Template - Author: William Hill World Championship Qualifier

Jamie Lewis, Matthew Edgar, Ciaran Teehan and Karel Sedlacek secured a return to the William Hill World Darts Championship alongside debutants Nick Kenny and Niels Zonneveld in Monday’s Tour Card Holder Qualifiers.

The final six places in the World Championship field were on offer at the Ricoh Arena as Tour Card Holders completed in the last-chance knockout. 2018 semi-finalist Lewis defeated former UK Open and World Grand Prix champion Robert Thornton 7-5 in a high-profile decider as he ensured his place on the Alexandra Palace stage.

The Welsh ace also saw off David Pallett and Alan Tabern during the UK Qualifier as he claimed a huge win to kick-start a bid to save his Tour Card. Edgar will play in his third successive World Championship after defeating Gary Blades, Martin Atkins and Josh Payne to secure an Alexandra Palace return.

Irish youngster Teehan will play at Alexandra Palace for a second straight year, after defeating Barrie Bates, Michael Barnard, Mark McGeeney and Joe Murnan – winning the final clash with a 13-darter in their sudden-death leg. Nick Kenny will cap his first year on the PDC circuit with an Alexandra Palace debut, after defeating James Wilson 7-6 to secure his World Championship spot, having earlier seen off Steve Brown and Ted Evetts.

Karel Sedlacek will make his second World Championship appearance after the Czech star defeated Rowby-John Rodriguez 6-0 and then lost just two legs in each of his wins over Benito van de Pas and Jan Dekker in the Rest of the World Qualifier. Dutch left-hander Niels Zonneveld secured his World Championship debut with wins over Krzysztof Kciuk, Jelle Klaasen and Martin Schindler.

The six players complete the 96-player field for the World Championship, with the draw for the tournament due to take place at 0930 GMT on Thursday December 3 live on Sky Sports News. The William Hill World Darts Championship will be held from December 15-January 3 at London’s Alexandra Palace.

2020/21 William Hill World Darts Championship

Tour Card Holder Qualifiers

UK Qualifier
Last 16
Joe Murnan 6-3 Conan Whitehead
Ciaran Teehan 6-2 Mark McGeeney
Robert Thornton 6-2 Harry Ward
Jamie Lewis 6-2 Alan Tabern
Josh Payne 6-3 Simon Stevenson
Matthew Edgar 6-5 Martin Atkins
James Wilson 6-5 Jonathan Worsley
Nick Kenny 6-3 Ted Evetts

Last Eight
Ciaran Teehan 7-6 Joe Murnan
Jamie Lewis 7-5 Robert Thornton
Matthew Edgar 7-2 Josh Payne
Nick Kenny 7-6 James Wilson

Rest of the World Qualifier
Last Eight
Niels Zonneveld 6-4 Jelle Klaasen
Martin Schindler 6-4 Kai Fan Leung
Karel Sedlacek 6-2 Benito van de Pas
Jan Dekker 6-1 Geert Nentjes

Last Four
Niels Zonneveld 7-4 Martin Schindler
Karel Sedlacek 7-2 Jan Dekker

Template - Author: World Youth Championship Final

Bradley Brooks claimed glory in the 2020 PDC Unicorn World Youth Championship final with a dramatic 6-5 win over Joe Davis on Sunday night in Coventry.

In only the second World Youth Championship final to go to a deciding leg, it was 20-year-old Brooks who scooped the £10,000 title and also secured a place in next month’s William Hill World Darts Championship.

The pair had secured their spot in Sunday’s final at the Ricoh Arena at the end of September, when the early rounds were staged in Barnsley, and could barely be separated across 11 captivating legs.

The lead changed hands five times during the contest as the pair battled to succeed Luke Humphries as champion, with Brooks posting a match-high 104 finish in leg two. Brighton’s Davis, 23, was first to reach five legs as he posted tops in leg nine, with Brooks hitting the same bed to force a deciding leg with a 13-darter.

The Blackburn thrower initially wired tops for the title, but Davis was unable to finish 103 to give Brooks a second chance, which he gratefully took on tops to seal the win. Both players will also compete in the 2021 Grand Slam of Darts, while Brooks’ debut World Championship appearance at Alexandra Palace will cap his third year on the PDC ProTour.

PDC Unicorn World Youth Championship Final

Bradley Brooks 6-5 Joe Davis
Best of 11 legs

Joe Davis v Bradley Brooks – Leg-By-Leg
1-0 – Double ten gives Davis a nerve-settling opening leg.
1-1 – Brooks finishes 104 to level.
1-2 – Brooks breaks throw by landing tops to lead.
2-2 – Brooks misses the bull, and Davis breaks back on tops.
3-2 – Brooks misses tops to finish 112, and Davis capitalises on double 16 to regain the lead.
3-3 – Three missed doubles from Davis allow Brooks to level on double ten.
3-4 – Davis misses three darts at double 18, allowing Brooks to hit double ten once again, breaking throw to move back in front.
4-4 – Davis opens with the game’s first, and punishes missed doubles across two visits from Brooks with double ten to level.
5-4 – Double top edges Davis back ahead as he moves a leg away from the title.
5-5 – Brooks finishes double top for a 13-darter to send the final into a deciding leg.
5-6 – Brooks is first to a finish, wiring tops to take out 72. Davis, though, is unable to finish 103 – leaving 16 – as Brooks returns to this time land tops for glory.

