REPORTS from night one of the 2009 Whyte and Mackay Premier League Darts.

The Echo Arena Liverpool hosted the first of 14 league nights in this year's tournament, with almost 8,000 fans enjoying the action.


2009 Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Week One - Echo Arena, Liverpool
James Wade 7-7 John Part
Jelle Klaasen 7-7 Terry Jenkins
Mervyn King 8-1 Wayne Mardle
Raymond van Barneveld 4-8 Phil Taylor

JAMES WADE 7-7 JOHN PART

JOHN PART shared the spoils with 2008 runner-up James Wade in the opening game of the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts.

The Canadian snatched a point in the deciding leg of the game, punished missed doubles from Wade to earn himself the draw.

Part had led 2-0 after taking the first leg against the darts and hitting a 180 and a bullseye finish in the second.

Wade hit back to win the third on the bull, before Part hit a second maximum and double eight to lead 3-1.

Wade took the next three legs on his favoured double top to hit the front, and after Part levelled the left-hander took the next two for a 6-4 cushion.

But missed doubles continued to dog the youngster as Part drew level once more - only for the Canadian to suffer from three wasted chances in the next as Wade earned a point on double ten.

Wade, though, gave himself two darts for victory on a 98 finish in the 14th leg, but missed two darts at double 19 and Part took out double 16 for the draw.

"I got lucky with a point but I didn't play how I can," said Wade. "I haven't played how I can for six months, and six months ago I'd have easily walked away with a win there.

"But I didn't and I'm grateful to have got a point. John let me off a bit to be honest.

"It felt a bit foreign to be back on the Premier League stage! I've got to learn again and hopefully there will be plenty of wins to come."

JELLE KLAASEN 7-7 TERRY JENKINS

JELLE KLAASEN was denied a winning debut in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts as Terry Jenkins grabbed a draw in a thrilling finale to their clash.

The Dutch youngster made an impressive start to the Premier League in front of almost 8,000 fans at the Echo Arena in Liverpool.

He hit a nerve-settling 180 in the game's opening leg, and took the lead on double top before Jenkins hit back to level on double 12.

The 2007 Premier League runner-up began the third leg with a maximum, but double nine edged Klaasen back in front before further 180s in the next two legs helped Jenkins into a 3-2 lead.

Klaasen took the next three to assume a 5-3 advantage, only for Jenkins to match that thanks in part to two breaks of throw with a 14-darter and a 12-dart leg which featured a 124 finish.

Back-to-back 14-darters, including a 100 checkout, earned Klaasen a point, but Jenkins took out a 120 'Shanghai' finish in the final leg gave the Englishman a draw.

"It was a great experience and I'm pleased with a draw for it being my first match," said Klaasen. "The important thing was that I didn't lose and I didn't.

"It's new for me and next time I'll feel better on stage, but it was a great feeling."

Jenkins added: "I think it was a fair draw.

"I got control of the game halfway through but then let it slip again and a draw was a fair result.

"I thought Jelle would come up and play well and I knew what I was up against. It's difficult playing against him."


MERVYN KING 8-1 WAYNE MARDLE

MERVYN KING made a superb Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts debut with an 8-1 destruction of Wayne Mardle in Liverpool.

The world number six announced his title credentials in his first Premier League campaign with a superb performance to see off Mardle.

He took the first three legs without reply, including a break of throw in the second and an 11-darter in the third to put himself in command.

Double ten got Mardle off the mark, but King responded with another 11-darter in lifting his average to well over 100.

A 72 finish put him 5-1 up, and missed doubles from Mardle allowed King back on double five to take leg seven.

Mardle missed three darts at doubles in each of the next two legs as King created a 7-1 cushion, and the lesson in finishing continued as the newcomer landed double top for the win.

"Sometimes you have to grind a result out but it felt good on stage, I was comfortable and it wasn't hard work," said King.

"I expected more from Wayne. He rallied in the fourth and fifth legs but I kept with him and it's nice to be at the top of the pile."

He added: "I wasn't nervous, I was just focused on what I had to do. I didn't want to make a fool of myself in front of 8,000 fans and I'm delighted with how I started."


PHIL TAYLOR 8-4 RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD

PHIL TAYLOR began the defence of his Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts title with an 8-4 defeat of Raymond van Barneveld at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on Thursday.

Taylor has won all four previous years of the Premier League, and kicked off the £400,000 event in style in a repeat of his World Championship final victory over the Dutchman.

While his 7-2 Alexandra Palace victory in January was over sets, he came from 2-1 down in legs to take six in a row before defying a 161 finish from the Dutchman to close out the win.

"It was a tough match for both of us to start with but I'm delighted to get a winning start," said Taylor.

"I'm feeling great, am satisfied with my game and everything's going really well for me at the moment."

Taylor landed a 180 in the opening leg, only for van Barneveld to reply in kind to level and then hit double 12 for a 2-1 cushion.

Taylor comfortably enjoyed the better of the mid-game exchanges to win six successive legs, with legs of 14, 13 and 14 darts followed up a brilliant 125 bull-25-bull finish for a 12-darter.

Double 16 gave him a 6-2 lead and a 14-darter edged him to the brink of victory.

Van Barneveld took out a 161 finish, ensuring a £1,000 bonus as the night's highest checkout, and landed a 180 in cutting the gap to 7-4.

