KNOB OF THE WEEK
When you think of players with longevity in the game you might automatically think of Phil Taylor, but there are many others like John Lowe winning world titles in 3 different decades, or even James Wade who won his first pro tour in 2006 and won his last one only 3 events go, a gap of 19 years and barring roughly a month he has been in the top 16 for almost 2 decades. MvG won his first PDC title back in 2009, 16 years ago. These types of runs are rare and time at the top is short, Even Barney who won his first PDC event back in 2006 nineteen years ago and won a floor event last year I believe had long spells outside the world top 32.
It comes as no surprise some players burn out, lack the stamina, or just had a brief run, plenty of players come good for a while and drift away like Cullen, Gurney etc,
Then you have Bellyboy Smith. Here is a player that comms hyped for over a fucking decade, a fat cunt so far up his own fat hole he developed an arrogance and sense of entitlement, comes across as petulant, and clearly acts frustrated and sulks when things do not go his way. After a decade of comms hyping him he had a 2 month period where he won the Grand Slam and world title, and has won nothing of note since.
Remember this is a player last year was the #3 seed for the Matchplay, even luckily reached the semi final, and fast forward 12 months and he cannot even qualify for the Matchplay, in fact going into the last 2 players championships a few grand outside the Matchplay spots, where 2 good days in a depleted field that had no Humphries, Littler, MvG etc he earned zero over 2 days, not a penny, losing in the last 128 both days. That was a pitiful attempt. That said I am glad he did not make it, his attitude stinks, and finally comms will stop sucking up to the fat cunt, as they have a new fat cunt in Littler to wank off over.
As for the Matchplay, Wade's game is the first game off the comp, no surprise the PDC hope he goes early, and they certainly wont be seeing Wade in a solitary world series event, despite players ranked below him get multiple invites. I am really looking forward to the Matchplay and knowing one of the 2 miserable vile dutch cunts in MvG and Barney who drew each other going out early is a bonus.
PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Event #20 was won by Damon Heta and his lowest average over the 7 games was 96.45, solid stuff. He beat Bunting who averaged well over a ton, and Bunting reached the final after coming from 6-2 against Cross in the semi as Cross's game fell off a cliff. Bunting hit a 9 darter in the semi final, and that day there was 2 other 9 darters with Josh Rock and Leon Weber getting one each in the first round.
Event #21 was won by Bradley Brooks, an incredible run which saw him beat a slew of quality players.He averaged over 108 in each of his first two games defeating Borland and Dobey, then beat Dolan,in his next game against Wade there was half a dozen ton plus checkouts with brooks winning a last leg decider, he mauled Josh cock 6-1, and got past James hurrell who also had a great run, although Hurrell got lucky in a lot of games and had opponents not playing anywhere near their best. Brooks capped off a fantastic event for himself by beating Price in the final which saw him jump over 20 odd places to world #73.
On the topic of rankings Bellyboy is currently at #21 and his failure to qualify for the Matchplay could see him drop further. I have always maintained how insignificant and meaningless the PL is, just a non ranking exbo for friends of Twat Porter, and Nathan Aspinall in the Matchplay defends 200k and only assured of 10k. A first round exit for him could see him drop out of the world top 25, and all his great darts in the worthless PL this year means fuckall.
EURO TOUR
This returned Friday, and Fridays session was the usual mixed bag. Bellyboy probably sulking over the Matchplay withdrew along with Wright, MvG, Babs, Joyce, Edhouse, Gilding and Littler. The highest ranked casualty of the day was Joe Cullen losing to Justin Hood, and Barney losing to Andy Batens. Performance of the day went to Fattimena beating Callan Wygz in a great game with both players averaging over a ton. Menzies missed double 12 for a 9 darter and luckly beat some 18 year old German called Yorick Hofkens, alas poor Yorick. Dirk averaged over 105 in dumping out slow Ryan Treacle. Roll on tomorrow.