First Round: Day 3 Darts: World Championships

CHEERING Excitement for a Monday afternoon.

If you are lucky enough to have your feet up, you cannot beat this. The

1st weekend was more about the new players, but yesterday, there was

enough to limit your faces to keep us entertained. -- enough familiar

faces. COMMENTATOR:

It is England against New Zealand. Here comes Caldwell... 180.

For the match... There it is. What a match. What a win for Scott

Mitchell. Going the way? Hewson... We have a

problem. And it is the Swedish top player who goes through to the main

draw. He is back. Ted Hankey. For a 16th time at Lakeside. 11... Double

12, for the match. Yes! Please be assured that Ted Hankey is back.

There it is! The marathon marriage. The player from Greece prevails. He

has done it. Absolute delight. Scott Waites... He has been putting

together an impressive performance. Look at this. Double 11, yes! What a

checkout. Surely not again? Brilliant! Come

on. He has motored through to round 2.

That was Sunday, this is Monday. We spend it on the company of a legend,

he has been around for so long, he turned up to his 1st starts

championship on a Penny Farthing. Robert George. How are you? Body. It

is always great to be on a journey with you but I don't know what to

expect. We are not sure. Guys from the, guys from far-away. Her strong

nerves, I don't know. We will see, I tell you what, there will be if you

go to 5 sets. I hope so. We know what is coming up but you don't,

let's see how today is shaping up. The qualifying system means an old

friend has popped round to say hello. John Walton takes on Rob

Madre. And old Dutch affair, Jeffrey de Graaf meets Richard Veenstra and

the winner of this will play the winner of the 3rd and final game,

Pip Blackwell meeting the veteran Martin Atkins.

Let's mosey on into a Monday afternoon. 3 live games for you in

the camp of Bobby George. On the stage in a 2nd, a familiar friend,

he won the title in 2001 and is looking to turn back the clock. --

in the company of Bobby George. So much history. I call it home. My

1st time was 1999. I lost 3- 0. I came back, I wanted to win a set. I

won the whole thing. Game, set, match and the

championship... I was some were up in the ceiling. I was so high. I

made a promise to my dad when I was 15, watching Eric Bristow win the

World Championship. I said, I will win out. At 15 years old... 25

people that have won the darts World Championship. I am 1 of them. That

is a unique club. Absolutely amazing. I haven't played here for 2

years. I qualified this year. As soon as I go into the venue is

either sign above the top. The hairs come up on the back of your neck,

chills run down your back. I am home! Personally, I go out and meet

the crowd and I love it, I love meeting people. I am here to try and

win this. I want to be a 2-time world champion. That is why we are

in this tournament. That is why we go and do the circuit, what

motivates us to come back here. Absolutely fantastic.

I love that story, he takes on Rob Madre making his Lakeside debut,

ranked number 1 in the Australian qualifier and plays all over the

southern hemisphere but this is his 1st journey to the home of the BDO.

I love that. The fact that he told his father he would win but that was

2001. Is this a fleeting appearance from an old flame or is this a

return to glory? He qualified. That is 1 of the hardest things you can

do. 2001, he won the Masters, every tournament almost. A strong field in

2001. Like picking flowers, it was so easy, he got there and won it. He

struggled, to a 9-darter in the world Masters. Then he went to sleep

for a while but he has come back and he loves to play the game. Get

wackier. If he presses the right button you could see good darts.

When I 1st arrived this morning not a huge amount of people around, you

know me, I like to get in nice and early and I saw Simon Whitlock

throwing darts. I thought I had woken up at the wrong place. I met

him at exhibitions. He is a tidy player, he says he is a bit nervous

cos he has not been here before. Simon said, on down, you cannot win

this quick, take your time. He got beaten in the final here so he knows

what he is talking about. We know John Boy Walton has experience,

Simon Whitlock advising him, it is nice. Let's head down to the pocket

rocket and get the players onto the stage,

Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the British Darts Organisation,

welcome to the 2016 Lakeside World Championships. It's day 3, here at

the home of world darts... The Lakeside...

CHEERING We now introduced to the stage our

Australian regional qualifier. He is a former Pacific Masters and

Australian Masters champion. The remedy... Rob

We now introduced the winner of 11 BDO world ranking titles, former

world Masters champion... The 2001 Lakeside world champion, it is John

Boy Walton from Yorkshire! CHEERING

You are only as young as the darts you throw. Rob Modra stands in his

way. Let's join the commentary team. COMMENTATOR:

. Cheers, Colin. A big Lakeside welcome for Rob Modra and a big

welcome back to the former champion John Boy Walton.

The Lakeside stage has not been kind to Australian players in recent

years. The last Aussie to win a match was the man we saw backstage

helping Rob Modra out. Simon Whitlock. He reached the final in

2009. Rob Modra will be hoping to buck that trend. John Walton joins

Bobby George, Tony O'Shea, Gary Robson and jockey Wilson on the team

World Championship appearances, only four players have more.

Thank you, the 1st of 5 sets. The 15th seed rates in round 1. --

awaits. Mandy at the Lakeside, here we go.

Yes, the only player from Australia to win the title, won it in 2002.

So... Let's see what Rob can do here.

Nice big crowd in for a Monday afternoon. There is John Boy. The

former world champion. He has had a long lay-off. Might be

a bit rusty. The Aussie number 1. I tell you what... Wouldn't he just

love to emulate his good pal, the wizard, Simon Whitlock. Yes, great

player, Simon. And a good guy. The 1st to a finish... John Boy

Walton... Cannot check out but he will be back.

At the ochie... Treble 20, double top...

Yes... Well, treble 20 and a double 16, cannot now finish. This is for a

leg against the darts... Game and the 1st leg, John Walton. 2nd leg,

John to throw 1st, game on. It is like he has never been away. Yes, as

I said, that title he won... The lay-off could maybe have taken it

away from him. Thinking back to 2001, coming in as the Masters

champion and he was on this great, big wave of confidence. In all his

matches he never looked like losing. Beating the defending champion 6- 2

in the final. In fact, he only dropped 7 sets. In 6 matches. Also,

the Masters, he had a 9 dart finish. He did. Some achievement. We know

what he can do. As the lay-off took him away from his game, C. -- let's

see. Went for 25... To leave himself an hundred and 70, which is a

checkout. 175 is not. A bit like watching Ted Hankey yesterday. He is

a fixture here, John Boy, not the same without him.

Treble 20... Yes. 18... Double 16... Game, shot and the 2nd leg, John

Walton. A good start to the match. 110

checkout. Very tidy. 180! CHEERING

John Boy means business. The best of order. Early in the

morning! They are engrossed. That time he went for 25 and got it,

he has left himself on hundred and 74 this set...