But Taylor ruthlessly completed the win, taking out 101 for another 12-darter and both points.

"It was good fun," he said. "During the game Raymond gave in a little bit but the 161 was superb."

Premier League Darts - Night Two
12 Feb 2009
REPORTS from the second night of the 2009 Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts.

The tournament makes its Edinburgh debut in front of 4,000 fans at the Royal Highland Centre.

Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Week Two - Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh
John Part 7-7 Raymond van Barneveld
Wayne Mardle 7-7 Terry Jenkins
Phil Taylor 8-2 Jelle Klaasen
James Wade 1-8 Mervyn King


JOHN PART 7-7 RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD claimed his first point of the 2009 Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts with a draw against John Part in Edinburgh.

The Dutchman was defeated by Phil Taylor in Liverpool on the opening night a week ago, but bounced back in a high-scoring thriller.

The pair shared eight 180s and traded blows throughout - but crucially neither was able to break throw to leave the points split equally.

Both landed maximums in the opening leg, with Part hitting double top after van Barneveld missed double 16 for a 104 checkout.

Double top gave the Dutchman the second, but after matching a Part 180 with his third of the game in the next leg he was left waiting on 24 as the Dutchman edged 2-1 up.

He levelled on double top as the bed was hit for a fourth successive leg, while Part landed a maximum on his way to the fifth leg, which he took out on double 18.

A 180 from van Barneveld set up a double 12 finish as he squared matters, and he hit a 165 score to leave a double in the eighth before landing double six to punish a missed bullseye from Part and stay level at four-all.

Van Barneveld missed double 14 to break in leg nine, but matched Part's double four finish by hitting the same bed in the next leg.

A 117 checkout from Part gave him leg 11, while van Barneveld hit back on double 16 to ensure a tense final two legs.

Part earned a minimum of a draw by taking the penultimate leg on double 18, but double 16 in the decider gave van Barneveld a point.

"I don't think I've ever played a game where every game went with the throw," said van Barneveld. "I had some chances but missed a couple of doubles.

"I couldn't break John's throw. He had some good shots and didn't miss many doubles but in my legs he didn't have many chances."

Part drew his opening game, against James Wade a week ago, and said: "I'm quite satisfied to get this point.

"I was out-scored immensely on his legs and I was frustrated that, because I started first, I was never able to get the break.

"All in all, I'm pretty happy with a solid effort under considerable pressure. I'm happy with how I'm playing and it's a good start to be unbeaten still."



WAYNE MARDLE 7-7 TERRY JENKINS

WAYNE MARDLE silenced the partisan Edinburgh crowd with a stunning 160 checkout to grab a draw with Terry Jenkins in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts.

Mardle claimed his first point of the season with a dramatic fightback - after finding himself playing both Jenkins and the Scottish crowd.

Mardle had knocked out Scotland's Robert Thornton in the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship six weeks ago, and found himself in the unusual position of Jenkins being the crowd favourite.

The 2007 Premier League runner-up looked set to condemn Mardle to a second successive loss, only for a 160 checkout in the deciding leg to grab him a point.

"I got the better of Robert in the World Championship but the crowd got their own back tonight!" said Mardle.

"It's unusual and I didn't react well at the start. When it was nip and tuck I was okay and to get a point at this stage is great because I usually lose my first four games!"

Jenkins punished a slow start from Mardle to take the first leg, only for Mardle to take out finishes of 88 and 89, on the bullseye, to move 2-1 up.

Jenkins won the next three, including a 14-darter against the throw, to move clear at 4-2 before Mardle - aided by legs of 14 and 13 darts of his own after hitting two maximums - pulled back level.

A fourth 180 of the game from Jenkins helped him to a 13-darter in taking a 6-5 lead, only for Mardle to take out 107 to break back.

Double top in the penultimate leg gave Jenkins a 7-6 lead, but he missed two darts for victory on double 18 in the decider - allowing Mardle back in to power home his 160 finish.


PHIL TAYLOR 8-2 JELLE KLAASEN

PHIL TAYLOR powered past Jelle Klaasen to pick up a second Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts victory in as many games.

The four-time Premier League maintained his superb start to this year's event with an 8-2 defeat of the young Dutchman.

Taylor won the game's first four legs without reply before Klaasen took out 118 to get off the mark, also winning leg six to halve the deficit.

But legs of 11, 12, 12 and 14 darts after the interval saw Taylor storm clear and secure another win.

"I've got four points on the board and every player would be delighted with that," said Taylor.

"I always felt in control but knew I had a couple of extra gears even though I wasn't playing that well. I showed that in the last four legs."

Klaasen had a chance to grab the first leg against the darts, but paid the price for failing to set up a double for a 112 finish before Taylor took out double eight.

Taylor hit the same bed in the next two legs, and also in leg four after being off-target on the bullseye for a 164 checkout.

Klaasen picked up his first leg with a classy 118 checkout, and a double 16 finish saw him halve the deficit going into the break at 4-2 down.

Any hopes of a comeback, though, were dashed in mesmerising style by Taylor.

The 14-time World Champion hit two 180s in an 11-darter to go 5-2 up, posted further maximums in back-to-back 12-dart legs to move to the brink of victory.

Klaasen hit his first maximum of the game in the next, but was left stranded on a double as Taylor hit a 14-darter on double 16 to wrap up the points.



