Day 1: Afternoon session, part 1 Champions League of Darts 2016

Welcome to Cardiff. Next year's Champions League final will be held

across the road at the Principality Stadium. This year, all about the

darts. Welcome to the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff for the 2016 Unibet

Champions League of Darts. The world's top 16 players are in the

capital of Wales. It is massive. It is being here are

the biggest stages. The top eight players on the TV.

Giving us more exposure and gametime. We looking forward to it.

I want to do their best and win it, the same as every other professional

darts. It is the first time it has been here. It is going to be

ridiculous, very hard, unfortunately. Very competitive,

some special moments, I'm sure. Great for TV, great viewing. Looking

forward to it, glad I have been picked.

To have the top eight in the world, amazing. I know I can win. To show

it in this tournament. We really are in for a cracking weekend at the

Cardiff Motorpoint Arena. We have pulled in the top guns, for our

experts panel. Mark Webster, Paul Nicholson. Good afternoon.

Ground-breaking for the darts? It is, when it was announced, players,

fans, broadcasters. Saying, oh, my God. This is fantastic. The audience

this sport deserves. I want to get up and play. I have a great seat.

Looking forward to working with you. We have the best eight players in

the world. We will find out the best this week. Great opportunity for the

players and the sport, to show how dramatic and wonderful it is. Of

course. The PDC has covered every angle. BBC Sport was the final

thing. What a great chance for the top eight players in the world to

show it. One thing you know about the Welsh, they love sport and

drama. Making a lot of noise. What will the nerves the life of the top

players? They are the top eight in the world because they are the best

players now, and have been for the last couple of years. When it is a

new tournament, there are more jitters in the stomach. Interesting

to see how these guys have adapted. All of them have played here in the

Premier League darts. I think they will be nerves, they will have to

manage that. Michael van Gerwen, top in the order of merit, he has to be

the man to beat. Flying, winning three consecutive Euro tours,

ranking events. The form plays into his hands. He will be tough to beat.

Those guys will have a go, he's there to be shot at. He will have to

lose one day. But there to be shot at. They are split into to macro

groups. Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor renewing their rivalry, being

drawn together. Drawn with the Scottish duo. The ?100,000 first

prize on offer for the champion. Let's take a look at group B.

Reigning world champion Gary Anderson, Adrian Lewis, James Wade,

the former youth world champion, Michael Smith. Caroline Barker will

bring us a flavour of the drama. They are a quiet bunch, this luck. A

bit louder as they go through. Dan Dawson, the commentator. This is

where the drama starts. Whether you are Michael van Gerwen, the world

champion, Gary Anderson, Phil "The Power" Taylor, this is where it

starts. The walk on, your own signature tune. The attention is

even for nobodies like us. They will be signs. I don't know who that

gays. Lots of butchers. Everybody in fancy dress. -- who that guy is. It

is about who controls the nerves. Michael van Gerwen lookalike. He has

done that costume well. The walk on music pumping, the heart going.

Completely, that is when they know they had to produce their best, in

just a few seconds time. It is nerve wracking. We see some of the guys

unable to deal with the pressure when they get on stage. You will not

get that from these guys, they know what it takes. They walk up the

steps. This is exactly what Gary Anderson and company will do in a

few minutes time. Is that what we are going to do common nickname is

all weekend? Let's take a look at this afternoon's order of play. Gary

Anderson and Michael Smith, Anderson leading the head to head for- to.

Adrian Lewis against James Wade. Phil Taylor beating Peter Wright on

17 occasions. Michael van Gerwen plays Robert Thornton. More matches

to come later this evening when we switched to BBC Two. First up, will

the Flying Scotsman gets off to a flyer? How can I explain Gary

Anderson in a few words? He loves to win game he loves the prize money.

Set his heart on retiring when he is 55 years old. Grumpy old man. Very

laid-back bloke. Very good player. Solid player over the last couple of

years. Very solid. Probably second best in the world behind Michael.

He's just good. That is his strength. Does not make many

mistakes. Super dart player. Really good form at the moment. Lovely

throw, makes it look so easy. Nice person to get along with. You have

to outscore him, to be consistent. Pile the pressure on him. Gets his

head down, in the practice room. Quite quiet, get his headphones on,

gets on with his drop. If the hits his doubles, unbelievable. Scoring

fantastic, when he hits his doubles, these dangerous. His only weakness

is missing the doubles. Scoring is amazing, the finishing has come on a

long way. Finishing used to let him down. Now he does both. Strong,

powerful force. He has a weakness, sometimes missing doubles, when not

concentrating. Lately doing that really well. One to look out for.

When Gary turns up, I can score, there is one that can score, but

cannot finish. One that can score, cannot finish. When the right one

turns up, happy with my game. You have to love a sportsman who gives

honest answers. That is Gary talking about himself. Which game turns up.

He has always been an honest player to himself and other people.

Especially during interviews. What you see is what you get. Scoring

power he possesses has made him the world champion over the last couple

of years. He has pushed up on his doubles. The motivation to retire

earlier than he could has made him extra special. If you are the world

champion from you must be walking out into the arena thinking, I can

win this tournament. He will be very confident, defending his title at

Alexandra Palace, that takes some doing. He will be very confident.

Michael van Gerwen is the favourite, but Gary has beaten him. Michael

Smith has beating Gary on two occasions. What are his strengths?

When he gets his scoring going, he is as good, if not better than Gary

Anderson. Needs to stay positive, get rid of negativity. Don't shake

your head, give your opponent anything to aim at. How will he be

feeling? Excited, but nervous. Not in the best form. New tournament,

hopefully he can play himself into form. Thank you, very much indeed.

Live darts over the weekend on the BBC. If you want to know more about

the sport, we have hired a crack team to give you your cut out and

keep guide. As for the darts, they can be no

longer than 12 inches. Maximum weight, 50 grams was the red bit in

the middle, the bull's-eye, five foot, eight inches from the centre

of the bull's-eye to the floor. This is the oche, where the players throw

from. Every leg starts at 501, with the object to be getting to zero,

finishing on a double. Each player throws three darts, the score is

extracted from the total of the three of them. Each player must

finish the leg on a double or bull's-eye. If the player fails to

score, this call reverts back to the beginning of the throw. Each set is

the best of 19 lakes, apart from the final. They are brilliant. Here we

go from history being made in Cardiff. Champions League, 2016

getting under way. Let's join our MC, John McDonnell. Hello, a very

special welcome to the Motorpoint Arena in the great city of Cardiff.

Welcome to the event, the Champions League of Darts, brought to you by

the PDC, coming to you live from the BBC. Ladies and gentlemen, it is

time to meet the players. Firstly, would you please welcome, a former

World Youth Champion. And now, ladies and gentlemen the

2016 Premier League champion, the reigning two time back-to-back

champion of the world. The Flying Scotsman.

Great noise inside the Motorpoint Arena. Fred Flintstone thoroughly

enjoying himself. A huge welcome to our commentators.

COMMENTATOR: Thank you, an absolute treat to be there. Absolute thrill.

What age first match we have in store. Two mates from the same

stable. They have been bickering all weekend about this. Gary has been

telling Michael he will beating quickly, so he can have a nap before

the evening session. Michael saying he will show the world champion who

is boss. Gary Anderson, 49 years of age, from Scotland. He was once so

disgusted by the darts P3, he threw them in a lake. Now world champion

twice in a row. Michael to throw first, game on. -- darts he threw.

Who will be throwing the last dart on Sunday night? Gary Anderson one

of the favourites for the title. Michael Smith got himself into the

top eight, the Premier League. The form since then, disappointing. This

is a big opportunity. Michael Smith announced himself to the world of

darts in the World Championship 2014, a stunning victory over the

reigning champion, Phil "The Power" Taylor. Since then, building on the

promise. One of the world's top eight players, taking on his mental.

Not long before that he beat Michael van Gerwen with a 130 average, in

one of the events in Barnsley. Gary Anderson, first to finish. Cannot

take that out. He will be back. The first 210 legs winning the first of

the group B matches. Quite of the few players mentioned about Gary

Anderson's finishing. The scoring has always been there, when he hits

the doubles, when he wins world title. A break of the throw in the

first leg of the match. One out of one, for his doubles so far. Cannot

argue with that start from Anderson. Looking confident. Michael Smith has

to get his teeth into this match very quickly. He don't want to be

going into the second game knowing you have to win the last two at a

minimum to stay in the group. Good cover. Treble 19 twice. Cannot

leave a finish, the second dart in the single. Still looking in command

in this leg. Unless Smith can fill this one in. He gets another.

Leaving himself 167. 170, the highest possible finish, two treble

20s, and a bull's-eye. Kennedy 167. Again Anderson with a chance. Going

for two tops. Double ten. He has missed. Mackail-Smith has to step in

for the 74. Cannot afford to give Anderson another shot at double. A

long way off from Michael. Really was a long way off double top.

Double one. He gets it. You don't want to be giving Gary Anderson a

second chance. More importantly he got her leg. -- got that.

Slightly different mindset, Alan, to a straight knockout match. Even

though you don't want to lose, you can afford to. You think of that if

it happens, you don't want to be thinking that at the start of the

tournament. It can have a negative effect. Just go and win. Think about

that at a later stage. Smith with the 140 start, looking good to get

this leg. Fancy watch darts at the Lakeside,

they will remember Gary Anderson. He was a BDO player until 2009, once

reaching the semifinal. Once famously throwing his darts into the

lake after losing a quarterfinal. Double two. He has to get it. Well

done. Really needed that one. He had missed four darts at double before

that double to. Just creeping into the corner. That will settle him

down. Certainly will. 16s, for tops. Double top for the

leg. Not to be. Should go down for 19s. Favourite route, does not do it

this time, only getting the setup. Leaving Anderson another three darts

at the board. Giving him too many opportunities to win the leg.