Template - Author: Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals

Template - Author: PDPA Statement on DRA v Kyle McKinstry

The DRA Disciplinary Committee have today announced the final findings and sanctions in their case against Kyle McKinstry.

CLICK HERE for the full announcement:

“While the PDPA condemns his actions, we have offered support and assistance to Kyle throughout proceedings, as we would for any member, and he is aware of the further support available through our various partners.

“In addition to our Betting Integrity Module, The PDPA recently hosted two online seminars presented by Sporting Chance on the subjects of Gambling & Betting Integrity. Recorded versions are available to PDPA by request.

“Further help and guidance on these issues is available via the PDPA.

The PDPA

Template - Author: BoyleSports Grand Slam of Darts

Jose de Sousa ensured a dream ending to his fairy-tale run at the BoyleSports Grand Slam of Darts as he defeated James Wade 16-12 in the final in Coventry on Tuesday.

De Sousa makes history by becoming the first Portuguese winner of a televised PDC ranking event and just the sixth player to lift the Eric Bristow Trophy. The 46-year-old completed a life-changing week with a 158 checkout, his highest of the tournament, to seal the momentous victory before immediately bursting into tears of joy.

“This is a dream come true, I can’t explain my feelings in this moment,” said an overwhelmed De Sousa. “This is the greatest day of my life. When I hit the 158 finish I knew I was going to cry straight away.

“There is so much work behind me to get to this position. I am so thankful to everyone. “Five years ago I was on my sofa at home watching the guys play on TV and I wished that maybe some day I can play against these wonderful players.

A nervy start to his first televised final saw De Sousa miss nine doubles across the opening three legs, allowing Wade chances which he took to lead 3-0. However, De Sousa responded strongly with a break of throw and grew into the contest, with a 130 checkout seeing him level at five-all.

From there, the Portuguese took out 70 to lead for the first time at 6-5 and never looked back as he won four of the next six legs to open up daylight at 10-7. The following leg saw De Sousa begin with six perfect darts, but a stunning 161 checkout from Wade ensured a vital hold of throw and reduced the gap to two legs.

The next two legs went the way of De Sousa to lead 12-8, but Wade won the next two to halve the arrears and apply pressure to his opponent. However, De Sousa showed no signs of surrendering his advantage and pulled away from Wade before landing a 158 checkout to seal the biggest moment of his short PDC career.

The win catapults De Sousa up to 15th on the PDC Order of Merit as he continues his astonishing rise through the ranks since joining the professional circuit in January 2019.

Group A

Joe Cullen 2-5 Gabriel Clemens / Michael van Gerwen 5-0 Adam Hunt
Joe Cullen 5-4 Adam Hunt / Michael van Gerwen 5-1 Gabriel Clemens
Joe Cullen 3-5 Michael van Gerwen / Adam Hunt 5-2 Gabriel Clemens

Michael van Gerwen 4pts (+9) GROUP A WINNER
Adam Hunt 2pts (-3) RUNNER UP
Gabriel Clemens 2pts (-4)
Joe Cullen 2pts (-4)

Group B

Simon Whitlock 5-3 Ryan Searle / Gary Anderson 5-3 Adam Gawlas
Ryan Searle 5-4 Adam Gawlas / Gary Anderson 1-5 Simon Whitlock
Ryan Searle 3-5 Gary Anderson / Simon Whitlock 5-4 Adam Gawlas

Simon Whitlock 6pts (+7) GROUP B WINNER
Gary Anderson 4pts (0) RUNNER UP
Ryan Searle 2pts (-3)
Adam Gawlas 0pts (-4)

Group C

Krzysztof Ratajski 4-5 Jose De Sousa / Michael Smith 5-1 Lisa Ashton
Krzysztof Ratajski 5-4 Lisa Ashton / Michael Smith 5-2 Jose De Sousa
Lisa Ashton 1-5 Jose De Sousa / Michael Smith 5-2 Krzysztof Ratajski

Michael Smith 4pts (+10) GROUP C WINNER
Jose De Sousa 4pts (+2) RUNNER UP
Krzysztof Ratajski 2pts (-3)
Lisa Ashton 0pts (-9)

Group D

Rob Cross 5-1 Justin Pipe / Dave Chisnall 5-4 Luke Humphries
Luke Humphries 5-4 Justin Pipe / Rob Cross 2-5 Dave Chisnall
Rob Cross 5-3 Luke Humphries / Dave Chisnall 5-2 Justin Pipe

Dave Chisnall 6pts (+7) GROUP D WINNER
Rob Cross 4pts (+3) RUNNER UP
Luke Humphries 2pts (-2)
Justin Pipe 0pts (-8)

Group E

Peter Wright 4-5 Dirk van Duijvenbode / Ian White 2-5 Devon Petersen
Peter Wright 5-3 Ian White / Devon Petersen 5-2 Dirk van Duijvenbode
Peter Wright 2-5 Devon Petersen / Ian White 5-1 Dirk van Duijvenbode

Devon Petersen 6pts (+9)
Ian White 2pts (-1)
Peter Wright 2pts (-2)
Dirk van Duijvenbode 2pts (-6)