MERVYN KING 8-1 JAMES WADE

MERVYN KING continued his mightily impressive Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts debut campaign with an 8-1 rout of world number two James Wade.

King followed up an 8-1 win over Wayne Mardle in the opening week with another superb display to remain unbeaten at the top of the table.

While Wade was below-par in a draw with John Part a week earlier, he was given little chance by King, who averaged 104 and restricted his opponent to just three darts at a double in the game.

King hit double eight to win the first leg against the darts, and back-to-back 13-darters saw him take a commanding 3-0 lead.

He then landed a 180 in a 12-dart leg to move 4-0 up and repeated the feat in taking the fifth, before double ten put him into the break with a 6-0 advantage.

Wade took out double 12 to win the next and get off the mark, but King pulled clear to take out double eight in the next and a 7-1 cushion.

He then sealed the win with another 13-darter, hitting double 12 to make it two stylish wins from as many games.

"People are now starting to see the real Mervyn but there's still more in the tank," said King. "Hopefully that's going to come out.

"I've been working hard over the last two years and it's now starting to come."

"Tonight was good. James is a great player but he hasn't been at his best for a while, that wasn't the real him on stage and I took full advantage and punished him."

REPORTS from night three of the 2009 Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

Mervyn King moved a point clear at the top of the table with a third successive victory, while James Wade and Wayne Mardle picked up their opening wins of 2009.

Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Night Three - Ricoh Arena, Coventry
Terry Jenkins 7-7 Phil Taylor
Raymond van Barneveld 4-8 James Wade
Mervyn King 8-2 John Part
Jelle Klaasen 6-8 Wayne Mardle


TERRY JENKINS 7-7 PHIL TAYLOR

TERRY JENKINS ended Phil Taylor's winning start to the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts as the pair shared a seven-all draw in Coventry.

Defending champion Taylor had roared to victory in his opening two games, but had to come from 6-4 down to claim a point against Jenkins.

Jenkins claimed a point at 7-6 after Taylor levelled, but the 14-time World Champion earned a draw in the decider thanks to a double 16 finish.

"I'm over the moon with a draw after going 6-4 down," admitted Taylor.

"At 4-2 I thought I had him because a lot of players would have caved in, but Terry's a battler and he came back well."

Jenkins, who had opened the campaign with a pair of draws, started the game well and took out double ten in the opening leg and 88 in the third to lead 2-1 - having also missed the bullseye for a 161 finish in the second before Taylor hit double seven to get off the mark.

Double eight saw Taylor level, and a magnificent 11-darter broke Jenkins' throw before a 13-dart leg, including a third 180 of the game, put him 4-2 up.

Taylor kicked off the next with scores of 180 and 140, only for Jenkins to land double top for the leg before trading maximums in the next.

Taylor missed two darts for the leg, and Jenkins mopped up on double six to square the game.

Double top put him 5-4 up before a second break of throw, following four missed doubles from Taylor, allowed him to extend his advantage to two legs.

Taylor replied with a pressure two-dart 74 finish before taking out a fine 143 to level - after Jenkins missed the bull for a 170 checkout.

Jenkins hit double top to earn a point at 7-6 and ensure he would remain unbeaten in the league, only for Taylor to dash his hopes of victory in the deciding leg, hitting a 180 and the double 16 to share the draw.


JAMES WADE 8-4 RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD

JAMES WADE stormed to his first victory in the 2009 Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts with an 8-4 comeback win over Raymond van Barneveld in Coventry.

Wade, last year's Premier League runner-up, had made a poor start to the competition with a draw in the opening week and an 8-1 loss to Mervyn King in Edinburgh.

He trailed the Dutchman 4-1 in Coventry and seemed set for another loss, only to produce a stunning run of seven successive legs in taking the win with a 107.7 average.

Van Barneveld took the game's opening leg at ease, and then landed a fine 11-darter against the throw to double his lead.

He then landed a 180 on his way to the third leg, before Wade got off the mark by taking out 68 for the fourth.

A second maximum of the night helped van Barneveld into a 4-1 advantage - but a double three finish in the sixth sparked Wade into life.

He returned from the break to trade 180s with the Dutchman before breaking throw with a 95 checkout, and then levelled on double ten with a 13-darter.

Another 13-darter, against the throw, put him ahead for the first time in the contest, and a fine 11-darter, finishing with a 100 checkout, was followed by a double top finish to take him 7-4 up.

His second 11-darter of the game, featuring a fifth maximum, saw Wade wrap up his first victory of the campaign.

"I've wanted to do that for a while so it's very pleasing for me," said Wade. "Last week was a kick up the backside and hopefully this is the start of things to come.

"The crowd were brilliant and they were good for me - and I hope I entertained them and they enjoyed it.

"I've got the passion and love for the game back again and I'm over the moon to get the win. I averaged 120 for the last six legs and not many players could live with that.

"I felt like a spare part in the last two weeks and was playing really badly but I feel a part of the Premier League now and I've got to try and keep my feet on the ground now."


MERVYN KING 8-2 JOHN PART

MERVYN KING moved a point clear at the top of the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts table with an 8-2 win over John Part at the Ricoh Arena.

King took a third successive win to continue his superb debut campaign in the tournament, seeing off the three-time World Champion with relative ease.

