson requiring 41. Wright secured the leg with his middle dart at his next visit. He then comfortably held throw to move the score back to 3-3.
Despite some early high scoring from Wright Kyle Anderson was able to hold throw in leg seven, thanks to Wright’s inability to put away 40 at his fifth visit to the oche. Leg eight saw Wright hold throw with relative ease once more and this time he made the most of it by breaking his opponent in the next leg. Anderson presented his opponent that opportunity after failing to collect tops in two full visits. It meant that the next leg was do or die for the Australian. Against the throw Anderson threw a maximum at his second visit to the oche and followed it up with a 140. Wright still had first shot at the leg as he missed the bull for the big fish finish. Anderson then missed the bull himself as Wright looked to be on course for the win. He missed his chance at the win on his next visit and left ten but would not get another shot at it as Anderson hit the required 25 with a fat nine and double eight to take the match to a deciding leg.
Wright got a slight lead after three visits in the final leg although Anderson had the upper hand in that he had the throw. A visit of only 57 saw Anderson move to 144 before Wright hit 100 to leave 84. Anderson could only get 58 and Wright stepped up to set up a match winning attempt. He missed it and left 12 and Anderson took the unexpected opportunity to step up and score all 86 required points thanks to a double 16 with last dart in hand. It was enough to set up an all Aussie quarter final the following night against Simon Whitlock.
Statistics:
Averages: PW 90.84 KA 86.03
Check outs: KA 6/15 PW 5/23
180s 5-4
Legs won against the throw: 2-2
