Новости Unicorn

Unicorn’s World No.7 is itching to return to action at this weekend’s UK Open London regional.

“Missing tournaments isn’t on the agenda,” he said. “I will make a final decision on Saturday morning but if I feel OK, then I’ll be there!”

Painter was rushed into hospital in agony 10 days ago and had his gall bladder taken out last Wednesday. It is the second successive year that he has been struck down by injury or illness.

12 months ago, he was forced to rest up for nearly a month, after suffering knee and ankle injuries – caused by slamming his foot against the oche.

“I missed three ranking tournaments last year and ultimately it cost me a place in the Holsten Premier League. I have missed out on the league again this year and I am determined to be there by right next time.”

It is a big year for ‘The Artist’. It is so close in the world rankings that every single point will count. Painter is currently at number seven but only 48 points separate Wayne Mardle in fourth and Denis Ovens, who is 10th.

Latest PDC World Rankings:

4) Wayne Mardle – 447 points
5) Peter Manley – 426
6) Roland Scholten – 423
7) KEVIN PAINTER – 416
8) Andy Jenkins – 410
9) Mark Dudbridge – 401
10) Denis Ovens – 399

Painter is adamant: “My aim in 2006 is to be at least 4th by the time the World Championships come around in December. It is a realistic goal. If I have good runs in the major TV tournaments, I will get there.”

He is currently the number three seed for the Budweiser UK Open at Bolton in June and is ranked number eight in the PDC Order of Merit. The rankings switch to a money list next January.

And Painter has also slammed rumours that he is set to ditch the PDC and rejoin the British Darts Organisation.

“I am really angry and mystified as to where these stupid stories have come from,” he said. “It is a load of utter rubbish and absolute nonsense. Why on earth would I want to do that when I’m doing so well in the PDC?”

Painter will be watching round three of the Premier League in Aberdeen on Thursday, with a touch of envy: “I have come so close to getting it, which is why I don’t want any arguments next time round!”

The top five in the World Rankings after the World Grand Prix in Dublin in October asre guaranteed places in the 2007 Premier League.

Unicorn’s Phil Taylor will be looking to maintain his impressive 100 per cent record against Ronnie Baxter in the final game of the night. ‘The Rocket’ also opens proceedings against Team Unicorn’s World No.1 Colin Lloyd.

Lloyd has been receiving intensive treatment on the back injury, which caused him so many problems against Peter Manley in Sunderland last Thursday.

Manley takes on Wayne Mardle, with both players desperate to claim their first win of the tournament, while there is that mouth-watering all-Dutch clash between Raymond Van Barneveld and Roland Scholten.

All the action is live on Sky Sports and as always, there will be a report plus reaction on the Unicorn website.

By Stuart Pyke