Anderson taking them. Really getting his teeth into this

one. His fans starting to enjoy it, as well.

Certainly getting a pretty decent crowd this afternoon. It should be

rammed this evening. Tonight, Sunday afternoon, in this fantastic

Motorpoint Arena, in Cardiff. He has switched to the PDC in 2010, Gary

Anderson. Reaching the world final in 2011, losing to Adrian Lewis, he

hit 9-darter along the way. In 2015 he beat Phil Taylor 7-6 in the

final. Getting revenge against Lewis earlier this year. The final witchy

won 7-5, it had the most 180 's in a match. 34, plus one 170 checkout in

the penultimate leg. -- 180s. Certainly quite a few. That is a bad

dart from Anderson. Good opportunity to get within one, for Michael

Smith. Double top, for Michael Smith. Double ten. He has to start

hitting these. Pressure on, he gets it. Gary Anderson has been in

control of the match so far. Certainly that will make Michael

Smith feel a whole lot better, to get within one leg. Important to

stay with your opponent, then at some point, hopefully have a purple

patch. Once you get the rhythm, you can roll off two, three, four legs

just like that. We are yet to have a maximum in five and a bit legs.

Unusual, certainly be Gary Anderson. One of those things, you either get

a load, or they struggled to get them. The fans at home, and the

crowd love to see a maximum. It just gets everyone going. Gets everyone

off their seats. Getting there cards and placards out. We love to see the

veterinary gargling it out. -- the veterinary.

Would have been a better shot to stay there, simple reason he had a

good lie. He needs tops. He levelled the match.

Now he will be relaxed. It has not played his best yet. Certainly

feeling a bit more confident. He burst onto the scene two and a half

years ago at the World Championship. He was the reigning World Youth

Champion, when he beat Phil Taylor, the reigning champion in the second

round. At Ally Pally. Everybody suddenly took notice. We certainly

did. We had seen him around the circuit for a few years, he had the

potential. The question was, could he do it on the big stage against

the big players? He proved it on that occasion. It went to sudden

death, he took it out on a bull's-eye. Coped with the pressure.

We thought this was another one of the young protege is coming through.

Put himself into the top eight. Really moving on from there. So many

tournaments, you just need to have a good run in one of the big events.

Leaves himself double top. Did not go to the maximum, he would have

busted. Michael puts the pressure on. Pressure, what pressure?

Starting to motor, now. Taking it leg by leg. Smith was throwing first

in that last one. That is why Gary Anderson is the world champion, he

is relentless in his attack. We mentioned they are good mates. They

are from the same stable, Tommy Gilmour is their manager. Laughing

and joking about this all morning. Does that translate to the stage?

They are used to it, all the players are the same. Winding each other up.

If you go to the back room, when they are practising. They relax for

the tournament, winding each other up. These two travel together, the

same management. As soon as they get on the stage, they have respect for

each other. When you are good mates, you want your mate to throw well,

even though he is throwing against you. No, you don't. If you are

playing your mate, you want to bashing. They both have two year old

sons. Michael Junior. Gary,his son is called Ty. He said to Michael, we

are expecting a baby, and Michael said, so am I. Both of them born

around the same time. Looking good for the world champion. Still a long

way to go. Who is to only half way, we have a break after ten legs. The

players are used to break after five. They should be used to this,

anyway. Sometimes, if things aren't going well, you need to break. If

you are playing well, and hitting everything, you don't want to get

off the stage. Here we go... Almost. Plenty of room there for Michael

Smith. There it is. The first maximum of the Champions League.

He is on a finish. 11. Treble 14 he has hit. He can't

now finish. Will he be punished though? It's a big ask for 161. It

is doable. Oh, how close was that to the treble

18? In the mad house. He will feel better now he has hit that one, the

mad house, second time he has hit it. Hit to win the third leg of the

match as. Sure people down the Dog and Duck.... He is staying with him.

It is important. Some point he has to make his move though.

Hasn't yet led. Certainly a big feature of game

players go all around the board. Certainly the 19s and 18s, scoring

variations as well. The speed you have to do it, the

speed. He didn't need to go for the bull. Had a quick check of the

score. Michael way back half way through the leg. Could make a hole

in it. Unlucky. So we are under way, that was very

unusual, one maximum between them Very usual. They are undoubtedly two

of the biggest scorers in the world. You talked about prematch never,

maybe it is that, the fact it is an expectant crowd and audience, Mark

would agree with me. Have they looked uneasy out there? Yes,

Michael hasn't looked settled. He will be kind of happy with that,

because the damage could have been worse, he has had a few messy leg,

double one, I think needs a clean leg when he comes back, to settle

him down. When you look at Gary Anderson, there have been many times

where he has been smiling, his body language suggests he is relaxed

more, into this event than perhaps Michael. Yes, I think so. We talked

about Michael's negativity sometimes creeps in and it gets infectious in

his game. The first start has not been up to scratch, to his

standards, I am sure he would like to change that when he comes back

out. Gary is at a stage of his career he has achieved so much

where. So that might be working in his favour. What happens now in this

three minute break when it is tight? More so for Michael, he doesn't want

to get broke again, it will be a double break down, it is a long way

back, Gary will be thinking if I can break him again I will be well in

command. Massive leg in the context of the match. No-one has got into

rhythm. Alan mentioned it in commentary commentary, you want to

get a clean run of legs to pull away. These kind of guy, what they

tend do when they are playing their best stuff, they can wrap off three,

four legs in a row in quick time. We have seen they are quick and getting

on with it. It is is very exciting to watch. When they hit the strap,

we can see something better than this. In the context of the

tournament, given the fact it's a round-robin, you really have to win

your first match, because you don't want to be chasing later on in the

group, do you. No, of course not. If you go into the second session with

a win under your belt you are in control of the group. You don't want

to be relying on favours from other players, legs, coming here and

there, just win your three legs. What do you think will happen? I am

looking at Gary. I don't think he will relinquish the lead. If he

improves and starts to score heavier he will trouble him. Gary looks more

rested and I think he might edge this 10-8. Yes, tough to disagree

with Paul. Michael doesn't look settle and Gary rarely surrenders a

lead. I would agree. It is worth us pointing out, cracking atmosphere

here, it is very loud. People are loving it. This is the start of

something you will see all weekend. Everybody has come here to have a

good time. Good morning come to see great dart, it is start of what we

are going to see for the rest of the weekend. Thank you very much. Back

to the commentary team. Here we go. Three more practise

darts apiece, and we are back under way, with Gary Anderson, the two

time reining World Champion. Leading Michael Smith by six legs to

four in a race to ten. As the boys were saying, Alan this

is must hold, for Michael Smith. He has to get moving, no excuses any

more, 6-4 down. Can't afford to lose too many leg, certain when he is

throwing Needs a treble here.

He has to stick with him as much as possible, then hopefully make his

move, could be a big finish, a miss by Anderson, we know that can happen

so often in this game, and then, you almost drive on from there.

Absolutely huge arena. Terrific for watching darts. Absolutely packed.

It is a sell-out tonight. I think there might be a couple of tickets

left for tomorrow afternoon, nothing for Sunday 've finishing the

semifinal and the final, if you are in the vicinity of the Motorpoint

Arena you could do a lot worse with your Sunday afternoon, I can tell

you. Needs a treble to finish. Michael

Smith has at least a couple of visits here, to get him back within

one, he has been level. Yet to be ahead.

That puts pressure on this double top. Normally his favourite.

Oh. Oh dear. That could spell trouble. And

trouble it is. Gary Anderson has been relentless on double top. You

can see the anguish with Michael Smith, he knows that was a big, big

mistake. You feel it is last chance saloon

fors in m he needs to get a run of two or three leg, not for the

obvious, but for his own positive thought process. With this group

system, feel you have to win at least two games to qualify, if you

lose the first one, you almost feel like you are half way home.

Just a reminder it is two groups of four player, they will play each

other, top two go through to the semifinals tomorrow evening, in the

final it is the best of 21 leg, here it's the best of 19.

Following this one it is Adrian Lewis and James Wade. Pretty evenly

challenged in all directions in that one.

So this is for an 8-4 lead. 14 for bull's-eye.

Or a treble obviously. So double 11, yes, he is not missing anything now.

Easy as pie. That is not looking good for Smith

now. He has hit his last five doubles in a row, Gary Anderson, for

of them -- four of them double top. That one double 11 to go eight four

-- 8-4 ahead and within two of a place in the Champions League. The

Flying Scotsman is really flying. The Michael Smith, the woes

continue, in his troubled season, in the sense of results, and

performance, really. Because it has just not happened.

His body language now just seemed to sigh on his way to the dartboard.

That is not the first time in the match he has done it, he has done it

on a few occasions with a few misses. Misses. Since he levelled

the match at three legs apiece, he was broken, by Gary Anderson, that

was a 13 dart leg from Gary, he has only one leg since then.

Still, he is first to a finish here. He should stay there. 17s. Double

18. That will give himself some geeing up there,s in m that was a

nice clean kill. The St Helen's man. Needs a few more.

He hasn't got the rhythm we are normally used to with Michael Smith

and obviously hitting the treble 20, but just above it, all round it,

moving round the board too often. That tells me he has not found his

rhythm. On a regular basis throughout the match. Gary has

plodded on, solid as ever. They are jumping.

