HI, my dear friend .There have a good news !

HI, my dear friend .There have a good news !
Here is a place which let you excited!
It is a big dealer, about Nike,Gucci,CHANEL,POLICE,Puma,A & F, Ray-Ban, Adidas, Chanel ,UGG Boots ,GHD styler, Fendi,Involving shoes, wrap,  T-Shirt,clothes,Jeans,  Tiffany , a lot of products all at our sell scope! And many EBAY sellers buy the items from here ,so the items are excellent in quality and reasonable in price . accept the Paypal,Western Union,and the Bank remittance / transfer!
We have many business friends at the global scale , They passed the happy shopping time in here . i think you will like here also .Introduces it to you: http://www.credit518.com/

new address for blog

the blog is now at www.dartsexhibitions.com

If it happens???? There will be War

Unbelievable happenings this week in the World of darts. Once again the game gets bad publicity with a former World Champion unable to fulfil his fixture and the tabloids certainly went to town on that. I wish him well and a speedy recovery though as big Andy is a nice chap and a total gentleman but its a pity this happened and as I say it looks bad on the BDO and darts worldwide.

The man who has won nothing Mr. George launched his book this week too and what a bitter read it is. If you are a PDC fan get it if you like a bit of comedy and if you are a BDO fan get it as there is plenty of bitterness in it. If you are a total darts fan get it too and make your own mind up on it.

The PDC awards dinner took place in the Dorchester last night and what a night was had. Big Phil Jones waved goodbye to the PDC and along with life John Raby member joined the PDC hall of fame and deservedly too. It was an expensive night at the Dorchester with a bacard and coke a vodka and coke and 2 glasses of champagne costing £60. Daylight robbery. Taylor got player of the year with Barney winning fans player of the year. The 14 players who made the original break from the BDO in 1993 and who went on to win the court case about restraint of trade got honoured by receiving life membership into the sport of darts by independent bodies and this I must say brought a tear to alot of eyes coz without those 14 the PDC would not be here today. These people lost a lot of friends in 1993 and as I say deserved this and well done again. For those of you who dont know who those 14 were they are. Phil Taylor, Eric Bristowe,John Lowe,Jocky Wilson,Alan Warriner,Jamie Harvey,Keith Deller,Rod Harrington,Cliff Lazarenko,Dennis Priestley,Bob Anderson,Peter Evison,Kevin Spiolek and Ritchie Gardner. Well done lads. The professional game owes it all to you. James Wade won the best young player but you can check out more about the awards on the PDC website.

Going back to the title of this blog. If it happens there will be war was in relation to the name being flung about for the last wild card into the 2007 premier league. I am not mentioning any names but if he gets the last spot in the league it will cause some serious aggro. Again I'll watch this space and make your own mind up if it is. Lets just say he is currently playing in the BDO. Only a rumour but Barney coming over was only a rumour this time last year too.

Best Tournament Ever.....

What a World Championships we had since it kicked off on the 18th December. A record number of 180's. A record in the amount of games pushed to the sudden death leg. A record in averages and without doubt a record in one of the best finals ever held. Credit to Van Barneveld in defeating Taylor last night and I'm sure Den Haag cane to a stand still at 10.40pm last night when he nailed that double top.

Dont know about you but I thought that although he went into a 3.0 lead that The Power seemed rattled. In his walk on he looked out of character grinning and laughing. The orange shirt that he changed half way through and his constant effort in the last set to lose Barneveld on his concentration. I watched the re match today and this was clearly evident. Taylors daughter was in the front row. Why? There is a players table for family and friends. His averaged dropped from 112 after the 3rd set to 96 after the 4th. Why? What a dip he had for it to drop that dramatically. All out of character for the 13 time champion and all of which may have contributed to his downfall. Taylor also turned around after the 12th set and shook hands with some random punter in the crowd. Why? 3 times in the one year Barneveld has done Taylor in the last leg. Again as I say I dont know about you but I think Barney may have Taylors number and if the rumours of a change of venue are true which it seems they are how ironic is it that Phil Taylor loses his first and last final at the Circus Tavern. First time I've seen him throw away a 3 set lead. First time I've seen him almost hit off the board going for double 16 in set 13. Maybe, and I only say maybe that The Power finally fell victim to his own success and let the pressure get to him. Barneveld was fantastic and dont get me wrong but the only reason he got back in was because of Taylors seemingly complacent attitude from set 4 onwards where he lost 3 sets with the throw to a 3.0 scoreline.
Taylor is still a better player than Barneveld and there is no question about that but it was Barneveld who woke up this morning and you'd forgive him for having a smile on his face.........The reason for that smile would be that he just beat the Greatest player the World will ever see in The Biggest Dart Match in history and to do it in Taylors office would add to the width of the big Dutchmans grin. He re wrote the history books and well done Barney.

I apoligise for my NAP going down. It was my first NAP in 7 that did go down due to Burnetts defeat to Roy and although I'm not one to make excuses there is no way you can legislate a professional dart player and former BDO champion hitting 1 out of 24 attempts at a double. Considering Roy hit 9 out of 20. A professional dart player will always aim for a between 27% to 55% checkout percentage whereas 1 out of 24 comes in at an amazing 4.1%.

Irish man Mick McGowan, Derbyshires Colin Osborne and Lancashires Alan Tabern did very well indeed and will now find themselves in the top 32 as I predicted they would what with the order of merit kicking in yesterday.

Anyway ladies and gents I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy 2007. My website may be closed for serious ADJUSTMENTS in the next 2 weeks so watch this space within the coming weeks for what I think will be interesting developments in the darts world. We're off to Newcastle this Friday as the circuit continues with the UK regional qualifier on the quest to the Reebok that is now hotting up.

HAPPY NEW YEAR.
PS I'm looking forward to the BDO's attempt this year.
Wonder why King was at the Tavern last week?????????????

Last Junes Blog....