"It's been a dream start for me, absolutely phenomenal," said King. "I'd have been happy with three draws so to have three wins is great.

"I've got bigger plans than this though and I feel I'll get better."

Part kicked off the game with a 180, only for King to reply in kind before taking out double eight for the opening leg.

Part hit a second maximum in levelling, but a missed bullseye was punished by King, once more on double eight.

King landed 180s in taking the next two legs as he pushed further clear, only for Part to reply with a maximum in taking the eighth to reduce the gap to 6-2.

A missed double 18 from the Canadian saw his chance of cutting the gap further slip away, with double ten putting King a leg away from victory.

Another 180 from unbeaten King helped him in the next, and a miss from Part at double 16 allowed him back in for the win on double 12.

"I can't control what the other players do but I can control what I do and at the moment I'm producing the goods," added King.

"I've got more in the tank but I want to keep producing a good show for the fans."



WAYNE MARDLE 8-6 JELLE KLAASEN

WAYNE MARDLE grabbed his first win of the 2009 Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts with an 8-6 defeat of Jelle Klaasen.

Mardle picked up a draw against Terry Jenkins in Edinburgh a week ago, and went one better against the Dutchman in Coventry.

Having shared the first ten legs, Mardle finished the stronger to take three of the last four and claim the points.

The first three legs all went against the throw, with legs of 14 and 15 darts putting Mardle ahead despite a 103 from Klaasen.

Mardle took a scrappy fourth leg on double two, but a 112 finish followed by a bullseye checkout for a 94 from Klaasen saw him level the contest at three-all.

The next two legs were traded before a brilliant 156 from Mardle put him 5-4 up and also earned him a £1,000 bonus as the night's highest checkout.

Klaasen broke back in 12 darts to level, but crucially missed doubles in the next two legs as Mardle moved 7-5 up.

Mardle suffered with his finishing in the next, missing six darts for the match before double five kept Klaasen alive.

But a 180 from the Dutchman was not enough in the next, with Mardle taking out double 16 for a 14-darter to claim the win.

"I'm not playing well at the moment but I'm picking up points and that win could prove crucial if I make the play-offs," said Mardle.

"Jelle got my head racing at the start and I began missing, but I got it back together again. It felt lovely to win."

REPORTS from Belfast's Odyssey Arena from night four of the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts.

The tournament continued across the Irish Sea with four matches on Thursday night - with James Wade becoming the first player to defeat Phil Taylor twice in the Premier League's history.

John Part and Raymond van Barneveld picked up their first wins of this year's event, while Mervyn King remained unbeaten at the head of the table.

Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Week Four - Odyssey Arena, Belfast
John Part 8-1 Wayne Mardle
Mervyn King 8-4 Jelle Klaasen
James Wade 8-4 Phil Taylor
Terry Jenkins 6-8 Raymond van Barneveld


JOHN PART 8-1 WAYNE MARDLE
JOHN PART stormed to his first win of the 2009 Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts with an 8-1 demolition of Wayne Mardle in Belfast.

Part bounced back from two successive defeats with a clinical display to take seven successive legs in wrapping up the two points.

Mardle shared the opening two legs, but paid for a string of missed doubles as the Canadian capitalised.

Mardle had a chance to break throw in the third leg after a 180 pushed him ahead, but a miss at double top allowed Part in on double 18.

The three-time World Champion then broke throw on double four after landing a maximum of his own, and defied a 180 from Mardle to take a 4-1 lead with a key final-dart double five.

Double 18 put Part 5-1 up before missed doubles from Mardle in the next two legs allowed the Canadian to move to the brink of victory.

A missed double 19 from Mardle in leg nine was to be his final chance, with Part completing the win on double eight.

"I'm pretty happy because I really needed to win tonight and I got that," said Part. "Wayne was not himself and I capitalised.

"Nothing worked for him and I know how it feels to be on that side of things, but I benefitted and I can't complain because I needed the two points.

"It was like painting by numbers and I did what I needed to do. I hit doubles and that's what I've been practising.

"I hit a couple of third-dart doubles too. Sure, I had three darts at a double but when you miss the first two because you're over-confident I'm hitting the third because I'm putting a little extra into it.

"That's where my game is really good right now. My practice is working and it showed tonight.

"I can get my scoring up a bit but when push comes to shove it's more about the doubles."

MERVYN KING 8-4 JELLE KLAASEN
MERVYN KING'S flawless start to the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts continued with an 8-4 defeat of Jelle Klaasen at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast.

King completed a fourth successive win in his debut year with a fine display to leave Klaasen without a victory so far in the event.

Klaasen missed the bullseye for a 167 finish in the opening leg, and that set the precedent for a number of costly misses throughout the contest.

Double four put King ahead before the duo traded 180s in the second leg - only for the roles to be reversed when a missed bullseye from the league leader was punished on double ten.

The next two legs were traded before a missed double top from Klaasen was punished by King on double 16, before he took out 116 for the first break of throw and a 4-2 lead.

Klaasen replied with a superb 158 finish, but misses at double 16 in the next two legs saw him slip 6-3 down as King's accuracy on double top paid dividends.

A 114 checkout from Klaasen, on double top, stepped the tide, but back-to-back 180s from King in the next leg set up an 11-darter as he took a 7-4 cushion.

He also began the next with a 180, and took out double nine to secure the victory.


