Day 1: Evening session Champions League of Darts 2016

The bright lights of Cardiff, it is Saturday night and we live at the

Motorpoint Arena for the Champions League of Darts. Hello and good

evening to you. We've already seen top performances this afternoon and

we go again. Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to meet the players. Here

we go, the first-ever Champions League of Darts. We are underway in

Cardiff. There it is, the first maximum. Well done, Michael Smith.

Excellent setup by the champion. He's not missing anything now. Easy

as pie. Gary Anderson has done it. James Wade and Adrian Lewis clashing

in group B. Look at this from Adrian Lewis! This would be a killer. It

would be a killer. A killer bullseye! There it is! James Wade!

Double -- double 5. Fantastic performance from James Wade. So,

England against Scotland in Wales. Oh yes! Six perfect darts from Phil

Taylor. They are exchanging maximums on the oche in Cardiff. Double 17 is

left. Wow! 154 and that will hurt. Double 3. There it is. Phil Taylor

beats Peter Wright 10-5. MvG has his sights set on the title. Why is it

that every time he plays Thornton, it turns into a street fight?

Michael van Gerwen is capable of silly, silly darts. Just like this.

11 Darder four mpg. 10-5 win. This is how it looks after the first

round of matches. Michael van Gerwen was not happy

with his performance against Robert Thornton.

I am delighted to be alongside Alan Warriner-Little and Paul Nicholson.

Good evening. Are we right in saying the standout performance so far in

this tournament is James Wade? Definitely. He played so well in the

afternoon, kept his composure well, scored well. The feature was the

finishing. The 121 Adrian was on the finish, but the 161 killed it.

Steely determination from Wade. Yes, the 161 really did change the game.

It took James into the lead and after that he didn't look back.

Didn't allow Adrian to get anywhere near a performance that could match

that. He was in a good place and he just wasn't going to let Adrian back

into the game. Adrian couldn't find any form. The 161 was the catalyst.

Phil Taylor was terrific. Michael van Gerwen came into the studio

shortly after winning 10-5. 5-5 at the interval and I said good

performance, but he wasn't happy. It is the mark of a world champion.

It's the mark of the world champion and the current world number one.

The standards he is set himself means a performance like that isn't

good enough. The way he performed after the break, winning a bunch of

consecutive legs, in the end it was very impressive. At 5-5, was it ever

in doubt? Not at 5-5, but it could have been different because Robert

missed some chances before the first break. Michael could have been 7-3

down. It's always the mark of a champion, even when you play badly,

you get over the line. For the moment, thank you. We have a

cracking night of darts for you this evening. First up, Adrian Lewis

needs to bounce back against Michael Smith. Following that, world champ

Gary Anderson takes on James Wade. And then the new guard against the

old guard as Michael van Gerwen takes on Phil Taylor. We wrap up

with Peter Wright taking on the man who gave MvG a run for his money in

Robert Thornton. Paul, have we got this right? Of the old guard against

the new guard. I can't wait for it, thousands of people watching can't

wait for van Gerwen against Taylor. We can't wait either. New guard

against old guard, it is. Phil Taylor won his first World

Championship in 1990. Michael van Gerwen was one-year-old. Michael van

Gerwen is the now and the future. It is old guard against new guard. You

saw those interviews as well when the boys came in after winning.

Michael van Gerwen, the steel of a world champion, looking to win a

tournament for the first time. Phil Taylor came in, having the time of

his life, adored by this crowd, obviously wants to win as well. No

pressure with him. You sometimes get that impression recently. It can

backfire on occasions. At the World Match Play, he didn't get going.

He's always giving himself challenges and this is a big

challenge. Not just this tournament, but getting back to winning a TV

event. He's not done it in a while. He did it at the World Series

against Michael, which was big for him. Gary Anderson got off to a

flyer, which other matches are you looking forward to? Anderson against

Wade is intriguing. It's all about Taylor and van Gerwen. If James Wade

turns up tonight the way he did this afternoon, he will cause the Flying

Scotsman some problems. Caroline is alongside Dan Dawson at the side of

the stage. You can tell the atmosphere has

ramped up another notch. Not only do we have the singers and beautiful

choir, in Wales, there is a man with a chicken on his head. Dan is with

me. It has turned again, one more level of atmosphere. Yeah, and it

brings different pressures. Those guys who lost this afternoon though

they could be pushed to the brink this afternoon -- this evening.

Those guys who have won are not completely safe even if they winter

night. Different pressures to handle and they will have to handle these

guys as well because they won't be quiet! They won't be quiet. They

have their allegiances. They can turn during the match. Completely.

They will turn bad macro cheer on one player, but suddenly they will

change. They are fickle, fickle people! You're all fickle! This

evening, we talked about Taylor and van Gerwen, but you like Anderson

against Wade. You don't often see James Wade winning by such a large

margin, he can lose interest. He looked focused and very, very

dangerous. If he plays like that this weekend, he could well win the

whole thing. You are the Iceman of commentating, despite all this going

on. They are ready, are you? We are. Wonderful crowd in Cardiff

this evening. The wonderful thing about this Champions League of Darts

is the top eight players, but it's all about Adrian Lewis first. Can he

bounce back? Adrian Lewis, Jackpot. Crackpot! He's the class clown Andy

Love the Joker. -- and he loves a joke. He loves a bit of fun. He's a

big lad, he gets hot on stage. As a darts player, fantastic. He makes

darts look easy. He's a very good player. Probably the biggest talent

in the world, but his weakness is himself because sometimes he thinks

too much about the game. But he's a fantastic darts player. He's funny,

he will speak to anyone. He's an amazing guy away from the oche and

on it. He throws a dart like he doesn't care, very heavy scorer and

some big finishes. He's a one-off. He is not always the happy, cheeky

chappy you see on TV. Sometimes he does get down. He's never nasty, but

sometimes he gets a bit low, but he never lets anyone that. His

strengths are his power scoring and the amount of 9-darters he's done on

TV. Great player. I think he's either all in all mediocre. My

biggest weakness is my mindset going into matches. Sometimes I'm laxer

days ago where I should be a bit more unforgiving. Just four winds

for Lewis against Smith. Will he be affected this evening? It's who can

get over the defeat this afternoon better. Adrian has a get more

experience because Michael is not in a good place at the moment with his

game. I thought this weekend might be a good opportunity to get that

back, but it didn't happen this afternoon. Adrian is a bit of a

clown, he'll do what they're like it's just another game. That's the

reason why this tournament is so cut-throat. He's lost a match, he

can't afford to lose this one. He can't. What we're going to find out

tonight is where their games are at. Michael Smith's game has not been

there over the last few months. I think Lewis's experience might tell

tonight and I think you might play a few tactics to get the crowd on

side. Will the nerves be jangling for Lewis given there's so much at

stake? I'm not sure. This afternoon he was involved in a proper game of

darts and I'd like to think the nerves will have settled. He's used

to the Heat and the atmosphere and I think he should winter night, but

Michael Smith won't give it to Adrian Lewis. The man trying to stop

Adrian Lewis is Michael Smith, a man with a passion for darts and

farming. Michael Bully Boy Smith. I used to work on a forearm when I was

13 or 14. -- a farmer. I've been throwing darts for 11 years now. I

was too lazy to get a job, I like the easy life and playing darts was

a passion, something I laughed. I aways knew I wanted to be a

profession. In my exams, I knew I wanted to play darts. What drives

meters exceed is seeing my family happy and knowing my boy will never

struggle. He will never have to do the hard work. I spent four weeks at

home now, but I like travelling. I know when I get back home they've

missed me. They are happy with the money. Every darts player wants to

be the best. If you're not great at something, there's no point playing.

You need something about you. Fan girl in, Anderson, Taylor, they are

the best in the game at the moment and that's what I'm striving for. --

van Gerwen. The players are in, the crowd are in, let's say hello to

John McDonald. Ladies and gentlemen, you join us

live at the Motorpoint Arena in the great city of Cardiff!

APPLAUSE Welcome to the Champions League of

Darts, brought to you by the Professional Darts Corporation and a

fairly warm welcome to viewers joining us across the BBC. Ladies

and gentlemen, it is time to meet the players. Please welcome the

former world youth champion, ladies and gentlemen, Bully Boy!

APPLAUSE Michael Smith!

# Walk the Moon: Shut Up And Dance #.

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

the world! Jackpot! Adrian Lewis! APPLAUSE

# Perfecto Allstarz: Papas Got a Brand New Pigbag #.

Adrian Lewis against Michael Smith, very good evening to the match

commentators, Vassos Alexander and Mark Webster.

The beauty of this, both players know this is basically a straight

knockout, they simply cannot afford to lose again, Adrian Lewis last

seven legs in a row against an inspired James Wade, we know that

Jack is better than what he threw this afternoon and the good news is

he has another chance to show us and the same could be said of Michael

Smith, Gary Anderson, his men tour in many ways, beating him 10-5 any

first-ever Champions League match, Smith capable of much better. Let us

hope they do find their top game here in Group B. An amazing

atmosphere here in Cardiff. The first leg, Michael to throw

first. Game on! Scotland against England once again

and this is essentially for the right to stay in Wales. Be tough.