See below my blog from the 13th June 2006. My site as you will all remember was re-vamped in August so this is why its unavailable in archives. I hope this indicates that I do not hold personal grudges as oppose to just writing on player performance.

I have simply copied and pasted this to my current blog.

UK done for another year.

Raymond Van Barneveld had his maiden PDC TV win at the Reebok stadium on Sunday last with an emphatic win over Welsh man Barrie Bates. It's my favourite tournament every year and this one was no exception. Alan Tabern, Barrie Bates and Mr Magoo were the limelight stealers all weekend after exceptional performances. Wozza was done by his good mate Colin Lloyd despite troubles with the so-called perfect boards the Eclipse. England fluking a win against Paraguay meant that Saturday didn't kick off until 5pm which made it slightly longer this year but we got through it.

With the exception of Mr.Magoo the Irish lads did not do to good. Only Mick McGowan and Tom Kirby made it through which was surprising since we have a few PDPA players around now that are capable. Dennis Mac only came within 1 game last year of making the Worlds while Big J is also capable. Mick was done 8.7 to Walshie while Tom was done by the same score line to Andy Callaby. Two players I'd like to see here next year are Dublin's number 1 and my own cities number 1. Two Great players with one having joined the nine-dart club I believe in the last year. Dartitis may have to be overcome if he is to gain qualification but as it is only slight I think that will be achieved easy enough (here's hoping). Dartitis is cruel if left get on top of you but I'm hoping he will, as we know he does have the game and I'd love to see someone from my town play at the highest stage. The other one is Dublin's joy at the moment and is making waves and was recently announced as Irelands number one and although he is not in the PDPA as yet with the ability and dedication he has he certainly should be.

With Connecticut over now and the UK open too its withdrawal symptoms time now and although the circuit is still active with the Isle of Wight next week we now have to wait until the Matchplay for TV darts which are the tournaments that will get everyone going. Although Barney won this weekend he know has to go to the qualifiers for the Matchplay, as do Tom and Mick.

We have to do it all over again lads.

Posted by DartsExhibitions at 10:30 PM

Enough Rubbish...Now to the serious stuff

Ok lads that time of the year that everyone loves is here. The season
of good will and all that but also the season of both versions of the
Darts World Championships. Only 5 days to go now until Irelands Mick
McGowan stands on the purfleet stage for the first time and the last
time may I add as the PDC world darts championship will be moved to a
more modern venue next year with Central London and Bournemouth in
pole position to win the right to stage it. The world championship is
where any PDPA player wants to be and with the order of merit
starting in January it is the place you have to be.

I'm glad the venue is changing to be honest as anyone who has been to
Purfleet will tell you that although the atmosphere is second to none
the area around the venue is a total kip with nothing nearby only a
tiny garage and a £10 a night hotel.

It kicks off on Monday lads and I've wrote out the prices that Stan
James are offering currently and feel free to look and post your
comments with your NAP and between us all we can get a few winners.

PDC Championship 1st Rnd Matches (click here to open|close this
coupon) Selection Price Price Selection
18 Dec 13:00 Baxter, Ronnie 1/10 5/1 Gray, Adrian
18 Dec 14:00 Maish, Steve 1/8 9/2 Havenga, Wynand
18 Dec 15:00 Jenkins, Terry 1/10 5/1 Lawrence, Mark
18 Dec 16:00 Clark, Matt 11/4 2/9 Mcgowan, Mick
18 Dec 19:00 Mason, Chris 2/7 9/4 Atwood, Wayne
18 Dec 20:00 Part, John 1/10 5/1 Green, Alan
18 Dec 21:00 Taylor, Phil 1/200 25/1 Pein, Anton
18 Dec 22:00 Manley, Peter 1/7 4/1 Jowett, Dave
19 Dec 13:00 Walsh, Mark 4/6 11/10 Vonck, Rico
19 Dec 14:00 Bates, Barrie 1/12 11/2 Cyr, Brain
19 Dec 15:00 Anderson, Bob 2/5 7/4 Webster, Darren
19 Dec 16:00 Ovens, Denis 4/9 13/8 Smith, Steve
19 Dec 19:00 Warriner-Little, Alan 5/6 5/6 Tabern, Alan
19 Dec 20:00 Lloyd, Colin 1/10 5/1 Seyler, Tomas
19 Dec 21:00 Barneveld, Raymond 1/40 10/1 Clegg, Mitchell
19 Dec 22:00 Lewis, Adrian 1/14 6/1 Fleet, Anthony
20 Dec 13:00 Jones, Wayne 1/8 9/2 Branks, Ian
20 Dec 14:00 Sams, Lionel 4/9 13/8 Ladley, Dave
20 Dec 15:00 Monk, Colin 8/11 EVS Laursen, Per
20 Dec 16:00 Hamilton, Andy 1/5 3/1 Welding, Gary
20 Dec 19:00 Beaton, Steve 4/11 15/8 Convery, Gerry
20 Dec 20:00 Priestley, Dennis 1/7 4/1 Schenk, Josephus
20 Dec 21:00 Mardle, Wayne 1/8 9/2 Caves, Alan
20 Dec 22:00 Wade, James 1/20 7/1 French, Warren
21 Dec 13:00 Askew, Dave 1/2 6/4 Burchell, Martin
21 Dec 14:00 Smith, Andy 1/33 9/1 Yongsheng, Shi
21 Dec 15:00 Newton, Wes 1/40 10/1 Wada, Tetsuya
21 Dec 16:00 Jenkins, Andy 1/10 5/1 Davis, Bill
21 Dec 19:00 Dudbridge, Mark 8/15 11/8 Kuczynski, John
21 Dec 20:00 Scholten, Roland 1/33 9/1 Miller, Ron
21 Dec 21:00 Painter, Kevin 4/7 5/4 Osborne, Colin
21 Dec 22:00 Roy, Alex 4/6 11/10 Burnett, Richie

You know the NAP I have put down but there are one or two others that
stand out for me.
Colin Osbourne at 5/4 is tempting and John Kuczynski too at 11/8. The
American Bill Davis at 5/1 is worth a fiver too and one guy who I
left out as well is Martin Burchell who was outstanding in Birmingham
and he sits on 6/4 awaiting the play the Diamond that is Dave Askew.