It is all go. What a good match to kick us off. Yes! Game and the 1st

set, John Walton. Clean as a whistle. Paroled Rob Modra, on his

Lakeside debut. He will not know what has hit him. This is vintage

Walton. Straight back into treble 20... And again... Dear John! Why

did you go away? It just goes to show how much of this game is

confidence. No 1 doubts John Walton and his talent. He hasn't got the

best Lakeside record, to be honest, apart from the year he won, 2001. A

couple of 2nd round defeats. A quarterfinal loss, that was in 2004,

2 Raymond van Barneveld. And to Ray Hankey. Apart from that, it is round

1 and round 2. -- Ted Hankey. 6 starts at least. Treble 17,

leaving the bullseye. That would have been for a 12 dart leg.

Single 18, he will be back. Modra, 204. He has another 3 darts. Double

top... Game, shot and the 1st leg, John

Walton. To case time. -- took his time. He needs everything he can

get, advantage time. John Walton... Playing some of the

best darts we have seen from him in over a decade. 180.

CHEERING Terrific. Already up, standing,

cheering, the ambassadors of darts. He has made to scores of 180 already

and again... Just as we start thinking about a perfect leg of

darts, he comes out of the barrel and bounces high! Dear, this is

good, John. It is really good, you are right. The average is north of

90, almost 94. Left himself a tonne. Does not matter. With Modra back and

206. He would have preferred to have taken it. 3 darts, double top...

Game, shot and the 2nd leg, John Walton. That is 5 legs in a row. For

the former champion. He has not just announced that he is

back, he is making a bit of a statement.

Incredible, away from the big time, coming back so well. I know there

are various sporting rivalries between New Zealand and Australia.

That is Craig Caldwell, the Kiwi, played really well on his debut. I

wonder who he is supporting? Well, let's hope he puts some lad... Gets

it into the treble, there it is. Having said that, the Aussie is in

all black. They are yellow, but they are

bananas! Yes, very appealing! Yes, the Harbour. Watching on with

interest. Double 18... Double 18 for Modra

when he comes back and he will come back. Unusually, John Walton has had

a couple of visits without finding treble 20. The 1st success for

Modra. Only his 2nd start at a double all match. He missed double

top in the 3rd leg. Good start. 1 out of 24 Modra. Around 50% for

John Boy as well. With the weight of his scoring, he can afford to miss a

few. Back in the treble. And again... 180!

CHEERING What a performance he is putting up.

He has been away for 2 years. Four years. He has not won a match in 5.

A chance here for Modra. 69 points. But he is going to be under

pressure. He must take this. John Boy has the darts, this

deciding leg, the 2nd set. Remember, the 1st to reach 3 sets will reach

the 1st round proper. Yes, come on. Brian Dawson awaits. Yes! 180!

180! The perfect reply. Up and down for both players. Keep standing. A

terrific match, we did not really know what to expect, Modra has never

played here before, John Boy has not set the darting world on fire for

played here before, John Boy has not over a decade but this is great.

That is unlucky. Still happy with the treble.

John Boy will want to leave a decent finish. Has not really done that.

But he is on whoever wins this leg, wins this

set. Treble 19... Double 18... It will be

19 here, Modra... Treble 20... Went for the bullseye.

Went to 25, 4 tops. Double 16... He has hit the double 16... Double 8...

That might be a big mess. Yes! Game, shot and the 2nd set,

John Walton. Showed a bit of experience. Composed himself. He

knew he had another Dartford the set and e-mailed it. 2- 0. -- he knew he

had another heart for the set. What a great match.

The big man from Australia, his 1st time here. Showing us what they can

do. Modra is a decent player. Played

Gary Anderson in Auckland last year and only lost 6- 5.

We know the form of Gary Anderson, don't we? Yes, he is a decent enough

player, isn't he? 9-darter... World champion again. Problems with his

eyes. Does not want to wear glasses. Because it affects his throw. OK,

good finish year. Treble 20... Still treble 20...

OK, John. Another 1 of those, please.

Here we go. Double top... Double 10...

You have got to put them away! Double 18. Grade marker. And again.

He won't get any closer. Double 10. Well off, but that is in.

When you have won the first five legs of the match, we thought John

Boy Walton might run away with it, but Rob Modra, credit to him, he has

kept his composure. He has a won a couple of legs in the last set. Had

an dart to take the set, but missed it. He smiled all the way through.

Good thinking. Leads his favourite double. -- leaves.

I tell you what else about this match. They both get on with it.

It's fast, it's furious, it's decent scoring and good enough finishing.

This is what darts is all about. Yes, there is no messing about.

Waiting on the, as John comes by. -- waiting on the oche.

Switches it on the board after missing the treble 20. A busy time

for Father Christmas, but this is what he does in his leisure time! He

never came to me. That's because you were naughty, Tony.

Should switch down... John Boy on a finish. It is all about the 20s. But

Modra will be favourite to take this leg.

Not if John Boy finds another treble 20, but just the wrong side of the

wire. Pressure now. Treble 20. Oh, no! If that is treble 13 we will

just wait. Can't finish. John is coming back. John, you require 64.

Treble 16 48 double 8. Yes, yes, yes!

All of a sudden he is a leg away. Fourth leg, John to throw first. And

he has the darts. Difficult to tell sometimes with John Boy when he is

playing darts, but I can guarantee he is enjoying himself up there. He

is at the moment. Because he looks a certainty for this match. And what a

comeback it's been. Great to see him back and great to

see him on former. You won't meet a nicer bloke. -- on form. Still

battling away. I was going to say, Rob Modra went echo those

sentiments. He would probably rather John Walton was struggling. And he

certainly won't be giving up. Brian Dawson awaits in the first

round proper. A tidy player, Dawson. Isn't he just. 15th seed this year,

Brian. Not giving up. That's the one. This could be it,

right here. Yes, 14, for tops. Match dart. John Boy waltzes. Oh yes! He

really is back, isn't he? Jon Walters disposes of Rob Modra and he

really is back, isn't he? Jon has made a bit of a statement. Act

for the first time in four years, and back to his best. He is through

to round one. Ladies and gentlemen, as he leaves the stage, from

Australia, Rob Modra. But through to the first round proper, it is John

Boy Walton. a couple of years ago many predicted

it was good night John Boy, but on that evidence he is wide awake. That

wraps up this year's preliminaries. For a preliminary match, to have an

average over 90, that is no For a preliminary match, to have an

average over 90, that is no mean feat. I was surprised at just how

calm and clinical he was. He has always worn his heart on his sleeve,

that was a little different. The first set was like a practice

session because Rob didn't get going at all. The second set he could have

had shots to take the second set but didn't take it. John scored

had shots to take the second set but finishing isn't quite there, but

today straight out, no messing. Another Anna -- analogy is tennis.

Some people who normally don't watch darts, the first nine are really

important and he averaged over 100. He is likely to get a shot at a

double every time it is his throw first. That is right, when you are

at the darts player you have to win on your throw, if not, you are in

trouble. A short format for these guys, three legs are set, best-of-5.