Group F

James Wade 5-2 Damon Heta / Glen Durrant 1-5 Jermaine Wattimena
Glen Durrant 1-5 Damon Heta / James Wade 5-3 Jermaine Wattimena
Glen Durrant 2-5 James Wade / Damon Heta 5-4 Jermaine Wattimena

James Wade 6pts (+8) GROUP F WINNER
Damon Heta 4pts (+2) RUNNER UP
Jermaine Wattimena 2pts (+1)
Glen Durrant 0pts (-11)

Group G

Jonny Clayton 5-4 Ryan Joyce / Gerwyn Price 5-4 Mikuru Suzuki
Ryan Joyce 5-1 Mikuru Suzuki / Gerwyn Price 5-3 Jonny Clayton
Jonny Clayton 5-0 Mikuru Suzuki / Gerwyn Price 5-4 Ryan Joyce

Gerwyn Price 6pts (+4) GROUP G WINNER
Jonny Clayton 4pts (+4) RUNNER UP
Ryan Joyce 2pts (+2)
Mikuru Suzuki 0pts (-10)

Group H

Nathan Aspinall 5-0 Wayne Warren / Dimitri Van den Bergh 5-1 Ricky Evans
Ricky Evans 5-3 Wayne Warren / Nathan Aspinall 1-5 Dimitri Van den Bergh
Wayne Warren 1-5 Dimitri van den Bergh / Nathan Aspinall 5-1 Ricky Evans

Dimitri Van den Bergh 6pts (+12) GROUP H WINNER
Nathan Aspinall 4pts (+5) RUNNER UP
Ricky Evans 2pts (-6)
Wayne Warren 0pts (-11)

Last 16

Dimitri Van den Bergh 10-3 Jonny Clayton
James Wade 10-4 Ian White
Simon Whitlock 10-6 Adam Hunt
Dave Chisnall 7-10 Jose De Sousa
Michael Smith 10-9 Rob Cross
Devon Petersen 7-10 Damon Heta
Michael van Gerwen 10-2 Gary Anderson
Gerwyn Price 8-10 Nathan Aspinall

Quarter Finals

Michael Smith 14-16 Jose De Sousa
Damon Heta 13-16 James Wade
Nathan Aspinall 15-16 Dimitri Van den Bergh
Michael van Gerwen 15-16 Simon Whitlock

Semi-Finals

Simon Whitlock 12-16 Jose de Sousa
James Wade 16-15 Dimitri van den Bergh

Template - Author: William Hill World Championship

Fans are set to return to PDC darts in the UK next month when the 2020/21 William Hill World Darts Championship is held from December 15-January 3 at Alexandra Palace in London.

Coverage of darts’ biggest event will be broadcast on the dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel.

The 96-player tournament will see players from across the globe competing for £2.5 million in prize money and the prestigious Sid Waddell Trophy in 28 sessions of action throughout the festive period.

Following the UK government’s announcement on Monday of their post-lockdown plans in England from December 2 onwards, the PDC will be announcing ticket details for the event shortly subject to the event receiving the relevant approvals.

Information will be posted once confirmed at www.pdc.tv/tickets, where fans can also sign up to receive email updates.

The World Championship’s opening nine days at Alexandra Palace from December 15 until the Christmas break will see the first and second rounds take place. The action will resume with the third and fourth rounds across four days between Christmas and New Year, with play from December 27-30.

New Year’s Day will see the quarter-finals take place, with the semi-finals on Saturday January 2 ahead of the showpiece final on Sunday January 3.

The world’s top 32 players will enter the tournament at the second round stage, with the first round featuring the 32 qualifiers from the ProTour Order of Merit coming up against 32 international representatives.

Global TV coverage will be headlined by non-stop darts action on the exclusive Sky Sports Darts channel, which will run from December 15-January 4 and see live broadcasts accompanied by archive footage and special programming.

“Whilst 2020 has been an uncertain and unprecedented year in so many ways, to have the William Hill World Darts Championship on the horizon is fantastic for everyone involved in our sport,”said PDC Chairman Barry Hearn.

“We’ll have 28 sessions across 16 days in this year’s World Championship, and whilst some aspects of the event will naturally be different in the current climate the action on the oche will be as sensational as ever. “Our players have been superb throughout the challenging times of 2020 and I’m delighted that they can end the year by playing for our biggest prize in the World Championship.

“We’re also grateful for the continued support of our sponsors and partners, notably William Hill, Alexandra Palace and Sky Sports, who will again be running their 24/7 Sky Sports Darts channel throughout the festive feast of darts.”

The 2019/20 William Hill World Darts Championship was a huge success, culminating in Peter Wright’s historic first victory as he defeated Michael van Gerwen in the final, while Fallon Sherrock became the first female player to win in the tournament with her defeats of Ted Evetts and Mensur Suljovic, gaining worldwide recognition.

Three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen is currently the 3/1 pre-tournament favourite with title sponsors William Hill ahead of this year’s event. Gerwyn Price is 9/2 to cap a sensational year on the circuit with his first World Championship win, while reigning champion Peter Wright is 5/1 to retain the Sid Waddell Trophy.

The draw for the William Hill World Darts Championship will be made on Thursday December 3 live on Sky Sports News, with the field being confirmed on Monday November 30 following the PDC Tour Card Holder Qualifier event in Coventry.

