World Champion Raymond Van Barneveld has made it three UK Open Regional victories on the spin with another brilliant darting display in Newcastle. Barney brushed aside the challenge of fellow Dutch star Roland Scholten in a one-sided final, dropping only one leg, in winning two sets to nil.
It is now three consecutive UK Open triumphs for Barney and this victory comes just five days after the biggest win of his career, when of course he toppled Phil Taylor to be crowned PDC World Champion.
Barney’s latest triumph comes after his wins last year in the Irish and Scottish UK Open Regional events and he beat the likes of Chris Mason and Kevin Painter on the way.
In the semi-final against Terry Jenkins, both players averaged well over the 100 mark but Barney now looks certain to go into the UK Open Final at Bolton, where he will be defending his title, as No.1 seed.
It was a mixed day for Team Unicorn….Andy Hamilton and James Wade both reached the quarter-finals – losing to Scholten and Alan Tabern respectively.
Four Unicorn stars were ousted at the last 16 stage. Adrian Lewis by Tabern, Wes Newton lost a last leg decider to Andy Jenkins, Peter Manley was beaten by Denis Ovens, while Barney accounted for Kevin Painter.
There were three all-Unicorn clashes in the 4th Round…..Former World No.1 Colin Lloyd lost a thriller 5-4 to Andy Hamilton, Bob Anderson was beaten 5-1 by Terry Jenkins and Robbie Green lost 5-1 to Manley.
UK Open North East Regional – Results:
Last 16:
Roland Scholten 5-2 Wayne Atwood
Losers £300
Quarter-Finals:
Roland Scholten 5-3 Andy Hamilton
Losers £600
Semi-Finals (best of three sets):
Roland Scholten 2-1 Alan Tabern (1-3, 3-1, 3-0)
Losers £1,250
Final (best of three sets):
Raymond Van Barneveld 2-0 Roland Scholten (3-1, 3-0)
Winner: £5,000
BY STUART PYKE