Interesting to see how Michael settles down in this, he needs to do

this quicker than the first game. The loser are certainly will not go

through to the semifinals, the top two go through in each group and

this is a race to ten legs with a break after the ten. In the

commentary box, two of us, 7500 at the Motorpoint Arena. We hope you

are very excited about this, and that is why! Adrian Lewis has

settled very well, he will put the pressure on Michael very early, by

the looks of things. It is down to only 81 after nine

darts. Adrian will be looking at treble 19,

double 12. A break of throw. To kick off this

match for Adrian Lewis. Michael needs to respond. A big leg to get

himself back into this game. It is early days. But he was not want to

fall too far behind. He is just not missing! Close to the second maximum

already, Adrian Lewis, that one just hit the wire and website. That

underwent side. Still trailing. Six darts, if he needs them. For the

two leg lead. Treble 10 leaves double 16. Oh yes! 11 direct, 12.

Leg and the two leg lead. Superb start. He can adore treble 18. He

took that I'd brilliantly. -- ignore.

What is of like playing in front of an atmosphere like this? It is hard

to describe. Adrian will be feeding of this, great start, but it can be

very lonely for Michael at the minute. He has not started too bad,

Adrian has just come out of the blocks fantastically. No need to

panic just yet. Two treble 20s and their double ten,

he cannot finish but he will be back. The last thing he wanted to go

away with was by letting him back. He thought that was then! He was on

his way to collect! Another chance, no! Part of his first game, he was

chasing doubles. He will want to put this straight in, just to settle him

a lot better. He is in The Game. It took five darts and the double body

finally find one. And only one leg down. You don't want to go with the

double break, it is a long way back, if you can stay in touch. Stand up,

if you love the darts, they are singing, and everybody is on their

feet. Adrian is doing his damage with the

first six darts. He is pulling away. A big score from Michael...

That was a good last start. Michael back on 278. He needs to pressure

this shot, this will help. Treble 17. For the 88. Yes! He has not

missed any double yet. Michael needs to get his scoring

going because Adrian is not missing anything.

Adrian Lewis averaging almost 110. And Michael Smith, you can see, just

over 90, better than this afternoon but still not good enough. Not

against an inspired Jackpot. Adrian is not relenting. Michael is feeling

the pressure. I feel that he needs this leg, the double break and he

will be in real treble. He has a good chance, Michael, he

will want to set this up. He will not be happy with that. Adrian will

hope to pile on the pressure. He does not hide his feelings, Michael

Smith, you can see how disappointed he was for them. He wears his heart

on his live, at times it is his downfall, but that is because he

loves The Game. That was a better visit. Much better. We have had 161.

He might go for the bull's-eye anyway. He went for 18s.

What a great finish. A lot better. He needed that. Still in touch.

Michael Smith. He is really hanging in and while it

is only one break he still has a very good chance, he still has to

get his scoring going. How hard is it to turn things around

when you are struggling on that stage? Battle saying, you tried too

hard, Michael is passionate and he is landing log, but he has stayed in

touch, he has a chance, he has to give himself together and not show

signs of weakness. Shrugging his shoulders. And landing log, is that

something specific he is doing wrong? I cannot think. That is

better. And there way his darts land, if they land lower, you must

be realistic and go down the board, so it blocks the target.

It can be done and it has been done. It cannot be done now.

Michael has not really pressured this shot. Bull's-eye. He needs

bull's-eye, not far-away! So, this, 119, to break back and possibly

treble 20 and top to change the momentum of this match and he has

done it! Superb finish from Michael. For all of his big scoring, Michael

has stayed in touch and he took his chance. Parity again.

What will Adrian Lewis be thinking? Obviously he is playing well. There

is no need to be alarmed but he will have hoped to have pulled himself

away at that bar, he has let Michael in. But he is unfathomable, he will

not panic just yet. There is most 13 points between these players as far

as the average is concerned. But the bad. Three legs each. Exactly.

Michael has been hanging in. Still well in The Game.

He has not hit his maximum yet but he does have the honour of the

first-ever Champions League 100 80. -- 180. That was a great last dart,

but in the pressure straight back on Michael here. This is a big score,

looking at treble 18. Two darts, 32? There is a chance for Michael.

Well... No. He pulled that. Great composure from Adrian Lewis to

get the break back. We have not had a close match yet.

Maybe this is the one in the Champions League.

Again, as solid leg from Aidy. He has got himself in the low 200s. He

is increasing the pressure on Michael.

Back in the red bits. 87 after nine darts. Aidy will settle for that.

What a response from Michael. There is pressure on Aidy.

This would heart. This would really hard. Two darts and double 12.

Michael has got to take his chances. It was a great first dart. He is

just starting to miss them. He has missed eight of his last nine darts

at the double, Adrian Lewis. That missed by a distance. He still has

double six. Aidy can punish those misses.

Michael will be disappointed. He did very well. He has got to respond.

Adrian Lewis, two times world champion.

The first PDC born and bred world champion, if you like. Yes, he made

history in his first final, hitting a nine darter. I think it was the

second leg of the match, beating Gary Anderson back in 2011. Nine

darts, the perfect leg of darts. It cannot be done in fewer. We would

quite like to see one this weekend. If anyone is offering. Michael van

Gerwen hit two in Barnsley this week. He did indeed. He is probably

disappointed he did not have five. That is the ambition of the man,

like a man possessed. Michael Smith is struggling in this leg. He is

back on 227. He has lots of options. This shot could really exist --

could really inspire him. He is low again. That was a bit unlucky.

He has blocked it. He is right over to the side of the oche. Can he

squeeze it in? He can. What a dart. I am sure that Michael Smith was

preparing himself for three more darts. Again, it is the double

break. You will feel that Michael has got to win this now. He will not

want to go win 3-1 down. It is a good start from Adrian Lewis. If he

holds his darts, he moves 7-3 ahead. Maybe he is just finding some

rhythm, Michael Smith. We just perched on the nine darts as well,

Vassos. -- just touched. He will be disappointed with that. He had a

stranglehold on this leg. He has let it go a couple of times. It was a

great last dart. He has not left a finish. He will be

disappointed with that. 264. He has given him a glimmer of hope

with a big score. I think they will both be looking

forward to the break after ten legs. It has got scrappy, the last six or

seven darts by the pair of them. Here we go. Will it be 7-3, will it

be 6-4. Back to Michael Smith. This is big. You want to take this in two

darts. A great finish. He needed that. Lots of pressure. The match is

still very much anyone's to win. It is pretty much a knockout. Adrian

Lewis leads 6-4 as the head backstage.

Just how significant well that leg beaver Michael Smith? You may have

spotted that, a little shake of the head from Adrian Lewis. Lewis got

off to such a great start. It was a fantastic start. 11, 12 darts. It

does not get much better about the inconsistency that has crept into

his game, it has become a somewhat consistent frailty with his

performances over the last few years. If he can fix that, and it is

the same with Michael Smith, they are mirroring each other's careers

in that sense, if he can fix that he will be more dangerous and reach

more finals, like the back end of last year. In any sportsman's mind,

you can read so much. The body language, the little shake of the

head, and the work behind the screen. He will be disappointed. His

average at one point was 14 points ahead of Michael Smith and it was

3-3. Michael will be thinking he has been battered but he still has a

chance. He will feel the better of the two, but Adrian will be

disappointed with the start he had, the scoring. He was playing so well

early. All of a sudden it is close. Mark in commentary said it has got

scrappy in the last couple of legs. Do you agree? Absolutely. It seems

like Adrian was trying to fall over the line and keep his lead going

into the second half of the match. He should be more in front, the way

he started the match. Michael Smith has not taken all of his chances. He

is fortunate to be two legs behind. I have been putting these boys on

the spot, saying, you have got to nail your colours to the mass, who

will win? It has got to be Michael van Gerwen. All the other players

need to get to his level to beat him over the long distances. If there

was a raffle in your club, he would win that. He wins everything. He has

the winning mentality and the game. Everyone else has to get to that

level. I have to tell you at home that in the studio we have a dart

board. These experts very often show you how difficult this is. Amazing

shots. I swear that this man during that match got up and said, that was

incredible by Adrian Lewis. He blocked the double two. He somehow

got it with the third dart. You got it in. If only the cameras were

recording. It was lucky. It was a trick shot. Fantastic. The players

are back. Whose matches this? Who do you

fancy? Adrian Lewis, Michael Smith? Jackpot started better but there are

only two legs in it. Lewis leads Smith, 6-4. The loser knows that

pretty much the right. -- they are out. The last three warm up darts.

It is Smith with the darts. Smith has got to be positive. If he does

not do it now, he will not do it. It is effectively knockout in this

game. Earlier on, when Michael was playing

Gary, he had the darts. He missed and he never really recovered. It is

vital that he gets his leg on the board and he is still in touch.

His body language, Michael Smith, has not been positive all day. This

will help. It is a steady visit. He is on 206 after nine. He has been

chasing round the board too much. He wants a tight leg. 15 darts, to

settle him back in. It was a good last dart.

So, six darts from 166 to close to within one leg. He could have gone

treble and double mike 19 having strayed. -- double 19. He will want

to put this leg to bed. Double ten when he comes back, if he

comes back. He will be coming back. An important dart in the match for

Michael. He has done in the same as in the game with Gary Anderson. He

has missed five darts for that leg. Adrian has missed two. Make that

three. He just needs to steady himself, Michael. Both players are

missing doubles. It can affect your throw.

Still just the one break between them. There we are. There we are.