William Hill World Darts Championship Session Schedule

Tuesday December 15
3x First Round, 1x Second Round

Wednesday December 16
Afternoon Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Evening Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round

Thursday December 17
Afternoon Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Evening Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round

Friday December 18
Afternoon Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Evening Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round

Saturday December 19
Afternoon Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Evening Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round

Sunday December 20
Afternoon Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Evening Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round

Monday December 21
4x Second Round

Tuesday December 22
Afternoon Session
4x Second Round
Evening Session
4x Second Round

Wednesday December 23
Afternoon Session
4x Second Round
Evening Session
4x Second Round

Sunday December 27
Afternoon Session
3x Third Round
Evening Session
3x Third Round

Monday December 28
Afternoon Session
3x Third Round
Evening Session
3x Third Round

Tuesday December 29
Afternoon Session
3x Third Round
Evening Session
1x Third Round, 2x Fourth Round

Wednesday December 30
Afternoon Session
3x Fourth Round
Evening Session
3x Fourth Round

Friday January 1
Afternoon Session
2x Quarter-Finals
Evening Session
2x Quarter-Finals

Saturday January 2
Semi-Finals

Sunday January 3
Final

Template - Author: THRIVE Wellbeing App for friends and family

The THRIVE wellbeing APP has been used by our members for sometime now, and in a continuation of our partnership we can announce this is now available to members friends and family.

The consequences of the coronavirus pandemic continue to cause a lot of anxiety and worry for all of us. The PDPA continues to provide mental and emotional health support for all of our members, including FREE subscription to the THRIVE mental wellbeing app.  

CLICK HERE to see the video

Download from the App Store now and sign up using your access code:

At this time, we’d like to do something to support your loved ones too and are delighted to be able to team up with THRIVE in offering them a FREE three-month subscription to the app throughout the lockdown and winter period.

THRIVE Friends + Family Download Card_compressed

Template - Author: Players Championship 23 PDC WS 5

Cullen defeated Polish number one Krzysztof Ratajski 8-4 in the final with a 105.1 average to follow up his European Tour event win in October.

The title looked unlikely for the world number 17 as he trailed Justin Pipe 5-0 in the opening round, but an incredible comeback sparked a run of six further victories to claim the final Players Championship event of the year.

With Ratajski leading 2-1 in the opening stages, the Polish World Cup star missed break opportunities, allowing Cullen to level up. A break of throw soon followed for Cullen to go 5-3 in front, a lead which the Yorkshireman pressed home for the remainder of the match.

Elsewhere, the fifth of five consecutive days of Players Championship events at the Ricoh Arena saw Kim Huybrechts and Andy Boulton reach ProTour semi-finals for the first time in over two years.

Having picked up titles on both the first two days, Michael Smith ends the Winter Series Order of Merit on top, while Jermaine Wattimena qualifies for the BoyleSports Grand Slam of Darts as the highest ranked non-qualified player.

Players Championship Finals: The top 64 players on the PC OoM Table after todays event will qualify CLICK HERE for this table.

World Championship: There are two more TV events to go, but the final positions on the PTOoM table will concluded today CLICK HERE for the race table. The 2 TV events have prize money to add to the OoM.

Top of Winter Series OoM Table after all events:

1 – Michael Smith £23,500
2 – Joe Cullen £17,500
3 – Peter Wright £15,000
4 – Jose de Sousa £15,000
5 – Gerwyn Price £11,500
6 – Damon Heta £11,500
7 – Jermaine Wattimena £10,250 (Top Non Qualified player for GSoD)
8 – Brendan Dolan £8,750

PDC Players Championship 23

Saturday 14th November

QUARTER FINALS
Adrian Lewis 2 v 6 Krzysztof Ratajski
Kim Huybrechts 6 v 4 Ryan Joyce
Peter Wright 5 v 6 Andy Boulton
Daryl Gurney 5 v 6 Joe Cullen

SEMI FINAL
Krzysztof Ratajski 7 v 2 Kim Huybrechts
Andy Boulton 3 v 7 Joe Cullen

FINAL
Krzysztof Ratajski 4 v 8 Joe Cullen
FULL RESULTS CLICK HERE

PDC Players Championship 22

Friday 13th November

QUARTER FINALS
Adrian Lewis 5-3 Ryan Murray
Jose de Sousa 6-3 Jonny Clayton
Peter Wright 6-3 Jermaine Wattimena
Damon Heta 2-6 Joe Cullen

SEMI FINAL
Adrian Lewis 5-7 Jose de Sousa
Peter Wright 7-1 Joe Cullen

FINAL
Jose de Sousa 7-8 Peter Wright
FULL RESULTS CLICK HERE

PDC Players Championship 21

Thursday 12th November

QUARTER FINALS
Gerwyn Price 6-4 Stephen Bunting
Ryan Searle 3-6 William O’Connor
Callan Rydz 6-2 Ian White
Krzysztof Kciuk 2-6 Damon Heta

SEMI FINAL
Gerwyn Price 7-3 William O’Connor
Callan Rydz 5-7 Damon Heta

FINAL
Gerwyn Price 8-6 Damon Heta
FULL RESULTS CLICK HERE

PDC Players Championship 20

Wednesday 11th November

QUARTER FINALS
Gabriel Clemens 1-6 Michael Smith
Vincent van der Voort 6-0 Darius Labanauskas
Brendan Dolan 3-6 Joe Cullen
Jeffrey de Zwaan 5-6 Jose de Sousa