Plenty of Abuse

Thanks lads for all the comments from yesterdays blog. They were all so good that My Webmaster took them down as he considered it not good advertising. I was called a dickhead, a wanker and a worm and everyone that knows me know that I am a hungry cunt and would not buy drink for anyone let alone buy it all night.I thought it was great advertisment but he knows more than me. Seriously though not one constructive comment made so that is what happened. I dont mind being hated by about 10 people to be honest and have no problem with it. Usually the more abuse you receive the more sense your point made. Its amazing how all the abuse you receive comes from the South East. Funny alright.
As I said yesterday I'm not debating that Tramore issue anymore and maybe my offer of not debating it enticed all the comments.

So like I said I'm not debating that point and I'm certainly not getting caught up in a slanging match so posts will now have to be approved by the webmaster. You can be as critical as you want no problem. As regards Portlaw. Nothing but respect for those lads up there as I know alot of them and had a great time when we played there. They like their darts and they all supported something in there town when it was on unlike Tramore. Did not mention Portlaw in any blog and I have replied to your post on Upcoming Exhibitions Blog as you requested and you can contact me directly if you wish. I have no problem with that either and we can discuss anything you wish there.

I'll be at home Christmas Eve before I go back over to the Worlds on the 26th so you can all buy me a pint when you see me or pour it over my head if you wish.
I try not to get wound up. I'd rather debate things professionally and logically without threats and abuse and what have you. I have never put down anyones character since I started writing these. ( with exception of one player from the UK but this shouldn't bother any of you). I've had a small go at one or two organisations maybe.hahahaha.

Alan Tabern is a great player and if you go back to my blog called "countdown to the worlds" you will know exactly how good of a player I think he is and he could very easily beat Wozza but obviously hopefully he wont. If someone wants to put their house on a Tabern to win that one feel free.You might even get value for money. We have excluded that post as the next sentence was not related to that post. Thats what I want. Someone who thinks Tabern is a good bet writing in. Thats what we welcome. Lets debate that topic. Whether or not I am a stupid Wanker will have no burden on the result of that match I'm sure. I'm use to people shouting against Wozza anyway.

My NAP still stands too and now pays less than 9/2.
Even my mate Rush has backed it.

The Worlds

Hello again. Its been over a week now since my last post and thank you to everyone who sent me e mails and what not over the last week from Canada and the USA. A few of my predictions for qualification came in and a few didn't ask I expected. The draw has put together a few interesting games and I'll give you my NAP at the end as I wreckon I have a dead cert for the first round which begins Monday. A week is the longest I've gone without posting but thats because the first 3 weeks in December are quiet on the circuit and only the odd exhibition here and there occurs. This weekend Ronnie Baxter will be in Kinnegad and Wozza will be in Lucan Friday and Bray Saturday before jetting off to London to meet his first round opponent Alan Tabern on Tuesday night. Ronnie has an earlier birth and will kick off the 2007 Championships against Adrian Gray on Monday at 1.10pm.

I was at home at the weekend and before you think I'm going to start slating my locals towns darts again I'm not. It was an interesting 3 days though I must say. After my article a few weeks back I got as I was expecting... a mixed reaction. Most people were Shaking my hand saying "well done". Another group had the opinion that "about time someone upset their baby" which was the way it was put if I remember correctly. Some people didn't say anything to me and others waited until I was gone before mentioning it. Everything I expected.

I dont usually and never have given up on things in life but I'm not going to bring this issue any futher on this occasion and here is why....
At the weekend I noticed numerous things and am going to play percentages here in my assumption of what I think. There was always going to be a follow up on my article from a few weeks ago but as I said already as soon as this article is wrote I'm finished with it as I think fear will stop you going to an alternate format. Old fashioned family value comments of "that wont work" and "thats bullshit".....a well educated opinion. "we tried that before and it didn't work"....not in the last 20 years you didn't.
I have said all along that the game would benefit in Tramore with a proper league format by playing every team twice. This is the case. Having had pints in Bohans, Murphs, O Neills and The Ledger over the weekend I heard varied views from all over and the town is so divided its not even funny. In Londis on Saturday morning I met a league player who mentioned my article to me. I asked him was he playing in this league? He said yes. I asked him how he got on Thursday night? He answered they were hammered with which he followed with "but sure we're in it to make the numbers". As true as God thats what he said. If you ran a home/away season long league with 11 teams it'd be a success. 16 at the moment with 4 or 5 of them self confessed as a "making up the numbers team". A league is not about making up numbers. Fuck those teams out. They are doing more harm than good. Its different if they are crap but want to play. 11 teams to commit to that would be easy.

In alfies last night 2 teams from the pub were having a challenge match amongst themselves. How fantastic is that. In the Ledger Saturday night they were having a throw on the board and there was about 7 or 8 initials on it waiting for their go. How fantastic is that. We had 16 in O Neills last Monday night and 11 in the Sea Horse. Thats 27 playing on a Monday night. Over half of what you would need for a successful league. Alfies packed last night with people enjoying a challenge match while a fund raiser to pay for the Waterford team bus to the west was going ahead elsewhere. One of the biggest events ever in Ireland by the INDO being run in Cork this weekend where all the best players in Ireland were warming up for the Inter Counties while the Waterford team were playing a handicap to raise money for there bus or whatever. Where is the aspiration in this. No wonder the boys played their challenge and were happy too. My point is here is why the hell are they even playing in the Counties when the players have no aspirations to play in the biggest INDO tournament of the year for big money. I feel sorry for the Tramore lads here to be honest as they could make up a decent team if TK,BC,KC,MP,PP AND SO ON were left play together instead of some captain spliting them up thinking he's doing great for the county whereas really all he is doing is looking after his West Waterford lads.