Treble 18 with the last one, to leave double 16. Excellent set up by

the World Champion. Still hasn't hit a maximum but that is as good as,

leaves him 32 points away from an 8-5 lead, 9-5 lead and he is one leg

away from winning. One leg away in this first Group B match. That will

make him feel a lot better, as for Michael Smith, he really has to pull

his socks up. For his second game. Has to win that or he is going home.

He is four up with five to play, the World Champion, here he goes. Still

no 180. 180. He has that cheeky grin on his face, he knows he is in

complete control of the match. Wanted to get a maximum there. He is

homing in on that tenth leg. It is not getting that first dart

right, is he. Way below, to the left or right.

To stay alive. Another treble 19 for bull's-eye. Straight into the treble

seven. Unluckry you have to say. That was the kind of thing he

needed. Now then, this is for the match. He needs bull! First leg dart

he has missed for a while. Double eight to stay alive. Must hit this.

He has missed it. He has missed it. So Gary Anderson, 25 points away,

double 12, he's done it. There's the win.

It did look a bit like master and apprentice on the oche and Gary

Anderson, the Flying Scotsman is off to a flierks he has won -- flyer, he

has won 10-5. So a disappointing start for Michael

Smith, but a terrific one for Gary Anderson, only previous televised

meeting was in 2016 Premier League, Anderson winning 7-3 in Nottingham.

Excellent start, and disappointment for Michael Smith and somehow now he

has to go there and get his head on and try and stay in this tournament.

It is going to be difficult now that first hurdle, he has hit it face on.

Gary will be thrilled with that, knowing him like I do, he will be

over and speak to news a minute, he will want to going bah the hotel and

get sleep and reset for tonight. Gary is going to come in and have a

chat shortly, as he makes his way up to the studio here, but when you

looked that the and we were watching it, we said Gary has just relaxed

quicker than Michael. He did not settle. No, I think the key to his

game is the first start. When he lands it in the top section of the

treble 20 a lot, he hits a lot of 180s and 140s and he gives himself a

lot of chances of double. In this game he didn't do that, he was

scratching round the board, trying to find what he was going for and

like Mark said he was going at double five, double two, double 1,

when you do that you are not hitting your first double shots crisply

enough. We noticed shakes of the head, when you are not hitting your

doubles, that has a massive effect on your confidence, and your

concentration, which we talked about at the start It has had an effect on

his confidence but feeding Gary, he can see his opponent is negative, I

think that is probably the only weakness with Michael Smith's game.

If he can eradicate that he can get stronger. Just one maximum in the

match Flabbergasted. They deliver them for lunch tea and dinner, to

only have one a surprise but maybe they are keeping them in the bank.

We hope there will be some served tonight and this afternoon. The fans

are loving it. Gary Anderson has joined us, good afternoon to you,

you are live on BBC television, good afternoon to you my friend. Well

done, congratulations, how does it feel to get off to a good start, you

look like you are enjoying it I have not thrown like that for four weeks,

I was back from Florida on Tuesday, I have no time to get ready for it.

It was going for nervous against Michael. He is one of the biggest at

that times I know, but he is not quite getting it on the stage yet.

Yet. My man here is flabbergasted there is only one maximum. You can

do better than that. I think I had three in 60 legs, the doubles were

going in when I needed them. You have to be happy with the way you

have come back the tour you have had a break, it will be a push to the

end of the season to defend your world title, how does it feel to be

back? I was panicking when I came back from Florida. I have not thrown

a dart for ages so I have had about three hours today. Hopefully I will

get off here, and go and have another three hours. We will talk

about Phil Taylor, but he is obviously been contraiting on this

even. Is that the. Same for your, is that why you had a break, you wanted

to hit this tournament bang on form? So You do that with every

tournament. I have just had a holiday, I haven't had one for five

years. You look good by the way. The bags are kicking in. The last two

years I had about 82 days home in two years, so I have been on the

road a lot. Start to catch up with me, needed a wee break but I think I

might have paid the price. What about coming out here, this crowd

have been magnificent, you have have a great welcome, what is it like

being first on on what is a brand-new tournament. Tournament. ?

Never like being first on. We use this for the Premier League, you

know and the crowds are bouncing, it is three-quarters full today, wait

until you see it tonight. We have your final dart, this is the finish.

You do like double 12. It has been named the Gary Anderson double

because of the fact you won your world title with that the first time

round. Now and again. I think I only hit it twice a year. Wiping a bead

of sweat off the brow there. A wonderful atmosphere, it is a great

venue, in many ways this is a massive opportunity, not just for

you but for darts to showcase what it is about. It is. It is a long

time since I have been on BBC, it is great, it is hard to think there is

people that has never seen players like Michael Smith, not seen Michael

van Gerwen play, you know, it is an eye opener, so it is great, even the

youngsters, they have never seen the PDC players play. Great to see you

Gary, thank you, thanks for popping in and having a chat. Good luck for

the rest of the tournament. We will see you later, on to the next match

featuring Adrian Lewis taking on James Wade. They are aiming to hit

the Jackpot. Adrian Jackpot Lewis. It came about from last Vegas, I won

$72,000 on a fruit machine, I couldn't claim it because I wasn't

21. I should be called No Jackpot Lewis there you go. My first ever

dartboard was hung on the landing in my house, I used to live in a

council house and on the landing there.

I was working in the building trade and we used to work alternative

Saturdays, I said to the boss I said I won't be there this Saturday

because I am playing a darts tournament in Newcastle. He said

what do you want to play darts or pay the bills? I got to the

semifinals, my first ever tournament with the pros, picked up a couple of

grand and qualified for the open. I thought I can do this. What drives

me? Everything really. I want to win as many tournaments as I can. That

is why I practise every day. I want, you know, I want to be comfortable

for the rest of my life and look after my family, really.

Well he is smiling there, will he will smiling come Sunday evening.

Mark Webster has rejoined us. Good to have you back, Adrian, win this?

Of course, he believes himself. He won't be deed if he loses it. He is

thick skinned, he is confident and fluent. Wade has the upper hand in

the meetings? That doesn't surprise me, because there was a spell with

those two guys when they were playing each other that was

guaranteed drama. We had Draft Gate, the second time India won a world

title. These guys just like to just bash each other up on the dartboard

and James Wade seems to turn up against Adrian Lewis, I am not sure

why, but I guarantee you he will today. He will be up for this. We

are bringing you the biggests and I am delighted to say Caroline is with

James's wife. Let us get the frue the ward camp. What has it been

like, you have been with the player, how are the nerves? They are OK. All

the players are excited. It is a huge thing to be on BBC. Everyone is

taking it seriously. It is great. They were watching the game before,

They are practising and they are looking over going great shot, oh,

is it going to hit? It is great. James says he is playing the best

darts, he credits you with that. That is sweet. His overall

performance has been fantastic, he is scoring better, he is getting

great averages, he is playing well. Let us hope we will get a win. He is

going to make the noise in a minute, have you every confidence he can

win? Yes, I support James, he is the Machine, he didn't get the name for

nothing. He will crack on, hopefully get the job done. Go and stake your

-- take your place as well. Thank you. Both these players have been in

the top ten for over a decade. This is a very big stage for both. Lewis

has won 19 matches against Wade, but it's the man from Aldershot who

leads the way. Lewis did win the Auckland Masters semifinal 11-9.

Match two, back to our MC. Thank you ladies and gentlemen. Welcome back

to the action, we are coming to you from the Motorpoint Arena, in the

great City of Cardiff. A very special welcome to our viewers

joining us across the BBC. And now, ladies and gentlemen, it's time to

meet the players. Would you please welcome from Aldershot England, the

winner of seven major titles, it's time to meet the Machine. James

Wade. "The Boys Are Back

in Town" by Thin Lizzy Now ladies and gentlemen, from the

Stoke-on-Trent, England, the former two time back-to-back champion of

the world Jackpot. Adrian Lewis. MUSIC: "Reach Up (Papa's Got a Brand

New Pigbag)" by Perfecto Allstarz So James Wade and Adrian Lewis

clashing in Group B here at the Champions League of dart, Gary

Anderson the world champion sits at the top of the table. These two

players know each other very very well. Played on this big stage all

round the world on many, many occasions. As you have mentioned a

few times, James Wade has the edge of Lewis. Certainly, an array of big

TV titles between these two players. Adrian Lewis twice a World Champion,

Jackpot from Stoke-on-Trent, 21-year-old looking forward --

31-year-old looking forward to a big weekend in Cardiff.

First leg James to throw first. Game on. It is James Wade who has the

advantage of throwing first here. World number three Adrian Lewis,

world number six James Wade. Both occupying similar position in the

game. They have won a host of major titles between them but the big

difference and Adrian will be the first to point it out, is that he

has got the big one, he has the World Championship, won it twice in

a row, and that is the main one that has eluded James Wade. Not been to a

final either. The seven titles he has won to not get to a World

Championship final is something he is trying to put right. So many

players, good players round in the game now, you have to play your best

all the way through a tournament to be the winner at the end of it.

