By:
Alan Tabern
Date:
31 May 2010
I have a good record at the UK Open in Bolton and I am hoping that I can keep that going this year. It's a tough contest as being a seeded player makes you a target for all the qualifiers and everyone is looking to cause an upset.
The fans are the same and they love to get behind an underdog and see one of the more famous faces going home early. I am hoping I won't be on the reciving end although on the bright side being just down the road I won't have far to travel.
Cheers, Alan.
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By:
Alan Tabern
Date:
05 Jun 2010
I feel grateful and just a bit lucky to be in the competition as I just squeezed home 9-8 against Stephen Hardy last night. However a win is a win and the main thing is that I am through. Stephen might not be a household name but he played very well and it shows the strength in depth that is in the PDC now.
The heat in the audotorium was stifling last night and I am hoping that it will be a bit cooler today. A few players were wilting, however I can't use that as an excuse and I know I will have to play a lot better to remain in the competition.
I have drawn Roland Scholten today and whilst he has had a lean time of it due to a shoulder injury it will be a tough game as he is a quality player. Let's hope I can do the business and keep my chances alive.
Cheers, Alan.
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By:
Alan Tabern
Date:
06 Jun 2010
I am disappointed to have lost out in the UK Open but Tony Ayres played well and sometimes you have to shrug your shoulders and say you lost to the better man on the day.
After he earlier beat my fellow Target Darts sponsored player Mark Walsh I knew Tony was playing well and he ground out a good victory against me and all the best to him for the rest of the tournament.
It's been a period of transition as I am now playing with some new Target made darts - having changed dart manufacturers recently. Changing your darts is a big thing, however the new darts feel good and I am pleased with the way I have been playing in practice. Hopefully that form will be replicated on the big stage soon.
All the best, Alan.
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By:
Alan Tabern
Date:
08 Jul 2010
Just got back from Las Vegas and it was a great trip - albeit all work and no play. I went with the sole intention of keeping my place in the top16 and I needed to perform consistently to make sure that happened.
It was made more difficult by the fact that I had a great tournament two years ago, where I got to the quarter-final of the Desert Classic, and I could not defend that money as this this tournament has now been cancelled from the PDC calendar.
I am the first to admit that my form dipped for a while and it is difficult to put my finger on why. I will say though that the PDC is getting much tougher in terms of competition and even in first round games you will find yourself playing someone who will be a very good player.
I feel that my form is getting back to what it was a couple of years ago and I can put that down in part to my new Target Darts. I am very happy with the way things have gone since I signed with the company and I feel very comfortable with my new darts.
I played some great darts in Vegas, and won my board on two occasions and my board final on the third day, all this meant that I kept my top 16 place and also put some valuable ranking money on my Players Championship ranking too. All this means that I have qualified for both the World Matchplay, and also the European Championship.
The Matchplay is a real favourite of mine - as it is just down the road in Blackpool - it's also a great atmosphere at this time of year with all the tourists enjoying themselves. I also think that the crowds at the Winter Gardens are amongst the most knowledgable and passionate that we get on the PDC circuit. It's all set up for a great week of darts and hopefully I can do myself justice.
Take Care, Alan.
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