I'm always open here on things and having spoke to Ken at the weekend and others too might I add there are ways and meeans to alter this format. I've never suggested my way or no way all I want is for people to be left play. Ken who I think is the best player in the town agreed with this but put points for and against forward too, and all excellent points and worth dicussing. Saw young Dave Howlett hit his highest checkout EVER the other night in the Waterfront when he hit a magnificent 148. All the benefits from playing the game. He has only recently established himself in a good league team and the benefits are already showing of regular darts.

What else is funny too is how judgemental people are in different areas. O Neills people wont play outside of O Neills, Alfies wont play outside Alfies, Bohans have their designated players. Sea Horse are trying to establish themselves. The GAA are the GAA and I know nothing about them. Fenor will only play in Fenor and Dunhill have great handicaps on Saturday nights. But people with the exception of a few are not willing to travel anywhere else to play UNLESS a league fixture means they are due to. Its amazing. Everything I wrote about in my previous article a few weeks back goes around in a circle as if it were a politicians constituency and your sole objective is not to support the opposition....I.E someone who plays in O Neills saying that he is not going all the way down to the Sea Horse to support the handicap as its too far down but if they draw them in the league they'll have to go. What I'm saying here is that even though nobody are supporting the local handicaps like they should the game is still alive down there.

Anyway like one fella said the other night when I was gone home even though I'd been there 7 hours. Who am I to go on about Tramore Darts as I dont live there anymore. I dont live there anymore because I'm in places like Holland, UK, Belgium and USA along with Japan in 2007 with the game I love which is darts. I've decided that no more thought is going into darts in that town from my point of view and I'm now prepared to let in rot. Maybe reverse psychology will work but I'm quiting putting it down. You are down so far in my book you cant get any lower. The game will die.

Anyone wish to leave a comment after this post feel free but I will not be debating anything or replying to anything. I know 75% want change but I'm now going to continue with my job on the professional side of the game and stop trying to help my own town. Do whnt you want lads. Its not personal. The game will die.

Anyway people my NAP of the first round in the Worlds is a 9/2 treble with Mick McGowan to win 2/7......Rico Vonck to win 1/1......Ritchie Burnett to win 6/5.
Put the house on it men.

Upcoming exhibitions

Exhibitions that have been recently announced are as follows: Five time World Darts Champion the legendary Eric Bristowe has agreed to do two head to head exhibitions with Dublins up and coming Gareth Gray on the 8th and 9th December in Boomers and The Patriots Inn respectively. This will be a head to head between both players after they have played members of the audience. The Friday night one is the usual 9pm but the Saturday in the Patriots is Gareths home bar and will kick off at an unusual 4pm. Good crowds are expected for both as obtaining Eric for an exhibition is very difficult these days and is usually a 6 month waiting list but luck would have it as regards this weekend. Both men play in Birmingham this Saturday and you never know. Both may be at Purfleet. It'd be fantastic to see Eric play in the World Championship again you'll agree and Gareth too obviously.

The following weekend The Iceman will play back to back exhibitions in the Lucan Pitch and Putt club on the 15th and in The Fisherman's club in Bray on the 16th before jetting to London on the Sunday with the beginning of the World Championships on the 18th. The draw has not yet been made and will therfore be held in Birmingham on Saturday night after the final 16 have been decided on.

Darts Quiz

I got an e mail today from this fella looking for the answers to the recent quiz I did. I apoligise as I'm probably a little bit late on the answers already and the winner by the way was Chris Brady who did attend the Part/Warriner exhibition and enjoyed it immensely. The quiz was difficult this time around due to the cheating factor that materialised from the last quiz so as I say this one was alot more difficult and put the real darts trivia experts to the test so here are the answers.

Q.1 Alan Warriner and Peter Evison
Q.2 Beers,Booze and Bullseyes, Colin Lloyd and Niall Edworthy
Q.3 Alan Plant
Q.4 Keith Deller
Q.5 Leighton Rees and Phil Taylor
Q.6 Mark Thomson, Colin Osbourne, Simon Whitlock, Ritchie Buckle, Robbie Green.
Q.7 Alex Roy
Q.8 Rod Harrington and Steve Maish
Q.9 World Matchplay and World Grand Prix, Phil Taylor and John Lowe in 2001.
Q.10Martin Adams and John Burke respectively.

28 points were up for grabs and Chris Brady won it with 19 points which is not great really.
I had 44 entries and to the guy who mailed me earlier your score as you know now is a pathetic 12 so grow up and study harder next time and dont be sending ridiculous e mails.I was going to publish this e mail but decided against it although it was pretty hilarious and it came from the UK. I doubt it even if your embarassing 12 won it he would have come over anyway I apoligise for not posting the answers earlier but people dont like hearing about how bad they did so that was one reason why i obstained. Maybe these questions were a bit hard but I needed to eliminate cheating over the internet as thats what happened the last time when I had nearly 100 entries then. Nobody who entered this one cheated lads so thank you all for entering and better luck next time.

Clarys Plays

Just like the last scene in the legendary "The Karate Kid" when Bobby Brown injures Daniel Laruso's leg in the semi final forcing him to withdraw from the final after all his work work with mentor Mr.Miyagi. The presentation is just amount to be made with John Lawrence getting the All Valley Championship without playing the final when Daniels girlfriend Ali comes running out which is when the famous quote sounds of "Daniel Laruso is gonna fight". Heroic stuff.

