The Target Darts Blog
By:
Rod Harrington
Date:
27 Apr 2010
Like all darts fans around the globe I was extremely saddened by news of the recent heart troubles suffered by Peter 'One Dart' Manley which resulted in him spending a period of time in hospital. Although Peter was very much a rival of mine on the oche during the 1990s, he is someone who has done a great deal to make the game the smash-hit it has become in recent years. The fact that 10,000 plus crowds fill some of the biggest arenas in the UK are down to characters like Peter - who despite the panto villian image - is a real crowd favourite.
That said Peter is a big guy, who works a pretty relentless schedule. He is constantly on the road on the exhibition circuit and I know from my own experiences on that scene, that it's a lifestyle where boozy late-nights, unhealthy eating and the constant drain on the mind and body from constantly travelling around the country eventually take their toll. When you throw in the big tournament situations - with their mix of intense heat from the stage lights, against a heart-pumping adrenaline fuelled atmosphere, plus the stress of needing to win to earn a crust, it's a potent cocktail and one that can have potentially devastating results. We shouldn't forget that it's only a few years since another of darts larger-than-life figures in Andy Fordham was taken to hospital after being taken ill at a major darts tournament and unless the message gets through to people that they need to improve their fitness levels then it is a scenario that unfortunately we will see again.
I have been a long-time advocate of bringing improved fitness levels into the game of darts, however my concerns have often fell on deaf ears, or even worse been the subject of derision. Hopefully with Peter's recent illness the penny will drop within the darts community and the message that you cannot be carrying excess weight and compete at the top level will sink in. People will point to Phil Taylor as someone who carries a bit of excess baggage and still manages to be the world's best - however I say forget Phil he is a one-off, a true phenomenon. One important thing to also note with Phil is that he never really looks uncomfortable on the big stage, he never sweats or looks like he is struggling. In fact he always make it all look rather easy.
The bottom-line is that overweight, out of condition players continue to give the game a poor image and make darts an easy target for our detractors. More importantly the players who don't ditch the booze and fry-ups are not only risking their careers, but are now suffering the consequences of these bad lifestyle choices through conditions such as diabetes – a potentially life-threatening illness increasingly common among the game’s leading names. People may think I am being dramatic when I say that, but the warning signs are there. I hope the players heed them and start to shape up sooner rather than later.
All the best, Rod.
Permalink Tags:
Rod Harrington
By:
Rod Harrington
Date:
25 May 2010
A fantastic night of darts which saw Phil Taylor hit two nine-darts finishes en route to claiming the Premier League title ended the best Premier League campaign I have seen thus far. Phil was in awesome form and hats-off to James Wade for pushing him so close in what was a gripping encounter.
Away from the oche I got to spend time with Stephen Fry - who I shared a commentary booth with - as he commentated on the semi-final encounter between Phil and Mervyn King. Stephen was fantastic company and is clearly a knowledgable guy in terms of the darts scene.
For once even that great darts wordsmith Sid Waddell had met his match and if Stephen ever wants a gig away from the acting world return, then he will always be welcome at the PDC anytime.
Cheers, Rod.
Permalink Tags:
By:
Rod Harrington
Date:
31 May 2010
After his amazing two nine dart finishes at the Premier League final, Phil Taylor is clearly the man to beat the UK Open. Phil is taking the game to unimaginable heights and just when you think he has taken it as far as you think it can go Phil will take it a notch higher - the man is a phenomenon.
The UK Open has been a place where a few shocks have occurred over the years and Phil''s record of three wins in seven years is actually a bit off the pace by his own amazing standards !
Every year someone has made the final who may not have been expected to do so. Shayne Burgess, Barrie Bates and Gary Mawson all spring to mind. Let's hope one of the Target Darts sponsored players goes all the way this year.
Cheers, Rod.
Permalink Tags:
By:
Rod Harrington
Date:
04 Jun 2010
A great start to the UK Open and young guns Arron Monk, Joe Cullen, Reece Robinson, and William O'Connor delivered eye-catching performances en route to the third round, the stage which sees the big boys enter the competition.