SEMI FINAL
Michael Smith 7-3 Vincent van der Voort
Joe Cullen 2-7 Jose de Sousa

FINAL
Michael Smith 8-7 Jose de Sousa
FULL RESULTS CLICK HERE

PDC Players Championship 19

Tuesday 10th November

QUARTER FINALS
Vincent van der Voort 3-6 Jermaine Wattimena
Damon Heta 0-6 Brendan Dolan
Jose de Sousa 6-3 Peter Wright
Conan Whitehead 2-6 Michael Smith

SEMI FINAL
Jermaine Wattimena 7-3 Brendan Dolan
Jose de Sousa 5-7 Michael Smith

FINAL
Jermaine Wattimena 6-8 Michael Smith
FULL RESULTS CLICK HERE

Template - Author: PDPA Announcement

Alan Glazier who was well known as ‘The Ton Machine’ has sadly passed away after illness ages 81.

Alan was one of the first darts players who turned professional in an attempt to make a full-time living from the game of darts as it grew in popularity during the 1970s.

He was one of the players who appeared in the very first World Professional Darts Championship in 1978, losing against Alan Evans in the first round.

In 1979, he reached the quarter-finals at the Embassy World Championship before being beaten by Tony Brown.

His best run at the World Championships came in 1986, when he reached the semi-finals for the only time, falling to Eric Bristow 5-3. Glazier’s last appearance at the Lakeside Country Club was in 1987, when he lost in the first round to Richie Gardner.

Outside of the World Championship, Glazier managed to reach the final of the News of the World Darts Championship in 1979 where he lost to Bobby George and won the Swedish Open in 1978.

Glazier appeared on the UK television show Bullseye 15 times as one of the professionals and he represented England 27 times between the years 1974–1988.

Our sincere condolences to all his friends and family.

RIP Alan Glazier ‘The Ton Machine’

Template - Author: Grand Slam Qualifier

Dave Chisnall, Krzysztof Ratajski and Simon Whitlock headlined the eight players to qualify for the BoyleSports Grand Slam of Darts at Monday’s PDC Tour Card Holder Qualifier in Coventry.

All Tour Card Holders not to have secured qualification for the televised event took part in the qualifier at the Ricoh Arena, where the Grand Slam of Darts will be played from November 16-24. World number ten Chisnall, a Grand Slam runner-up in 2014, edged out Brendan Dolan 5-4 in their decider.

Fresh from competing in the World Cup of Darts, Poland’s Ratajski and Australia’s Whitlock also made it through with final defeats over Mickey Mansell and Matthew Edgar. Ricky Evans and Justin Pipe booked returns to the event for the first time since 2013, while German number one Gabriel Clemens ensured back-to-back appearances and North East pair Ryan Joyce and Adam Hunt secured debuts.

A final qualifying place will be awarded to the highest-placed player on the Winter Series Order of Merit (excluding players who have already qualified). Winners of Winter Series events who have not already qualified will join Ian White and Ryan Searle on the qualification ‘reserve list’.

The draw for the BoyleSports Grand Slam of Darts will be made on Saturday November 14 following confirmation of the final qualifiers for the event at the end of the PDC Winter Series.

Current Grand Slam of Darts Qualifiers CLICK HERE The final place will come from the Winter Series event, where the highest player on the final table who has not yet qualified will take the final spot.

Template - Author: World Cup win for Wales

The Welsh duo of Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton secured their country’s first BetVictor World Cup of Darts title on Sunday night after a dominant 3-0 win over England in the final.

Wales, appearing in the final for the third time, punished Michael Smith and Rob Cross in ruthless fashion whitewashing the English pair in Salzburg to claim a £70,000 top prize. The opening Singles tie of the final saw world number three Gerwyn Price take on Michael Smith, with the Welshman overcoming his opponent in a 4-1 victory.

The crucial moment in the encounter came in the fourth leg when Price broke throw to punish Smith for missing six darts at a double to hold. World number four Smith was unable to recover as Wales took a 1-0 lead in the tie.

That advantage was then doubled when Jonny Clayton averaged 105 in a 4-2 win over Rob Cross to put his side one victory away from the crown. Clayton and Price didn’t have to wait long to seal their victory, beating the English team 4-3 in the Doubles match, with Price taking out 64 on tops and the team finishing with a sensational average of 103.

Wales become only the fourth team to claim World Cup glory after previous wins for England, Netherlands and 2019 winners Scotland. Price has claimed back-to-back Grand Slam of Darts wins over the past two years, won October’s World Grand Prix and also took the World Series of Darts Finals titles at the Salzburgarena in September.

Wales’ success also means that Clayton qualifies for the forthcoming BoyleSports Grand Slam of Darts in Coventry.