Shades of the Karate kid this week with news that Belgiums Eric "the sheriff" Clarys will try to defy the odds in Birmingham this Saturday and try to qualify for the world championships. Clarys a victim of an awful accident in the first week in June when he was ranked 22nd. He fell off a ladder while at home doing some DIY and amazingly injured his right arm and broke it in 6 places. That forced the Belgian out of the Reebok stadium giving Steve Hine a buy. Vegas, Blackpool, the Citywest, the premier league not to mention the weekly circuit all followed for the dejected Sheriff and it looked like the Worlds were sliping too until he was declared fit today to play. That of course makes him a seed too and pushes Ritchie Burnett onto the back foot and in the normal hat for the draw which was also published today. Burnett has now landed a board which includes Steve Hine, Michael Barnard, Chris Allen and Paul Whitworth and the 1995 World Champion will now find it difficult.

I'm delighted to see Eric back though. He is a gentleman of the game and only joined the PDPA in late 2003 after a 7 year stint with the BDO. He worked hard along with fellow Belgian Yves Cottenge and got to be an automatic qualifier for all the tv events by rising to 22nd before disaster struck and forced a 6 month absence. 6 months out of competitive darts is almost fatal. You lose the points you are defending without the chance of defending. Its a strong point I beleive in at ALL levels that darts is all about playing and NOT on the sidelines looking in. Eric was forced into the looking in position and it has effected him no end. But he is back. I dont know how he is playing but hopefully he'll do ok. John Lowe is on Erics board and we all know what he can do.

The most competitive board ic without question board 14. Andy Callaby will have it tough as he'll have Dave Jowett, Andy Hayfield, Steve Evans, Jan Van Der Rassel and Simon Whatley. Eric Bristow will be on Board one with seeded Dennis Smith but I'll be thinking Alan Green all the way to get through that. Osbourne, Welding, McGowan, Tabern and Jimmy Mann should have no problem qualifying the way the draw has come out but as we all know it does not work that way.

Something I'll be monitoring closely is Board 4 which is scheduled to see a Tom Kirby Jamie Harvey showdown for a spot if the draw pans out that way which is easily on the cards. Board 6 is the least competitive which will suit seed Adrian Gray. If any other seed other than Adrian was on this board they would walk it but Adrian always makes things difficult and we may have a serious outsider come through this board. Board 15 see's Irelands favourite son and the man in great form Mick McGowan and Waterfords favourite son Kieran Lennon meet. I have had a laugh to myself after writing that last sentence but hey......

All this makes for an exciting end and I'll be glued to this Saturday morning in Englands self proclaimed capital. Its up for grabs so it depends on who wants it more.

I do admit things when I'm wrong despite what some people think and the other day I commented that Ray Carver will be automatically at Purfleet. Ray off course lost the closing heats and it is in fact Bill Davis playing in that Spot. The Razor will however be in Birmingham on Saturday trying to get a spot. Thanks to Bill for pointing that out. You knew I knew Bill but you had to rub it in didn't ya? Well didn't ya????? hahahaha.

RIP Mr. Jenks.

I'd like to take this opportunity to pass on sincere condolences to Andy Jenkins and family at the recent death of his Dad Chris. A great character and will be missed by players fans and officials at the venues all around the UK in and about the players bar always havin a laugh. A great character and once again deepest sympathy to Chris's family.

Forgot this.

A special thank you to Karen Nunn and all in Birkenhead. We had an Iceman exhibition there last night and it went well. Birkenhead is just outside Liverpool so the Manchester United factor meant Wozza got plenty of good hearted abuse. Wozza only told me that today as I didn't go myself as I put my feet up and will be away every weekend between now and Christmas what with Birmingham next weekend and exhibitions in Holland and Ireland in the weeks after that and then its the Worlds followed by the Noth East Tournamnet on the 7th Jan.
Anyway I'm getting away from the beaten track here. The exhibition went very well and Karen was delighted and we'll be doing something again in the future so thanks again Karen.
Wozza got lost on the way to Birkenhead so it nearly didn't start at all but he got there and a good night was had by all.

Countdown to the Worlds.

Only a week to go before the final 16 players to participate at Purfleet are known to us. Next weekend in Villa Park, Birmingham over 300 players all outside the top 32 in the world will be bulling to get into the Championships. This is the first year that 16 players will have a chance to qualify as up to this it has only been 8. Those ranked 33 to 48 will be seeded on their boards but will be far from favourites what with the abilty of the players coming behind them.
The seeds next weekend will be as follows
1. Dennis Smith ( just missed out on automatic qualification by Barney)
2. Colin Osbourne ( a class act and a cert to make it big)
3. Mick McGowan ( Irelands number 1 and in brilliant form heading to Villa Park)
4. Steve Hine ( dangerous player but I think he might find it tough)
5. Gary Welding ( always does well in qualifiers and will go close)
6. Alan Caves ( has dipped in form and may struggle too)
7. Jimmy Mann ( seriously capable of qualifying again this year)
8. Jamie Harvey ( not playing well but never count him out)
9. Keith Deller ( slipping the ranks and will struggle)
10.Andy Callaby ( has to get through this year.Deserves to)
11.Adrian Gray (not consistent enough to be a cert)
12.John MaGowan ( right him off at your pearl)
13.Darren Webster ( could get in and is playing well)
14.Jason Clark ( got in last year and is high scorer)
15.Alan Tabern (another one for the future. Brilliant, fluent left hander)
16.Ritchie Burnett ( only seeded due to Clarys injury and not playing well)

I'm going to make a few tips here now and see how accurate I can get it but as regards the seeded players the ones I think will get through even though the draw is not out yet I know they are playing really well and the draw should not bother them.
Colin Osbourne, Mick McGowan,Gary Welding,Jimmy Mann,Andy Callaby and Alan Tabern are my tips to get in from the seeds and depending obviously on the draws I think one or two to look out for from the lower ranked positions will be Jan Van Der Rassel, Gary Webb ( new to the scene),Darren Latham, Steve Smith is playing well enough too, Irelands Owen Caffrey can do it too,Gary Noonan and Andy Belton.