Different kinds of players as well, wouldn't you say, in terms of, there

are days and entire tournaments where Adrian Lewis, when he is on

it, can produce darts that pretty much nobody in the world can live

with, whereas James Wade is more of a scrapper, he can beat anybody but

he tends to get through tight battles with his opponent. Very

solid player James. Go for the maximum. Went down stairs for the

19. Treble would have left double 12. Lewis has to be careful he

doesn't leave anything dodgy here, good thinking of Lewis also. Wade

has the first opportunity to get the first leg on the board. 20 for his

favourite tops. Tops for Wade. And that will do for

James Wade, a 15 dart leg, finished on double top. A 15 darter, that is

a 100 average as Lewis misses out. Wade is always solid, one of his

best attributes is his composure. Certainly when it gets to the nitty

gritty. Adrian Lewis can sometimes be deceptive in the sense of it can

go to a tournament not in great form and all of a sud season hit the

ground running. -- sudden. Can he hit the 180? Not quite. As well as

the two titles for Adrian Lewis he made the final of the World

Championship, the most recent one losing out to Gary Anderson, that

was a repeat of his first World Championship final.

When he hit the perfect nine darter, in the very first set. First man to

do it in a world final and look at this.

Look at this from Adrian Lewis. We mentioned it in the last game, the

two players certainly big 180 hitters and only one in the entire

match, which was incredible. Lewis has got himself up and run,

now he needs to get the leg. The important bit. Double 10. One

apiece. Both players well and truly settled into this Group B encounter.

Adrian Lewis, always talked of as a player destined for great things.

Where was his third dart destined to go? Second maximum. He was plucked

from the streets of Stoke by Phil "The Power" Taylor as a teenager.

Certainly warming the ground up, two Max Evans in two legs. -- maximums.

The crowd am enjoying this, hold weekend of it at the Motorpoint

Arena in Cardiff. -- a whole. Phil Taylor school in

the game by the great Eric Bristow, five-time world champion. Taylor

passing on his experience to Adrian Lewis. He became a two time world

champion. There may be more, James Wade wants to fill this out. Gets to

Shanghai. Single 20, double 20, treble 20. He needs the treble. Gets

it. Tops, for 2-1. It was plumb in the middle of double top for the

Machine. He has had many nicknames, James Wade. None of them vertically

good until the Machine. We love our nicknames. There is a first maximum.

First run for James Wade. Three in total. It was slow in the first

match, despite Gary Anderson averaging 96. This one taking off in

great style. Three maximums already. 120 finish. Both averaging into

100s. 106:100 and seven. Can they maintain this all the way to the

end? You get the feeling there will be a

battle here. The crowd responding to the big schools. The players

responding. That is what we want to see. Adrian Lewis, treble 20. That

should mean he gets at least one dart at double. On the coat-tails. A

long way off with the first one. Despite being behind in the leg,

great opportunity, massive opportunity. Clear daylight. Over

the other side, double nine. He bought himself the opportunity to

break the throw. Lewis closing it out. They have parity once again.

The battle continues. Another? Why not. 180 in the last two legs. It is

simmering away, the averages are both over 100.

Four maximums, two apiece. Pretty good in this encounter. Both

enjoying the atmosphere in the match. James Wade is an expert at

averaging just one more point than his opponent. All he does. Don't

need to bash it every time. That is the formula. You average 80, he will

average 101. You average 105, he will average 106. Putting him in

position to execute that game plan. He has been solid performer. Treble

ten. Good last dart. Good setup from James Wade. Keeping his composure at

the moment. Double top, double ten. He is the

best double ten artist in the game of darts. Of course he misses it.

Double five, well, well. We have mentioned James Wade? Composure,

just before. He missed a great chance, there. He has got away with

it. Now, can he make amends? He has two hit the single first, which she

does. -- which he does. No problem with double two, James Wade. Having

met so many times in the past, these are players we have used for the

Premier League for the best part of a decade. They have met all over the

world. Some very significant meetings between them. James Wade,

he won the Grand Prix title, one of the big events of the year. The

hardest event. You may say that, Alan. Takes a superb player to win

it. Totally agree with you. Former Grand Prix champion, Adam! -- Alan!

Two the big players in the game. They won't want their opponent to

get 1-0 up on them. For various reasons. The main one, they want to

stay in this tournament. Whoever loses will have to beat Gary

Anderson to qualify for the semifinal. Never

easiest task. The maximum from Lewis gets him down to a two dart

check-out, unless dart needed another treble 24 a go at the

bull's-eye. The biggest finish of the luck. -- treble 20, for a go.

Level, at 3-3. Six consecutive holes of throw. Not without a few scares.

Maybe just one break of throw will be enough. Maintaining the average,

103. Wade just under 100. Pretty good standard from both. I'm sure we

will see a few more maximums before the end of the match. A race to ten.

We have mentioned about James Wade being so solid. That is what he

does, usually finishing around 100. One of his good attributes, in the

game. It is bottle James Wade possesses, in spades. If he gets

into a scrap with you, very difficult man to shake off. He has

gone 19s. Leaving himself double 12. Lewis, way back. If it gets the

opportunity, another treble. James Wade, to edge ahead again. Straight

into double 12. Certainly building up nicely, this encounter. Started

off with very few fireworks, in the second, third, fourth, fifth leg.

Slowed down a bit. We have had a maximum in each of the last five

legs. Both finishing around the same sort of standard. Maybe just one

mistake, one phenomenal leg to break throw. A bag of spammers, from

Adrian. -- spanners. Need to consolidate that bad visit. 60

ahead. A chance for James Wade, if he can up the scoring. Not happy

with the lie, moving slightly right. That is because of the angle the

dart is going in. Going down for 19s. Successfully. Just getting his

nose in front. Adrian Lewis nose of the school can dig in and out of the

hole. 100, enough. Neath two trebles for a dart at the double.

Opportunity for James Wade, jumping all over it. He would have loved the

maximum, to leave double 12. Good opportunity, he has given himself on

64. For the first break of throw in the match. A two electrician. He

will get one dart at the ? only one. H, double top. That is the route. --

eight. Again, he misses a dart double top. Lewis gets two darts.

Double Tempest Wade was disappointed with the mess. Not as disappointed

as Adrian Lewis will be, he hits the double. Some pondering to do for

Adrian Lewis. The first break of throw, could it be crucial? James

Wade, multiple major champion. The most recent big tournament he won

was the Masters in 2014, somehow managing to win. 9-2 down to Mervyn

King in the final. It was incredible, really was. Surprised

when he got the winning double. You don't often see that in the

professional game. It can happen. Why are they sports, you cannot stop

your opponent scoring. You have to do your own thing. -- it is one of

those sports. A famous come from behind victory for Adrian Lewis,

against James Wade, one of the biggest matches of their career in

the World Championship. We heard Paul Nicholson mention it in the

warm up. Draftgate. There was a breeze on the stagette Ally Pally.

Adrian winning it 9-5, winning the title for options, he should go for

the bull. Lewis, back on 232. Trying to steady up here. Tops, when he

returns. Lewis may go for the bull. 20 would have left a bulky number.

20, for double top, James Wade. This will shuffle across the oche. James

Wade has opened up a bit of a comfort zone against Adrian Lewis.

Adrian winning six out of the last seven they have played. Three

maximums, Adrian Lewis, but no big finishing to get him going. Needs to

start making his move now, you feel. Three legs behind against someone

James Wade's quality, could spell danger. Number four from Djakpa. --

Jackpot. Disappointed not to hit the maximum, Wade. Lewis trying to make

a move there. Leaving himself 123. Still an opportunity for James Wade,

here. A big visit, this one. Can you put one in the middle. He cannot.

Lewis, starts on 19s, treble 18, bull's-eye. Just missing it. Wade

would need two trebles for a dart at bull's-eye. This would be a killer

treble 17. Killer bull's-eye. There it is. James Wade! Putting the Cat

amongst the pigeons. 161 finish, he walks off, like he's taking the dog

for a walk. Can't be cooler than that, James Wade. He lead 7-3. --

leads. This one living up to his daily its

billing. -- living up to its billing. Fantastic match. James was

very clinical on his doubles. When he finds double top onstage early,

quite ominous. That 161 finish has hurt Adrian Lewis. Let's take a look

at that again, pretty terrific. James really has his sights set on

this. Saying I don't want to give you a sniff. Once he has this,

bull's-eye using. That is what the Machine does. He does not celebrate

often. Lewis will have the pressure on him. Steely concentration from

James Wade. The first leg was typical James Wade, 100, 100, 100,

finishing with a 78. Missing a slight chance in Lake number seven.

Apart from that, solid on the doubles. Deserving his lead. What

does this say about these two? Neck and neck for such a long time. They

came into the Professional Darts Corporation, the big-time, around

the same time, 2006, 2000 seven. James making major finals before

Adrian. That did not sit well with him. James winning the first World

Matchplay, Adrien started to get better. Playing each other in the

Premier League. The rivalry has blossomed over the course of the

last ten years. James is behind a dream in the rankings. But he's

playing slightly better darts. James has been solid in the head to heads,

showing today. They are rivals, in each other's pockets. They like to

beat each other, no one likes to lose. That will show in the rest of

the match. Are there players you get on with, players you despise

Christmas name names. There are some other guys you don't want to play

against, for one reason or another. It is the same, it is a selfish

man's game, we look out for ourselves. A lot of banter. We have

fallen out with players, but you kiss and make up, you spend so much

time with the players, hard not to. Let's go back to the action, joining

Dan Dawson, and Alan Little. No friends onstage, if Paul

Nicholson and Mark Webster were playing each other, they would be at

each other's traits. I never fell out with anybody! A likely tale.

