It rounds off a memorable week for Manley, who has just been named as the 5th and last English star for next month’s Masters of Darts tournament in Holland.
‘One Dart’ will line up alongside Unicorn stablemates Phil Taylor and Colin Lloyd, plus Wayne Mardle and Mervyn King for England. The Dutch team will feature Raymond Van Barneveld, Roland Scholten, Michael Van Gerwen, Jelle Klaasen and Vincent van der Voort.
The two leading darting nations will clash head-on in the group stages of the event, with the top two players from each country going through to the semi-finals. Manley won the last wildcard spot ahead of Andy Jenkins.
“I am thrilled to be in the event and it rounds off a great week, having signed this new contract with Unicorn,” he said.
Unicorn has also recognised the great achievements of Adrian Lewis and James Wade over the last 12 months. Both have been ‘promoted’ from the ‘Contender’ category to Unicorn Maestros, as they bid for major titles during 2007.
The new deal couldn’t have come at a better time for Kevin Painter, who is aiming to rediscover the form that took him to within one leg of the World Championship only three years ago.
In the new PDC Order of Merit, Painter has slipped down to No.18 in the world rankings but a place back in the top ten is certainly achievable this year.
He said: “It is a big boost that Unicorn still believes in my ability. Over the last couple of years, I have had a combination of bad health, bad luck and bad darts – and I am determined that will all change during 2007.”
Painter added: “It is important that I believe in my own ability. I have started to practice really hard and a pep talk from Phil Taylor at the World Championship has really helped me.”
For Manley, the new tie-up with Unicorn is the icing on the cake, as he looks forward to competing in his third consecutive Premier League.
“I am with the best darts company in the world,” he said. “I can’t wait for the Premier League to start. I am probably the outsider but I like it when people write me off and I reckon I can reach the semi-finals again.”
It is a big year for Manley because he is defending a lot of money in the Order of Merit. The system works on a two-year cycle…..and in 2005, he reached the semi-finals of the World Matchplay and the UK Open, plus at the end of the year he will be defending the £50,000 he pocketed after reaching the World Championship Final against Taylor in 2006.
“If I am still in the top 10 at this time next year, that will be a huge achievement,” he admitted.
BY STUART PYKE