They are on their feet. With the mess doubles, the arena was getting

quiet and edgy like they are and the stage, but that 180 is helping.

These are helping. Unfortunately the last one deflecting. Adrian will

settle for that. Enough to restore the two leg lead. I think that is

his fourth mess of the match. Another 140. Nine darts and he is

down to 140 already. A lead of over 300. Aidy has gone off the boil a

little bit on his doubles. He has given himself some time with Michael

Way back on 305. He will want to hit it this time. He

does. He has missed 18 out of his last 22

darts at the double, Adrian Lewis, but he still leads 7-5. At this

point, his scoring is really good, he just has to tidy up that back end

of the leg. Maybe it is nervous? Who knows? That is what you are used to,

knockout games. Of course but obviously these guys, less than

three hours ago, have lost games, so that might affect their confidence.

We should stress it is unusual to be playing two matches in such close

bricks and two. Twice in one day on a stage like that. We do that a lot

on the professional tours and the other group format is the Grand Slam

but you do not play two in one day. So this is a bit alien to the men.

He has left himself on double top. Michael Smith. That is going to

pressure it! His third maximum of the match, his seventh of the

tournament. Double ten? Yes! That was better from Michael, conviction

with both darts, he fell a little bit log with the top body straight

on that up with the double ten. He just needs to hold his throw, three

more times. Adrian Lewis... Michael Smith needs a break from somewhere.

That is going to help, the first time in a while he has gone off with

his throw. Just have a little thing. Lots of room. -- think.

That was a good last dart, we talk about that load that but he covered

well. -- that low died. He just knew he was following those two in. You

get the feeling Michael will have to pull out something special. He is

getting himself down to the finish with nine darts in most legs. Double

16. 12 dart leg. The first time since the fourth leg he has said

double at the first time of asking. -- he has hit. Nice start from

Michael Smith, coming back, plenty of room to the right. He is in the

mood! He has lost seven darts, in fact,

Adrian Lewis, that I find the target. -- but have found. Lovely

last dart. Michael needs a big scoring here. Maybe should have gone

downstairs, he cannot finish. He just needs to bring this died.

Adrian has left himself with 81. You would feel this is a virtual match

point. Bull's-eye. For the 9-6 lead. Tops, again. Low. He must head this

55. He does not! -- this double five. Five four double four. Just

one that at the double, double four. Careless. He is affording Michael

chance, he has had plenty of chances to kill off. Surely now? Yes!

Eventually. The break of throw. 9-6 lead and Lewis has the darts. You

really feel that Michael had to win that leg. Massive ask.

Three out of four to play, Adrian Lewis. Is that resigned look from

Michael Smith? As he gets his darts out of the board? He is not

comfortable in this game, he has not had the best year but he has been

rising up the rankings so quickly, it was always going to be difficult

this year. This was a great visit. Just enough to keep himself in it.

Three down with four left to play. Effectively, he has taken the darts

in this one, he really needs a treble. He has not left himself with

the finish. Very frustrated last dart from

Adrian, he seemed to want to force that through. Michael can put

pressure on him, here. He cannot finish. One of those breaks of throw

could be coming back. Double top. And struggling again, struggling

again. Must be the fourth or fifth time that Michael has chased doubles

around the board, lacking conviction on the doubles. Not very confident

at the minute, results not going his way. Another chance. 22. -- double

two. He needs double one. That is what you call the skin of his teeth!

If he can hold his throw here... All of a sudden, it is 9-8 and the

pressure is on. Superb last dart, he was getting fed up and he threw that

in a carefree way. He is starting on 140, put some pressure on, here.

Good darts. The scoreboard has loosened up his arm, really.

Just before Michael head that finish, Adrian through the dart, not

in frustration but annoyed that he was going Lewis -- low on the 20.

The closest of the Champions League so far. And that is really good. He

needs treble 20. 65. For 9-8. 25, tops is the likely.

Bull's-eye. He has done it! All of a sudden, food for thought for Adrian

Lewis. He only has one break. Still all to play for. Pressure, here. And

all of the pressure on Adrian Lewis. Who is your money on? If you ask me

two minutes ago it was easy but Michael has found energy from

summer, he is not dropping low. -- from somewhere.

The curse of the commentator, not dropping low, and his darts dropped

below the treble 20. He will have a chance. He has not had the match

dart yet, Adrian Lewis. Six from 142? Surely. Just stay

sensible. Michael is way back on 258. Just try to pile in. Adrian

putting on pressure. For the match... Two darts at double top, he

needs just one of them and he does! He falls over the finishing line,

Adrian Lewis, the closest match of the Champions League so far. Jackpot

has his first win of the Champions League so far, Adrian Lewis beats

Michael Smith 10-8. # Hey Baby... #. What a great match,

the tightest of the Champions League. Adrian Lewis, the world

champion 2011, 2012, holding his nerve to get his first win of the

Champions League. What a terrific contest. It was a little bit scrappy

at times but what we have to do is look past the black and white, there

was a lot of grey areas but it was very good and Michael Smith started

to come back into that match at the end and of Adrian Lewis did not take

that much dart out, you got the feeling that Michael Smith was

creeping up on him and creeping up and eventually, Adrian gave himself

the match that and did not mess around. It did get scrappy at the

interval but in terms of drama, the crowd and the viewers have loved it

but that had a bit of everything? It did, sometimes we do not need 110

plus averages for a dramatic game, sometimes ugly games can be magnetic

and I could not take my eyes off that because I genuinely did not

know who was going to win. In the context of Adrian Lewis, his

recovery, he was hammered by James Wade in the first match, what do you

think he did this afternoon in order to know what he

Adrian is very thick skinned, the video we saw about Adrian Berger, a

lot of people say he has got thick skin and in the sport you have to

have that, playing two games in one day it is essential that you have to

have that in your locker and he is a joker and a character and he will

have given himself 34 minutes to say, I didn't play great today.

James Blake better but now I can switch off, next game, I will be

ready. As for Michael, it was too late? It seems that way,

Michael is just not on his top game, he did try to scrap and we must give

them big credit. Absolutely, valiant effort, without bull's-eye checkout?

He found himself in No Man's Land but he got himself out of jail and

gave himself a chance to kick against Adrian at the back end but

he didn't given that opportunity. Looking at the bull's-eye checkout.

The problem for Michael, the problem he left himself with too much to do,

you cannot allow that in this tournament. The best of 19, you

cannot flip a coin and play another three or four legs, you have a

certain structure and you must kick at the right time and Adrian

essentially was not in much treble because he was always in front.

Adrian has one night a rest before the final match and he is still very

much in it. He is, you have to be in it to win it and Adrian Lewis can

definitely win this. And he is with us. Good evening to you.

Congratulations. Good to meet you. Take a seat. We said a few moments

ago that that was a lifeline, back in it? Yes, obviously disappointing

with my form and I still have to get over the line in the end but it was

one of those things. Not all of the plays, layers are 100% record

confidence and that is all I am feeling. Why is that? After the

World Series events, I have had a couple of weeks of my family, but

putting the work in. And that has cost me. What did you do, and was

asking poll, this afternoon, James Wade played so well, he did not give

you a chance. And the boy said, I wonder what Adrian Mole do this

afternoon in order to refocus on what he needs? I have brushed myself

off and I thought, I have to have a crack at the cherry and try my best,

really. In parts it was good and another patch as it was not so good.

At the start of the game you started well. Those 12 darts, we thought,

here he comes. Do you think, maybe, and we hear about the hard work, do

you think hard work over the course of the next week or so might bring

you into more consistent territory? Without a shadow of a doubt, I

kicked over 11, fell over 12 but that shows that I have not put the

work in as much because my consistency has dropped, and

normally, if I put the working, that would not have happened. There are a

lot of good signs, you did not play badly against James. He was

fantastic. Another one match that hit, that is a good sign? I didn't

fancy that myself! To be honest! I gave myself the lifeline and what I

will do is able to relax tonight, early night and make sure I'm ready

tomorrow. You have got a victory on the board.

Two defeats and you're out of this tournament. It is Gary Anderson

next. Thoughts on tomorrow? I am looking forward to it. He beat me in

the world final. If I can get revenge tomorrow, that is what I

will be aiming for. Will you do any practice? I will probably have some

tea, and maybe about half an hour, to sharpen up. That will be my aim.

I know what these Cardiff rascals are like. They will probably see if

you fancy it. It is a fantastic read. What is it like out there?

They are singing the songs and I am thinking, I getting bored? They are

getting into it. Fair play to them. Well done. You have got your

victory. That is the most important thing.

It is no time for us to focus on the next match. Adrian just about to

burst out of her studio. It is Gary Anderson and he has been talking to

Caroline Barker. This is a bit of history, heading

into the weekend. Does it get the heart going? Yes, it has been a long

time since I have played darts in the PDC. Every time I have done that

I have failed miserably. I am older and wiser and looking forward to it.

There have been times when I have enjoyed playing darts. I have

enjoyed playing in the past couple of years. It has made a big

difference. My son was born which to quake my shoulders. You have the

tattooed with his name. There you go. On the end of your hand. Space

for one more? Not yet. Does that put pressure on you, you have a young

family coming through? We know there is ?100,000 on offer this weekend,

does it drive you forwards? It did about three years ago. I am just

back and enjoying it. If I play well, I will play well. I have not

thrown a dart for about three weeks. It will be fun and games, seeing how

it goes. It may be a struggle, but I will get the in the end. It is

intensive darts over the two day period. Do players like Michael van

Gerwen who have been playing back-to-back, does it give them an

advantage? The schedule is busy. I had to get away because the

schedule, in the last couple of years, I think I have had 80 days at

home in three years. The way Michael is playing, here's something else.

