Mixed feelings about Las Vegas performance (From St Helens Star)

Mixed feelings about Las Vegas performance

11:38am Thursday 9th July 2009

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THIS week’s column comes straight from Las Vegas, which started very well but finished disappointingly.

On Tuesday I played in the Players Championship and threw really well.

My first game went well against Stuart Holden and I won 6-3. Next up came Paul Lim, who threw brilliant arrows but I still won 6-3.

Jelle Klaasen was my opponent in the board final and I was 5-1 down despite not doing much wrong.

Jelle was fantastic, but then I kicked in and played my best darts, winning a succession of legs on the trot.

At 5-4 down I produced two 12 dart finishes to win the match.

I overcame Paul Knighton 6-1 with an average of over 105 to get into the quarter finals against Phil Taylor. In a very close game I went 3-0 down before winning the next four legs, then got pipped for the match.

I was on a double each leg, but Phil checked out.

The main event the Desert Classic and I faced Wes Newton but didn’t do too well. To be honest I didn’t feel at all comfortable on stage.

It was hot, and I didn’t play like I know how I can.

But fair play to Wes who took advantage and won.

I had a better average than him but sometimes that means nothing if you don’t take your chances.

Next up for me is the World Matchplay at Blackpool starting on 19 July.

My first round opponent is Andy Smith, on Wednesday July 22.

So it is time now to get on the board and practise to make sure I am ready.

Alan Tabern

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