James Wade in charge thanks to tour-macro consecutive legs. Then

that 161 check-out only bull's-eye, that maybe the standout moment of

quality, putting him in charge of this contest. Adrian Lewis may be

forced to produce somewhere near his best, to get back into this. 7-3,

6-4, that is massive. A massive difference in the game. If Lewis had

taken that leg, going into the interval, you feel he is in the

match. Needs to get himself in the scoring zone. Finishing a bit

better. 7-3, apart from the scoreline, hitting 161, as I

mentioned, it looked like it was every day the week, taking the dog

for a walk. A dream's face told a story. He's hitting big shots under

pressure at the right times, that wins you games of darts. -- Adrian's

face. When he went and won his first big title, 2007, the matchplay, he

beat Terry Jenkins in the final. He beat Adrian Lewis in the semifinals.

Hitting a staggering 70% of his doubles in that game. T20, to tops.

-- a big 20. James Wade, we have seen his finishing, he has 78 in his

sights. 20, tops. More painful this. Pain, it is. -- more pain, for

Lewis. Two legs away. They really hurt. Adrian Lewis did all the hard

work to give himself an opportunity to get a break back. After the

break, the chance to attack the James Wade throw, get himself back

into the match. Wade with one dart, thank you very much. That tells your

opponent you cannot leave them an opportunity. Immediately under

pressure in the next leg, thinking if I do not take the double, I'm

giving them another shot. The way that Wade is finishing, could spell

danger. Averaging 104 at the moment. Adrian just under 100. He needs to

get that purple patch we have seen so often in his career. Certainly

capable, as we know. He now has to produce, the time is running out. We

have seen Adrian Lewis Ferring averages of 110 plus in long format

games. Peppered with 180s. The UK Open, when he won the title, he was

stunning, nobody would beat him. He needs to summon that right now.

Unfortunately you cannot turn it off and on with a tap. He had the

opportunity, to slide underneath with the second one. Forcing the

third 13. Deflected into one. Would have left himself a better finish.

Giving James Wade three more darts to win the leg. This is to go one

leg away. Quite frankly, to have his foot figuratively on Adrian Lewis's

wrote. He's just not missing many, when it comes to the doubles, James

Wade. 9-3. The end may be nigh, the Machine may be about to go top of

the table. Quite right, we have seen with this performance, fantastic

from the Machine. He fires in another maximum. Great darts from

the Machine. Seven in the match so far. The crowd are responding. It

was quiet, now in full voice. Stand up if you love your darts, that is

echoing out around the arena. Ageing Lewis has two wins seven straight

legs. I am not sure... It will become very difficult, if you are

averaging 60, and they're coming out of the board. It is just not

happening for Adrian. James Wade doing what James Wade does. Another

dart out of the board. This is rapidly turning into a heavy defeat,

for Adrian Lewis. They were level at 3-3. James Wade going for treble

nine. Hitting treble 14. He will come back with a rematch darts, to

win a seventh consecutive leg against the two time world champion,

Adrian Lewis. And to go to the top of the group. His favourite, treble

nine, to leave tops. Double five. Fantastic performance. The Machine,

James Wade. They were at 3-3, from there, James Wade went into massive

maximum mode. The big finish stone. Adrian Lewis could not keep with

him. James Wade winning this encounter, going to the top of the

table. Fantastic 10-3 win. Favour Terrific start for James Wade in the

Premier League. Lewis winning 7-5. Also in the Auckland Masters, Lewis

winning 11-9. Sheesh impressive performance. Those two guys, they

deliver a good encounter. We talk about the 161, that the did hurt

Adrian Lewis. He came back, did not threaten James Wade in my opinion.

He has time to regroup tonight. James will be buoyed by this

performance, saying I can win this tournament. Everybody talking about

van Gerwin, Taylor, Peter Wright, but I am still here. James putting

down a marker. The 161 killed the game, he never recovered. He went on

to win 10-3. Giving his leg average good. He will be buoyant. Wanting to

get another win to ensure qualification. Seven maximums in

that match, a mark of the quality. The lads are settling down, the

nerves are gone. Adrian Lewis produces a loss of 180s over James

Wade. I have noticed in James' game, he is starting to get his scoring

but chilly boots back. -- starting to get his scoring boots

back. I have noticed the crowd has been warming up. We had our first,

stand up if you love your darts. How was that for you? Really good, quite

shocked how Adrian played. I made the most of that, moving onwards and

upwards. He promised me, he will have a turnaround on Gary and

Michael. I am good, happy. You say you are shocked about him, you are

supposed to say it is how well he played? Not at all, Adrian did not

play how he can. I made the most of that. In moments, I was really good.

In moments, I was not. We were having a look at the monitor,

watching some of those shots. You watch Gary Anderson, talking about

the Machine, he's in good form. Gary is Gary. Probably, in my opinion,

consistently Michael van Gerwen is the best player in the world,

without doubt. You have two other players, phenomenally good. They can

do things other players cannot. That is Adrian Lewis and Gary Anderson.

They are phenomenal. Michael van Gerwen without doubt the best player

in the world. Not a lot being done about it, until I play him. Still to

come. The intensity of the weekend means you will play Gary Anderson.

You have taken a step away, coming back this past week to get into it.

Does not hold you any fear? You have to get to Michael. Every final,

every title, challenge easing. -- he is in. I have to play the best

player in the world, Gary Anderson. He has had a long break, quite

mature. This guy is old. No, he has done it. Michael van Gerwen, Gary

Anderson. Quite funny, a lot of people seem to be looking past Phil

Taylor. Players who have played the game for a long time and we all know

how good Phil Taylor is. So many people overlook the man committee is

phenomenal. Still, at times, different gravy. If he wants to turn

up, he will be there. That gravy is warming up. Well done.

A couple of things that were interesting there that James said to

Caroline, first of all, I played well in patches, no I didn't play

well in patches. Then compared the consistency to Michael van Gerwen.

That is the reason why the Dutchman is so far ahead of the rest, surely?

Yeah, absolutely. His consistency, especially this month, leading into

this event, has been incredible headlines. Winning two European Tour

events. He won in Perth at the back end of August. Obviously, we had a

triple header of pro tour events in Barnsley coming into this. He won

all three. He won a lot of money this month. An incredible amount of

confidence on top of what he already had. He will take some stopping.

James Wade can live with him. The start of the Premier League campaign

they had at the start of the year, James Wade beat gir van Gerwen in

the -- Michael van Gerwen in the first match. He said, fighting talk,

until I play him. That's the confidence you need to be showing. A

great statement from Wade. I'm glad he said that. Not many of us have

talked about him. That was a great performance. He was critical of

himself saying he played some poor darts. There weren't much.

Crucially, he looked in the groove as well. He looks happy as well.

When James Wade is smiling, it's a happy world. Sometimes he gets a bit

grumpy. He admits that. When he's playing well and he's happy, he can

be dangerous. Let's look at Group B: Next up it is Phil the power Taylor,

he's been reminiscing. Last time you and the BBC were one,

a big darts tournament. Can you remember what you looked like? Yes,

longish hair, I think a tash. I think the last time I played on BBC,

were probably around '93. Look at where darts has come since then.

Massive. It's really taken off, yeah. Not just in the UK, where it's

always been massive. It's gone big worldwide now. For you, being part

of that growth, that pride to then see this tournament this weekend,

does it get through? Yeah, for me, this is brilliant. Get back on BBC.

It's a milestone. I never thought for a second, you know Barry was

always saying, I'm going for BBC and ITV, yeah, yeah, good luck. I never

thought for a second that it would happen. We're here with you now. Do

you look back at where you've been, what's happened before, the

championships that you've won? Not now. What you've done before doesn't

make a scrap of difference any more. The youngsters coming through really

are, I won't say disrespectful, but they don't care. You're only as good

as your next game. That's how it should be. It's like any world

record or anybody in the Olympics or football, Brazil are great, but

nobody's frightened of them any more. It's brilliant. It keeps you

on your toes. That's kept me going for so long. I tell you what I want

to do more than anything is to play well on BBC. I'd love to do a nine

darter on BBC because I've never done that. It's a different

audience. You're going to get people watching you this week, who can't

afford Sky or can't afford to go down to the pub to watch it. You get

people who don't really know who you are and it's lovely. Who's the big

rock, the big wall in front of you then? Michael's the player in form

at the minute. To be honest, they're all good players now. You have the

top eight in the world. You aren't going to get no more, you can play

number one or eight, it's like tennis, there's not a big gap

between us. We come to Sunday night on the BBC, who's it going to be?

It's one of them competition that you can't forecast who's going to

get through. It's on a round Robin. It depends who plays well and who

plays poor. It depends who gets through. It's hit-and-miss. It's

difficult. It's like the World Cup final. You've got the top eight

teams in the world, who's going to qualify? Who knows. Who do you want

to be stood opposite you. Who would I like to play in the final? Adrian

Lewis. Why? Because he was my little lad at one time. He used to practise

with me every day. I have a soft spot for him. What a lovely chat.

16-time world champion. Did you notice there that it's noisy here,

obviously it's going to be, lots of people loving the darts here,

Saturday afternoon. Did you notice that interview was on two big

screens here and loads of people were glued to the screens. That's

how much they respect that man. They respect all of the players but more

so with Phil Taylor because what he's done for the game and where

he's put it on the map. His success through the '90s and the early 00s,

and even till about three years ago, he still wants to compete. It's that

drive and hunger and ability that people really respect. Also, he is

really targeting this competition. Yeah, of course. It's great. He

hasn't won a major title for a while. He'll be fansying it. There's

lovely archive then with him - hair and a moustache. We all age. I'd

forgot whan he looked like in '93. When we won the world title in '92

and the first in 1990, he looked slightly younger then. He really

didn't know himself just how great he was going to be at this point in

our lives. The fact that he is, I think he can even look back at his

history and say, you know what, that was a great time because that game

with Mike Gregory, is the greatest game of darts ever. Talking of hair

and moustaches, he's up against Peter Wright, a man who spends a lot

of time doing his hair. Lucky boy. Let's get this party started. Let's

go. That's what's so great about darts, full of wonderful characters.