These are all predictions lads and as there are over 300 involved in this Please dont be on having a go if they all fall flat on their respective faces (hahahahaha).
If anyone wishes to leave their own predictions in the comments please do as thats what its all about.

IRONIC

I'm going to qoute a comment from one of my previous blogs here and this is the first time I have done this.
QUOTE....STRAIGHT FROM THE BLOG

Anonymous said...
Fair enough fergal,i think your skills of negotiating are better than alans though ha,ha.It seems to be a good idea though getting positive feedback all round.

6:51 PM

"Seems to be a good idea though"...Nice to see the latest knockout competition is decided and the same problem still remains. Well done to Philly and the boys. Meeting Pete and Ronnie did ya well. The author of the above saying when they lost the final " a great attendance tonight and its a pity a few certain people are not here to see it" does not not wash with me. As I say I never mentioned final attendances. I only ever ementioned semi final attendances.I can assure you that ten league participants attending a final is not a success and believe me I would have love to attended to see that.
I and like any sane darts organisation would expect a MINIMUM of 40% of the players that played would attend the final. Considering the "audience" for the semis were shocking I can see why getting 30 to attend the final is a bonus to the organisers but once again the winners and runners up care about themselves and forget about the sponsors.

Allow me to say one thing. All I have said over the last 2 weeks has never been personal. At least not until someone stood up in public having lost and said" I wish some people were here to see this" ( 30 people at a darts game.....see what). If they wanna make this personal we will.I have made this clear as from day one. If anyone wants to stand toe to toe with me in front of the world and debate this I will. All I have ever done is try and benefit Tramore darts but the nasty blocker will always be there. As I say I was willing to drop it until you started boasting about a 30 man attendance. In 2004 there was standing room only in Murphs. Get a grip. How can it have dropped that far.

I'm delighted O Sheas won it............Delighted and you are right.... its a pity certain people are not there to see it.

International Touch

Great to see dartsexhibitions.com becoming international the last couple of days with hits on the site from USA, Italy, Uk, Holland, Australia and Mayo.
Its just a small indication of where this game is going and the quick progressing its making. With the World Championships up and coming before and over the Christmas period everyone will be glued to their screens. PDC starts 18th December and comes to conclusion days before the BDO version kicks off.

Barneveld has made a slight error in my book gaining as many pionts as possible. He received the wild card but amazingly reached 32nd in the World in ranking points. His wild card now goes to another dutch man with Barneveld entering as 32nd seed which means he will be due to meet No.1 seed Colin Lloyd in round 2 which was something he would have had a 90% chance of avoiding if he had monitored his ranking situation and stayed away from the top 32. It would not have mattered as they go order of merit in 2007 and he is already at the helm or thereabouts and that would not have changes had he stayed in 33rd. The man missing out on automatic qualification is Dennis Smith and he will now join 300 others in a bid to be one of 16 players to go through the PDPA qualifiers in Villa Park, Birmingham on December 2nd. No mean feat I can tell you and qualification for the TV events is now almost as hard as winning it as it involves playing alot more capable players as you might not be aware that alot of these players outside the top 32 are going to go straight into the top 32 when the order of merit comes out in Jan 2007 and as I have pionted out to you numerous times before you are going to see some so called big names struggle and disappear from the top of the hill and replaced by some lesser known names very very soon. I can guarantee that this will happen in the coming months as it is already starting to take shape.

Good results for the Celts last night as the Manks almost cheated their way to a draw but thank god they didn't. Well done to the Gunners too and Chelsea of course. All gauranteed to go into the next round so lets hope Benfica stuff United in 2 weeks time and dump Fergie out in the opening phase for a second year on the bounce.

Priestley and Manley

Howdy all,
What an exhibition we had the other night in Hourigans, Newmarket in Co.Cork.
A huge attendance enjoyed some brilliant darts from Peter Manley and Dennis Priestley with Phil Jones providing the scores and the jokes between legs. As I say the attendance was huge and the capacity crowd didn't stop shouting all night and I think even the players were taken a back by the atmosphere. Thanks to Dennis and Peter and also Phil for providing a great night. Thanks to large Con who chalked all night. Thanks to Scanlons pub who provided us with plenty of beer all day Saturday. A big thank you to Colin who had the venue in tip top shape and mostly thanks to Pat O Loughlin who was the man backing the whole night and only rang me last night looking for a Barney/Taylor showdown in 2007 so watch this space for that one.

Fair play to Ferghal and Tara for making the journey on Saturday from Waterford which meant of course leaving their recently born baby daughter Rhian. It was their first night out since their new arrival so Tara's sister came to the rescue and babysitted Rhian and little Luke so their Mam and Dad could catch some world class darts. Think they both enjoyed the Miller and the blue wkd as a good night was had by all. Think Ferghall was surprised by the attendance too but that's the was it is.

Mick McGowan amazingly got another win under his belt at the 128 Vauxhall classic. Mick is playing out of his skin of late and his rise to fame in the UK will certainly have venues chomping at the bit to have him play in their establishment before long. Well done again Mick. Starting to repeat myself with Mick the last few weeks as it seems he is in the latter stages of all tournaments now unlike my players but that is the way.

Thanks all for the amazing reactions I received last week with my Will it ever change blog. The answer to that will be most certainly no. That is my NAP for the new year as regards Tramore. No change. Will not get any odds on that though.
Anyway thinks for the support and the miniscule bit of critism. I welcomed it all.

Will it ever change.....?

How is everyone doing since my last blog? The chase for the Worlds has taken a strange twist now with Colin Monk making the last 4 in Holland at the weekend and although its still all to play for he has now gone into pole position for that last automatic spot. Mick McGowan once again doing brilliantly in getting to the final defeating Phil "the power" Taylor in the last 8 before going out to Lloyd in the final. Bad weekend by Taylors standards as Welsh man Barrie Bates did him in the final yesterday. Taylor is gracious in defeat though and when I was talking to Mick on Saturday Taylor popped on the phone and told me in person of Micks performance in a 110 average showing against the Power. Fair play to Taylor for doing that as I was at a friends Wedding in Wicklow this weekend and could not attend. Well done again Mick and of course Barrie Bates who still is in great form of late.