We didn't have do send anyone to go and get John Boy Walton. Up he

comes. We were just saying how clinical that was from you. How in

control of everything you were. There would have been emotions

riding high? There was, but I just relaxed and went and played darts. I

haven't been on the circuit for years on a beginners how I am

playing. But I am just enjoy myself again. That is so important, isn't

it? Yes. It was just one of those games. I wanted it over and done

with. Being first round, not first-round, preliminary. You said

when he is throwing well it's like picking flowers it's so graceful.

Picking flowers in the park, so easy. He had it going. It

Picking flowers in the park, so wonderful. And you hit your doubles.

You know that has been my problem. But you on the ball today. I'm

scoring well enough to give me a chance at doubles. On one of the

legs he was 300 and something and I was on a double. I'm scoring enough

to give me a chance at the doubles. Whilst you are way where you

practising just as much was a case of needing a little break from the

practising just as much was a case board for a while? With a trapped

practising just as much was a case nerve in your neck, you have too

rested and you have to go through physiotherapy and chiropractors and

all sorts of us. You basically rest it but relax your arm. You are not

practising as much as you have to loosen your arm up. That's how it

is. Dawson in the next round. My Super League mate.

is. Dawson in the next round. My team-mates, county team-mates as

Lovell stop we know each other's game. It all depends on who turned

up. Darts is on the day, it always is. Have you had a look further down

the draw? Yes and no. He has an obstacle in Larry Butler. I have an

obstacle in Dawson files. I haven't looked at that far, no further than

that. To qualify as well, that is a little different. In a weird way, do

you feel you are match hardened, that you have earned your place?

Played every game to get here? Definitely. Bobby was king of the

qualifiers. I've done it twice now. You have is really hard games in

that. I'm not saying that wasn't a hard game, but you have some really

hard games. We will see how it goes for the next game. It's great to

have an average over 90 in the preliminary. I didn't know about the

average. And your checkout percentage, nine from 21, 40 3%.

Room for improvement. There always is. John Boy Walton is through.

Three games this afternoon. The preliminaries are over. The first

round match now. On the oche they will be the worst of enemies, but

before that Rob Walker spoke to them when they were the best of friends.

# I want you to be my best friend #. . Did you believe it when you saw

the draw, up against each other, two good mates against each other on the

first round? No, you always know there is a chance because there are

a lot of Dutch players. But quite surprised, actually. And Richard,

making your debut, already destined to be a memorable occasion. Number

three seeded, so it will be a tough game. How much time have you guys

spend together over the years? This is my first year I am playing

internationals. Six months with Geoffrey and Wesley. Now for the

first time at Lakeside. Does it make a difference when you are on the

tour and the circuit, is it nice to have a good mates with you? Yes, it

makes travelling easier, to travel with some friends. It makes it a lot

more doable. It is a lot more fun when you do it together.

This year you, as the number three seed. Are you ready to change your

Lakeside history? I hope I can. I feel good. I am the number three

seed, so I have had a good year. I am quite confident in myself, so we

will see what happens. Are your two sets of families sitting together,

close together? Where will we hear the noise from in the arena? I think

table 72 and 73! Our families are sitting right next to each other. If

Richard is playing well against me, I think my family will cheer for him

as well. Let's see the handshake between you. The very best of luck

to both of you. Jefferies searching for your first when and Richard you

will experience it for the first time. Good luck. A nice story,

keeping it in the family. Both of them sitting beside each other. But

to grasp -- Jeffrey de Graaf won everywhere last year. Every time,

does the passage to the second time seem even more narrow in his head?

Well, he has won all the opens. He comes in and goes out first

Well, he has won all the opens. He He is playing his mate today. When

Well, he has won all the opens. He you play a mate, you are not

nervous. You know his game and you can relax. I think it will be a tidy

game with these two, because they know each other and there are no

nerves. De Graaf might go on this year, it might be his year, but he

has to start sometime otherwise he will get fed up going out first

round. Other Dutch players have been around it perhaps a bit quicker.

Whether you go back a lot further to Klaasen or you talk about Wesley

Harms, de Graaf will feel a bit like a bridesmaid. He could be the next

big Dutch staff will stop you don't know, there are so many good players

from Holland. It was their system allows them to play when they are

youngsters. They can play in the bars over there so their mums and

dads can take them everywhere. They have a very good youth and a lot of

people coming up the ladder, into these tournaments. The Dutch are

quite good players now, overall. This could be the kiss of death. It

usually if there are a couple of Dutch players upset and they are

young enough it is very fast. I hope it is, I don't like stroke play,

it's boring. These two should play like that, because they know each

other. I think we will have a nice game of darts. Just a small matter

of the introductions from the master of ceremonies, Richard Ashdown.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is the 2016 BDO World Championships and we are

here at the home of world darts, the Lakeside. We now introduce a BDO

Trophy finalists, the reigning German open, Denmark Masters and

Belgian open champion, the number three seed, Jeffrey de Graaf.

MUSIC: Get Up (Rattle) by the Bingo Players

we now welcome to the stage a current Dutch international, a

former Luxembourg open champion. It is fires, Richard Veenstra.

the hard graft needs to begin now to prevent an exit. Hoping to get his

Lakeside career off to a flyer. Jordanne Whiley and JR are in the

commentary box. COMMENTATOR: Thank you, good afternoon. An old Dutch

affair. It could turn out to be an attractive match between these two

friends. Richard Veenstra, throwing now, very much the underdog but BDO

ranked 15. 34 years old. Some nine years older than the number three

seed in the blue shirt, Jeffrey de years older than the number three

Graaf. Richard Veenstra reached the last 16 of the world Masters. De

Graaf, seeded number three, the Belgium are open champion, danish

Masters champion. Game on! He has had a competitive

Ike's Tree over Veen stra in the Danish condition, last year. --

Aiken -- a competitive victory. It should be a good game, this one,

John. Not just because they are two good mates, but the way they play,

and what is at stake. Veen stra on his debut. De Graaf with that awful

run, three successive first-round defeats. A little unlucky in who he

came up against. Martin Atkins and an inform Brian Dawson.

Runner up in the world Trophy, as well, last year, Jeffrey de Graaf.

He will still be kicking himself about how he didn't win it. He was

8-4 up against Geert de Vos and eventually lost it. That will have

tested his sense of humour. 167, the first look at a finish. Not

this time. Here is Veenstra. It can be done.

Not now. You require 103. Treble 19, yes.

Double 18. To strike first. He has pulled it into the fore. Veenstra

with a chance to take the leg against the throw. Tops. Good

finishing. 100 checkout in the opening game of the day, good stuff.

1-0. Terrific finishing. Jeff Smith, the Canadian, there.

Going to be in action against Martin Adams.

That match tomorrow, Smith got all the way to the semifinals last year.

That match, if you are looking forward to seeing it, is due at just

after one o'clock, first up on our BBC broadcast. Struggling a bit with

the darts here, Veenstra. Opportunity for de Graaf.

Great response, this, from Jeffrey de Graaf.

