Live exclusive Markers Eye View – Board 6

First Round

Adrian Lewis v Bye

Dave Smith 6 v 2 Andy Hutchings

A battle of contrasting throwing styles in this game. Dave likes to power his darts, where as Andy has more of a floating style which is of little surprise when you consider he throws a 10.5gm dart (the lightest on the tour I believe). The match itself showed no little quality with 140’s galore but it was Dave’s more consistent scoring that saw him run out a fairly comfortable 6-2 winner.

Roland Scholten 6 v 4 Steve Farmer

This was a closely fought battle with some quality finishing. Roland in particular took out finishes of 112 & 116 with Steve sitting on a double which underlines what the big Dutchman can do when fully focused on the game, The pivotal leg was the 5th which Roland won against the throw with the 112 finish to secure the break that he had no intention of relinquishing.  Once again this was a match played in the very best of spirits and both guys took a couple of minuets out afterwards to stop and have a chat.

Matt Clark 6 v 1 Andy Pearson

Matt is another one of those players, who as a marker brings his own challenges. You will never rush Matt. EVER . I believe that this had an affect on Andy and Matt was to run out a very comfortable winner without ever really being tested. On a side note Andy is the first player on the pro-tour I have officiated for who has managed a score of 3 in the middle of a leg, unfortunately for Andy this happened twice in the match.

Second Round

Dave Smith 6 v 5 Adrian Lewis

This game is a prime example of why a player should never give up. Adrian wired 3 darts at tops to win this match 6-1 but having missed Dave stepped up to take out 96 for which was surely a consolation leg. Although Dave clearly had other ideas and after punishing more missed doubles from the reigning World Champion Dave had squared the match at 5-5. The game was still Adrian’s to lose as he had the darts in the deciding leg ,after trading 180’s Adrian once again found himself first to the double .Three darts at double top , surely this time he will finish but no Adrian splits the 20 and narrowly misses double 10 allowing Dave to finish 86 on the Bull for a dramatic finish to the most exciting game I officiated on the day.

Matt Clark 6 v 4 Roland Scholton

Matt was simply untouchable in the first 5 legs and raced into a 5-0 lead on the back of 4 180’s and being 100% on his doubles. With nothing now to lose Roland clearly relaxed and reeled of 4 legs on the trot including a great 141 checkout to take the game to a tense conclusion. Matt had the throw and it was clear to all that if Roland broke back again he would more than likely take the decider with the darts and with it the match. This was the time for Matt to stand up and show his class and he did just that taking the leg in 12 darts to move into the board final.

Third Round

Matt Clark 6 v 4 Dave Smith

This was one step to Far for Dave and its my belief that his struggle with Lewis in the previous game had taken a lot out of him. Although steady this was not the highest standard game of the day and no 180’s were hit. This just show’s that not even the worlds best can do it all the time. Dave is certainly a player I will keep an eye on in the future as I am sure he will climb the rankings if today was anything to go by but today was Matt’s day and I believe the right man won the board today. Well played “superman”