I'm going to mention this again now as this particular matter is close to my heart. I know I go on about World darts in my blog and world darts is mainly the topic of every conversation I have in any given day but my home towns local running of darts is still something I monitor and keep an eye on and to say the least lads it is a TOTAL AND UTTER JOKE. The way it is being run has to change. Its as simple as that and as plain as the nose on anyones face. I popped down the other night to see the semi final of the league and ended up going to see the semi final of the losers group. It is the first year of the losers group and it had more of an attendance than the "winners" group. Another JOKE. The game is dying on its feet down there. I remember only 3 years ago you would have got a full house for a semi final but not now. Probably to do with the boredom factor as people are sick to death of seeing the same teams in the semi final stages in all 4 "knockoutleagues" that are run throughout the year. Its the only place in Ireland that run 4 leagues "its not a league when if you lose you are out" in a 7 month spell. Tramore is a seasonal town and 7 months is a perfect lenght of time to run a 16 team league.

If you cannot see lads that this league is not working I dont think you are the people needed to promote the game and get the interest back as we all know at least it was there in the past. Why not try it on a league basis. Afterall thats what you call it. Pro's and con's to everything of course. Pubs in Tramore that have put their hat into the ring in the past are as follows. O Neills, Alfies, Sea Horse (of late), Cape, Bohans, Sands ( although they might not give you the free drink and the taxi and I dont blame them for that when you way everything up) Murphs, Murphys, Fenor, Dunhill, Tramore GAA, O Sheas. I'm sure I've forgotten one or two but it doesn't matter. 16 teams in this "knockout league". Bohans with 2 teams, Sands 3, O Neills 2, Dunhill 2. €25 to enter a team each go so with 4 of your "knockout leagues" in a 7 month spell these pubs I've just mentioned pay ( Bohans,O Neills and Dunhill 2 teams each by 4 leagues = €200 each on entry fee) (Sands 3 teams by 4 leagues = €300 entry fee...no wonder they wont pay for taxis)

Most of these teams get darts in their pubs for 1 night per "knockout league" for this and its not worth it. As like nearly 90% of leagues in Ireland every team should be given a chance. Play ALL the teams twice home and away with the away team handing in their team first so the home team can be tactically aware and pair their team off against the away team as best they can....hence give them home advantage. As it stands their is no home advantage as its just another Oche and both captains submit their teams at the same time which that too defeats the home and away purpose.Another joke when you think about it. As it stands at the moment also is that the only reason they play home and away is to give the publican a few arses on his seat for one night in the league before their team gets knocked out. Or four nights to the eventual winners.

16 teams entered at €25 a team. €400 per "knockout league" which is €1600 on entry fees over the 4 "knockout league". I guarantee you that if publicans had a league game in their pub every week the price money would increase. The problem you look for then is that it may not suit each team to play every Thursday. Thats simple. Arrange the league game between the 2 captains and play it whenever you want under whatever format the committee decides they run it under as its easy to decide on that. It wont be long before those who want to play darts and those who dont are found out. The home and away advantage I spoke about earlier will give lesser teams a genuine advantage and as I say give these lesser teams a genuine chance of winning or even come close to winning. Legs won and lost should come into a league too and this would mean nobody should walk away with it as at the moment their are 3 classes of teams. 1. Those expected to win it..... 2. Those not expected to win it but whom the so called big boys want to avoid and 3. Those who are poor teams but play coz they want to. Imagine giving those teams in category 3 and chance to play darts 30 nights every 7 months instead of 8 times(15 other teams by 2)they would jump on it and it gives the committee a chance to INCREASE their entry fees as the publican would easily pay more to have darts in their pub once a week for 30 weeks. Arrange for the game to be played whatever night they want with the publican reporting the result to the committe secretary once a week.

If of course ya get teams not turning up throw them out. Its up to the pub to field the team and if a pub enters a team and they dont turn up they are letting the pubs down and the opposition given the points. Teams at the moment dont turn up coz they are 6.1 down and have no hope.As I said earlier if someone has the option of competitve darts for 30 weeks in a year it will not be long before they'll tell you if they think it is good or bad idea to them. The more they play the better they'll get and the knock on effect to that is the more they'll want to play.

Its time to cop on to whats happening lads and let the dictators see sense. We all know Tramore darts has the odd dictator or 2 but they have to either shown sense or the door. One or the other. The game is dying and will die totally like it did in the 80's in Tramore if its not sorted now. People have told me that "we have more teams in the league now than we ever had". That means nothing lads unless its utilised and the only way you can utilise it is to let them play. Darts being played in pubs regularly means more entry fees which is good for the committee. More price money for competitors, more darts for darts players and at the end when the top 4 teams in the league play off in 2 semi finals i guarantee after a long hard fought out season you'll see more attendances at the semis and not a half dozen like we did the other night. A TOTAL AND UTTER JOKE.

You can still take breaks here and there and run your Memorial trophies such as Billy Kennedy and Noel Browne as they are great tournaments and run in memory of 2 great gentlemen I believe and I would never impose on those and of course fund raiser doubles and singles to raise money for the committee from time to time but lads we'll have nothing in the next few years unless someone has the liathroids to make a stance now. Let people play. Change before its too late.

To be honest I have a lot more genuine points on this topic so if anyone has any issues with what I said I can easily be contacted. Positive or negative issues lads I dont mind.