No checkouts. 165. Veenstra, similarly, not on a finish yet. But

set it up nicely. You require 70. So this, to break

back. Treble 18 Leeds double 8. Two darts at it. No. He has just done

this, Veenstra. This to hold his throw this time. He went for tops,

tops. Veenstra back with the throw. Level

pegging. Three Dutchman up there on the

stage. A Dutch referee! Great strength and depth in the

Netherlands now, in the darting game.

Jeffrey de Graaf, nicknamed peanut. One for Rob Walker to find out why

that came about! LAUGHTER He could have been generator or

something... Veenstra well poised for another

break. Is anybody going to hold their throat? -- throw. 70, for

Veenstra to go 2-1 ahead. Tops. Another one of those would be nice.

Double 16 would be very nice. What a finish! First told. -- first hold.

And what a way to do it. Treble 17 route, perfectly executed. And boy,

he enjoyed that. You just sensed this is going to be

a good one, didn't you, John? Treble 17 route. That is Simon's way of

checking out. I saw him in the auditorium a little earlier on. A

bit of consoling to do now, I think. Veenstra being watched by his wife,

there she is. 105, Veenstra on a finish. Is he

going to be able to hold onto his throw? Tops.

180! His first of the tournament.

That could be costly. I was going to say that match might be in vain...

One dart at double the merit for. -- double 4. Come on he says to

himself. Veenstra now. A couple of fives. Two a piece. A nice little

smile. Not another one. What was it Colin said, a Dirk Kuyt

haircut? He does have a Dirk Kuyt look.

More good shooting from Jeffrey de Graaf. His girlfriend watching on.

Smiling happily. Another one of those. Not this time.

But he will be back, de Graaf, to throw for the first set. Nicely

placed on 48, isn't he? This is going to put a bit of pressure on

the throw. A solid 140. 16, double 16. A sip of water. A gathering of

thoughts. And this, for the first set, for the third seed. Double zero

Merrick eight. An easy bit of calculation here,

needs another one for tops. Can't put it away.

One dart at 44, and Jeffrey de Graaf holds, to move a set to the good.

Not a lot between them. Similar checkouts, similar averages.

Yes, 3 from 11, there we go. Jeffrey de Graaf.

Good darts. That is his 1st maximum. 180!

It is warming up a bit now! Not again, surely? 180!

CHEERING Will... He could go for the

bullseye. 18 instead. 132... Double 16, the

opening leg of said two. Double 8... Nip and tuck. Really, not a lot

between them. Thought this was going to be a close match. Been straight

is the favourite,... I beg your pardon, de Graaf, the number 3 seed.

Been straight is a decent player. De Graaf has beaten him a couple of

times, moved up 9 places in the rankings this season after winning

in Germany, Denmark and Belgium. Veenstra, remember, this is his

Lakeside bowl. He is coping with it pretty well, George. He looks pretty

focused. You see some people who really

struggle with the atmosphere of playing up there on the stage, we

saw that with Rob Modra, in the previous match. No finish. 148...

Note check out now. Treble 19 may be the shot, would

have left double 11, he went 4 double 18... That could be costly.

94... 2- 0. Treble 17, he has missed. Left him double 18.

Nel... Stumbling towards the line. De Graaf has already had 21 darts in

this leg. Veenstra, 69 needed. 18... Double 16... 1 dart hazard...

Aside from that 130 for finish from de Graaf, not being particularly

clever on the doubles. -- 134. Almost goes without saying, Veenstra

cannot really afford to let another set slip away. The 1st to reach 3 in

the 1st round matches. So far, going with arts in this 2nd set, Veenstra

badly needs to hold onto his throw. 144, the potential checkout when he

comes back. 134 earlier on from de Graaf. A handy cushion. Pressure to

finish it off. Treble 18 would be the dart, I would

have thought. He has got it, double 16. Great finishing.

Darth Vader enjoy that! It is not your same meet as yesterday, is it?

I don't know, he may be here for the week! My kids made a 2nd trip

yesterday already, to see it, they are totally hooked. This is the

film, rather than the darts? Absolutely.

That particular Darth Vader has the audio, as well. Heavy breathing in

that Darth Vader kind of way! 81, Jeffrey de Graaf. Treble 10 would

have left double 16. 158, for the set... Yes! Double 19!

CHEERING 158, brilliant! What a match on now,

George. 180! CHEERING

You can say that again. The force is certainly worth! -- with them. The

match has awakened! He is going through a purple patch,

Richard. Average is up over 90. He is speeding up, as well. Senses

he is in the zone, Richard. Just a bullseye, why not? 135. Just had

103rd to yet. The way he is playing at the moment, he will fancy this.

Needed a bullseye. Note check out. Just checking his calculations.

Needed 25... Tops... Well... It is kind of a Dutch thing back in the

90s, they started using the bullseye extensively on checkout.

Is the upset on? He is ahead for the 1st time. He is flying here.

De Graaf will need to graft. This is great stuff. He is absolutely in a

rich vein of form right now. 158 checkout. 180!

CHEERING The maximum.

They might be the best of friends but they are trading heavy blows.

The Veenstra average up over 90. 180.

There is a ?52,000 bonus for the 9-darter.

He was after treble 15... Great effort. Fabulous darts. Acknowledged

by Veenstra. He will be back to finish off the job. He has to finish

off the job. And he does. 10 dart leg. Great throwing by any standard.

Haven't had a 9-darter in the BDO World Champion ship since 1998.

Martin Adams came desperately close last year. He had 8 in and wired on

the double 12. Tony Green told us yesterday, the 9-darter from pollen

followed a round of golf with Tony! Maybe that is what needs to happen?

He was on a winning role. Well played, again.

This is high quality. Just produced a 10 dart. He could have an 11

daughter. Double 16 rather than treble 20. Rather, double 18.

Veenstra is miles back. To put the number 3 seed ahead once

more... He has had 3 of these out of 7. Make that four out of 8. A 10

dart leg. Veenstra is rich vein of form after

the 100 and yet seems to have propelled him. The pair of them

averaging in the region of 90. A competitive game of darts.

The 2nd highest checkout of the tournament, 158. Scotty Mitchell,

the champion, 161. Veenstra on a finish when he comes

back. Looking for 118. That was 158, the double 19, a good dark. -- dart.

Double 10... Takes us the distance. Set number 3. De Graaf with the

darts. Playing to go ahead once more. 1- 1 in sets.

A little clinch of the teeth, he knew that was good.

He has only ever 1 a ranking title, Richard Veenstra, the Luxembourg

open in 2014. A sizeable scalp, if he could pull off a victory here.

Boy, would it! Trading blows, these 2 men. He looks mean, doesn't he,

when he is in the mood, piercing eyes. 18, trying to get down to 170.

A chance here... 140... Going down the board.

He will stay down. Now, Richard... 150. Good dart, though. He may go to

18... And he does. This for a 2- 1 lead, double 8... No! He was going

for that, that was not a miscalculation. Double 16... Good!