Messrs Robinson and Cullen have been rewarded with ties against two of the biggest names in the game in Simon Whitlock and Mervyn King and it will be a great experience for the youngsters to pit their wits against two world class players. Win or lose it will be a great part of their darting education and I am sure that we will be seeing both lads on the big stage again in the near future.
Arron Monk will face wily veteran Denis Ovens in a highly intruiging clash and I will be keeping a close eye on that game, whilst William O'Connor - who really impressed me - faces Peter Wright in what is another interesting tie.
It was also good to see two older heads getting back to form. My old pairs partner Richie Burnett put in a decent shift against Louis Blundell and whilst he narrowly lost the game 6-5 he can take heart from a much improved performance.
Wayne Mardle also showed glimpses of his old self as he took care of Mick McGowan, although sadly for Wayne he was rewarded with a third round draw which will see him meet Phil Taylor ! It should be a great game and hopefully we see the old Wayne strutting his stuff, and whilst it is difficult to see past a Taylor victory hopefully 'Hawaii 501' puts up a decent showing.
Take Care, Rod.
Permalink Tags:
By:
Rod Harrington
Date:
05 Jun 2010
Business as usual for one Philip Taylor as he brushed aside Wayne Mardle 9-2. I was pleased to see that Wayne didn't look too despondent and I understand that he will be getting together with Phil for some practice sessions sometime soon. Time spent with the maestro can only be good for Wayne and I hope that he listens and learns, as I for one would love to see Wayne back in the big time again.
Elsewhere Gary Anderson looked impressive and if he can tidy up some loose finishing he could be a contender, and despite losing out, both Joe Cullen and Reece Robinson can be pleased with their efforts against Mervyn King and Simon Whitlock. Another youngster in William O'Connor is still in the competition and although he has a tough game ahead against James Wade I feel a changing of the guard may be coming in the game.
People like: John Part, Dennis Priestley, Peter Manley, and Terry Jenkins have all been terrific for the game but I have my doubts as to whether those guys can do it on the big stage anymore. I would love to be proved wrong, but I feel it wil be the likes of Messrs O'Connor, Robinson, Cullen and young Arron Monk who we will be seeing more of, and that the future of the game is theirs for the taking.
Take Care, Rod.
Permalink Tags:
By:
Rod Harrington
Date:
06 Jun 2010
A great Saturday at the UK Open as Phil Taylor again set a new record for a three dart average, and Mervyn King hit a nine-dart finish. The standard in the PDC now is incredible, and the signs are that it will only get better.
Gary Anderson held his nerve to win two close games and I am hoping that this will give his PDC career a boost, as his form thus far has been a little patchy. It's especially frustrating as Gary has all the talent in the world and is an exciting player to watch. He is also one of the few players who can give Phil Taylor a run for his money, and Phil being tested can only be good for the game generally.
Another player with a huge amount of talent - Adrian Lewis - is still in there and his game against Phil Taylor will be one to watch. Adrian needs to beat Phil in a big tournament sooner rather than later and he also needs to start picking up some silverware soon. It would be great to see him do that here, but whether he has the game to beat Phil over a longer format remains to be seen.
I was disappointed to see the remaining Target Darts sponsored players bow out of the competition yesterday, as I thought that at least one of them would have had a chance of making the final. Hopefully the Target lads will be back on the practice board and one of them will be winning at the Players Championship next week.
Cheers, Rod.
Permalink Tags:
By:
Rod Harrington
Date:
06 Jun 2010
Phil Taylor remains the undisputed king of darts and the UK Open at Bolton was another really good tournament, and whilst Phil taking the honours is no great shock, as usual a few surprises occurred along the way.
Veterans like Denis Ovens and Tony Ayres can be very proud of their campaigns, whilst at the other end of the spectrum, a few of the youngsters will have benefitted from some big stage experience and it will bode well for their future in the game. It was also nice to see Gary Anderson make a big final and whilst he ran out of petrol in the end, he is also someone who can look back at a great few days of darts.
Another top weekend of darts lies ahead at Barnsley next weekend, and as well as two Pro Tour events there is also the inaugural PDC Women's World Championship Qualifier. It should be a cracking contest and I would like to wish Target Darts sponsored star Deta Hedman all the best for her tournament campaign.