Things Hotting Up

Things are certainly getting interesting now in the race for the final automatic spot for the 2007 Ladbrokes World Championship which start in December and run into January 2007. Although the field is made up of 64 competitors only the top 32 PDC ranked players automatically qualify with 3 ranking events to go. What is interesting though is the fact that Barneveld has already been given a wild card into the tournament(maybe as part of his deal in coming over from the amateurs) but the way the points have gone Barneveld may well gain enough points to qualify automatically.Prior to yesterday Colin Monk currently holds the 32nd spot on 234pts, 33rd is Clarys who is injured and out of the equation then in 34th you have Colin Osbourne on 214 and next comes Barneveld on 209 but after yesterdays win and Saturdays high place Barney will certainly jump into probably 30th spot ahead of Alex Roy who is 31st on 241 so what do ya do with his Wild Card??????????????
This is a situation the PDC surely did not expect so soon after Barney coming over. I'd like peoples comments on this as to what they should do as clearly there are going to be issues. To be honest if Barney didn't get into the top 32 and kept his wild card things would be easy. But now he has to be counted as an automatic qualifier. That kicks either Roy, Monk or Osbourne out of the equation. Personally I think Colin Osbourne would have made the 32 and Monk eliminated but now it looks like Barney in 31 and Roy in 32 Osbourne in 33 and Monk in 34 so who gets Barneys wild card that will now surely have to become vacant again?
Do you give in to whoever finishes in 33rd spot? Do you give it to the next Dutchman in the rankings as the reason Barney got it in the first place was because he was the Dutch Wildcard which I think was a position that was "created" so Barney would definitely get in. (keep in mind the next Dutch man in the rankings is Josephus Schenk who is in 69th spot on 80points). Do you give the Irish a wild card as this year the excuse for not giving an Irish wildcard was that Denmark were getting in. For God sake lads Denmark. Per Laursen who played in the BDO competition last year took that. Basically someone here is going to be hard done by. Personally I think whoever finishes in 33rd spot should get it but as i say thats only my opinion and I'd like to hear all your opinions on this one as its a hot ticket to have but only one can get it with only 3 outings left for automatic qualification?

Nice to see a few players from the rival organisation play in the UK Open qualifiers at the weekend without any success. Forgive me for mentioning the ignorance of one of them with his big mouth in the bar on the Saturday when he claimed he "was going to show these PDC ******** how to play". He like I and 200 others presumed did nothing afterall and had a short trek home with his tail and no money between his legs. Its all about the money or show me the money rather. Maybe he can get a job in Jerry MaGuire 2.

Anyway I have another funny story or 2 about my towns Darts League again but I'll write that tomorrow as I am tired now so keep well and be sure and post your comments about that World Championship qualifier as I welcome all opinions on this one.....Up Yours

Some Crack

I had a right buzz this week when I heard and read that TG4 were televising the finals of the INDO version of the players trophy that is held throughout Ireland over a couple of months period starting today and leading into 2007. The INDO is the Irish sister organisation of the BDO and have got the idea of running a players tournament from the PDPA ( professional dart players association) which I mention nearly everyday.
I spoke to an INDO member last week at the World Grand Prix and this was pretty much our converstation.
Alan K: "Well **** How ya doing? Any News?" I was expecting not too bad Alan, How are you Alan, How is the missus Alan, How is work Alan since I saw you last or are ya having a pint Alan? But instead I got

"TG4 are televising the final of the players trophy"... I couldn't belive it and straight away knew like all other INDO/BDO members he was looking for brownie points or a crack off the PDC as I knew the only reason he was there was McCracken was INDO ranked number 3 and he was supporting him so I replied by saying

" So the INDO are now fluent in Irish as well are they?"
After this our conversation was non dart related which I respected.
I'd like to make one thing straight. Being involved in the PDC/PDPA I dont need to or dont want to get involved in slanging matches. If anyone from the INDO wants to stand toe to toe with me in front of thousands of people and debate the situation with me I'll glady and willingly do it so anything other than straight up honest facts I have no time for. You don't need to be simple to understand that. Although simple and Irish darts are getting married next week.
I was serious when I mentioned the fluent Irish comment too. I can picture it. Come home on probably a Tuesday afternoon, turn on TG4 and listen to some fella talk Irish. I unlike the INDO members can speak Irish so I can here the commentator going ...........
" Se deag dubailte dan bua....O Bhi se sin in aice laithreach! Ar an sreang mhistail! Ta na h-imreoiri seo ufasach ar fad" ( left the fadas out as e mail does not allow me to put them in)
TRANSLATION IN SHORT and may I add in short
Someone missed double 16 and are rubbish........Somes up an awful lot in my book.

All joking and sarcasm aside it is great to get TV exposure for any sport and I as I always say wanna promote this game so I say well done to the INDO for landing the TV coverage but here is the bit I like. A little birdy told me that the reason TG4 came on board to show these amateur darts is because Setanta got involved in the September Irish Open in Castlebar which is a PDC cat. 1 event. Once again I was was contacted directly on this one and KNOW this is the case.TV crews are so naive half of them don't know the conflict between PDC/BDO and rang me after going into google to dig out info on darts in Ireland. Lads if its INDO info you are after stay away from me as I think its cack. Unless Its SKY who know what they are at TV crews will always come sniffing before they broadcast anything and that applies especially in Ireland.

Anyway I'd like to thank himself at the Grand Prix for all that info. Great fun.
Just so you know while I write this I'm sitting in my hotel room in after the PDPA tournament in Scotland. I'm dying of flu and have been here since I arrived last night. Popped over for a few minutes and seen "The Magnet" Mick McGowan go to the final again only to lose to a guy who is a bit of a nemissis to him and new to darts exhibitions in January Adrian Lewis. I have no doubt in my mind Mick will rattle a few cages in the coming weeks and months and may I say here noe WILL be a top 32 players in the next 6 months.

Anyway lads good night and while you are having a night out I'll be tucked up in my Leaba or bed to those who don't understand Irish so Oiche Amaith