He seems to be winning everything. He has the kind of hunger that Phil

Taylor had, Eric Bristow, the three of them are very similar. They have

an appetite and hunger for the game and they take some beating. If

you're standing there on Sunday, holding up the trophy, yours is the

first name on it, what will be going through your head? I would be trying

to book another holiday for another two weeks. I could not tell you what

I have one and what I have not one. If you win a tournament, great.

Tomorrow is a different day. It is strange that way. What would it mean

to the family? They like it. It is always good to lift the title,

especially a new one. I know that Michael will be up for it, but Phil

Taylor and the rest of the boys will have something to say. You have got

to love the honesty of Gary Anderson, Scotland against England,

and two great competitors. They got off to a great start. I am very

impressed with games. His performance bodes well for the

match. Gary Anderson has not touched a dart in a while, he has taken a

well-deserved dress, but when he is rested, he is like Adrian Lewis.

When they prepare the way they want to come away from the circuit, they

can come back fresh, hungry, and be gunning for their

sections on the board. How do you see this going? If you go in the

afternoon's performances, you have to go for games. He was composed

through the match. Gary did not look like he was playing on all cylinders

but he still averaged 96. The only thing missing from Gary's game this

afternoon was the maximums. He played pretty well. Gary also told

us this afternoon that it depends on which Gary turns up if he is going

to succeed and lift the title in Cardiff. Which Gary has turned up

for you? A refreshed Gary. Good enough to win the title? Absolutely.

If you put Michael van Gerwen in front of Gary Anderson, you see a

totally different animal to what you see playing in front -- against the

other guys. I do not know what it is. Why is that? I think it is the

motivational factor. There was a game at the World Championships a

couple of years ago. Gary was flying, up by three sets. Michael

was the favourite, he came back and beat him and won four sets on the

spin. Gary was very upset. He thought,

that could have been my world title. The following year, he took out van

Gerwen and took the title. I think that game has sparked this two and a

half years stretch of unbelievable form. You find that in many sports,

when a team player is doing well in tennis, you look at Roger Federer,

and they become the player to beat. It fires everyone else up. It does.

There is lots to play for. Michael van Gerwen is playing at such a good

level. There are probably only two people that can beat him, Gary

Anderson and Phil Taylor. You do not get many chances. You have to be on

top form all the way through. He had problems against Robert this

afternoon at 5-5, but he came out in the end. The most ferocious

competitor when it comes to results this afternoon was James Wade. What

do the players say about him? Games The Machine weight. He is a

very good player. He is very dangerous. The only thing he is

missing is the World Championship title. He is a very solid player.

Probably the best finisher in the world. When he is around the AT- 100

mark, he is very good. Strengths, he never gives up. His finishing. When

he has his finish, he can be out in three darts. He is a steady player.

I can remember him, 15, 16 years old. He was a great player back

then. He will keep going and keep going. If he gives you a chance, you

have got to take it because if you give him a shot, he will take it. He

and his wife are really nice people. You cannot see a bad word about

them. His double tops, double tense, he rarely misses. He can put you

under pressure, but knowing then he does not finish as well, and then

you have to take advantage. You have no choice, years a good finisher.

Myself. That is my weakness. Me. He is a bit of a screwball. He likes to

laugh and joke, and carry on. I have lots of respect for games. James

Wade, self-conscious, perhaps a little bit paranoid. He is talented.

And very happy in life as we speak. It is obviously showing in his

darts. He has won 13 matches against Gary Anderson. Anderson has the

upper hand. 27 victories in the matchup, three draws. That was a

fascinating interview. Robert Thornton put it eloquently. He is a

bit of a screwball. That is my best Scottish accent. James, he has been

an enigma to many people. On the dartboard, Phil Taylor was the most

elegant person. -- the most eloquent person. If you wanted someone on

planet Earth to fight for tops and tense, it would be James Wade. Lots

of these fans have come to see folder Power Taylor against Michael

van Gerwen. This is the perfect build-up. -- to see Phil Taylor.

Yes, we have been looking forward to this since we saw the draw for the

evening session. James Wade will be ready. Gary, as laid-back as years,

he will be ready as well. I am looking forward to this. Who is

going to win? I am going to go for Wade. He is switched on today. We

could have a close one. I will have to go for Gary. For the moment,

thank you very much. The players are standing by. There is a wonderful

noise inside the Motorpoint Arena in the capital city of Wales. I am

pretty sure the John McDonald is enjoying it as well. Welcome back to

the action. The Champions League starts. Time to meet the players.

Ladies and gentlemen, from Aldershot in England, the winner of seven

major titles, time to meet The Machine.

MUSIC: "The Boys Are Back In Town" by Thin Lizzy.

Now, ladies and gentlemen, from Scotland, the reigning two-time

champion of the world, The Flying Scotsman, Gary Anderson.

MUSIC: "Jump Around" by House Of Pain.

Look at that smile. Gary Anderson is loving it. In 2007, the

International darts league, the first televised meeting, Anderson

16-3 and the way to his first major title. Listen to the noise. That is

what it is like in Cardiff on Saturday night.

It certainly is. Quite frankly, wherever you go in the world, Gary

Anderson gets this kind of reception. This year, he has won

titles in Dubai, Auckland, Tokyo, Wigan and Barnsley. Slightly less

exotic, but everywhere in the world, darts fans have massive, massive

love for The Flying Scotsman. As for James Wade, you do not win what he

has won in his career, and illustrious career, seven major

titles, you do not win that without at least winning respect. Respect

from the wider darting public. These two both winners this afternoon,

fighting it out for the number one spot in Group B. James Wade won the

bull in the practice room. He will our medal first. A big contrast to

the first game of the evening tonight. These guys both had

victories this afternoon so they will be full of confidence. I expect

to see plenty of conviction. It is an interesting game. Gary scores

well, but James scored well this afternoon. He finished well. A 103

average for James Wade against Adrian Lewis. James Wade does not

often beat people by massive margins like that. He seems to turn the

intensity on when he needs to. I think you touched on it in

commentary. If his opponent has an 85 average, he will average 86. 101,

102, he gets the job done. He looked confident and composed, taking out

the big finishes and he will hope for the same tonight. It is fair to

say that Wade has not really got going in his first three visits to

the board. Anderson very well placed for an early break off throw.

He will not panic, it is against the throw in the first leg, long way to

go. 32. Confident start from Gary

Anderson. You know what it is like playing group stage darts, these

games, but as Anderson still looking for the first 180. When you have won

the game already, is the pressure off slightly? You don't want to be

messing about tomorrow, you want to get the job done, knowing you are

preparing for the semifinals, you don't want to go into different

permutations with averages. Both players will want to get the job

done tonight. You would think he was playing back

in Scotland! He is a popular guy! There been a popular in Aldershot at

the minute! -- maybe not popular. Gary Anderson is not a man, by his

own admission, who does a lot of practice. I have literally been

entered its third Gary Anderson has offered his darts to me, I will not

be using them, just give them back to me half an hour before I am on

the stage tomorrow! When we both made our debuts in the

PDC championship, Gary asked me to practice with them and I went down

one week before and I want the best of an 11 match. He has put the

effort in! 16 for double top. He loves double top. Absolute

perfection. From the world champion. It is 2-0 and Wade is not even at

the races at the moment. He will need to get onto the board quickly,

don't let Gary run away with it. This is ominous for James, Gary

chipping away. He is not messing about with his doubles. Gary will

tell you he was a much better player back when he first made the switch

over to the PDC. He basically wanted to take on Taylor and test himself

and he will tell you, that is when I was a proper player. I am not sure I

believe in, I think he said better player now, which is why he has got

titles. This is more like it, James! He really needed that, they game was

starting to get away from him. All of a sudden, Gary is starting to

miss. James has a chance to put a leg on the board, here. He just

wants to stay straight at the very least. Not messing any of the 20s,

just 60 but that is where he would not need to use the bull's-eye. You

would expect James To chip this away.

These left-handers are good at double ten. So I am told. Double

ten! No drama yet. There are bigger. You just think it is going to happen

with James Wade. He did not really get going with his

first two legs, that is a lot better. Still the break of throw

line. It doesn't matter, if you lose a leg doesn't matter if you score

450 or 45, you have lost, James Wade does not care about averages and

numbers and things like that. He just cares about winning at the end

of it. If he loses nine legs playing dreadfully and wins ten of them, he

will be happy enough. It is all about winning with James and that is

how it should be with every player, if you look at the stats, you must

concentrate on the positives and that is what James does and that is

why he wins major titles, don't dwell on bad throws and bad legs,

just get on with it. Decent response from the world champion. Nine darts

thrown to the finish, these guys are always aiming for this sort of stuff

but this is better from James Wade, not quite down to the finish.

Definitely settled. He has found his range. That was a slip from Gary,

you would think James is going to put a big hole in this. There will

be pressure. Gary Anderson, 104, going to get the dart, just a case

of what he wants. Double top. You fancy him to get at least one dart.