Cheers, Rod.
Permalink Tags:
By:
Rod Harrington
Date:
14 Jun 2010
A great month of darts lies ahead as the PDC heads to Las Vegas and then the 'Vegas of the North,' otherwise known as Blackpool. The new format in Vegas sees us head to the Tropicana Casino for World Series of Darts Festival and then of course we head to the Winter Gardens for my favourite contest on the calendar - The World Matchplay.
Having won the Matchplay twice during my career, I might be accused of being biased but it's not just fond memories that mean it's a favourite of mine, but also the magnificent venue and great holiday atmosphere unique to Blackpool. The town is always buzzing at this time of year anyway, but with the football team having gained promotion to the Premier League then it could be especially memorable this time around.
With two major competitions in a month it's a time of the year that can make or break a darts season and it is a period that three of the Target Darts sponsored players in Colin Lloyd, Alan Tabern, and Mark Walsh will be hoping to deliver the goods.
All of these lads are tucked in a cluster of players who are vying for contention for a Premier League place, and a big month could be just the ticket to gaining entry to the greatest show on the darting calendar.
It will be tough, as in the past it was the top six players who gained an automatic place but it has now been reduced to the top four, with four places awarded as a wildcard. As a result, the Target boys - as well as a few others - will need to pick up a few pound notes between now and Xmas to ensure they qualify, or if not, at the very least put in some eye-catching performances which will put them in contention for a wildcard selection.
Like every other PDC competition over the years, Phil Taylor has made both Blackpool and Vegas his own, so it won't be easy, but as a Target Darts ambassador I would like to wish, Alan, Colin and Mark all the best and hopefully at least one of them will be in the mix for the 2011 Premier League.
Cheers, Rod.
Permalink Tags:
By:
Rod Harrington
Date:
27 Jun 2010
Day one of a week long festival of darts in Las Vegas. This year we have made the move to the Tropicana - having previously played at the MGM and then the Mandalay Bay. It looks a great venue and I like the new format which sees several different tournaments in the same week. It gives the players a few bites of the cherry and with the time and expense of getting over here that can only be a good thing. Sadly the action isn''t on television this year but hopefully that can be rectified in 2011.
Yesterday saw the inaugural World Cricket Championship and I thought that one of the North American players could take the honours as it is a very popular game this side of the Atlantic. For the uninitiated, cricket is a game which only uses numbers 15-20 on the dart board, as well as the inner and outer bull. Players 'close' the number by scoring a particular number three times. This means that the other player can't score on that number until they have closed the number themselves. When a player has closed all the numbers he is declared the winner.
Cricket is quite a tactical game and has always been a big part of the North American scene. Right from the 1970s onwards the big names of the day such as Eric Bristow would come here and compete as there has always been decent prize money to be had. With the rise of the PDC and the popularity of the traditional 501 game in the UK, cricket has been pushed to the margins somewhat, but it was nice to see it given another high-profile platform and who knows maybe we could see a televised tournament in the UK sometime.
Big Darin Young played well and as he is known as a very dangerous player in cricket circles, I thought he could go all the way. However in the semi-final he then ran into an in-form Mark Walsh and the Target Darts star did the buisness to make another final. Mark is playing very well at the moment on the floor tournaments and if he can replicate that form on the big stage he could be a contender.
Mark was 2-0 up in the final but as so often has happened in the past, his opponent - Phil Taylor - put his foot on the gas to take the honours 3-2. Some might say another Taylor win just isn't cricket, but it's up to the other guys to catch him up. They have another chance today and let's see if they can do it.
Take Care, Rod.
Permalink Tags:
By:
Rod Harrington
Date:
28 Jun 2010
Another day, another Phil Taylor victory. I only wish that what keeps him going could have been bottled and sent to South Africa for the footballers to have taken before their game against Germany. Like everyone else I was disappointed with the result, and I was pleased to be here in Vegas at a sport where we show the rest of the world how it is done.
I was also pleased to note a few potential stars amongst the North American players and another champion player like John Part from this side of the Atlantic could only be good in helping spread the darts gospel over here.
