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Post by donavan on Jul 27, 2017 6:33:07 GMT
Darts players have more hits.
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Post by donavan on Jul 29, 2017 6:37:18 GMT
Fifteen-time champion Phil Taylor put on a stunning display to thrash world number one Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay.
Taylor, 56, was roared on by a partisan crowd at Blackpool's Winter Gardens and averaged over 101 on his way to a 16-6 victory.
The world number nine hit 10 maximums and found 57% of his doubles.
Taylor said: "Eric Bristow text me saying 'one leg at a time'. That's what I did. Rankings don't mean anything."
Taylor raced into a 4-0 lead and led 8-2 by the second interval as Van Gerwen uncharacteristically struggled to take opportunities, notably when missing three chances at a double at 5-1 down.
Some fans at the venue chose to boo the current world champion, who won the World Matchplay last year.
"I knew the crowd would give him some stick but he normally thrives on that," added Taylor, who last won the tournament in 2014.
"When we are in Holland, the Dutch players get what we have just got. I've played Michael twice in Rotterdam and that's what it's like.
"But he's not been right all week."
Taylor will now face Adrian Lewis in the last four on Saturday. The world number four beat Alan Norris 16-13 despite struggling with a back injury after recent surgery.
Daryl Gurney takes on Peter Wright in the other semi-final.
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Post by donavan on Jul 31, 2017 9:33:24 GMT
Taylor wins 16th World Matchplay
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Post by donavan on Oct 26, 2017 13:56:13 GMT
The game of bridge cannot be considered a sport, the European Court of Justice has ruled.
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Post by donavan on Dec 10, 2017 8:02:55 GMT
The 25th edition of the PDC World Championships rolls into town on Thursday, as darts fans are treated to 18 days of pure tungsten theatre.
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Post by bimble on Dec 21, 2017 16:43:10 GMT
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Post by donavan on Dec 21, 2017 18:02:38 GMT
Just had a quick glimpse. Haven't seen it. In the pub at the mo. Will give it my full attention when I get home shortly. Super.
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Post by donavan on Dec 21, 2017 20:03:46 GMT
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Post by donavan on Dec 30, 2017 19:59:46 GMT
Stand up if you love the darts!
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Post by donavan on Dec 31, 2017 0:14:45 GMT
Fuck me. Try telling Rob Cross it's not a sport.
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Post by donavan on Jan 2, 2018 6:12:47 GMT
Debutant Rob Cross who only turned professional at the start of 2017, won the PDC World Championship title as 16-time champion Phil Taylor's final appearance ended in a 7-2 defeat at Alexandra Palace.
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Post by donavan on Jan 11, 2018 17:15:10 GMT
Sam Quek: Hockey Olympian Champion -
THOSE of you who follow me on Twitter will already be aware I spent some of New Year’s Day glued to the PDC World Champ-ionship darts final.
As a complete newbie, I followed the latter stages to its climax where, in a thrilling display of ruthless accuracy and spectacular composure, rookie Rob Cross (pictured) condemned legend Phil Taylor to retirement without a fairytale 17th world title.
While tweeting about my admiration for the skill and amazing holding of nerve, I received some cynicism in return for getting so passionate, one such person replying to remind me ‘it’s only darts’.
Someone who shared my enthusiasm was Rugby World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward, who went so far as to say darts should be in the Olympics. Like mine, his tweet attracted some scepticism, the most high-profile from ex-Fiji rugby sevens coach Ben Ryan who replied ‘darts in the Olympics — this should never happen’ and ‘I like watching darts but it’s not a sport’.
His view surprised me, as he significantly benefited from the International Olympic Committee’s open-mindedness in allowing sevens in for Rio, with his Fiji team going on to win gold in what many called the moment of the Games.
Perhaps the memories of winning Fiji’s first Olympic medal had replaced those of the struggles World Rugby had in getting the sport recognised by the IOC, a decision many deemed controversial at the time, though few could subsequently deny it wasn’t a roaring success.
The Olympics is all about sport and Ryan’s view on darts hangs on his and many others’ apparent belief it cannot be defined as a sport.
Generally, sport is defined in three ways: it must involve an element of competition… CHECK; it must involve an element of skill… CHECK; and it must involve physical exertion… I imagine this is where the opposition comes from.
Throwing a dart is without doubt ‘physical exertion’, so why is there any disagreement? I believe it’s because some people seem to have applied their own interpretation of the level of physical exertion required, which seems a little odd for me given few seem to argue about the level of competition needed for a sport to be regarded as such.
Competition is defined as an activity where superiority of some form is established over others.
When Manchester United face Yeovil in the FA Cup at the end of the month, will people suggest the match is not a sporting contest given the level of competition isn’t of a high enough standard, with United second in the Premier League and cash-strapped Yeovil 21st in the fourth tier? Of course they won’t. I have no problem with darts being in the Olympics because I believe it wholeheartedly to be a sport, but I would particularly like it to be included due to its accessibility.
Unlike sailing or equestrian, the ‘equipment’ isn’t expensive. Unlike curling or archery, you don’t require a specialist facility or a large space. Unlike hockey or sevens, you don’t need to be part of a team. And unlike judo or boxing, you are unlikely to get hurt.
Unlike swimming or weightlifting, there is no prerequisite or benefit to being particularly strong, physically fit or a certain shape or size. Almost anyone can do it.
The idea almost anyone, no matter what their circumstances, could achieve their dream of representing their country and become an Olympic champion, like I was so fortunate to do, sits very well with me.
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Post by donavan on Jan 14, 2018 8:00:23 GMT
Sits very well with me too.
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Post by donavan on Jan 15, 2018 13:14:36 GMT
If there’s one thing that makes me throw up it’s a dartboard on the ceiling!
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Post by donavan on Mar 3, 2018 13:01:40 GMT
When I told my wife I was looking at flights on the internet, she got very excited!
Which was odd as she's never shown an interest in darts before.
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