Barney takes a-Part champ

Dutch master topples PDC world champion

By Tony Curtis   Last updated: 7th February 2008

Barney takes a-Part champ

Van Barneveld: Too strong for Part

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Raymond van Barneveld overcame world champion John Part in emphatic fashion to move to the top of the Whyte and Mackay Premier League.

The Dutch master stepped on the accelerator after an even opening to the clash - rattling off four legs on the bounce on his way to an 8-4 victory.

The talented duo had gone toe-to-toe in the opening six legs - however as soon as van Barneveld recorded the decisive break in the seventh leg, Part folded.

The Canadian had the chance to break back immediately, however he was guilty of missing the doubles - with van Barneveld ramming home his advantage.

Van Barneveld then broke Part again before making it 7-3 on his own throw.

Part finally stemmed the flow, however he could do nothing as his 40-year-old rival took the match in the next leg.

Comfortable

And van Barneveld was pleased to have toppled the man that took his PDC world crown.

He told Sky Sports: "I was relaxed out there. Last week, after three or four weeks off I was shaking like a leaf in front of 4,000 people but today I felt more comfortable.

"After the first six sets we were at 3-3, but then I broke him and went on to make it 8-4.

"I am very please to beat John with him being the world champion."

Phil Taylor bounced back from his first-ever Premier League defeat to topple his protégé Adrian Lewis 8-4.

Taylor, who lost to James Wade in the opening round of fixtures, overcame a scrappy opening to see off Lewis.

Both players were guilty of wasting chances as Lewis refused to let Taylor have things his own way.

However despite leveling at 3-3, Lewis could not keep up with the pace - with Taylor rattling off five of the next six legs to secure the victory.

Enjoyed

The 13-time world champion, though, felt that the score was harsh on his rival.

He told Sky Sports: "I really enjoyed it. I think the score flattered me a little bit as Adrian played really well.

"In a couple of the legs he missed a couple of doubles... but then so did I. But I think we both played really well."

Taylor's conqueror from the opening night, Wade, overcame the brave fightback off Terry Jenkins to record an 8-6 victory.

Wade had led 5-1 but almost came unstuck as Jenkins came storming back to trail 5-4 and 7-6.

However having missed four match darts in the 13th leg, the 24-year-old Wade just did enough in the decider for victory.

Jenkins, though, still had a chance to level the match - but he missed one shot at double top to secure an unlikely draw.

In the final match of the night, Wayne Mardle snatched a share of the spoils by winning the final leg of the night against Peter Manley.

Manley only missed one double all night, however the heavy scoring of Mardle ensured he remained in touch.

The duo traded darts as neither was player able to open up more than a one-leg advantage - with Mardle clinching the decisive rubber for a 7-7 draw.

Comments (1)

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Jeff Sullivan says...

I think the darts to night was fantastic and exciting for the fans, its was great to see Taylor settle into the league with his win! pity mardle couldnt beat the impressive manley but who would have with his finishing!! roll on the next round of matches!!

Posted 23:18 7th February 2008
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