BetVictor World Cup of Darts

QUARTER FINALS
Canada 1-2 Belgium
Singles One: Jeff Smith 1-4 Kim Huybrechts
Singles Two: Matt Campbell 4-1 Dimitri Van den Bergh
Doubles: Canada 2-4 Belgium

England 2-1 Austria
Singles One: Michael Smith 3-4 Mensur Suljovic
Singles Two: Rob Cross 4-3 Rowby-John Rodriguez
Doubles: England 4-3 Austria

Wales 2-1 Australia
Singles One: Gerwyn Price 4-3 Simon Whitlock
Singles Two: Jonny Clayton 2-4 Damon Heta
Doubles: Wales 4-2 Australia

Netherlands 1-2 Germany 
Singles One: Danny Noppert 3-4 Gabriel Clemens
Singles Two: Michael van Gerwen 4-1 Max Hopp
Doubles: Netherlands 3-4 Germany​

SEMI FINALS
England 2-0 Belgium
Singles One: Michael Smith 4-3 Kim Huybrechts
Singles Two: Rob Cross 4-3 Dimitri Van den Bergh
Doubles (not needed):

Wales 2-0 Germany
Singles One: Gerwyn Price 4-2 Gabriel Clemens
Singles Two: Jonny Clayton 4-2 Max Hopp
Doubles (not needed):

FINAL
Wales 3-0 England
Singles One: Gerwyn Price 4-1 Michael Smith
Singles Two: Jonny Clayton 4-2 Rob Cross
Doubles: Wales 4-3 England
Singles Three: Michael Smith v Jonny Clayton (not needed)
Singles Four: Rob Cross v Gerwyn Price (not needed)

Winners: £70,000
Runners-Up: £40,000
Semi-Finalists: £24,000
Quarter-Finalists: £16,000
Second Round Losers: £8,000
First Round Losers: £4,000
Total: £350,000

Template - Author: PDPA partners with GAMSTOP

The Professional Darts Players Association has announced a partnership with GAMSTOP, to raise awareness of the tools available to those wishing to self-exclude from online gambling.

GAMSTOP is the free, independent service that allows people to exclude themselves from online gambling websites. As of March 31^st 2020, registration with GAMSTOP has been a condition of holding a Gambling Commission license for all British online operators.

The partnership will entail the PDPA raising awareness of the self-exclusion tool among its members through practical workshops, internal communications and through both organisations sharing key graphics and information across social media channels to reach players and the general public.

Those who register with GAMSTOP can choose to exclude themselves from every gambling site for a minimum period of six months, one year or five years. They cannot then remove themselves from the scheme until their self-exclusion period has expired, and if they do not contact GAMSTOP, their registration is automatically rolled over for up to seven years.

This builds on the PDPA’s existing gambling education and preventative measures, which include PDPA-funded gambling education and treatment for gambling addiction provided by Sporting Chance.

More than 160,000 people have already registered with GAMSTOP, which also works closely with gambling charities. Anyone who contacts the service, either through the website or by calling the helpline, is referred to specialist advisors if they need additional help and support with their gambling issues.

PDPA Chairman Peter Manley said: “The PDPA is committed to the wellbeing of our players and we recognise the importance of prevention, education and treatment of gambling problems, including addiction.

“Our partnership with GAMSTOP enables us to raise awareness to our members of a practical tool that helps many people protect themselves from the dangers of online gambling.”

Fiona Palmer, chief executive of GAMSTOP, said: “We at GAMSTOP are already impressed with the work the PDPA is doing in training, and so we’re thrilled that GAMSTOP can now be added to their offering as a practical tool.

“Both organisations share a commitment to protecting and educating those who need help, and we look forward to this partnership ensuring we can reach more people.”

To begin the process of self-excluding from online gambling sites in the UK, please visit: https://www.gamstop.co.uk/

Template - Author: Unibet European Championship Final

The World Champion scooped the £120,000 top prize and returns to second spot on the PDC Order of Merit, jumping above Gerwyn Price, after claiming his fifth title of 2020.

In the process, he denied Jonny Clayton a first televised title with an 11-8 semi-final triumph and then ended Wade’s hopes of claiming his second European Championship win in three years.

Wright averaged over 102 in his semi-final tie, but a tight contest turned in leg 18 when Clayton miscounted on a 111 finish to level, and the Scot stepped in to take a crucial 10-8 lead before closing out the win.

Wright then carried that momentum into the final against Wade, opening with back-to-back 13-dart legs and taking a 4-1 advantage, only to see the left-hander take out 121 to cut the gap to one leg.

Wade, though, missed a dart at tops to level in leg eight as Wright took a 5-3 lead, with a 13-darter extending his advantage before the 2018 winner hit back in 14 to trail 6-4.

Wright found another gear to set up possible nine-darters by opening the next two legs with 180s, taking out legs of 12 and 11 darts to surge into an 8-4 advantage, before punishing two misses from Wade to move five clear.

He then finished 143 to move a leg away from victory as Wade again missed two darts at a double, before checking out 125 to secure the title in style.

Wade had come from 3-1 and 8-6 down in his semi-final with Devon Petersen to win 11-10 in a deciding leg, as the pair shared six ton-plus checkouts in an exciting contest.

Sunday November 1st
SEMI FINALS (21)
James Wade 11-10 Devon Petersen
Jonny Clayton 8-11 Peter Wright

FINAL (21)
James Wade 4-11 Peter Wright

The PDC reserves the right to change the schedule of play. Should any player withdraw, PDC Rule 3.7 would apply, and a replacement player would be found from the European Tour Order of Merit. The schedule for the second round onwards will be confirmed at the conclusion of the previous day’s play.