You've got more than me. I've seriously got hair envy going on

there. If I had hair, I doubt if I'd be doing that. What a character.

Peter Wright is the epitome of the superhero of darts. Away from the

oche, he's placid, likes to keep himself to himself. He's a very nice

person. When he gets that outfit on and the hair done, he turns into

somebody else. He has transformed his career over the last four years

to what we've got today. Do you give him a chance this afternoon? Of

course, I do. He believes in himself. Five years ago, he wasn't

in the top 32, he said he would be on the big stage. He deserves a spot

here. The first rule of punditry, pull your reputation on the line.

Who will win? Peter Wright. Wow. I'll be awkward, Phil Taylor. The

players are standing by. Let's rejoin our MC. Welcome back to the

action, this is the champion league of darts. Time to meet the players.

Ladies and gentleman, a former world finalist and now it's time to get

this party started! And now, ladies and gentleman, here

he is, from Stoke-on-Trent, England - he's the record-breaking, history

making, 16-times the champion of the world

17 wins for Phil Taylor against Peter Wright. Peter's beaten him on

six occasions. There have been three draws. This place has gone bonkers.

Let's join our commentary team. COMMENTATOR: Two of the most

recognisable faces in darts. You can't really miss Peter Wright, can

you, 46 years of age from Scotland - that hair, that art work takes

hours. His wife does he. Mind you, he can play a bit Mr Consistent.

He's widely expected to win a major and soon. He's already reached a

World Championship final. For Phil Taylor, well, what more can you say

about him? World champion a staggering 16 times. He is 56 years

of age now. He says he feels fresh as a daisy, having taken an

unprecedented, for him, three-week break mid-season. He's recently

beaten the world number one, Michael van Gerwen. That was in Sydney

August. So England against Scotland in Wales. This is the start of Group

A and once again, it is a race to ten legs. It's Phil Taylor against

Peter Wright in this opening encounter. I'm looking forward to

this one. This has got the makings of a very, very good game indeed.

Peter Wright has done the first thing he needed to do, win the

bull's-eye. He's starting the match. First question is: What darts is he

throwing today? Because Peter Wright has a reputation as someone who

likes to chop and change his equipment. I had a chat with him in

the practice room, he was throwing the darts that he's throwing now,

but even then, he wasn't so sure what he was going to use. I had the

same chat with you only about half an hour after you did. I chatted

with his wife. She said, "He better have changed his mind." We went To a

tournament last week in Europe, he used a set of darts on a Saturday,

one with a -- won with a 94 average. He turned up on the Sunday morning

and had a completely different set up. He played much better on the

Sunday and reached the final, where he was in his own words, obliterated

by Michael van Gerwen. He actually says he's working with his dart

sponsors to produce three or four different sets of darts that he can

take up on the stage, one set maybe for hitting twebl 20, another set

for the doubles. A spare set in case he doesn't fancy it. It could well

be the evolution of what players actually do take up there. He's

looking at a set where he can hit a lot of 180s. This set can do that.

With a very long point it makes the treble 20 look so big, even when

you've hit it. He's admitted with a shorter, heavier dart, he's better

on doubles. I think you're right, maybe we're looking at the possible

evolution of future dart players, where he has more than one set on

stage. He's first to a finish here. This 148 from Phil Taylor might

hurt. He's had some time off. Not to be on this occasion for the

finish. Wright should get rid of this really quickly.

If he doesn't, Taylor will pounce. There it is. At the fourth time of

asking, Peter Wright finds the double. Snake bite takes the lead.

He just teased Phil Taylor a bit there. When a dart player hits their

required checkout with the last dart, on a shot like that, you're

just teasing them a bit. Nice, early maximum from the Power, gets them on

their feet in Cardiff. The oompa loompas think that's pretty good.

We've had a plethora of costumes this afternoon. I'm sure we'll get

the same tonight. That nine means it's still on, the nine dart finish,

the perfect leg of darts. You can't take 501 out in any less. It's a

rare old thing. Certainly on the BBC, to see a nine-dart finish. One

in the World Championship in 199 #1, nothing since. I think John Boy did

one in Hull in 2007. If you watch your darts on the BBC, we haven't

seen one for almost a decade. John Waterson got that one -- Walton got

that one at the Masters. John Lowe being the first person to get a nine

darter on television in the early 80s. Nowadays, we see them all the

time on the PDC tour. Michael van Gerwen's had two this week. Two this

week and another one from Simon Whitlock as well. Taylor levels the

match. Where's that ring rust I was talking about. None whatsoever.

Clean as you like. Going for the bull's-eye and 125 finish, if you

hit the red piece, 50 points. If your opponent is on a finish as

well, hit another 25 and another bull's-eye, simple as that.

Last time Phil Taylor playing on the BBC was 23 years ago. The 1993 World

Championship, when he lost in round two. A special bonus if you can tell

us who he lost to. I had conflicting record. Alan Warren told me it was

him. It was indeed what Mark Webster told me in the studio. It was indeed

Kevin Spearlack of Essex, a famous left handed player. That's as good

as a maximum. He looks to break the throw of Peter Wright. Peter's

getting back in himself. That 177 from Phil has ignited snake bite. If

Phil can stay there, he still bosses this leg. Oh, yes! Six perfect darts

from Phil Taylor. We had ten perfect darts in a row,

if you count both players. 177, 180, 180. An 11-dart leg. Rusty? Really?

No. He's not rusty. He's more like iron man. The Power has been the

advocate for having the correct breaks in the season. He's in his

mid-to late 50s now. You may ask yourself, how can you still be a

professional sportsman at that age. I tell you what he's done, aside

from 180s, he's programmed his season very carefully as if to say,

right, what's important to me, how do I rest, when do I rest? He's done

it right for 25 years. Oh, this is just terrific! They are exchanging

Max mums on the oche in Cardiff. A groan around the arena as the nine

dart finish for Phil Taylor just failed. Peter Wright is still on it.

Not any more. The obligatory groan againmentive like what I see with

the -- again. I like what I see with the darts he's using. They look like

torpedoes. Averages aren't Shabby, are they? 118. 24 for Phil Taylor.

101. 6 for Peter Wright. Early stages of course. But the standard

is sensational so far. This is what you get with PDC darts. You have

players on top of their game. Peter Wright has played a lot of

competitions this month. He'll be in great shape. It will be interesting

to see how he deals with this Phil Taylor onslaught. He's missed. His

route here has to be the bull's-eye. 25 guarantees him another shot to

win the leg. That leaves him treble 20 and bull's-eye. He's got the

treble 20. To hit back at the Power, it's bull. Went the right route.

Just a little bit short. Another chance for Phil Taylor. He missed

his first two darts at the double, but doesn't miss his third. Phil

Taylor famously said a few years ago, when he was trouncing people

week in, week out, doesn't happen so much any more, but Shane Burgess

once said, "Well you do get chances against Phil Taylor, they just

happen to be big finishes like 161, 164." In this case 135. Peter gave

himself a chance. And he missed it. Now he's opened the door at the

start of this fifth leg. Phil Taylor doesn't punish the light

scoring. It's a bit like the World Tour Finals of tennis. The top eight

players in the world, two groups of four, top two through to the

semifinals. You don't get any Shabby matches. You don't tend to get easy

matches. That's very accurate. If you were to have the top 16, top 24

perhaps, you might have some guys who've slipped down the rankings a

bit, low on confidence. The top eight in the world, you've got guys

who are seriously playing well. If we're going to extend the tennis

analogy further, is Phil Taylor the Roger Federer of darts? That depends

whether you think Roger Federer is the best tennis player of all time.

Can of worms? He is. He's known as the greatest of all time. Roger

Federer and I meant that he's possibly, possibly, you never know

and you never know with Roger or Phil, but possibly past his best.

What a best it has been. It's possible. I do agree with you for

the record that Roger Federer is the best. Some people think it's

Djokovic or Nadal. I think it's Roger Federer. He's always been a

gentleman. Phil has been accused, because he hasn't won a lot of

tournaments, that he may be past his best. Us dart players sometimes

don't like to say that because it ignites something in him. I'm not

finished, I'm still here. He's still bossing this leg.

This is a huge chance. If he doesn't hit this and Phil takes out 40, all

of a sudden, we have a huge gap between the two players.

It's there. All of a sudden, the crowd are getting involved with a

few boos. That hand on the right-hand side is close to the

colourful hair. He needed that, though. Didn't he need that. One

darter, double top with Phil Taylor waiting on 40. He mentioned earlier

on that it was Scotland versus England in Wales. Not many

opportunities for Welsh people to support England. But it's definitely

happening on this occasion. Look at the averages, around 105 for Phil.

95 for Peter. He'll be disappointed with that. He likes to look at

himself between the 100 and 108. You Taylor, 15 years ago, when he was

the only person winning the PDC World Championship, he was hitting

these kinds of averages for the first time in history and beating

everybody. You mention Taylor's darts, how often do they tweak their

darts. Can you do anything you want. Add a bit of grip to the point if

you want. Add grip further back. You can take away grip, do anything you

like. How tempting is it to tweak it and how often do you do it? Me

personally, I hardly ever change anything. I like familiarity. Peter

may change in the middle of a day. He might use these this afternoon

and tonight, something completely different. His focus, when he uses a

new set, is as sharp as ever. That's his thought process. If I've got

something new in my hand I need to focus 100%. I don't want to get

lazy. Sometimes it feels like you do that with a familiar set. Phil, on

the other hand, earlier in the year, decided to engineer a dart together.

