World Darts

Phil Taylor is progressing through the World Championship like an Indian firewalker who has lost his asbestos boots and is pacing along in bare feet! Once again, he struggled – this time against Alan Tabern – and only patches of pure ‘Power’ got him through.

The buzz is going around that after three wobbly matches against Van Gerwen, Walsh and now Tabern, that Phil will explode from the ashes. What is wrong? I reckon the weight of the shot – both at the 60 and treble 19 – is a problem. Also, I think Taylor’s head has a strange jumble of ideas about his diet, exercise and practice time.

One thing is sure….brilliant bursts of 10 darters and ton plus finishes will splatter his performance. But Part, Painter and Mardle are looking very consistent at the moment. The plot is thickening beautifully.


BED-RIDDEN BARNEY

What makes this tourney more fascinating is that the World Champion has more problems then Taylor. A couple of weeks back, Barney went to a training camp and mixed practice with running but then he was struck down by the flu and confined to bed for four days over Christmas.

In his 2nd Round match against Jason Clark, he was sweating like a donkey in a sauna and looked on the verge of giving up the ghost in mid-match. It was obvious that he was really struggling and couldn’t catch his breath on the stage.

After three sets, he actually changed his darts! Barney is now using brand new ceramic darts and despite all the concerns of former players, he ain’t bothered about bringing brand new tungsten weapons into the World Championship.

But like Phil, Barneveld produced the odd gem and is sure to improve.


COURAGE QUICKIES


● Dave Lanning was in brilliant form when the man from the Mail on Sunday came to visit the commentary box. In the Hamilton/Roy match, Dave managed to work in the Demon King, Cinderella and Buttons….when he was talking about Jack and the Beanstalk…..Ally Pally madness or what!?

● I have seen some brilliant placards in the crowd during this World Championship and one of the best was “I told the boss I was ill, so I’m in for the sack!” I couldn’t resist the crack: “P45 for that man….correction – P15, double 15!!”

● In the middle of the Taylor match, I hollered “That’s parity”. John Gwynne picked up, quick as a flash: “And we’ll be parroting on till the end!”

● The Courage Stand at the Ally Pally looks every bit as lively as the popular end at the Yankee Stadium or the Gallowgate End at Newcastle…..it’s a great sight and will be full to busting for the rest of the tournament.