JAMES WADE 8-4 PHIL TAYLOR
JAMES WADE inflicted Phil Taylor's first Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts defeat of 2009 with a superb 8-4 win.

Wade became the first ever player to defeat Taylor in the tournament in week one last year, and repeated the feat with a classy display at Belfast's Odyssey Arena.

The world number two reeled off seven successive legs to claim his first win of the campaign a week ago, and was similarly impressive in week four.

Taylor, who had not been defeated in 26 games since the end of November, crucially missed four darts at the double to level at 3-3, which proved costly in the final outcome.

Taylor won just two of the next six legs as Wade wrapped up the win, which was sealed with a stylish 138 finish.

"James was the better man," admitted Taylor. He held his throw well and I couldn't break back. I missed some doubles but I'll be back."

Wade landed a 180 in setting up a finish in the opening leg, before Taylor replied on double 12 to level.

Taylor landed a maximum of his own in the third, only to miss the bullseye to break throw as double seven edged Wade 2-1 up.

Another 180 helped Taylor to the fourth leg, only for a second missed bullseye to again be punished in the next by a double ten from Wade.

Wade secured the game's first break of throw in the sixth leg, with four missed darts at double top and ten from Taylor allowing him to move two legs clear.

A further miss at double top from Taylor proved costly in the seventh as Wade took out double two, before a 13-darter saw the 14-time World Champion reduce the gap to 5-3.

The duo traded maximums in leg nine before double top put Wade three legs clear once more, with Taylor replying on double 16 before Wade ensured a minimum of a draw with double 12 putting him 7-4 up.

Taylor missed the bullseye to take the next, giving Wade his shot for victory - which he clinically despatched with a 138 checkout on double nine.

"You know when you play Phil what you have to do and I did the job," said Wade. "I'm over the moon with an 8-4 win, it's brilliant.

"If I'd missed the 138 I think he would have come back for a draw.

"It wasn't the start I thought I'd have got but these two games have shown what I can do and I'll hopefully continue my success from here."

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 8-6 TERRY JENKINS
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD claimed his first win of the 2009 Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts with an 8-6 victory over Terry Jenkins.

Van Barneveld bounced back strongly from his 8-4 loss to James Wade in Coventry with a 108 average to overcome Jenkins at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast.

The Dutchman opened the game with a 180 but Jenkins found himself 2-0 up after a strong start, taking out 121 on the bullseye to break throw in the second leg,

Van Barneveld included another maximum in hitting back to win the third on double 16, and landed the same bed in levelling in leg four.

Jenkins saw a 180 go to waste in the fifth as a missed double top allowed van Barneveld to hit the same bed and edge in front, although three missed doubles in the next allowed the Ledbury man to level.

A quality 116 finish saw van Barneveld take the seventh, but Jenkins hit maximums in the next two to go 5-4 up.

Van Barneveld snatched back the advantage with three successive legs, including checkouts of 82 and 91, to put himself 7-5 up and ensure a minimum of a point.

Jenkins landed a 180 and a two-dart 76 finish to send the game into a deciding leg, but van Barneveld produced a fifth maximum of the game before sealing a narrow win on double four.

"At 2-0 I thought 'here we go again' but I kept believing in myself," said van Barneveld. "It's a tough competition this year and there are no easy games.

"I'm working hard in Holland, going to the gym every day and it showed because I was hitting my doubles and had a good average of over 105."

REPORTS from Newcastle from the fifth night of the Whyte and Mackay Premier League Darts.

The Metro Radio Arena hosted the latest league night, including the top-of-the-table battle between Mervyn King and Phil Taylor.

Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle
Jelle Klaasen 6-8 James Wade
Phil Taylor 7-7 Mervyn King
Wayne Mardle 7-7 Raymond van Barneveld
John Part 8-5 Terry Jenkins

JAMES WADE 8-6 JELLE KLAASEN
JAMES WADE picked up a third successive Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts win with an 8-6 victory over Jelle Klaasen in Newcastle.

The world number two continued his impressive return to form to leave Dutch ace Klaasen rooted to the foot of the table.

Wade landed a maximum checkout of 170 during the win, and also hit a 120 finish in taking the game's final three legs for victory.

Klaasen won the game's opening leg on double ten, before Wade levelled on double eight and then broke throw with a sensational 170 checkout which brought the 5,000-plus Metro Radio Arena crowd to its feet.

He had a let-off in the fourth, with Klaasen missing double top to punish five misses from Wade before the reigning UK Open champion landed double nine for a 3-1 cushion.

A 180 from Wade left him on a finish in the fifth, but Klaasen clinically took out 76 on double top before hitting double four to make Wade pay for three more misses in levelling at three-all.

Respective two-dart finishes of 98 from Wade and 72 from Klaasen saw the next two legs shared, before Klaasen hit double 16 for a 5-4 lead.

He missed the bullseye for a 124 finish in leg ten, with Wade hitting double top, but the Dutchman responded in style with a 167 checkout to move 6-5 up.

Wade hit a 120 'Shanghai' finish for the 12th leg, and double two ensured he would gain at least a point at 7-6.

A high-quality start to the deciding leg saw both players open with scores of 180 and 140, but Klaasen missed a dart at the bull for a draw and Wade capitalised on double eight.