He's been using them for nearly a year. He says they're the best darts

he has ever had in his hands. Since then, he hasn't changed one single

aspect. Did he tweak them because he had a spell missing double 16 and

double 8 and felt he needed more grip? I think he wanted them to be

perfect. Also, you're right, double 16 and double 8 he was seeing a

minor weakness. That goes to show how great he is at looking at the

small weaknesses. He seems to have fixed it. This is a moment. 154 for

Phil Taylor. Otherwise Peter Wright has a chance to level this match.

Oh, wow! 154 and that's going to hurtment Yeah, that was a right old

kick in the back. But he stayed on treble 20, the proper way to go is

treble 20, treble 18, double top. These days darts players are a lot

smarter. He's hit it. Got the double 17 shot and taken it. He's got that

two-leg advantage back. They're jumping in Cardiff. This arena

really is jumping now. Imagine what it would be like if we had an

Icelandic dart player. There are a couple around the country. This is a

message to you. If you want to be popular, get practising.

A reference to the euros, in case you missed it. Phil Taylor at the

World Matchplay championships this year, when he faced Michael van

Gerwen in the final, he was a bit under the cosh. He started doing the

Icelandic clap himself. He had the crowd onside there. But it wasn't

good enough. Michael van Gerwen took the title.

Decent percentages those, four out of six. These days darts players are

looking at two out of three hits these days. 20 years ago, even a bit

longer, 33% was very good, one in three. But the way the game has

evolved, nowadays, anything over 50% is classed as world class.

What we want to see from Peter Wright here is just, he needs to

buoy himself up a bit. He seems a bit flat. He has played a lot of

darts this month. He needs something to happen here. On a finish already,

Phil Taylor. That will help. He needs to hold his

throw here. By virtue of hitting the bull's-eye,

on the last visit, he has three clean in his hand to hit double 16

and bring about 4-3. Double eight it is. You get the foaling from Peter

Wright's body language that he's not playing his best darts today. He's

still living with the Power. As long as you're still there, you've got a

chance. What's your thoughts on the hair

then? It's the most extraordinary thing

I've ever seen, especially seeing it up close for the first time. I was

wondering if he ever thinks, I can't just be bothered to go through it

again. It takes hours. Takes his wife hours to do that, painting on

the art work, spraying the mohican, gelling it. Can't remember the last

time I saw Peter Wright with natural hair. I don't even think he knows

his natural hair colour any more. In 1995 when he last played on the BBC,

back at Lakeside championship, he looked so much younger. He had dark

brown, bordering on plaque hair. He's a typical darting superstar

nowadays. His trousers are not boring either.

They haven't been boring for about three years! He looks very

co-ordinated to the stage, that's not an accident, if you're thinking

it at home. It's like you saw it last night and thought, I'm wearing

green today then! Going for the balls I to leave double 16. Under no

real pressure with Peter back on 240. Generally getting to the stage

of the match, we had Lewis and Wade, with real turning point. If Taylor

doesn't take this out we could have a game on. First time, middle of the

bed and a two leg lead once again. There was a break after ten lakes

and Peter Wright will be gunning for these two, he wants to be level

going into the break. Look at that! He had 140 and he's disappointed.

That is modern darts for you. Recently broke, yesterday broke the

world record, Peter Wright. Most points scored in a minute. All eight

had a go. But then Michael Smith stepped onto the oche and beat him

with 581. There you go, set your cooker timers to a minute and see

what you can do. 581 is the mark to beat. That is pretty impressive. I

think when I get home after this tournament I'm going to have a go

myself. Michael Smith is one big scorer, it doesn't surprise me he

won it. I'd be pleased with 58. There is a board backstage, we will

give you a practice session during the interval. Peter is doing the

right thing here. He's got an opportunity to leave a double. 19s

now to square it up. Very, very good darts from Peter. But now Taylor,

all of a sudden, has 122, and the only route is 18s. It is a treble.

Double 7... He wasn't so sure. I think he was looking at double 6.

Double serve it is for 6-3, and 6-3 it is. That is a big moment in the

context of this match. Peter Wright is looking to the heavens for some

inspiration, but Phil is looking very, very good here. He's kept that

105 average for a good four or five legs steadily. Peter has lifted his

by about three or four, but Taylor is getting doubles and taking them

out. If you are averaging near 106, it's

pretty hard to beat you, isn't it? Yes, if we look at 15 darts its

100.2. 14 darts is around 107-108. He is hovering between those amount

of darts but doing it better in six visits. Hard to beat. Peter Wright

can live with that, but I think that the moment he needs to lift that

average by another three or four and he will cause Phil a few more

problems. The thing about Phil Taylor in this match, he hits the

doubles that heart. He took out 154 with a double 17, as Peter Wright

thought he could level the match at 3-3. Then that 122 with the two

treble 18s has opened a three leg lead. Phil Taylor has not been

broken in this match so far. He has defended his throw four times out of

four. That is the epitome of being a hard play to beat. This is for a 7-3

lead going into the break. Double 16 the Phil Taylor to make it 7-3.

Peter Wright has already hit 170 in this match but it wasn't a checkout,

it was to leave a double wrote he never got a shot at. So right now

can only square up. Bull's-eye probably here, and it is. He has set

up well again but he might not get another shot. Phil Taylor has three

darts in his hand... And he's hit it. Phil Taylor is looking fresh. He

is looking like he's loving it. He leads 7-3 in a race to ten.

# Hey Baby # I want to know

# If you'll be my girl # Hey Baby

# I want to know... #. Phil The Power Taylor is absolutely

loving it. We've had a number of Euro 2016 references. We have also

had the Icelandic thunderclap. Phil is also doing it. He's loving it

today playing so well. Yes, he looks the part. He hasn't given Peter a

Smith. I think Peter has had one poke at bull. We have the 11 dart

finish but also the 154, that was pretty impressive. The 154, he

stayed sensible and went for treble 20. Normally you would switch to the

18s but he went for the target and hit it. Peter is under lot of

pressure, you can see that. Yes, but Phil is all over him, hasn't given

him an easy leg. It will be a long way back for Peter now, two breaks

of throw down, it's a big ask. We have a dart board here as Haddin

commentary. The reason we have a dart board in the studios for our

expert panel to show us what can be done on the oche. Come with me. What

I want to talk about is Peter uses different darts. What is listening

to -- interesting listening to them boys in commentary, might start a

new tournament with new darts, how disruptive can that be? He argues

this suit the environment, reckons they fly through the air little

easier. That's not bad. He thinks he can score better with them. He

reckons they don't sue in today. Is a big risk? Going into a new

tournament with a brand-new set of darts? Would you ever change your

darts? No, it's not for me, but he's very headstrong. He thinks by

changing his darts all the time you will get there. He is itching to get

a major and he hasn't got one yet. He will keep changing his darts and

only gets there. You like familiarisation, what about other

players on the circuit? I don't think dart players change their

darts. Some week with a little. Peter is an extreme case. His darts

are outdated quicker than milk, but it works for him, he is a top six

player and he is confident with an headstrong, so good luck to him.

Good stuff, thank you. As you can see, the players are back out there

so let's rejoin our commentary team. COMMENTATOR: Peter Wright with a

mountain to climb if he's going to win this opening group game.

Unusual, but you can still win a tournament having lost a match. A

reminder, the two winners will face each other this evening and the two

losers will face each other. Which hopefully will leave everything

still to play for come Sunday afternoon. Paul, anyway back for

Peter Wright here? Well, if you look at the history of some of Peter's

performances in the past, he has actually come from behind on a few

occasions against some of the greatest players in the world,

including Michael van Gerwen. So there is definitely a way back. But

the way Phil is playing and the focus he is showing in his eyes, it

seems like he has his mind on one job this afternoon and it looks like

he will get it done. I tipped Peter Wright to win this game, because I

have watched him play a lot this week. I have to say, I'm wrong so

far. There is still time. Needs to hold this throw here, you

think, to stand any chance at all. He did enter the Lakeside World

Championship back... 21 years ago in 95. Lost in the first round and then

essentially spent a decade in the darting wilderness before he was

watching darts on telly with his wife and said, do you know what,

I've beaten most of these guys. She said, give it another go, a proper

go. And he is pleased he did. I'm sure, because at the moment he is

the most colourful man in darts. This could be the most colourful

shot... Nearly. A good lead. You mentioned Phil Taylor's been playing

well, this will be the culmination of that. We've already seen a 161,

but not this time from Phil Taylor. That double 16 is now under

pressure. Peter can't afford to miss this. Double 8. Still double 8. He's

got it. That is a huge dart for Peter Wright because Taylor wasn't

going to miss double 12. Straight back in the red bit, Phil

Taylor, and again. And that's just as good as a maximum. The nine

appears by his name. Well, Phil Taylor has already hit a nine dart

leg on television against Peter Wright, Insigne I'm just over a year

ago. -- in Sydney. I was in the commentary box and I called it in,

is it a Norman? Four out of nine. Good old commentators curse, isn't

it? But most importantly he is well in front.

