ROD HARRINGTON REVIEWS THE 2010 WORLD MATCHPLAY

It was a great week of darts in Blackpool and although the final result had an air of inevitability I think the overall standard of darts was terrific.

Phil Taylor’s achievements go without saying, but I was also pleased to see Raymond van Barneveld showing something like his best form, and if he continues in that vein then we can expect to see him pushing Phil as he did a couple of years ago. Elsewhere, I thought James Wade also showed flashes of his best darts and Simon Whitlock also cemented his position as someone who is now one of the best players in the PDC ranks.

Co Stompe is another who can be pleased with his week’s work, whilst Jelle Klaasen and Steve Brown will also benefit longer term from the good tournament runs they enjoyed this year at Blackpool.

Of the other players, I think Gary Anderson’s injury stopped him from playing his best, although he will be back, and the likes of Adrian Lewis, Ronnie Baxter, Colin Lloyd, and Mervyn King will want to return to winning ways sooner rather than later too. All told, there will be some players with a point to prove over the forthcoming weeks, and the future for the PDC looks rosy.

I would also like to pass on my congratulations to Stacy Bromberg on becoming the first ever PDC Women’s World Champion. I think that Stacy and her opponent Tricia Wright suffered from a bit of nerves and the occasion got to them both at times, but it should take nothing away from their achievements at making the final and they can both be very proud of being part of darting history.

Take Care, Rod.