Two at double 19. That is good. Great finish, back on throw. Great

response from James. And after being absolutely nowhere for the first two

legs, Gary Anderson might as well be on his own, James Wade has done what

James Wade does and has just done enough for the next couple of legs,

it is all tied up at two age and James has got himself into this

game. He certainly has. It sounds daft but James is not beaten until

he is beaten. He will keep chipping away. And Gary knows that. Mervyn

King knows that. My-2, the final of the Masters, the last major title

that Wade one. The response when he apologised was, really? I don't

think James was sorry either. Never apologise per winning tournaments.

This is significant for any player but James Wade was not even sure

whether he had the game any more to do it. Three years since he had won

a very big TV tournament and he had three well-publicised trebles with

mental health and all sorts of stuff but he did work his way back and he

is now a genuine contender, as he used to be in all of the big events.

He needs the treble. He gets it, bull's-eye for the world champion.

3-2! He is sometimes overlooked just because of how powerful Michael van

Gerwen and Gary have been. You can never write James off.

Good finish from Gary. He missed the one dart in the last leg. To allow

James back in. Gary Anderson reasserting himself on this contest.

Five titles this year. Just one of them per James Wade but it was a big

one on the European Tour, in Hamburg. He beat Michael van Gerwen

in the semifinals and then beat Dave Chisnall, another big name, just

outside the top eight players. He is still waiting for 180 but 177 will

do. Back-to-back European event, I'm sure that was Gary on the way as

well. He will hope that plays on Gary's mind. He is playing catch up

a little bit. The first low -- 180 of the day? Yes, it was only a

matter of time, wasn't it! Almost 20 legs to get his first 180, almost

unthinkable. Gary Anderson is missing big numbers all over the

shop, 177 and 180 in this and then missing two big numbers to leave

double 13 and this leg is not quite over yet. Because Wade is very

dangerously poised. He has gone inside, one dart... You do not want

to hit James Webb the sort of shots. -- James Webb. 14 four double top.

They are the sort of finishes that James Wade playing well takes out

routinely but he has given Gary Anderson and opportunity, and double

two is good enough. For Dashti. Anderson wins two, then Wade, now

Anderson, will this trend continue? James will not want to go one break

of throw line. It is always difficult to get back. He had a big

break, James Wade, in the quarterfinals, all set up for what

we thought was going to be a fascinating battle. And Gary blew

him away, 5-1. Wade was various after that, he said I could have

given my darts to some bloke down the pub and he would have done

better. I remember that. He blew the field away to get that game. Making

light work of everyone and it just did not happen for him. Since then

they have shared their various meetings, there was obviously that

win in Hamburg that we have mentioned, winning in Shanghai,

James Wade, the decider in the World Series. Gary can really pressure

this shot. It looks like he might do it, as well. Level pegging. Who can

see this off? Double ten. He should still be able to nestle alongside it

but it needs to go into that little red part and that didn't. Anderson.

20 four double top. And it is there! That is a big moment in this game.

The break of throw, 5-2, Anderson. Wade has not been in this position

so far today. Massive dart from Gary. James did not want to go

double break down. He is chasing. He needs to get this break back

straightaway. You have been in this position, you have played a game on

the big stage and you win and you play really well and then you can be

a completely different player when you go back later on in the day and

it must be infuriating as a darts player? It is frustrating. It

happens to all of us, you cannot put your finger on it, you feel great

and the preparation is great and what better of preparation for James

Wade than beating Adrian Lewis. Gary is punishing him, finishing every

chance he gets. That is a difference at the Bennett. The finishing has

been good from Gary Anderson. Five out of 11 doubles in this, getting

more than half of them over the course of the day. And that has been

the key thing. Over the last three years or so, Gary Anderson becoming

two-time world champion, he will not leave double one? This is a great

leg. When you break you don't want to throw a sloppy leg. 32 left. 6-2

deficit, really. It is a long way back for James. He

has to get the scoring going. James Wade will keep plugging away and

will keep trying to turn this around. And that will help! The

second 180 for The Machine. James will not go away.

As game plans go, going 6- to down as the world champion is not what he

would have had in his mind taking to the stage? He will be looking at

plan be. He has thrown a very good six darts. Talking about double and

treble breaks of throw. There is a chance of knocking him back.

That does apply serious pressure to James Wade. Playing well, these are

the sorts of finish he takes out all the time. He needs the treble 17.

Jaaskelainen into the two. -- he has gone into the two. He has made a

mess of that. He has given James a chance.

James. That is so unlike James. He has given Gary a chance. 7- to know.

-- 7-2 now. It is a very tedious display from James Wade. He is not

playing like himself. But -- I am sure Adrian will be watching this

game as well. He would have thought it would be a simple shoot out

between him and Gary. It will get complicated tomorrow. Yes, all kinds

of permutations. Wade may be thinking already, I have won 10-3. I

do not want to wipe out my leg difference in the next game.

Something has got to change for that to happen. He has nowhere near the

standard we saw earlier against Adrian Lewis earlier. James being

7-2 down, at least if they can stem the leg difference, it would help

and give him order of an advantage tomorrow. It is not looking likely

at the minute. 180 is not the finish. Gary Anderson

is on 66. All kinds of problems for James Wade at the moment.

It is The Flying Scotsman's turn to miss a big number. It gives Wade a

chance. It is one he is not going to take. It is very, very strange to

see a man playing so well earlier on this afternoon and getting what

appears to be a bit of a hiding from the world champion. He has just

offered up another chance for Wade. This has to go. He still has a lot

to do. 7-3, Gary Anderson leads. Gary Anderson only needs three more.

It is a long way back for James Wade. Tanzi? -- can he?

They are all smiling and James Wade was all smiles as he walked out, but

no Gary Anderson has the smiles. We did not expect this to happen,

especially after James Wade was so good in his first match. Every game

is so different. This afternoon, he was clinical on his finishing,

composed through the match. This is so different. Gary has done his own

thing. No matter how well you play, if you come up against someone like

Gary Anderson who is playing so well, throwing so well, it is really

hard? It is hard to beat a world champion when they are still world

champion. When you win a title like that, you will always be regarded as

that. It will give you you are a current champion,

holding onto a title for two, three years, he will bring that confidence

to the game, even when it is scrappy. You have been impressed by

Gary Anderson's smooth flowing style. We have a board in the studio

for these guys to show us. They are the professionals. What have you

picked out specifically? What Gary does with his first dart, you will

see it when he comes back, it is a sighting dart, he uses it more

deliberately. When it comes up towards his eye, he will prod it

forwards and take more time. It will be like this. He will do that. Then

what happens? The next two, he does or continuous action. He does the

pride dart, and then it is straight back and forwards. The only time

that changes is if there is a deflection or an unexpected dart.

Then he will use a site dart again. Go and collect your darts. James is

under real pressure now. Yes, he's too far behind. He has not performed

as well as this afternoon. He needs to dig deep. In many ways, Gary

Anderson, people have been talking about Michael van Gerwen and Phil

Taylor, but Gary Anderson is setting down a marker. You get the feeling

that now he has had a break, he probably wants another crack at van

Gerwen. He might hope that he gets by Phil tonight. He seems to find

that extra 5% in motivation when he plays. He might find himself over

the line tonight, get some sleep and come back even hungrier tomorrow.

Thank you. Let's go back to commentary.

The world champion only needs three more leg to book his place in

tomorrow's action. He is the group leader. And under par James Wade. It

has not been very good from The Machine. We know that these little

breaks can change the course of games. Definitely. James needed the

break. It was key that he got the leg before the break. Again, James

under pressure on his throw yet again. It is only his second 180

today, Gary Anderson, but kicking off right after the break is exactly

what he would have wanted. Tanzi follow it up? I think he quite

fancied it. A good last dart. James will need a big score. They are not

landing for James like they were this afternoon. He will be

frustrated. How important is it for these guys, Anderson, how important

is that first dart, consistently, if you get it where you want it, you

can build on it. That one for James makes it difficult for him. These

players like the first dart to sit nicely in the treble 20. They are

not landing for James at the minute. He is frustrated. Nearly a sneaky

way through for Gary Anderson. It could be yet another break of throw.

James Wade has only managed to hold his throw once in this game.

If there is every game changing finish for James, this is it. He

needs a lift. This would do it. Coetzee? He could. He took out 161

earlier on today. Out of nowhere, James Wade produces 164. Could that

be the moment that sees James Wade challenge the world champion? His

161 earlier got him the victory against Adrian. He has revitalised

no, James. -- he is revitalised now. James Wade

may have sparked into life. Four perfect darts. This is encouraging

from The Machine. He is finding that treble 20 with his first dart. Gary

has left himself 145 after nine darts. That is giving James and easy

leg. The 145 will not go. Having already

taken out 161 and 164 in the previous like, -- previous leg, it

would be ridiculous for Wade to take this. It would be ridiculous. I told

you it would be ridiculous. He has made Gary think about this finish.

It is not easy, 98. That is a great first dart. It is a great finish.