3- 2, he is ahead. 2- 1 sets, for the unseeded Richard Veenstra and

his Dutch family and supporters are celebrating. And those in the

auditorium, I suspect, who had a little flutter on the outsider. They

will be enjoying this. Fabulous match on the 3rd afternoon. Here at

the Lakeside. Veenstra, a good breakthrough by

nicking that said, it looked as if it was going to de Graaf. But his

throw is under pressure. Courtesy of 55 and 45. The 10th score of 140, to

add to his scorers of 180. Robin Hood... You do not see many of

those! I was saying yesterday, in the old

days of wooden flights and feathers, that was the end of it when that

happens. Time to reboot. Although they did not call that had in those

days. Veenstra will have 1st look at a finish. With the throw. Good

darts, puts the Veenstra throw under big pressure. Tops... Good effort.

Tops to break... That is more like it from the favourite. Great

response. So little between them, it is a

brave man that would make a big production 1 way or the other at the

moment. This match is on a knife edge. The averages have been almost

identical. They still are, the checkout percentages, very level in

every aspect. That is handy. 140. Veenstra, he has

to try and respond in kind. A little bit unlucky. Treble 17. Double 16.

2- 0, de Graaf. Looking very much as though the match will be squared up

once more, going into a decider. This all Dutch affair. Some lovely

characters making their way over. There is a fellow staying in the

hotel, 1 of the supporters, has brought a castle of the most

beautiful meat pies. I tell you, once you have been broadcasting for

about 5 hours... I bet you have made friends with him. You have got to

shake the hand of a man who comes along with that sort of thing.

LAUGHTER his wife apparently makes them for a living, that is her

business. Have you sampled any yet? I have, they are fabulous,

absolutely. Worth saying hello to him at some point! It sounds like a

plan. Meanwhile... Yes, back with the darts...

Another 1 of those would be nice. De Graaf cannot finish but he can apply

pressure. And he does. Veenstra... 82 left. A big 1... Treble 20...

Double top... Shanghai... Some good finishes from both these

men. Not a great start. 41 from de Graaf.

To take us into a decider. A tonne of 40, piling on the pressure.

Veenstra has got to de Graaf throw under pressure, he can take this, he

would have the darts and potentially, in a position that he

could force... 3- 1. 180. CHEERING

Number 3 for him and he is the favourite now. 180! 81, would make

it 2- 2. And he does it. That was finishing and huge scoring of the

very highest order. A match which is really easy on the eye and now,

Richard Veenstra is throwing for the match. That was massive. 11 dart

leg. Terrific finish. The 2 of them starting with 140. And here comes

been straight... 180. CHEERING

Stop it! Brilliant. He has only had 6 starts. Trying to

tee up the finish. That is a lovely cover shot. What a story we could

have. That was unlucky, so unlucky. Now...

84... For the match... Great darts but he has to cross

everything. Tops... Here we go. And he has blown it. Has he blown it? He

has not been missing. Crucially, with the biggest darts of his

life... His wife can hardly bear to look. De Graaf, to take us all the

way. Veenstra blew it. He had done enough, he was in a position to win

the match and now, it is going to go down to the decider. The 3rd and

final set, the 1st leg, Jeffrey de Graaf to throw 1st. Game on. He has

to forget about that. Shake of the head. That poker face has slipped

for the 1st time, Richard Bean struck. 3 darts at tops. You are

right, he blew it. -- Richard Veenstra.

Well, this is breathtaking stuff. Almost a chance to regroup, take it

easy for a moment. There he is. That is the pie boy. Is that your pieman?

That is the pieman. He is thinking, why am I on telly? What have I done

that is special. You have come up with something that tastes great. He

looks indecent shape for a man who eats a lot of pies! -- looks in

decent shape. Great darts. Not a good start. Treble 18. Would

leave a shot on bullseye. Not now. 64, to hold the throw. Jeffrey de

Graaf... 16 leaves double 16. Getting the start he wanted.

As the chance gone for Veenstra? 3 darts. A major upset at the

Lakeside. He has to pick himself up. He does. We can do without him

winding up on the floor. The referee helping him retrieve the fallen

missile! De Graaf just needing to serve it

out. Gets as far as 2- 2. You have to win by 2 clear legs to take place

in the 2nd round. Pip Blackwell and Martin Atkins await. That is coming

up next. He has to hold, you sense. Been

straight. -- Veenstra. He is not in a bad place. De Graaf

needing a treble. Cannot find it. Treble 19. 20 would leave bullseye.

20 would mean he would come back with a double 16 if... He gets the

chance. De Graaf on 150, not really threatening. Veenstra having gambled

to an extent gets the chance to capitalise. Game shot, and the 2nd

leg. Richard Veenstra. He was not throwing for the match, a pity. That

is the difference. Nervousness, tension, how you cope with it is so

much a part of this sport. Yes, the World Championship was

played on the practice boards at the back, the standard would be

sky-high. But in the spotlight... And, of

course, playing for a 3rd wedge of cash, ?100,000 champion prize.

Significant, to say the least! It is life changing, isn't it?

Tractor buying, in the case of Scott Mitchell! He is still in there,

pitching. His victory in the 1st round yesterday. He was brilliant.

Went under real pressure. This is good. Against the darts from being

struck. He has a squeak of a chance here. It

is very makeable, and that is a great first dart. Tops now. Oh! He's

going to have nightmares about double tops, if he does lose this,

Veenstra. Double 16, to hold throw. Double 20s, a double which players,

professional players can pretty much literally hit with their eyes

closed. But in a match-winning situation, it becomes a whole

different game. That is fabulous darts. Is de Graaf closing in? Or is

there to be another twist? Just the wrong side of the wire! Looking for

his fifth maximum. Well, he really should have gone

across the 18s. One added on 62 is a bogey number. It would have left him

on 170. De Graaf way off. Treble 10 will be his dart here, I

think. He's got it, double 16 to square it up at 2-2. He missed it by

a distance. Double pane again. And is that it? Bull would leave... And

erratic visit from de Graaf. Double 16 for Veenstra. Now he finds it.

2-2. The final set has to be won by two

clear legs. Jeffrey to throw first. Initially there has to be the two

leg cushion to decide this. If it gets to 5-5, they go to sudden

death. When these two good friends walked out, you just sensed this

would go the distance. Bobby said on the balcony this will be a nice one

to watch. They play at a good pace, good spirit between them and both of

them decent players. And it has shown to be very accurate words,

because it has worked out that way. Yes, spot on, Bob. He said, none of

that boring -- boring rubbish. Nothing boring

about Bobby back in his playing days. De Graaf with the darts, still

with the advantage in this set, which is going to determine the

course of this match. Great dart. We hope you are enjoying

this is as much at home as we are in the Lakeside commentary box. It's a

Dutch darting dual which is going the distance. Treble 10 would have

left 18s. No check out for Veenstra. And de Graaf poised. That's as good

as it can be. He's going to have to take it. This, to hold. One dart at

double 10. Now Veenstra has had agonies with this double 20. Is he

going to get one now? Yes! Against the throw. 3-2 ahead, holding his

throat. This time his nerve does hold. Can he see it through? Flyers,

the debutant. The pair of them are good darts players to watch. The

average is not stratospheric, but they have been so well matched it

has made it a really interesting game of darts. Average decent, but

not remarkable. And checkouts, they have been similar as well, and that

is what it is all about. Two very level players, it makes for a good

game to watch. Putting the Veenstra throw under pressure. Needed that.