It was also nice to see a couple of the older American players - in Larry Butler and Paul Lim - at work yesterday. Larry will of course be forever enshrined into the darts history books after his inaugural 1994 World Matchplay win. Larry has sadly battled 'dartitis' since then and may well never reach those height again, however it was interesting to see how he has adapted his throw to cope with this terrible affliction and fair play to him for battling on.
Paul Lim is another player who will be in the record books for his brilliant nine-dart finish in the then Embassy World Professional Darts Championship in 1990. Paul took home a very nice cheque of £52,000 for his troubles, which was more than double that of the eventual winner - Phil Taylor - who pocketed £24,000 that year. I can only assume that Paul invested some of his winnings into health care products for himself as he doesn't look a day older than he did back then.
Speaking of nine-dart finishes, it was great to see my old mate Colin Lloyd bang one in yesterday. Colin is a lovely bloke, a top player, and it would be brilliant to see him winning major darting honours again soon.
Take Care, Rod.
Permalink Tags:
By:
Rod Harrington
Date:
29 Jun 2010
Day 3 in Vegas and a Phil Taylor hat-trick - which looked likely - is halted by Gary Anderson. Gary is starting to look the part and after a shaky start to his PDC career, he is beginning to look like he could win a major competition this year. That's the benchmark of any great player and I see signs that Gary is on his way to accomplishing such a feat.
Many people actually say that a true measure of a great dart player is that they not only need to win a major TV title but also need to beat Phil Taylor in the final too. It's an argument that has some weight as only Dennis Priestley, John Part, and Raymond van Barneveld have managed that achievement since the PDC was formed in 1994.
People always ask me why certain players are always there or thereabouts on the 'floor' tournaments but can't do the business on TV and I can answer that with one word - pressure. When you have a huge live crowd in the auditorium, a TV camera following your every move and a large audience watching at home then it is tough. Especially when the stakes are so high and you are throwing darts to put food on the table and pay the mortgage. It's easier said than done that's for sure. Let's hope a few of the boys can step up to the plate in the forthcoming months.
Take Care, Rod.
Permalink Tags:
By:
Rod Harrington
Date:
30 Jun 2010
A great win for Co Stompe on day 4 here in Las Vegas. Co is a very dangerous player when on form and if he could bring some consistency into his game he would be a real contender for major honours.
Watching Co play raises a question that I am often asked by younger players and that is how to best throw a dart. Sadly there is no definitive answer and every player will adpot a style best suited to them. Co is a great example, as he has a very jerky action which in all honesty should not work, however for Co it works very well indeed.
A player like Dennis Priestley throws in a very slow deliberate style, whilst Vincent van der Voort throws three darts in the same time Dennis has thrown one. Again this demonstrates there is no best option as both Vincent and especially Dennis have done very well in the game over the years.
All players approach the board in a different way and from stance, to speed of throw, to the way they actually hold the dart, everyone has their own way of doing things. Eric Bristow had his pinky finger cocked like he was drinking a cup of Earl Grey tea, whilst Jocky Wilson virtually threw himself - as well as the dart - at the board. Neither were what you would call text book styles, but it's fair to say that it didn't stop either of those lads scooping up the darting honours over the years.
Of the modern day players, Mervyn King always twists his dart before release, whilst Dennis Smith resembles a fairground knife-throwing act. If anyone else tried to copy those styles it wouldn't work, but for those guys it works perfectly well.
As a keen golfer I know that there are certain technical approaches to striking a ball that all players need to adopt, and one would imagine that it would be the same for darts. However there isn't a definitive method and that's what makes the game sucha brilliant, if at times frustrating one.
One thing that I would say though is that practice makes perfect and whatever style you adopt, a good and thorough practice regime is imperative to doing well in the game. As the famous quote said: 'The more I practice, the luckier I get'.
Take Care, Rod.
Permalink Tags:
By:
Rod Harrington
Date:
01 Jul 2010
A great week of darts in Las Vegas is over and it ended on a nice note with John Part taking the North American Darts Championship title. John has always been someone that I have had a lot of time for - both as a player, and as a person - and after a rough year or so on the oche, it is great to see him back to winning ways.