Gary is letting James know that the 164 did not rattle him. As

spectacular as those big checkouts are, he needs just one leg. We have

seen from the play over the rest of the legs, at the start of the legs,

the scoring power from James Wade has not been sufficient. He has only

had eight darts at double in this match. Gary Anderson has had 23. So

uncharacteristic of games, especially after this afternoon. He

has not been landing them. -- James. He has been giving Gary

opportunities. James Wade has been working, seeking

the advice of five-time world champion Eric Bristow over the last

few months. He says that Eric Bristow and his straight talking

helps him focus on what needs to be put right in his game. That is a

great setup shot from Wade. That leaves double 12. Just what James

needed. He can feel better about himself if he can just get this leg

on the board. He has got to club bag one of these breaks. It could be

another. It is another. Number three for Gary Anderson. Going back to

Eric Bristow, he will tell him to forget about it if it is not good

enough. James will live to fight another day. Should he lose this

game, he has not lost it yet, but he will be ready to fight another day.

It is looking very difficult. Difficult but not impossible. We

have seen more unlikely comebacks. It is a long way back. Especially

with Gary Anderson finding the trebles. His average has crept up to

over 98. He is just keeping James at arms length in pretty much every

leg. He has six darts for 137. He will not be worried about that. He

will not panic. James will be looking for a big one to pressure

the shot. That is not enough to apply the

pressure to Gary Anderson. We know that he can take out the 164. Is he

going to get a go at it? Years. For the second time. He did that, and

then that. But he did not quite do that. Missing the bull for a second

164. That could have been a game changer. It might still be a game

changer if Anderson does not take out the double ten. The world

champion is one leg away. Good composure from Gary. Now it is a

four leg deficit. He has got to one every leg. It is a big ask. -- to

win. It is simple for James Wade, he has got to win five consecutive legs

against the man who has won the world title. He has just got to take

one leg at the time. You would fancy him to take this leg.

105 left for the world champion for the match, unless Wade can take out

81, he has to go 12, and the bull's-eye... And he misses that by

fractions again. Anderson, with 105, looking at the bull's-eye first...?

Tops is the route. Very nearly pulled that off. Wade, five four

double ten. He needs that right by. Double five. And that might be bad.

James lives to fight another day. Three match darts missed by Gary

Anderson, Wade, to stay alive for at least another leg. 55. -- double

five. James needs to make Gary think. They

always say the wedding that is the hardest. -- winning dart.

They have both been in the Premier League for a number of years. And

both meetings this year in the Premier League finished in draws. As

tight as you can get. You don't have many formats in darts where you

don't have an eventual winner. Both of those matches finished six

apiece. Gary two locations and James, I was -- they know the

round-robin format and very successful in the Grand Slam, I

think Gary has never been eliminated from the group and James on one

location. He doesn't have a lot of love for the Grand Slam of darts,

Gary Anderson. He is going to get another shot to

win. That is a great dart. He will make Gary have a little thing.

Anderson on the 18th. For the match! And it is another missed doubtful

and he missed that by a yard. -- missed that. He is going to get

another go. Straight at it? Definitely. The last dart. There is

a chance for James to make Gary have a real think.

Tops, and that is a careful last dart, less pressure than they might

have been, Anderson, to finally get over the line. It just goes on!

Gary has got to keep his composure. Gary is under severe pressure. I

make it nine darts for a match that Gary Anderson has missed so far. I

might have lost kind, I think it is nine. Earlier on we said the doubles

with the problem and he was solid in the early part, but he has gone way

word. You don't want to give James this left. He was 7- to down in this

one, but a hold of throw would make it 9-8. And then it is anybody's

game. I remember in the European Championship final Gary Anderson had

a 9-7 lead against Michael van Gerwen. Did Michael Wynne on the

last leg? Four legs on the spin on that occasion, Michael van Gerwen.

And that is a great response from The Flying Scotsman. The fourth 180

of this match. This might be a handy one. Very handy one. To think when

it was 7- to be with thinking about damage limitation for James, and he

is right back in the game. He certainly is. He looks down on the

board. 15, 14 four double top. He only gets one dart. Bull's-eye.

Great finish from Gary Anderson. Gary Anderson flies around the board

and finishes on double seven, he missed handfuls of darts and he

could have won this a lot earlier but James Wade unable to follow his

performance this afternoon, he goes down tender seven, Anderson topping

the group. -- ten - seven. Another win Gary Anderson, no repeat

of the victory for Wade in the European matchplay in 2016. That was

his first win of Gary Anderson in 14 matches over an 18 month period but

Gary Anderson, yes he has one but he did miss a lot of darts? Especially

those doubles? He did and I don't think that is down to one of his old

weaknesses, he used a lot of doubles even in scoring well. After what we

spoke about with Gary after his victory this afternoon against

Michael Smith I think it is just the fact that he has come back from a

break, has not had enough time to put in the practice he needs. He

wants to play well but sometimes you need days to get sharp on the

doubles after such a break and you get the feeling after that that he

might put in some work tomorrow morning on those doubles. James must

be really disappointed, especially after playing so well in the first

his performance this afternoon was like a poster board performance, I

will remember that, I played well. He did not turn up tonight but there

are flashes of billions, like Adrian earlier on, there are positives and

if he can take that into tomorrow he will not have a problem. One flash

of brilliance was that checkout, the highest tournament, 164, beating his

own 100 61. He got them both. I tell you what, tomorrow if he is leaving

these big checkouts, he is more likely to hit them land missed them.

The magic thing about the tournament is James, winning one of them and

losing one of them but he will be bitterly disappointed about how he

has played this afternoon? James as good at forgetting what has happened

and moving on. When he plays Michael Smith tomorrow, I get the feeling he

will probably want to put all of this right behind him. And he will

want to banish Michael Smith to the bottom of the group and he will want

to do that quickly. You know what it is like to be on the circuit and

playing instruments like this one. When you see some body playing as

well as Gary Anderson, if you are there as one of the favourites, are

you looking at the television screen, thinking, it could be his

day? You could be. Or do you concentrate on your own game? It

depends on how strong you are mentally in that moment. Some guys

are very good at staying in the moment, some not so good. At the

moment Gary is very relaxed and we are about to find out because he is

with us. , N! Gary is here for a chat. Did the bouncer stop you?

Really? That is the floor manager! You are smiling. I was going on

right, making a mess of some silly legs, I could have had that wrapped

up 10-3 but like I said, six hours practice in the last four weeks. I

am happy. We saw an interview a few days ago when you said it depends on

which Gary has turned up and also there were lots of suggestions you

are missing the doubles and we were tired you missed nine of them, are

you bothered by that? Just some rustiness? I put myself off by

hitting that 180! No, the scoring is coming back and finishing has been

good, it has been good in that game and the last couple of legs when I

needed to kill that offer sloppy. Having a break has that allowed your

mental state to refresh itself? Over the course of the next week or so

when you have a little more time to practice, things will sharpen? I

don't know, I will be walking round Disneyland with the little fellow!

It has been good but none for weeks, three and a half weeks, that is too

long without throwing any darts. The holiday was but a long time before

this tournament was put in so I had to go. We will get back, I have

three weeks in front of me to get back so I am looking forward to

that. And we know you will see bar tonight because you are undoubtedly

the world champion sleeper as well as the Darts Champions League not

for the last three or four months! About three hours every night. That

is not enough for you! There is usually a number one in front of

that, I struggled over the last three months with sleep. And at four

o'clock and was still awake and I was up again at half past six. You

seem to be thriving off the scribe, it is very noisy, do you agree, I do

all the players so far, he seems to be loving it? And as a darts player,

is that so important? To handle the pressure of big events? Hugely

important, smiles go along way, will not like me telling anybody this but

he used to be called Smiler or Smiley? He does smile a lot. Very

infectious and the crowd notices that on the big screens and it shows

are lot that when you are in the pressure you can still smile as well

as take on the pressure. Wonderful stuff, thank you very much, Gary.

Letters hear from James Wade with Caroline. Obvious disappointment for

you, what happened at the start? I feel like I have done this interview

before! I was not good enough. I did not play well. I let Gary out of the

traps quickly. General disappointment towards my own game.

I was not good enough. You like to analyse your own game but at what

point do you put that behind you? So rapid into tomorrow? It is hard when

you play like that. If you play well you can put the game behind you, you

can analyse it more but when you play as pretty as that, it is so

hard. But, you know, I was not good enough and I did not play well

enough. I know I am good enough. But talk is cheap. One in each corner,

win and lose, against Michael you must flip that around? It is not if

I am good enough, it is, does the right James Wade come out? If the

right one comes out, it is done and at the wrong one turns up and

Michael van Gerwen turns up, I am in treble. James Wade talking to

Caroline Barker. This is how we look in Group B in the Unibet Champions

League of Darts after two matches each, Gary Anderson leading, then

James Wade, Adrian Lewis and Michael Smith. Looking good for Gary? Very

good. Getting two wins on the same day will put him on the front foot,

he knows he can go back to the hotel and get some more rest and if you

can get the right rest, he will come out firing tomorrow. Mark has

rejoined us after the commentary box. We impressed with Gary?

Fairplay on getting the job done, he missed nine match darts? Just to

regroup and get over the line was a good job, and there is no over

conjugating tomorrow, he knows he will go through, there are no

calculations, he will be pleased. I am very happy with the way Gary has

played, it is very difficult after the break to feel those darts in

your hand, they feel almost alien. To be able to come here and put in

that kind of performance when he has not had much practice is very

commendable. Thank you both very much. Next up, the matches keep

coming and this is a very big one, the English legend taking on the

Dutch masterpiece. Who is as? Michael van Gerwen, Dutch

lad. He has beat me too many times! He is a pain in the neck but he is a

very good player. This is Phil Taylor. He loves to win. He loves to

show you that he lost to win. Very exciting to watch. He made darts are

worldwide global start. -- sport. He did fantastic things for darts and

also a major player. He is mentally strong and is very good in front. If

he gets in front, you have a battle and you must get in front of

Michael. Six world titles, that says it all. His mental game is very

strong. He doesn't actually have a very easy throw but he believes in

himself. Like no one else can. That makes them very, very top darts

player. This is probably my hardest opponent. He is impressive, very

good as a young kid. 15, 16 years old, breaking records. And he did

have his apprenticeship, everybody has to learn the trade and used to

being on TV and he has done that. He is a fully qualified player.