Needed that last dart. Well, still advantage Veenstra. He

would be first to the finish, you would hope. Needs a treble badly,

but can't find it. No pressure from de Graaf.

The nerve ends are jangling now. They both know what's at stake.

Girlfriends, supporters, all getting so keyed up. And that is a good,

steady time. On a potential two dart check out from there. Oh, I'm lucky!

-- unlucky. 96, this is for the match. He's got

it. Double 18. Huge dart. Yes! Veenstra has put the number three

seed out of the tournament. Great friends, and on his Lakeside debut,

a man who plays with a smile on his face has provided some rich

entertainment and has eliminated Jeffrey de Graaf. Excellent game of

darts. Veenstra goes through. A double Dutch dream here at Lakeside.

Let's hear it for both players as they leave the stage. Jeffrey de

Graaf, and through to the second round, Richard Veenstra.

the curly haired straight Soutar from Holland, Richard Veenstra are,

never played here before, now he has been, he saw and he conquered. --

straight shooter. Again, we have had another debutant

with a 90 average. Great stuff, hats off to him. But when he had those

double tops to win the fourth set and missed them, I thought, he will

go. But he didn't. He didn't. It was a good match, because they were so

even. The averages, the percentages, and it was a nice pace. That is what

I said to you at the beginning, they are mates and they will not slow the

other one down, they will display their natural game. It was an

enjoyable game watched, because you didn't know who would win. No one

got two legs in front. One leg, one leg... I liked darts like that. I do

think what you were saying beforehand about de Graaf failing in

the first round three years in a row, I do think it must be on his

mind. He came out and got off to a good start but I think

psychologically it seemed Veenstra had a little more up there, let

alone on the board. It's a had a little more up there, let

the fourth time he has gone out in the first round. He will be well

upset, really. I wouldn't be his mate any more! Their fathers are

just below us, sitting at the same table, going through it at the same

time. As you said before it started with a wink, this will be a nice

game of darts. It was enjoyable. The 158 was great, I wasn't expecting

that. He finished well. The double top he missed, he must have thought,

I've lost it now. But he came back, held his bottle and he has gone

through. Sometimes the debutant is saving most nerve wracking thing

they do here is their interview if they win after the match, they get a

little nervous on international TV. Luckily he is in safe hands. We will

not make him feel nervous. He walked in whilst you were chatting. He

said, we gave you a match. I said, you gave us a match and a half. What

a performance and what a result against your best mate and the

number three seed. Can you believe what you just achieved? No, I don't

believe. It was a great match. I was 2-1 up and Jeffrey played a good leg

with 180, 180. I missed tops and I thought, oh God, no. Don't miss

them. It was 2-2 in the final set and every time I held my leg,

otherwise Jeffrey tries out. Then I broke him on 2-2. Only 60, 60, 60 in

the last leg. I thought, hit 140 and I will be ready. It was a tough

game. I'm sorry for Jeffrey, but I am happy to be in the next round.

And you should be. An incredible match with great drama. How did you

maintain your composure, after you missed that opportunity to seal the

match with double top? You must have thought your chance had gone? Yes, I

thought that. But Jeffrey is a good player, and you have to keep

focused. You cannot give up. You have to move on. And I did. We'd

like you to talk us through that 158. Surely that is the biggest

checkout you have produced in a pressurised situation. Yes, I was

2-1 up. You gave it a big double arm salute. Absolutely sensational. Have

you surprised yourself here today? I think yes, a little bit. But I know

I am a good player. I know when I am good, you can win against anybody.

It is a win for me, the first time, so I am happy. You are not just

good, you are excellent. We have the final darts to you to enjoy on the

screen. Nerves of steel. The first one I thought, oh no. What was your

instant emotion after that? Happy, I'm a happy man. Listen, I'm sure

the friendship with Jeffrey will go on and on, but it was your turn to

come away with a great victory. I hope you've booked the rest of this

week off work, because you are not going home, you are into the next

round. I have to book the boat home, because I booked it for tomorrow. I

can book it in two or three days later. I think until Monday now, I

will have the week. Stay for the whole week. There will be plenty

more to come from you, I'm sure. Many congratulations, from everyone

who watched that, a cracking match. We will see you in the next round,

congratulations. Thank you. Everyone's best mate, Rob Walker. He

will get hit with a ?30 fine for changing the boat. They usually

charge you for changing those, so not a good day all round for Richard

Veenstra. I do not think he's worried about the 30 quid a! Losing

a game to save 30 quid! I'll tell you something else, he will get a

lot more than that if he gets through the next round. Pip

Blackwell against through the next round. Pip

necks. They've been talking about through the next round. Pip

each other. -- next. I've always wanted to play at Lakeside, since I

was a kid and watched on the wanted to play at Lakeside, since I

It was the only darts we ever saw on telly, at Lakeside. I said I want to

play there, and I did. I watched when Ted won it. My ex-wife said to

be at the time, the next time you go is when you play. I came two years

ago and watched the semifinal and final. It was superb. That's when I

said, I have to play there. This is my 11th time. My first one, it

wasn't the best experience. I played Robert Thornton, or nobody knew who

he was. I didn't know who Robert Thornton, or nobody knew who

about half an hour before I played him. He beat me. I got back here the

year after and got my first win. It has been up and down, really. A few

first round exits, a few second round exits under quarterfinal. I

wasn't afraid to get out there. It was the crowd, the noise of

wasn't afraid to get out there. It crowd. Once you start hitting a

double or a big score, it can put you off. Ross's finishing last year,

I think he hit five ton-pluses and she is against me. He played really

well. My scoring is one of my strongest points. I've been

sharpening up on my doubles over the past few months, and that has been

going quite well. Just get out there and play my game. When you make

Lakeside, that's what matters. When you are here, it doesn't matter who

you play. I have played him at four transistor, won two and lost two

foster people think he can win and I will think I can win. As we said

earlier, we are expecting close games to happen today. They may not

be known across the nation tuning in today but Pip Blackwell is ten years

old county darts for Kent. He's playing against all these guys are

here month in, month out. That side of it won't be over roaring for him.