Prize Fund

Winner – £120,000
Runner-up – £60,000
Semi-Finalists – £32,000
Quarter-Finalists – £20,000
Last 16 – £10,000
Last 32 – £6,000
Total – £500,000

Template - Author: Jamie Caven joins the PDPA board

Jamie Caven has joined the PDPA Board of Directors.

Caven joins long-serving directors Peter Manley (Chairman), Alan Warriner-Little (CEO), Jacques Nieuwlaat and Andy Scott on the Board. His appointment is effective immediately.

The 44-year-old is well known in professional darts, having won seven PDC titles – including the rare achievement of completing ProTour tournament victories on consecutive days.

“I’m delighted to join the PDPA Board,” said Caven, who competed on the Challenge Tour in 2020.

“The PDPA has impressed me, particularly during what has been a difficult year, with the wide ranging support they provide for players.

“I’m still an active player and feel I can bring a fresh perspective to the table and help promote the many services available to the members.”

Caven applied to be and was accepted as a Director by virtue of the PDPA AGM process.

In line with this process, he will join the Board for an interim period of six months, with election of board members taking place on a bi-annual basis.

PDPA CEO Alan Warriner-Little added: “We are delighted to have Jamie on Board.

“He has shown great interest and enthusiasm in helping us serve our members and, having played on the ProTour for many years and very recently, we’re sure he can add to what we do and help us ensure that our members are aware of all of the help and support that is available to them.”

Template - Author: PDPA and Wessel Nijman Statement

Following an investigation and hearing, the Darts Regulation Authority has ruled that PDPA associate member Wessel Nijman has been suspended from the sport for a period of five years.

Two-and-a-half years of this ban will be suspended on the condition that Nijman continues to engage in player education and anti-corruption measures as agreed with the DRA.

The PDPA condemns the actions of any player found to be in breach of betting integrity and anti-corruption rules.

However, we are pleased that Nijman’s admission of guilt, full cooperation with the DRA and PDPA, and his enthusiastic intention to engage in player education and anti-corruption measures has been reflected in the DRA’s ruling.

Nijman has issued the following statement in response to the DRA Disciplinary Committee decision:

“I would like to start by reiterating my sincere regret and apology for the mistakes I have made. I fully accept the outcome of my hearing.

While it is clear that I was put under external pressure, ultimately I agreed to do this and take full responsibility for my actions.

I know that I should have immediately reported this contact to the DRA anti-corruption department or sought guidance from the PDPA, my management or the police.

I hope any other player who finds themselves in a similar position will learn from my mistakes and follow the correct procedure to help protect their own integrity and the integrity of darts as a sport.

Unfortunately, I did not do that and made a stupid mistake that I am rightly being punished for.

I will miss playing competitive darts but will work hard to help the DRA and PDPA with education and anti-corruption initiatives after learning a lot from this experience.

I want to take this opportunity to again place on record my deepest apologies to everyone affected by my actions. This includes my family, who have supported me throughout my life and career, my management and sponsors, the PDC, PDPA and everybody involved in darts, including fans.

I now want to focus on finding a way to make amends and will do everything I can to ensure that my experience is used to deter others from making similar mistakes in the future.

I have said everything I want to say on the matter and will not be making any further comments.”

Nijman’s suspension is backdated to 18 August 2020 when he was initially suspended pending the hearing.

Full details of the hearing can be found via the DRA website thedra.co.uk

The PDPA recently hosted two online seminars presented by Sporting Chance on the subjects of Gambling & Betting Integrity. Recorded versions are available to PDPA by request.

Further help and guidance on these issues is available via the PDPA.

The PDPA condemns the offence carried out by Wessel Nijman and supports the outcome of the hearing but remains supportive of his attitude, cooperation and engagement throughout the process. We are encouraged by his enthusiasm to use his experience to help others and look forward to facilitating that in the education we provide for our members.

We will continue to offer support and guidance for any of our members and encourage members in need of such help to contact the PDPA at the earliest opportunity.

Please note: The case of Kyle McKinstry is ongoing, therefore no further statements are appropriate at this time. 

Template - Author: Cullen claims International Darts Open title

Template - Author: PDC Women’s Series Final Day

Lisa Ashton and Deta Hedman claimed places in the William Hill World Darts Championship as the PDC Women’s Series concluded on Sunday, despite Fallon Sherrock winning Event Four in Barnsley.

Ashton and Hedman had shared victories in the first two of four Women’s Series events on Saturday, with Ashton then claiming her second victory of the weekend in Sunday’s Event Three.

Sherrock went on to take victory in Event Four, but Hedman’s run to the quarter-finals eventually proved just enough as she claimed the World Championship place by virtue of Legs Won across the four events.