Forget the dancing on the other side, this is where it is at. Live

darts. Two magnificent names in sport, two massive names in darts.

This has the makings of a real classic. It certainly has. You are

looking at big-name sports people in different generations. Van Gerwen is

no. It is all about the man in green. Phil Taylor does not like

that. He likes this to be his sport. This is his stage. Michael van

Gerwen has taken his career to read it is. He has stolen the stage from

Taylor. The only thing missing from van Gerwen is an additional world

title. I love the way you have just talked up this match. It is going to

be incredible. He makes a good point about van Gerwen. He is the man to

beat. He is box office. He has been hammering tailored in tournaments

recently. Phil got revenge in Auckland. I think Phil needed that.

He was very defeatist in the World Matchplay final. That last victory

gave him believe. It has spiced up this victory. On the oche, they do

not like each other. Phil wants to put him in his place. 29 years

separates these two. Michael van Gerwen, given how good he is, he can

overtake everything that Phil has done. He could do that. Phil Taylor

won his first major tournament when he was 30. Michael van Gerwen is not

30 yet. From that statistical point of view, yes he could. He is 27

years old. He has lots of time to work with. I get the feeling that

Michael van Gerwen does not want to play darts as long as Phil Taylor.

Van Gerwen will explode for the next ten years and he will retire on top.

Phil Taylor is in his mid-50s. What do you think? It will be tough for

Phil Taylor. He does not have time. He plays all the events. If anyone

can bring back the titles, it will be Michael. Does he want to keep

playing until he is the age of Phil? If so, no doubt he will win the

titles. It is how long van Gerwen wants to play darts at the top

level. It is taxing? Yes, very, but what he wants to do is ride the wave

of confidence, ride the wave of form, win as much as he can, and if

his form drops, he has the confidence to fall back on. He can

say, I am still good enough, maybe I can drop off, come back and do more.

The crowd or in full voice in Cardiff. What can we expect? Is it

about who gets in front early? It is important that Phil gets in front.

When Michael gets going, he can reel off five legs in five minutes. There

will be no way back for Phil. The early exchanges are more important

for Phil than Michael. We are seeing a pattern. The player who goes into

the interval in front, apart from the match between van Gerwen and

Thornton, it was 5-5, if you go in the in front at the interval, the is

every chance you will go in front. This will definitely be 10-0. --

definitely not be. Van Gerwen is the best post-break player in the world

that there will ever be. If he is down, he will have the fortitude to

come back. The Netherlands or England? I said Phil early on but I

am starting to go the other way. I think it will be van Gerwen. I

agree, I think it will be van Gerwen. Here we go. A wonderful

atmosphere in Cardiff. Listen to the crowd. Let's get ready for this.

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. It is the Champions League starts. Now,

it is time to meet the players. Ladies and gentlemen, from

Stoke-on-Trent, England, here's the record breaking, history making, 16

times the champion of the world, it is filled the Power

Taylor. -- Phil the Power. Now, ladies and gentlemen, from the

Netherlands, the world number one, and the former champion of the

world, Michael van Gerwen. MUSIC: "Seven Nation Army"

by The White Stripes. Honestly, honestly, this is the

match we have especially been looking forward to. It is the best

player in the world against the best player of all time. Michael van

Gerwen against Phil Taylor in the Champions League starts in Cardiff.

Van Gerwen has hardly put a dart wrong. Frankly, all year. 19 titles

in 2016. He has won his last six tournaments, his last 36 matches,

and in the past week alone he has hit two nine darters. He has won

?80,000 in prize money. The last man to beat him in the other side of the

world in Sydney in August, the man on the other side of the oche in

Cardiff. Phil Taylor has been on holiday well van Gerwen has been

cleaning up. He has focused on eating healthily, doing exercise and

putting in extra hours on the practice board. Taylor says he is

fresh, motivated, up for the fight. This is a match that both players

can probably afford to lose. Both will be desperate to win. The

27-year-old from Holland against the 56-year-old from Stoke. The best in

the world against the best of all time. It is a clash of the Titans.

The atmosphere in this auditorium is electric. The noise is bouncing.

This is what they have come to see. 7500 noisy, rockets, fancy dress

wedding fans. They are in the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff. You

almost had to put your fingers in your ears as they walked on stage.

The atmosphere is that good. Let's hope the darts match the atmosphere.

You can build it up, but these two players normally produce the goods.

Van Gerwen one this week. He is keeping clinical for this

tournament. Phil Taylor played really well this afternoon. This

always has the makings of a fantastic match. It does not always

work out that way but I am sure there will be plenty of tension.

They have played 53 times in the past. Four times already this year.

Taylor has won two of those, van Gerwen has won two. There is the

first maxim of this match. I am sure it will be the first of many. The

first in leg one goes to Taylor. He will be licking from 203 to set up a

good finish. It should stay there. 63 if he gets the treble.

63 for a break of throw in the first leg. It is the first to ten legs. If

he does not take the treble, he may only get one dart at the double.

That was a crucial last dart from Phil Taylor. Van Gerwen hit 134 when

he did not seem to be in the leg. He will know are important it was. He

needed to get his nose in front in this match. The chances you have got

to take, similar to that one. Van Gerwen is so capable of taking out

that 92. All of a sudden you're in command of the leg and you have

lasted. Back in play negatively on your mind for the rest of the game.

-- that can play. Phil Taylor, when he won his first

world title in 1990, Michael van Gerwen had yet to celebrate his

first birthday. That shows you how long Phil has been on top of the

game. This man has taken it to new levels. Incredible levels from the

Green machine. He gets his first maximum. 140, and 181. It looks very

likely that MVG will break right back. Two fantastic visits. You have

got to keep at it. That is not bad. He leaves himself 47 after nine. No

finish, 179 four Phil Taylor. He crashes the 47.

Again, the last dart, this time from van Gerwen. He break straight back.

A 12 dart leg from van Gerwen. Only 42 at the start of the third. The

level these two player, neither wants to give his opponent any

distance in this match. It will be so hard to club back. The crowd are

singing all the way through. They are really enjoying this. They have

been looking forward, as we have, to this encounter. The two biggest

names in world darts. That was a good cover shot. He still

looks as focused as ever, Phil Taylor. He is talking about starting

to wind down. But an average of 103 in the tournament so far. He is

still right at the top of the game. He certainly is, even when he has

the Big garages and plays well, van Gerwen and some of the other

players, they can lose. People have said that Phil Taylor is finished.

He is far from finished. He is still playing at that high standard. This

would be for 167 for a third break in a row. Yes. 167. You cannot be

bad. 167 from Phil Taylor. The crowd loved that one, we loved that one.

Phil Taylor love that one. What a great start to this match. It is not

shabby. It is so unusual when you see

players of this high standard. Van Gerwen fires in another maximum. The

first three legs have gone against the throw. Hold onto your hats. He

has had two nine dart legs already this weekend, both in Barnsley. Let

slip. Taylor looking to leave the finish

and he should do if he can stay in the middle. He has already taken out

167. He took out -- Wade took out 161 earlier. Six darts from 161.

Will he go for it? For the bullseye... He didn't need to go for

the bull but the reason he did is because he is on the game. He has

taken out 167 and he wants to pound van Gerwen but he has to tidy up.

-- double 8. 111 average at the moment for Phil Taylor. He is really

on the mark. Again, the first dart in the treble, and the second. Still

a good visit. That was the first holder of throw of the match. From

either player. Van Gerwen certainly looks a little bit flustered. Can he

flick one over the top? Not quite but still a good visit. You feel van

Gerwen, despite having a couple of 180s, has not fired consistently.

Taylor has taken command. But a long way to go.

Really consistent scoring from Phil Taylor. On a finish for another

break of throw. Van Gerwen not on a finish as we saw in the previous

leg. He doesn't need to go over this. It looks like he is tidying up

this time. Positive thinking from Taylor. Nothing van Gerwen can do

about Taylor having three dart at a double. He only needed one.

Look at that focus. The 16 time world champion, he means business.

Van Gerwen knows it. He will have to step it up. Is there an argument

that MVG has played too much darts? Maybe, but he has youth on his side,

he wants to play everywhere and win everything. He really has an

incredible and continual desire to win anything he plays in. Yes, we

are still early in this and Taylor is in command. But there is still a

long way to go and man this can hit the mustered when he wants. That is

his third of the match and the ninth -- his ninth of the day. Taylor

under pressure here on his own throw. And the game can turn around

so quickly, as we saw Taylor coming out of the blocks really quickly and

all other sudden, if you went against the throw, you are back in

the match. It turns around quickly. They have got to be aware of that.

Four more legs after this before the break, will it be in their minds?

Certainly, you don't want to be too far behind going into the break.

