Salzburg Player Champs - September 5th and 6th 2009

Myself and my wife Debbie travelled to Salzburg on the Thursday to have a couple of days before the competitions, as we haven't yet had time for honeymoon. We arrived at the lush hotel around 11am and went for a swim and a walk as we just chilled for the remainder of the day. After a couple of hours of practise I was ready for the first event on Saturday 5th.

My first round was a tough draw against Kevin McDine, and we were scheduled as sixth match on the main stage. This match went on at around 3pm, and after going behind 3-1, I hit a cool 142 finish to stay in the match and came back to win 6-3. This was soon halted as I was beaten 6-3 in the next round to Brendan Dolan. Adrian Lewis won the event beating Carlos Rodriguez 6-4 in the final including a nine darter. Well played Adrian.

On the Sunday I was more focussed and seemed more determined as this was the final event before the cut off for the World Grand Priz in Dublin. As it stood I was in the qualifying spots by the skin of my teeth. My first results of the day were:

Round 1 - won 6-0 v Christophe Stehmann
Round 2 - won 6-0 v Felix Losan
Round 3 - won 6-5 v Andy Smith (14)
Round 4 - won 6-0 v Tony Eccles (30)
Round 5 - won 6-1 v Kevin Painter (22)

This set up another stage match, this time it was a semi final against my conqueror on the Saturday - Brendan Dolan. Looking for revenge I didn't have the best start as I lost the throw for the bull and the first 3 legs went with throw as I found myself 1-2 down. Luckily for me, Brendan missed a couple of crucial doubles and I ran out 6-2 winner to reach my third pro tour final of the year.

My opponent in the final was against 1996 World Champion, Steve Beaton who had beaten Vincent Van Der Voort in the other semi. I won the bull and raced into a 4-0 lead including a 104 finish. Steve then pulled the next 2 legs back including a 117 finish, but I kept my nose in front and closed out the match to take the title with a 6-2 win.

This was massive for me as it guaranteed me for the Grand Prix and also has put me in good stead to qualify for the European Darts Championships at the end of October, and my current order of merit position is now 29th.

Thanks

Jabba

Top darting fella !!

Great post Jamie mate!

Top darts too from the read

Yep a great post jabba

Quality Stuff Cheers Jabba...

Great to see that you are now in the Grand Prix, Double in And Out you looking forward to it mate, Do you practise the old DIDO Much??

Keep us updated on the Grand Prix again fella..

Hi Wayne

I don't practise the old DIDO that much to be honest. I will be doing over the next few weeks though, make no mistake!

I used to play in darts leagues in Leicester with that format so I'm not totally alien to it.

Looking forward to the draw at 10.30 this morning.

Cheers