PDC Women’s Series Event Prize Funds:

Winner £1,000
Runner-Up £600
Semi-Finalists £400
Quarter-Finalists £250
Last 16 £100
Last 32 £50
Total £5,000

Final Table after all events (Top 8):

1 Lisa Ashton £2,450 (Qualifies for William Hill World Championship)
2 Deta Hedman £2,250 (+85 Legs) (Qualifies for William Hill World Championship)
3 Fallon Sherrock £2,250 (+83 Legs)
4 Corrine Hammond £1,350
5 Aileen de Graaf £1,000
6 Lorraine Winstanley £800
7 Vicky Pruim £650
8 Felicia Blay £550

PDC Women’s Series Event 4

QUARTER FINALS (7)
(83.10) Fallon Sherrock 4-2 Deta Hedman (75.20)
(75.20) Lisa Ashton 4-0 Eleanor Cairns (61.10)
(84.90) Corrine Hammond 4-2 Lorraine Winstanley (74.30)
(66.10) Laura Turner 4-1 Marie O’Brien (63.90)

SEMI FINALS (9)
(86.60) Fallon Sherrock 5-1 Lisa Ashton (84.70)
(72.50) Corrine Hammond 5-1 Laura Turner (69.20)

FINAL (11)
(87.90) Fallon Sherrock 6-2 Corrine Hammond (83.10)
Full Results Darts Connect CLICK HERE

PDC Women’s Series Event 3

QUARTER FINALS (7)
(87.60) Fallon Sherrock 3-4 Deta Hedman (83.30)
(85.20) Tracy North 4-2 Aileen de Graaf (71.40)
(69.00) Jo Clements 1-4 Corrine Hammond (74.20)
(79.50) Vicky Pruim 3-4 Lisa Ashton (90.00)

SEMI FINALS (9)
(73.00) Deta Hedman 5-0 Tracy North (62.80)
(77.20) Corrine Hammond 4-5 Lisa Ashton (82.50)

FINAL (11)
(76.80) Deta Hedman 3-6 Lisa Ashton (83.40)
Full Results Darts Connect CLICK HERE

PDC Women’s Series Event 2

QUARTER FINALS (7)
(63.00) Tracey Davies 0-4 Aileen de Graaf (71.60)
(69.50) Lorraine Winstanley 4-1 Annemarie Potts (62.10)
(81.20) Deta Hedman 4-0 Vicky Pruim (68.50)
(91.20) Fallon Sherrock 4-1 Donna Gleed (80.60)

SEMI FINALS (9)
(66.70) Aileen de Graaf 5-3 Lorraine Winstanley (75.00
(83.70) Deta Hedman 5-1 Fallon Sherrock (85.30)

FINAL (11)
(75.20) Aileen de Graaf 5-6 Deta Hedman (83.30)
Full Results Dart Connect CLICK HERE

PDC Women’s Series Event 1

QUARTER FINALS (7)
(77.10) Lisa Ashton 4-0 Louise Pearson (75.00)
(73.30) Joanne Locke 4-3 Beau Greaves (73.70)
(85.40) Deta Hedman 4-1 Corrine Hammond (76.50)
(79.10) Fallon Sherrock 4-0 Felcia Blay (71.10)

SEMI FINALS (9)
(85.60) Deta Hedman 4-5 Fallon Sherrock (83.60)
(91.20) Lisa Ashton 5-1 Joanne Locke (82.60)

FINAL (11)
(89.20) Fallon Sherrock 3-6 Lisa Ashton (94.70)
Full Results Darts Connect CLICK HERE

The mini-tour will replace the two separate qualifying tournaments for the World Championship which have been staged over the past two years, offering £20,000 prize money in total across the four events.

Ahead of the four PDC Women’s Series events, a separate, free-to-enter Grand Slam of Darts Qualifier will be staged on Friday October 16, offering one place in November’s tournament. A FREE ‘DartConnect’ account has been arranged for every player with a tutorial area if you are not familiar with this scoring system, this will be sent direct to you ASAP

For the current online event brief please CLICK HERE all further or any updated information will be sent to you direct.

Template - Author: De Sousa wins European Darts Grand Prix

The fast-emerging star from Portugal lived up to his “Special One” nickname by going all the way to glory in only his third appearance on the European Tour since joining the circuit full-time in 2019.

Having whitewashed Germany’s Ricardo Pietreczko to begin his Sindelfingen challenge on Saturday, De Sousa then showed his title credentials with a fine 6-3 third round defeat of Gerwyn Price.

He backed that up with a 98 average in a 6-4 quarter-final defeat of Darius Labanauskas, before surviving one missed match dart against Ian White in a thrilling semi-final. White took out finishes of 126, 120 and 118 as he moved 6-5 up, but missed double 16 for the match in leg 12 before De Sousa fired in an 11-darter in the deciding leg to move into the final.

There, the 46-year-old claimed the scalp of the world number one to take the £25,000 title, joining Price and Devon Petersen as a European Tour winner this season in style. De Sousa averaged almost 106 in the final, finishing eight doubles from 13 attempts and hitting seven 180s in a brilliant performance.

The pair traded 84 finishes in the opening two legs and were locked after four before De Sousa took three in a row, including an 11-darter to break and finishes of 87 and 86. Van Gerwen replied with two 14-darters in the next three legs, but a huge 146 checkout from De Sousa moved him 7-4 up before he wrapped up the win by taking out 88 for a 12-darter.

Van Gerwen survived missed match darts from both Vincent van der Voort and Nathan Aspinall on Sunday, but hit top form with a 170 checkout and seven doubles from 11 attempts in his 7-1 semi-final win over Mensur Suljovic. However, the Dutchman was afforded only five darts at a double by De Sousa in the final – hitting four – as he missed out on a first European Tour title of 2020.

Template - Author: Unibet Premier League goes to Duzza

Template - Author: BetVictor World Cup Draw and Teams