Within a couple of legs is the minimum. He has missed treble 19 so

he is still leaving himself a lot to do in this leg. He wanted a decent

finish on 18s. Taylor can continue to put the foot on the gas. He

stayed there, I thought you might have moved, there was not a lot of

room. Van Gerwen! He breaks the Taylor

throw. Just when you thought it was safe, he pops in with a little 122

on the bull and that is why he is world number one and wins all the

tournaments that he has won. This is turning out to be a cracker.

Those are both in and he fills it up! Another maximum for Phil Taylor.

He really is in the zone. Look at that concentration. He means

business. Can he flick another over the top? Just slightly to the left.

He is smiling, looking calm and collected, focused when he is

throwing. This is what it's all about, isn't it, the big match, the

big stage, the big audience. This is what they live for. But we like to

see them sweat! There is still plenty to go on in

this match. Still leaves himself a lot to do with 140. Taylor has

another chance here. For 5-2! And 5-2 it is. 101 finish,

he has had a 167, maximums are flying in everywhere. This is what

we want to see. The last two legs have been won on the bullseye. Phil

Taylor averaging 108. And Michael van Gerwen relatively low at almost

97. He was very disappointed with the first half display against

Robert Thornton. He got over the line and played better in the second

part of that match but Roberts put him under a lot of pressure. But

this is different pressure -- Robert put him under. He knows what Phil

Taylor can do. Without a doubt these are two of the biggest names in the

sport. He seems to want the perfect match of darts, Michael van Gerwen,

but when you are playing Phil Taylor, surely a win is a win. You

would take anything, whoever you are. We all know what he is capable

of and what he has achieved and what he can do and continues to do. He

has left a bogey here but van Gerwen is a long way behind. That will

help. He was apparently furious after winning a final 6-1 recently,

MVG, because he had chances to win it 6-0. That is the level he played

at. He doesn't just want to beat you, he wants to beat you well. The

way he looks at it, the next time you play him, you think about that

last defeat. How about this? 130 64 van Gerwen but 108 and Phil Taylor

goes 6-2 up. -- 136 four van Gerwen. He has missed his opportunity. He

seemed to throw that last dart away. He needs it and he gets it. The mark

of a good champion is coming back, coming back against somebody playing

so well is a bit more difficult because you don't get many

opportunities. But if he can hold throw here, he is back within one

leg. Both players have been basically struggling to hold their

throw. That has been the story. Some good finishes, 101, 122, 167. Van

Gerwen yet to hold his throw. It is an important two legs going into

that break. Van Gerwen needs to take this one on his own throw and see if

he can attack the Taylor throw to go into the break level.

He will want another. And he gets it. Van Gerwen will feel he might

have to take this out, double 10 for 134. Now then... Will that make a

difference? On the wire, can he flick it in? He

certainly can! And he gives a salute to the ground, van Gerwen missed

double 10. Taylor leads 6-3 and throwing first before the break. And

still Michael van Gerwen has not held his throat. If Taylor can hold

here, if he wins this leg, he goes 7-3 up in a race to ten -- held his

throw. I'm sure he won't be thinking it yet

but the saving grace for van Gerwen is that he knows he is playing

another game tomorrow. But he will not want his big adversary beating

him on the big stage because it gives Taylor the confidence the next

time they meet. The last time van Gerwen lost was way back in August,

35 matches ago, 36 matches ago. And Phil Taylor was the man who beat

him. Where did that come from? 170 scored. Surprised he did not stay on

the treble because it still does not leave a finish. I think he was

hoping for the minimum of 25 to take off the odd number. He needs this

leg, he really needs it and he knows it. 55 remaining after nine darts.

170, and 180 so far from MVG in this leg. 15 and double top. It is still

anyone's game, Phil Taylor leading Michael van Gerwen 6-4.

STUDIO: Utterly brilliant start from Taylor and van Gerwen. The first

time they played in 2006, van Gerwen was just 17 years old and Taylor won

3-2 in set in the players championship in the Netherlands and

now would you look at them, absolutely brilliant stuff. I'm very

happy with the way the game has gone so far, it has not let us down, we

are talking about big averages, it has been a finishing clinic so far

from Phil Taylor. Really good stuff, I think Mark would agree. Look at

those averages. It has been unreal. The only is advising thing is that

Michael has won four legs and they have all been against the throw.

That is ridiculous, but he is still in the game and he has a big chance.

And we have seen James Wade with the two highest checkout but this was

one of the 67 from Phil Taylor, now the highest Champions League

checkout. -- 100 67. -- 167. It just goes to show, these

guys do want to get one up on each other. And who is going to hit 170?

Do you think Phil Taylor is playing off the energy of the crowd?

Definitely, he looks great, relaxed. Even a few legs after he had the

shot at 161 but he was in such a good place that he went for it when

he did not needed to. He is looking to get everyone. A number of tweets

people saying they are loving Paul's demonstrations. He is now going to

show you Michael van Gerwen's style. It looks rather different to unlock

the players on the circuit. His throw is very continuous, like

Gary's but when it comes to his stance, that is where him being

unorthodox sits. As you can see, Michael is very side on to start

with but he actually shift his weight further back so his back is

arched and when he throws his darts, he is actually pushing from the back

foot which gives him a lot of stability. I actually feel quite

painful do it so you have to think that in his career in the future

there are possibilities for him to get injuries but he is comfortable

doing it at the moment. Who is going to win? You would have

to say Phil. 6-4. Michael needs to hold his throw. He has not held it

once. That must be unheard-of in a session like this. He has got to

hold his own throw and then have a go on Phil's. It is living up to the

billing? Yes, we have big averages. We have got the game. Michael van

Gerwen is the biggest post-break player. We are about to find out

whether I am wrong. It is a race to ten. What a first

half that was. Can the second half continue with the billing? The big

finishes? As the lads said they are, it will be concerning Michael that

he has not helped his throw. This is a big leg for van Gerwen for lots of

different reasons. 137, a decent start. If Phil Taylor

breaks again, he got 7-4 ahead. The finishing line starts coming into

view. If Taylor takes this one, you really feel that he will win the

match from there. Van Gerwen has plenty to say, two good visits. That

is in the back of his mind. He has not played badly. Phil Taylor has

taken a big finishes at crucial times. It is the timing of the

finishes as well. It is well placed, van Gerwen, to hold his throw for

the first time. That is a good last dart.

That is why these two players are in the positions in the world of darts,

because the intensity is consistent. Taylor missed bull for 161 earlier.

Not this time. Michael van Gerwen with three darts at double top, too

close to within one leg. That was a long way north. And that one is

below. The first dart was so far away he had to readjust. It did not

work out. This is a massive dart for Phil Taylor. He increases the pain

for van Gerwen. He had a chance to hold his throw but he did not take

it. Is that the match? Is that the crucial moment of the match? Phil

Taylor, with the darts, with the 7-4 lead, and straight in the treble 20.

When you have missed three darts that the double to get in one, your

opponent comes out and starts the next leg with a maximum, you know

you're running uphill. He still has not helped his throw, Michael van

Gerwen. It is incredible, really. When you think they are both

averaging well into the 100s. Mind you, Phil has only held his

throw once. If he can do it again, he is the heavy favourite. Van

Gerwen has got to watch. 302. He cannot leave a finish. At least two

visits. As we saw earlier, when he wanted the 1619 van Gerwen was not

on a finish, he still went for it. He cannot go for it this time. He is

still in a good place in the leg. As we have said so often, it can change

quickly if you miss a double. This is for 8-4. Two fours for Phil

Taylor. Well, well. He is mad at himself. He has to get this. Double

nine. It is not happening for van Gerwen. This is something you do not

see often. Phil Taylor in the madhouse. That target has got a bit

smaller. He has hit the double one. He is two legs away. The double one

was as good as the 167 in the sense of how the game is going. It is

slipping away from van Gerwen at an alarming pace. Those three darts at

double are preying on his mind. Now he is four behind. He has missed

five in a row at double now, MVG. He still has not helped his throw. He

may only get one more chance. Incredible, really. He can have that

purple patch. We have seen it so often. He needs to do it now. Here

he comes. Here it comes. As easy as you like. Back comes Taylor. Back

comes Taylor. It also sends a message, it really does.

He needs to get the treble 20 with the first one to leave him options.

He may stay with double nine. He has increased the pain for van Gerwen.

We get the Phil Taylor Road. Van Gerwen cannot believe what is

happening. He is four ahead, one leg away. Well, that is what it means.

It is not a victory yet for Phil Taylor. I thought he was meant to

conserve energy up there. I think it is a vague assumption to say that he

enjoyed that moment. -- a fair assumption. One of 774 van Gerwen.

-- 177 for van Gerwen. But it is the Miss doubles that have cost him.

Look at this from Taylor. Taylor responds. Here goes van Gerwen. So

close. It is all kicking off. The scoring is incredible from both

players. Taylor is homing in. He may go for the bull with the last one.

That leaves him south Shanghai. And that is for the match. And what an

incredible magic has been for Phil Taylor. Van Gerwen has had his

chances. Phil Taylor has not given him any. This is for an incredible

victory for the Power. Double top for a 10-4 victory. He has done it.

That sends some statement. Phil Taylor, 10-4, against van Gerwen.

MVG is still in the Champions League, but Phil Taylor is right

back to his best. That was incredible from Phil Taylor. He

deserved it. He played fantastic in that match. He looked composed. He