PHIL TAYLOR 7-7 MERVYN KING
PHIL TAYLOR snatched a draw with Mervyn King to end the newcomer's winning start to the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts.

King had won his opening four matches and looked set to pick up a fifth victory when he came from 4-1 down to lead 7-5.

But he missed two darts for the victory as Taylor took the final two legs to grab a draw.

"At 4-2 up I was cruising but Mervyn came back at me well," said Taylor, who had lost to James Wade a week ago.

"I'm determined to get better and I'll be trying everything to get above Mervyn at the top of the table and keep my Premier League title."

King admitted: "I had my chance and didn't take it.

"Phil came back as he does and thats what happens when you don't take your chances against him."

Taylor took the game's opening leg but two missed doubles allowed King to level, following up a 180 with a double six finish.

Taylor, though, won the next three in a powerful burst, which included three 180s, a break of throw and a 12-darter.

A 130 bullseye finish saw King cut the gap to 4-2, and a two-dart 80 checkout punished two missed doubles from Taylor.

He then took out 112 to level, and shared the next two legs before a 90 checkout saw him break throw and move in front for the first time at 6-5.

A 121 bullseye finish put King 7-5 up and ensured he would at least remain unbeaten - although opening darts of 100, 180 and another 180 pushed him clear in the 13th leg.

But two missed darts at double 16 for the game gave Taylor a reprieve, and he took out double two to send the match into a decider.

Taylor found a 180 in the final leg, and double ten for a two-dart 80 finish saw him claim a point.


WAYNE MARDLE 7-7 RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD grabbed a point from Wayne Mardle in a final-leg thriller in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts at the Metro Radio Arena.

The pair were both seeking a second win of the year, but had to settle for a share of the spoils in Newcastle as the Dutchman won a deciding leg.

Mardle battled back from 3-1 down with four successive legs, and a pair of bullseye finishes earned him at least a draw when he led 7-6, only to be denied the win.

"I was happy with my finishing and that was good but my scoring was poor and I have to improve that," said Mardle.

"I kept hitting too many fives and Raymond out-scored me, but around the doubles he was off and I felt I was pretty fortunate to get a point - but I took my chances."

It was van Barneveld who opened the game in clinical manner, taking out 112 against the darts in the opening leg before doubling his advantage.

A fine 116 finish got Mardle off the mark, but double 16 put the Dutchman into a 3-1 cushion.

Misses at double 12 and six from van Barneveld allowed Mardle in with a two-dart 90 checkout, and he landed a 177 score before double top levelled the game.

Finishes of double 12 and double eight saw Mardle return from the break to move in front at 5-3, only for van Barneveld to hit back strongly with two breaks of throw in a three-leg burst as he regained the advantage.

A 121 bullseye finish from Mardle levelled, and he also hit the board's centre spot to earn a minimum of a draw at 7-6.

But van Barneveld produced an excellent deciding leg, hitting scores of 180 and 135 in moving first to a finish before landing double 12 at the fourth time of asking to claim a draw.

"I was happy with my start and was playing well when I went 3-1 up," said van Barneveld. "The 116 was a good checkout and Wayne finished well, and he showed how tough this competition is."




JOHN PART 8-5 TERRY JENKINS
JOHN PART claimed a second successive Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts win with an 8-5 defeat of Terry Jenkins at Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena.

The Canadian grabbed his first victory of the season a week ago, and moved into fourth place in the league table with a strong display against Jenkins.

Part claimed the game's opening four legs to put himself in command with some strong finishing punishing missed doubles from Jenkins.

The Ledbury man produced a superb 11-darter to get off the mark, landing his first 180 to spark a comeback, with an 83 checkout halving the deficit to 4-2 at the break.

Part took the next two, including a 14-darter, to regain his advantage before Jenkins again hit back, following up an 84 checkout with a 101 finish for a 15-darter.

A 76 checkout from the Canadian ensured he would win at least a point from 7-4 up, but he missed double top to seal victory in the next as Jenkins took a fifth leg.

But Part was quick to close out the win, taking out 127 on double eight for the triumph.

"I was lucky because Terry wasn't on his game," said Part. "I did what I had to do and the doubles are going in when I need them at the moment.

"I've plodded along so far but am in a position to benefit now because of my performances, and I feel good."

Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Week Six - M.E.N. Arena, Manchester

Raymond van Barneveld 8-3 Mervyn King
Jelle Klaasen 7-7 John Part
Terry Jenkins 5-8 James Wade
Phil Taylor 8-4 Wayne Mardle

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 8-3 MERVYN KING

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD inflicted Mervyn King's first Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts defeat with an 8-3 thumping at Manchester's M.E.N. Arena.

King had won four and drawn one of his first five games in the tournament to move clear at the top of the table, but came unstuck against an inspired van Barneveld.

The Dutchman produced a master-class to claim his second win of the season, averaging almost 106 in sweeping to victory.

King actually led, taking out 122 on the bullseye to win the opening leg against the throw, but van Barneveld hit back with four successive legs to move clear.

He missed the bullseye for a 170 finish in leg two, but double eight levelled before he landed two 180s and a 167 finish in establishing a 4-1 cushion.

King took out double ten to reduce the gap, but van Barneveld returned from the break with three fine legs, following up 180s by taking out 98 on double 12 and 122 on the bullseye and then moving 7-2 up on double top.

