Dave Ladley - Report from Wigan Players Champs and UK Open Qualifier
Dave Ladley’s on tour Report
Saturday 13th March - Wigan Players Championships
In the first round I had been drawn against Adrian Lewis. Adrian is rank number 7 and is in the current premier league. He is, in my eyes, the most naturally talented darts player in the world!
I lost the bull for the start and in the first leg I missed double 16 to break the throw but Adrian finished to take the lead. The next 3 legs went with the throw and with the match standing at 2-2 I was feeling good. In the 5th leg I hit 140 to leave double 20 and Adrikan checked out 124 on the bullseye and kicked off leg 6 with a 180 which helped him take the leg and the lead 4-2.
I was now thinking how the game was slipping out of my grasp and managed to dig from deap inside and take the next 3 legs in 15,15,15 darts to lead the match 5-4! I set off leg 10 with 140 but Adrian finished in 12 darts and levelled the match 5-5. Adrian hit a 180 in the second visit to the board but I responded hitting my own 180, followed by 140,100 and punished a missed double to take the 6-5 victory!
I was very pleased with the result and happy that all my hard work seems to be paying off!
The board semi final was against Loius Blundell of Lancashire who had beatJohn Part in the opening round. Louis won the match 6-1 and I never recaptured my earlier form.
Phil Taylor beat Mark Dudbridge in the final to win the event.
Sunday 14th March, Wigan UK Open Qualifier.
I had drawn Wayne Mardle in the first round. Wayne has been struggling for form of late but never struggled with me! He won 6-2 and I was happy with my form in the game but could have done much better.
Wayne beat Chris mason next round and lost to Jamie Caven in the board final.
Phil Taylor beat Jamie Caven in the final to win the event.
Positives from the weekend.
Beating Adrian was the best positive and it keeps my confidence very high.
If I can beat Adrian I am sure i can beat anybody.
Won money fro the order of merit.
Learning point
I must keep full focus inbetween games and continue my form throughout the day - I will be working on this leading to next weekend in Crawley.
Thanks for reading,
Dave Ladley