You mentioned about Peter Wright's wilderness in the course of the late

90s and the early 2000s, just walked away from the game because he didn't

have a love for it. Wanted to take a break. I'm sure he's still through

the darts, but didn't have the same commitment as he did in previous

years. When he came back it took a little bit of time, but this is what

we have now. We have the full-blown darting product. Very consistent,

Peter Wright. He is expected to win a major before too long, widely

expected to. You shouldn't win this leg in 258

behind. But if, and only if... He can leave a finish now, and does,

but the way Phil has been hitting his doubles, he won't be back.

Double 16 for Phil Taylor to restore that lead. Missed by miles, but not

that one! He's two legs away. Two legs away and I'm sure he didn't

think he would have this kind of gap in the game. He was probably

thinking it would be a tight one. It's a very, very interesting group,

because it has another man who wears a green shirt, Michael van Gerwen,

and we will see in the next game. Very interested to see what kind of

mood Mr van Gerwen is in today, considering how much he has won in

the last seven days. On a Premier League football player's salary.

Something like ?80,000 he has won in the last couple of weeks? Two

European tour events, ?25,000 each, three events in Barnsley, 10,000 a

pop, that is ?80,000. Is it another omen? Phil Taylor might get a 180.

If he wins this tournament he would have won, this month, ?180,000.

Has that ever happened before? I think Michael has probably done

that. He has won 18 tournaments this year. And that's exactly the amount

he won last year, and still with three months to go. Doing better

this year than last year, which is quite frightening. He is on next.

Double 18 for Peter Wright. He is still there, just about, but he is

still there, Peter Wright. We said a few occasions watching Peter Wright,

the darts he is throwing right now look really good me. He if he had a

couple of months with them, I think he would be very dangerous. But that

same long time ago I almost gave up on speculating what he was going to

throw. Now I'm just comfortable with him being comfortable with different

darts all the time. That tin man didn't look very rusty

either, did he? Happy people in Wales, happy dart fans. It will be a

happy Phil Taylor if he picks up this victory. I made a joke earlier

on that Phil Taylor uses so many sets of darts there might be a

tungsten shortage. And actually... You might not be wrong! Sometimes

two different sets in the same match. He did that in Australia, the

back end of last month. That has not happened a lot in darting history.

The only one other time I can think of, when Raymond van Barneveld, in

the break of the match, actually brought another set from backstage.

Phil Taylor on 168, which is not a possible finish, not on three darts,

but he will know he has at least 649-5 lead with Peter Wright stuck.

Phil decided to use the 20, that way he guarantees a shot at double the

next time he comes to the board, as opposed to just renting a shot at

the bull's-eye. Very smart work from Phil treble 20 for double 4. 16 for

double 16. This is that guaranteed shot at a double. He has mist it,

but he will be back. There is only one number in Peter Wright's mind

and that is 180. You get the feeling the way Phil has been throwing his

doubles in this match, this may be in vain. He has mist three of his

last six at double 16, Phil Taylor. -- he has mist three of his last

six. He does hit it when it matters. Just

teasing him again, he has done that a lot in this match. Dart players

know this. When you go miss, miss, you think in the back of your mind,

just miss one more time and give me a chance at this and invariably it

doesn't happen, because you just think, I'm not going to give you a

chance. There you go. He has missed three darts at double 16 and three

legs but has won all three legs with a double 16. And still on his throw.

That is very, very strong. If you were to say that Phil if he wins

this 10-5 or 10-6, will be very pleased with that. Peter Wright has

gone from a 94 average earlier in the match to a 99. But I think on

top of him playing decent stuff, that has more to do with the fact he

hasn't had shots at doubles. And his overall average, which is

currently almost 100, is not too different to his first nine average,

which pretty much proves your point. Yes, the players these days are

looking for something in the region of 110-120 for their first nine,

that gets them below 200 for their first nine and then yes, their

average will come down, if you don't have shots at doubles. But Peter

will think 99 is OK. In previous generations that was brilliant. Not

any more. Mast hit this. Options,... So close.

66 left. Going for the bull's-eye to leave double 8, but all of a sudden,

this is for the match. Treble 20. Treble 19 for double 12. He has left

himself double 12. Fails to get it on this occasion. Peter Wright is at

death 's door when it comes to this match. Can he pulled himself back

from the brink? It is a good guide for tops. But it was almost too far

away, even though it was a good guide. Three darts at double 6 for

Phil The Power Taylor. Double 3, and there it is! He does look fresh,

does look on it, does look in the mood. Phil Taylor beats Peter Wright

10-5 in the opening match in the Champions League.

# Hey baby # I want to know

# If you'll be my girl #. Phil Taylor gets off to a flyer.

Great excitement on the final leg. Yes, wanted to go out in style with

a 141 finish but it wasn't to be. Peter Mr two more darts and Phil

wasn't going to miss again. Vassart is buying online commentary when he

says he looks right up for this. Yes, he was ruthless. The 122 finish

on the 154, just played sensible, stayed on the same target. Once he

had the double break he defended it with ease and closed it out easily.

The clinical victory and a good victory for Phil Taylor. Peter

looked very disappointed at the end because he didn't get into the game,

but that's because Phil did on him anywhere near it. He was under

pressure with every throw because Phil was scoring with freedom. So

far behind he was under pressure. At 7-3, a double break... Phil Taylor

defended his throw and will be looking for tonight. We have been

talking about Phil taking a bit of time away to concentrate on this

event, he shows no sign of being rusty? No, Phil likes to manages

time and not go to every tournament. He has justified it, having that

month off, with a great performance. A perfect start for him, considering

we could be looking at the big one next, against Michael van Gerwen?

Yes, it's a possibility. Robert Thornton will have his say, but that

will spur Robert on. Peter Siddle has a chance, as well. Early days

yet. I have to ask you this, because you played in venues like this. You

probably played in this venue. Phil is very experienced, tasted this

type of atmosphere. Can I just ask you, what is it like when you are up

there? This lot are so noisy? They're doing their thunderclap and

singing all that song is a slam at the football. What is it right, can

you blanket out? Yes and no. Phil was playing so well, enjoying it,

getting involved with the crowd. It depends how it's going to start you

can get drawn in and it can put you off. Phil played a solid game. He

is. Just polishing our desk. Nice to see you. Is he talking rubbish? He's

doing a great job! He is better on football. He's very good. United,

4-1. Later score flash, the lunchtime game. Yes, 4-1. What is it

like, you are loving out there? Yeah. Heat wise it's perfect woman

not hot or cold. The crowd has been lovely, they haven't been

disrespectful. Great stuff. You've taken a bit of time off in

preparation for this, why is that? Is that because you so want to win

this tournament? Jason, I've had three weeks in 25 years. If that's

taking time off! The boys said you have taken some time off to

concentrate because he wanted to win this? I do want to win it, really

want to win it, back on BBC, of course I do. It is a major

tournament. I know, my time is limited. Everything I go into, I

want to win, of course I do, I will try my best. These people have spent

good money to sit down and watch people perform, so I want to play my

best. Quite right. There is a gap in games with the round robin, how will

you spend your time? The Hotel is right across the road so I will

shoot back, probably nicking your room whilst you are here! And watch

some live darts, I hope! I tell you something, I was talking to a load

of people who were coming down here this weekend, big darts fans and

they were so, so happy that you are here as well. Thank you. I'm happy

to be here as well. Lots of Welsh people as well. You are a massive

star here. It is a working-class sport and I think most people who

come and watch as a working-class people, that's what it is. There's

more working-class people in this country than there are your top end.

That's what it's all about! I know you are one of them. Me and Mark

working-class, sorry! I will show you my biography later! You even

have the right hair! You are delighted to be back. Over the moon.

What I noticed in the build-up to this tournament, in the build-up to

this tournament there has been many people saying I used to watch the

darts in the 80s when it was on BBC television and it's kind of lost its

way because I don't really know the players any more. I think the last

time I played was 1993. I won in 1992 and lost in 1993. I think that

was our final year. When Mark was just beginning. It's great to get

back, of course it is. Everybody in Britain, Wales, Scotland, always

classes BBC as the mother of TV. It is. ITV and Sky are great, don't get

me wrong... Say it again. It is the mother of television! Used to be

there when I was born. BBC and ITV were the major channels. I can't

talk bout we saw a bit of archive of you earlier with hair and a

moustache. Hair and a moustache? It was stopped on! I think the video

cassette format was Betamax. Betamax! What you doing? Remember

when the camera was like this? Phil, great to see when Cardiff. I'm over

the moon. And to get a win, it's a bonus. They are all good players. If

they notched down a bit you get a chance to beat them, if not, you get

beat. I know you are a legend but can you get Mark's pen? Mark who?

Thank you, fills. Next up, Michael van Gerwen.

What got me into darts in the first place? When I was younger I used to

play football outside with friends and things like that, when it's

meant winter, -5 or something, you're not going to play football,

so I played darts. I didn't know from the beginning I was a talent

but the first use tournament I entered, I was quite young. I think

I was 11 years old. I came third. When you win a trophy as a young

kids, there's nothing more motivating than that.

My first international use tournament was in Belgium. I came

second, runner-up. I won a DVD player. I was over the moon.

My style... Dominate the game from the beginning to the end. I can be

aggressive, pumping myself up into the game, but it's everything I

love, it's just my passion for the sport. My life is darts. I'd do

anything to win my game. I love it, I love what I do.

Quite difficult to describe yourself... But passion,

high-scoring and... And sometimes I play like a monster, isn't it? In

the Premier League I had a 123 average, the highest average ever.

When you do things like that people say you are from another planet.

That's what keeps me going. I like to do everything to win.

Football players, rugby players, they love the darts. Sometimes I go

and watch them and then they come and watch us. It's a bit strange for

me, because as a young kid you only dream about things like that.