He has played 86 times for Kent and I think he has won 63, so he

obviously has a good standard. These two buys know each other. Atkins had

trouble a couple of years two buys know each other. Atkins had

his arm and try to sort that out. I think this will be a heavy scoring

game. Every time he played Barney he used to be him. It's interesting,

when you looked at that. He has been here for so many times. He's in his

second decade of playing at Lakeside. It's funny when you see

the pictures throughout the years, changing. The changes. He was

good-looking! You always looked beautiful, if they ever show a

picture of you. Would you call this one? I will go for Atkins. A little

experience in the first round. Yes. He is in that group... We will see

Gary Robson later in the week. You have Martin Atkins and in a group of

players, diehards that you hope can go on. A lot of experience. He has

played for a long while and he is a good score. When he's on his game,

he's on his game. Pip is good player as well. It will be a close game.

But I will go for Atkins. From Atkins to the Atkins diet, our

master of ceremonies. We continue with the first round of

the Lakeside World Championships. It is Day 3 at the home of world darts,

the Lakeside! We now introduced to the stage a man

who has reached five BDO world ranking finals. Our number 14 seed,

from Kent, it's Pip Blackwell! We now introduced a former British

Open champion. The reigning International open champion,

Yorkshire's assassins, Martin Atkins.

We have had some dodgy walk on Tuesday, but that we deem fit all

from both players. Martin Atkins, BDO to the core but he has to be a

little wary of Pip. COMMENTATOR: Is a tough match to call. Pip Blackwell

against Martin Atkins, England against England, following Holland

against Holland. The winner of this plays the winner, Richard Veenstra.

Pip Blackwell has only been here one before -- once before and lost. He

is the favourite with the bookies. But Martin Atkins has all the

experience. This is his 11th year in a row at Lakeside and has been as

far as the quarterfinals. So who knows who's favourite and who

far as the quarterfinals. cares. Let's just enjoy the darts.

Ladies and a woman, first set, first leg, Martin to throw first. It

Blackwell, in only his second match on the Lakeside stage. But Atkins

underway. He lost Ross Montgomery, Pip, last

year on his debut. But he threw some decent darts. A 142 checkout,

average of over 92. Let's have a look at Pip Blackwell

and his shirt. Every world champion. And the year in grade, with his own

name written large up and down the back. Will he be adding that name,

to that shirt on Sunday evening? If he produces his best darts between

now and then, you just never know. Martin Atkins, a fixture here at

Lakeside. So is Ted Hankey, who is back for the first time in a while

this year. No prizes for guessing who they are supporting, but he is

not playing today, though. Five times Martin Atkins has been seeded

here, and once went as far as the quarterfinals. He has also won four

ranking titles, most recently last year.

Nice darts from Atkins there. He will come back with a handy little

two darter. 18 and tops. For first blood.

One was too high and the other two low. But he will come back.

Martin, you require 20. To hold his throat. -- his throw.

We mentioned Pip Blackwell has only played one match on the Lakeside

stage before and lost it 3-1 to Ross Montgomery, but Ross the boss really

did boss that match, with five checkouts of over 100. Pip himself

averaged 93, so it's not as if he came up on stage and froze.

I mentioned Ted Hankey doesn't play today. He doesn't play this

afternoon, in this session, hopefully he will have tickets for

tonight, when the Count is in action.

This, to break the throw. Treble 18 is the shot now, which would have

left bull. Double top, for Pip Blackwell. To

get on the board in this match. Yes, there it is.

You mentioned Ted Hankey. Ted's game last night, I wasn't commentating so

I just went and took a seat in the audience. He is still a huge draw,

they love his walk on. Isn't he just! He is box office. I was

delighted to see the Cape returns this year. The last few times we saw

him here he kind of dispensed with the Cape. Then he walked on, he

stood in the centre of the stage as if he completely owns the place,

which he has done twice. I thought, is he going to throw the bats out?

He did, they went into the crowd and everybody absolutely loved it. 140

for Blackwell. To keep pace with the throw of Atkins.

Martin Atkins from Leeds, in Yorkshire. A proud Yorkshire man.

Represent his county and lots of friends and family down supporting

Martin, including his daughter, Chloe. There she is.

Treble 20. He will have another crack at that.

So this is to break the throw, in this first set. A race to three,

through to the last 16. Tops, he needs.

Treble 19 for double 12. 12 would leave bull. Or a treble 4 double 13.

Two 13s for Atkins. Yes! Gosh, that was a really good dart

under pressure, already. These two players know each other so well.

They've played four times in the last 12 months. Atkins has won two,

Blackwell has won two. Martin arrives at Lakeside, in fact,

having just celebrated his 50th birthday, on Christmas eve. A bit

annoying for the family, isn't it? A double whammy over the festive

period. Yeah, these people with Christmas birthdays... My wife is

one of them. My mum and dad are. Been in a couple of finals, Pip

Blackwell. This year he was the runner-up the Denmark Open. The Isle

of Man classic. On both occasions. No shame in that.

No real pressure currently being applied by Martin Atkins, but that

treble changes things a little. We are for we were on the last leg.

He needs the bullseye. CHEERING

. Very nicely done. Get in there, he

says. In an understated kind of way. Ann-Louise Peters, who triumphed in

the women's World Championship. Not a great visit from Atkins.

Opportunity... Another 1 of those could make things

here interesting. Here we go. 6 darts. From 180. To

take the set. Could do with a treble. Still

Shanghai when he comes back. That is what they call it when it is treble,

single and double of the same number. A handy last dart. But it

may be academic. Dear... Not far but, here comes Pip

Blackwell. He has missed. Martin did not think

he was coming back here. CHEERING

That will feel like a steal. No question, it will. He missed that

1st dart at double top, he would've thought... This set is gone.

Pip Blackwell obviously has lots of friends and family in the audience.

That is his wife, Denise. She is head of his cheering brigade!

Having had those starts to take it against the throw, he will want to

make sure and win this leg. Both players, at the moment, slight

tendency to pull it into the 5. That is better. 6 starts from 162.

Good last dart. Putting some pressure on the double 16, for a

break. Martin Atkins, from England. There it is. 2nd leg, Martin to

throw 1st, game on. The Assassin is firing at the

moment. A bit of a blip for Pip! We mentioned Martin Atkins has loads

of Lakeside experience. He has only ever 1 more than 1 match wants. That

was in 2012, reach the quarterfinals. Lost to Ted Hankey,

5- 1. The last time he came 2 years ago, he was playing Rick Hofstra and

had to concede. He did, didn't he? He damaged some ligaments in his

throwing arm. That was on New Year's Eve.

Do we know how? I am just trying to remember. I just think... I am

pretty sure he told us. I don't think he was keeping it secret! It

might just have been a slip or a fall, quite possibly, while

practising! Atkins waiting with 145. 3 very

strange darts. Brian Dawson, watching on with interest, the 15th

seed place tomorrow evening. Are you sure? He is not playing tonight as

well, is he? He plays John Boy Walton. He disposed Rob Modra from

Australia earlier this afternoon. 104 Atkins, another 1 of those.