King hit back with a maximum in the tenth leg, and took out 81 for a 12-darter to give himself hope of a comeback.

But van Barneveld kicked off the next leg with a 180, and double top wrapped up a comprehensive victory.

"It's my best performance of the season," said van Barneveld.

"I've known Mervyn a long time and he deserved to be top but I was focused to beat him and am very happy with my performance.

"I was focused but I feel great at the moment. I'm training hard, doing fitness work and losing weight and enjoying my darts."

JELLE KLAASEN 7-7 JOHN PART

JELLE KLAASEN came from 5-1 down to grab his second point of the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts with a draw against John Part in Manchester.

The young Dutchman looked set for a fifth successive defeat when he allowed Part into a four-leg cushion in their contest.

But, aided by a maximum 170 finish, he clawed his way back into the game before moving 6-5 up.

Part took the next two to lead 7-6, but missed a dart for victory in the decider as Klaasen scrambled home a point.

Klaasen was punished for five missed doubles in the opening leg of the game as Part landed double two - only to be punished for misses of his own as the Dutchman levelled on the same double.

Klaasen was also off-target on double 15 in the third as Part regained his range, hitting double 18 for another break of throw and then double top to move 3-1 up.

The pair traded maximums in the next, only for Klaasen to miss double top as Part pulled clear, and another 180 from the Dutchman was in vain as Part took out double four for a 5-1 lead at the break.

Klaasen returned to kick off leg seven with a 180, taking the leg in 13 darts before pulling back to 5-3 with a 12-darter - ended by a sublime 170 checkout to guarantee at least a share of the £1,000 high checkout bonus.

He also hit 180s in the next two legs in levelling the match, before double top saw him move ahead for the first time.

A 13-darter, finished on double four, put Part level and double three ensured he would take a point at 7-6.

But he was off-target on double seven for 122 finish in the deciding leg, and Klaasen took out 78 in two darts for the draw.

"I was 5-1 down but never gave up because I knew I'd missed a lot of doubles," said Klaasen. "I never gave up and think I deserved a draw."

Part added: "I certainly looked pretty good for the two points at 5-1 but he hadn't clicked at that point and I expected him to hit back and in fairness to him he did.

"At the end, with the momentum he had, I was probably happy with a point!"


TERRY JENKINS 5-8 JAMES WADE

JAMES WADE picked up a fourth successive Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts victory with an 8-5 defeat of Terry Jenkins in Manchester.

The world number two moved level with Mervyn King at the top of the table by maintaining his run of form in seeing off below-par Jenkins.

A mid-game burst did much of the damage, winning four successive legs to open up a 6-2 lead before holding off Jenkins' fightback to claim the points.

Jenkins missed five darts at a double in the first leg, before Wade broke on double ten, only for the next two legs to also go against the throw as the 2008 runner-up took a 2-1 lead.

Jenkins kicked off leg four with back-to-back 180s, and also hit a seventh treble 20, with a potential nine-darter going begging when he missed the treble 19.

However, he took out double top for a 12-darter to level, only for Wade to step up a gear.

Double 16 saw him break throw for a third time, and double five gave him a 4-2 lead going into the break.

He defied a 180 from Jenkins to win the next, on double top, before hitting the same bed to complete a 13-darter in taking a 6-2 lead.

Jenkins produced scores of 180, 140 and 135 in setting up a ten-darter to stop Wade's run, and double four in the next two legs saw him pull back to 6-5.

But double ten gave Wade breathing space, and he wrapped up victory on double eight.

"Terry wasn't at his best and missed a lot of doubles," said Wade.

"He usually pushes me but I had to take my chances, and I'm delighted to win even though it wasn't my best display."


PHIL TAYLOR 8-4 WAYNE MARDLE

PHIL TAYLOR got back to winning ways in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts with an 8-4 win over Wayne Mardle at Manchester's M.E.N. Arena.

Taylor had slipped to three points behind leader Mervyn King after suffering a defeat and two draws in the past three weeks, but hit back in style.

Mardle led 2-0 and hit seven 180s in the contest, but a five-leg burst took Taylor clear before he wrapped up victory.

Mardle kicked off the game with a 180, breaking throw in the opening leg before adding a second maximum and punishing two missed doubles from Taylor to double the lead.

A superb 158 checkout got Taylor off the mark, double 16 levelled and he then landed double two to move 3-2 up after Mardle wasted four darts at double seven.

Mardle hit his fifth 180 of the match in leg six, only to miss two more darts at a double, with double 16 putting Taylor 4-2 up at the break.

The pair returned with maximums in the seventh, which Taylor took once more on double 16, before a 112 finish saw Mardle reduce the gap to 5-3.

A missed double 13 for a 146 checkout proved costly for the Essex showman in the next, though, as Taylor stepped in on double 12.

Mardle took out a two-dart 78 checkout to pull back to 6-4, but any hope of a fightback was swiftly ended by Taylor.

The 14-time World Champion sealed the win in style, taking out 122 on double seven and then a 14-darter with a 74 finish to wrap up the points.

"I'm really pleased to get the win," said Taylor. "I thought Wayne played superbly and I really enjoyed the challenge.

"He started well but I thought I got into the game as it went on and I'm delighted with how it turned out."

Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Week Seven - Brighton Centre
Mervyn King 5-8 Terry Jenkins
Wayne Mardle 3-8 James Wade
Raymond van Barneveld 8-3 Jelle Klaasen
Phil Taylor 8-3 John Part



TERRY JENKINS 8-5 MERVYN KING
TERRY JENKINS claimed his first victory of the 2009 Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts with an 8-5 defeat of Mervyn King.

Jenkins ended his slow start to the campaign by coming from 3-0 down to win eight out of ten legs and take both points.

The defeat is King's second in succession after he powered clear at the top of the table in the opening four weeks, although he seemed on course for another good win in the early stages.

He took the first leg on double three before stepping in with a 70 checkout to break throw in the second, with Jenkins missing doubles to take both legs.

A missed bullseye for a 121 finish and two missed darts at double four came back to haunt Jenkins in the third leg, before he finally landed a double in the fourth - raising his arms to celebrate a double ten finish.

Both players landed double three in sharing the next two legs, before Jenkins returned from the break to take out 100 in two darts in reducing the gap to 4-3.

He began the next two legs with scores of 180 and 140 as he swept into the lead, and he extended his run to six straight legs in moving 7-4 up and securing a minimum of a draw.

King kicked off the 12th leg with a 180 and took out double ten - after Jenkins missed three match darts - to threaten a comeback.

But Jenkins swiftly wrapped up the win, completing a fine display with a 120 checkout for his maiden victory of 2009.

"I think I've been trying too hard to get my first win and if I'd lost this I would have been devastated," said Jenkins.

"I've been scoring really well but it's been my doubles letting me down, and it was getting in my head.

"I thought it would happen again when the game started but I'm delighted how it turned out - I relaxed and let my darts flow."

JAMES WADE 8-3 WAYNE MARDLE

JAMES WADE moved to the top of the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts table after picking up a fifth successive win, defeating Wayne Mardle 8-3 at The Brighton Centre.

Wade, the 2008 runner-up, continued his impressive renaissance to leapfrog Mervyn King and return to the top of the table - where he spent most of last year's event.

He took a 3-0 lead before Mardle levelled, but a run of five successive legs saw the 25-year-old claim the victory.

"It's great to be top of the table but we're only half-way through the league stage and it's more important to make sure I'm in the top four," said Wade, with an eye on May's play-offs.

"I'm really pleased to get a fifth win in a row, Wayne missed a lot of doubles and I made the most of my opportunities."

Wade kicked off the game in clinical fashion, hitting double ten to break throw in the opening leg and then a 114 checkout to double his lead.

He kicked off the third leg with a maximum before landing double 12 for a 3-0 lead, only for Mardle to win the next two legs on double top and then level the game going into the break.

But Wade crucially broke throw for a third time in moving 4-3 up and edged clear with a fine 11-darter.

Mardle kicked off leg nine with a 180, but four missed doubles allowed Wade in, and he took out 97 in two darts to steal the leg and a 6-3 lead.

Another 180 from Mardle set up a 121 finish in the next, only for a missed bullseye to this time prove costly as double 18 put Wade 7-3 up, and he swiftly sealed the win.


RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 8-3 JELLE KLAASEN

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD extended his unbeaten run in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts to four matches with an 8-3 victory over Jelle Klaasen.

The five-time World Champion continued his recent dominance over his fellow countryman with a convincing win at the Brighton Centre, as Klaasen again suffered with his doubles.

The youngster had chances in two of the opening five legs to break throw, but found himself 3-2 down instead of a possible 4-1 - before van Barneveld pulled clear.

Van Barneveld hit a 180 and double top in the opener, before double 16 from Klaasen saw him level.

But he missed two darts at double eight in the third, and three at double 18 in leg five, as van Barneveld held a slender lead.

He then broke throw in leg six to lead 4-2 at the break, took out 110 and 156 to push 6-2 up and also won leg nine to move to the brink of victory.

Two missed match darts allowed Klaasen to remain in the game after landing double two, but van Barneveld took out double eight for the victory.

"I didn't play as well as I can but I'm obviously pleased to get the win," said van Barneveld.

"It was a disappointing game for both pf us but Jelle missed a lot of doubles and I took out some crucial shots."



PHIL TAYLOR 8-3 JOHN PART

PHIL TAYLOR powered past John Part with an 8-3 victory to move second in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts table at the Brighton Centre.

Taylor showed little mercy to the Canadian, taking out a 170 finish to claim a £1,000 bonus as well as claiming a fourth win of the campaign.

Part landed a 180 in the game's opening leg, but missed two darts to break throw as Taylor landed a third-dart double 16.

The Canadian replied in 14 darts, and he took out 80 on double top to level at two-all after a 101 checkout from Taylor.

Taylor landed a 180 in winning the fifth leg on double 16 for a 14-darter, before repeating the feat in taking the next in 13 against the throw to lead 4-2 at the break.

He landed a killer blow in the next, opening up a three-leg lead with a 12-darter that began with a 180 and ended with a maximum 170 finish.

Double ten saw Part reduce the arrears to 6-3, but Taylor hit two 180s in winning the next leg with another 13-darter, and he took the next two without reply to wrap up the win.

"Getting the win is very pleasing," said Taylor. "The 170 was great for me and came at a crucial time.

"John pushed me hard at the start but I seemed to hit form as the game went on and I put a lot of pressure on him."