I have been impressed with the new format of five tournaments in five days and also enjoyed our new venue at the Tropicana Hotel. The Las Vegas Desert Classic was a great tournament but I feel the new format, which gives the players a few bites of the cherry is a more fair way of rewarding people with the dedication of making what is a long and costly journey.
I am also pleased to have kept the PDC presence going in Las Vegas as whilst it is a costly business or us to bring top class darts across the Atlantic, it is vital for our growth that we keep tapping into overseas markets.
As a Target Darts ambassador it has been pleasing to see Alan Tabern, Colin Lloyd, and Mark Walsh, there or thereabouts most days and if these guys can keep things going then they have a great chance of being in the Premier League next year. There's plenty of darts before then though and our next stop will be in Blackpool where my favourite tournament of the year - the World Masters -takes place.
Until then, take care, Rod.
Permalink Tags:
By:
Rod Harrington
Date:
13 Aug 2010
Darts has made massive strides over the last few years, and we have seen the game go from something that was confined to the margins, to a sport that packs out some of the biggest arenas in the country. It’s not just the game that has moved on, but also the darts equipment that the players use, and that was brought home to me this week when I saw the 2011 Target Darts Collection.
I have to compliment Mr. Garry Plummer and his team on producing such a stylish and innovative range of equipment, which not only befits our great game, but will also give the Target sponsored players a wonderful chance of lifting some honours over the next year or two.
I have visited the Target Darts HQ many times, and every time I am overwhelmed by the care and attention with which Garry and his staff work. The passion and enthusiasm which goes into making their equipment is there for all to see too, and the net result is a fabulous range of products which are visually stunning, fit your hand like a silk glove, and throw like a dream.
The best compliment I can offer, is to say that when I tried out some of the products this week, was that it was one of the few times since I called time on my playing career that I wished that I was throwing darts for a living again.
I would like to think that I have gained a reputation for honest, straight-talking , and with that in mind I wholeheartedly recommend the 2011 Target Darts collection to anyone who is serious about the game. The products are fabulous value for money, look great, and are made by people who are as passionate about the game as you are. What more could you ask for?
Take Care, Rod.
Permalink Tags:
By:
Rod Harrington
Date:
26 Aug 2010
It’s a very busy few months from now until the end of the year, as we face up to some big tournaments and even bigger changes as we head towards the new tour card system at the PDC and I can’t wait for it all to start.
We kick off with a couple of pro-tour events which will prove vital towards keeping certain players in the ranking positions, and then host the Championship League of Darts, which gives the top-ranked guys a chance of some good money through this unique contest which can be see via the internet.
We then head over to Dublin for one of my favourite events – the World Grand Prix. I love the double start format as it provides a real test of skill, and the City West Hotel provides a fantastic venue for this great competition which generates a brilliant atmosphere every time we come.
The Under-21 World Championship Qualifiers follow, and I am looking forward to seeing the stars of tomorrow stake their claim for some of the big-time darts action. It promises to be a great contest and I am fascinated to see who will emerge on the scene.
Amongst some further pro-tour action we then have the Grand Slam of Darts, which not only gives the terrestrial TV viewers a chance to see our great game, but also thrusts the PDC and BDO players into direct combat. There’s then the small matter of the inaugural PDC World Cup – which promises to be a great event - and then we round things off with the 2011 PDC World Championship. It wouldn't take Mystic Meg to anticipate a certain Mr. Taylor being involved in the thick of the action, but a few other players are showing signs of getting back to top form as well, which bodes well for the game.
Simon Whitlock has been steady enough all year, whilst Raymond van Barneveld and James Wade have shown flashes of decent play recently too, with Colin Lloyd, being another player who looks to be recapturing his form. Mark Walsh, and Wayne Jones are now starting to look more comfortable on the big stage and with a bit more consistency, the likes of Gary Anderson, Co Stompe, and Vincent van der Voort can definitely be in the mix as well. Paul Nicholson and Mervyn King have been a little off the pace, but will no doubt be back sooner rather than later, whilst Terry Jenkins showed some fire in his belly over in Dinslaken which was great to see. All told it makes for a great few months, and I am so pleased that I will have a front-row seat to watch the action unfold.
Take Care, Rod.
Permalink Tags: