World Darts

In 2004 Kevin Painter should have won the World Championship final against Phil Taylor when he was up by 4 sets to 1. But the lad blew it and the Power swooped to victory. But I reckon Kevin is here at the Palace to show his true class. He won his match against the reigning champ Ray van Barneveld with superb self-control and aggression. He went out with a 10-darter and can beat anybody. His dad Rod came in dressed like a male model but went out like a scruff, drenched with sweat but very happy.

ADIE ON RAMPAGE

Adie Lewis is another one of my favourites to go to world glory some day and he showed true class – and true craft – in beating Tony Eccles. The Hartlepool man creamed Adie over the first eight legs and then got hit with some of the Stokie power.

COURAGE QUICKIES

*I was chilling at my hotel before coming to the Ally Pally and a taxi arrived to pick me up. We set off with the might towers to our left, then they disappeared. I panicked as the bloke swooshed around strange streets and stopped at Ally Pally STATION! The desk guy had misunderstood my destination…

*Never watch footy with a Geordie. Top organiser Tommy Cox was sitting next to me in the press room when Chelsea got a late winner against the Toon Tommy kicked and cursed so much that my laptop ended up on the floor...