It was another night of high drama at the Topic International Darts League – as Phil Taylor saw his 9-dart feat matched by Tony O’Shea, then ‘The Power’ was beaten in a last leg decider by Darryl Fitton. Both Adrian Lewis and James Wade also lost and that means all three Team Unicorn stars must now win their final 2nd Round group matches on Thursday night to get through to the quarter finals
Taylor must now beat Michael Van Gerwen in Thursday’s final 2nd phase group match to reach Friday’s quarter-finals.
Earlier, O’Shea hit the perfect leg in his 7-4 victory over Unicorn star Adrian Lewis. It was the perfect 46th birthday present for the Stockport man – coming just 24 hours after Taylor’s 9-darter against Barney.
But it wasn’t good news for Lewis….he now must beat Simon Whitlock on Thursday to stand any chance of reaching the last eight. Lewis was 6-1 down against O’Shea, before rallying with three consecutive legs but he left himself far too much to do. It is his first defeat in the tournament.
Taylor saved his worst for last, as the match went into a deciding leg. He won the Bull but with his first nine darts, he could only manage 81, 55 and 93, while Fitton banged in 180, 100 and 140….and Fitton – with an average of 106 to Taylor’s 102 – wrapped the game up with double eight.
Earlier, Taylor had trailed 3-1 but he fought back to lead 5-4, including a 124 finish on the bull.
Wade also suffered his first setback. He just couldn’t get going against Welshman Mark Webster and lost 7-2. He now has to win against Scott Waites.
Elsewhere, Raymond Van Barneveld saw off a brave challenge from Michael Van Gerwen in the ‘Group of Death’. Barney won 7-5 and now has to beat Fitton 7-3 or better on Thursday night if he wants to progress and defend his IDL crown.
Wednesday’s 2nd Round results:
Scott Waites 7-3 Tony Eccles
Thursday’s schedule:
Gary Anderson v Mark Dudbridge
BY STUART PYKE