He will be back for tops. No damage Blackwell can do. I wonder if he has

let that 1st set at affecting. He had to darts at tops to win, Pip

Blackwell. Game, shot and the 2nd leg, Martin Atkins.

As soon as I say that... LAUGHTER straight into the treble 20! He is

struggling, Blackwell. The average is 80 at the moment, hovering around

78. Atkins, not a great deal better. There we are, both capable of an

awful lot more. When he came here in 2011, Martin

Atkins, he hit the 1st round record, 9 scores of 180, when he missed to

darts at the double to beat the eventual runner-up Dean Winstanley.

Lost that match in a deciding set. Good visit from Blackwell. Atkins is

way back. Ever since I said he lost his

scoring, he has refounded! Game, shot and the 3rd leg, Pip

Blackwell. Good to see. I am not sure Martin Atkins would agree. You

never like to see anyone struggling up on that stage, really. Atkins is

not absolutely at home. A couple of loose 1s.

He knows he must break the throw. In this leg. Or he is 2 sets down.

A couple of skinny 8 teams, Blackwell is not happy, 1 little

bit. And not much pressure, Martin

Atkins. Under no pressure at all, really. Blackwell back on 229. For

the said... There it is. 3rd set, 1st leg, Martin to throw

1st. Game on! There he is, I think he is calling

himself darts Vader! A couple of storm troopers in

yesterday in their full gear. Let's just say, it took them a long time

to go to the loo! Great atmosphere, as always. Marking

the start of the New Year. A couple of decent visits from Pip

Blackwell. He has essentially nicked the darts, could do with a treble,

does not find 1, not on a finish. Stayed where he was. All the 20s.

Pip lack well. He thought he had it. You would

class this as a must get for Pip Blackwell. To break... Dear me...

Yes! Game, shot and the 1st leg, Martin Atkins. That will hurt Pip.

Yes. In danger of just running away with him. Or rather, running away

from him. 180. CHEERING

That is much better. His 1st of the match. In fact, the 1st of the

match! Decent response from Atkins. Can he

follow that up? That is the problem. The maximum and

then... Some erratic 1s. And then Atkins was back in.

There is Mrs John Boy... She is having a lovely afternoon. After

watching her husband back to something like his best. Yes, how

good was he? Haven't had a chance to speak to him about it yet but I know

what he will say! LAUGHTER I just threw the darts. But he threw them

very, very well. Blackwell will be 1st to a finish. Waiting on 104th.

What kind of impression can Atkins make? Not a great 1. Can he start

landing these? Sorry, I am getting ahead of myself!

You had me concerned. I thought I had blinked and missed it! Tops...

3rd leg, Martin to throw 1st. Game on. Pip Blackwell is still annoyed

with himself but he needs to channel that and get the darts flying.

Atkins is doing that. A little unlucky. But he keeps pace

with a tonne 40. All of a sudden, both players

averages are creeping up. Still not at their absolute best.

What an awful lot better. Game, shot and the 3rd leg, Martin

Atkins. For play, Pip Blackwell to throw 1st, game on. They have both

won a leg now and Martin Atkins is 1 away.

It is now or never for Pip Blackwell. The 14th seed, the

highest checkout of the match. From Martin Atkins.

The best for Blackwell, 65. The problem for Pip Blackwell is that he

is yet to break. He has only been broken 1s. That is

all you need. Break once and Holger throw and you will win every single

darts match. If this is to be the last leg of the

match and it could be, it is a slow burner.

Yes, they are not in a massive rush. But if Martin wins it, he will go

right bananas! And he is waiting, 147. Magic number in snooker. Will

it be the winning line? Blackwell will have a chance at 76.

How much did he need that 140? And how much does he need this?

He needed 1 dark to stay alive. Still... Double 16.

Game, shot and the match... Martin Atkins!

CHEERING Fine shooting from the Assassin.

Martin Atkins, from Leeds. He is absolutely steam-rolling Pip

Blackwell and he wins through to round 2. Ladies and gentlemen, as

they leave the stage, from Kent, Pip Blackwell, but through to the 2nd

round, it is the Assassin, Martin Atkins!

CHEERING Martin Atkins, 1 of those players,

you could say the Lakeside is a living room. Steady pace. The old

familiar story. Atkins is At the Races.

He was not spectacular but he does not have to be. I thought the game

would be closer. Atkins was steady. Plodded along. The same rhythm. He

is through, done the business. Never really under any pressure. 1 of

those players, he will play the man, he will get it done. He did not push

on self, he did enough to win. Trying to play better but it doesn't

always happen, it was easy for him. Great to see the Passion. No matter

how many times he plays. The 2nd decade at the Lakeside. That win and

his reaction, it was lovely. He is well happy. We will find out how

happy. Come on in. Martin, just saying, when you 1, the final

double, we could see how much, after all of these years, a win is still

means to you. Of course. It is the best place to win, isn't it? Me and

Pip, we are really good friends, like. Ted said earlier on Friday, he

says, some tough draws. The best bet of the weekend is for so many seats

to go out and that is another 1. The list keeps going up and a lot of it

has to do with a blood going in, you always get that with qualifiers and

at the same time, you get the old campaigners who had been here and

done it and you showed you can go out there and not feel nervous. It

is the 1st time here that I have not spewed up on the morning that I have

played. Really? I stayed in my room was nobody else. I got in the

shower, I expected to be nervous and I weren't, I was so relaxed. I felt

a bit twitchy the 1st set, but other than not, I was comparable. --

comfortable. Is it always a struggle? No, I am always like that.

You talk to Olympians who have won gold medals and they say they are

sick on the morning. When I think I am going to be sick, I am usually on

my game. But overall, I felt OK today. I liked how I felt. I felt

very good. I practised with Scotty Waits all day on Saturday. That will

help you. He had a great night last night. He was fantastic. You share

something in common with Bobby George. The 1st Lakeside for him

that he has slept alone, and this is a family show. The better George,

Marie, as we call her, that is the 1st year she is not here. Hello,

Marie, we want to say hello. Jill my partner is here. She is screaming

her head off. As I said, it meant so much to you to win up there.

Especially after missing last year, the 1st year I missed after 10

years, with an injury. Onwards and operates. Been straight in the next

round. You did not have a chance to see how he played? I am good friends

with Richard. But both of them, Jeffrey de Graaf, they are both good

boys. I have always fancied Richard because he is here 1st time, but

Jeffrey de Graaf has never won a game here. Such a great player here.

I met him the year I got injured. Jeffrey is such a fantastic player.

I still cannot believe he has not won a game. Good luck to you. Thank

you. Bobby, if you want to give me a call, that is OK. We will be back

with the highlights later. Featuring more action from the 1st round

schedule for this afternoon, we went back in time with John Boy, we went

touch with Richard Bean stir and now, thanks to Martin Atkins, we

will have an early dinner. -- Richard Veenstra.

Listen to that cheer. It's going to be our year.