Team Unicorn’s American star Ray Carver chose the big stage at Bolton to produce one of the worst performances of his career, as he crashed out of the UK Open. Carver was beaten 8-5 by qualifier Mark Hylton in their Preliminary Round match at The Reebok and he only has himself to blame for missing so many doubles. He hit only five from 24 attempts and averaged 80.48.
Carver flew in from the USA on Tuesday with high hopes. He had a couple of ton plus finishes but too many disasters on the doubles against the airline cabin manager from the Midlands. From 5 legs apiece, Carver wasted countless chances and paid the ultimate price.
But Michael Barnard has booked himself a 2nd Round match against Bolton’s Paul Williams on Friday. He beat Vernon Sheppard 8-2 and Barnard’s finishing was impressive….82, 87, 118 and 83 on the bull to win the match. It was a confidence-boosting victory for the Essex man.
Elsewhere on the opening night, Big Cliff Lazarenko won two games impressively to reach the 2nd Round and Michael Van Gerwen warmed up for the weekend beating Rochdale’s Chris McTernan 8-1.
Of the other Team Unicorn stars, youngster Kirk Shepherd and Liverpool’s Robbie Green come in at the 2nd Round stage on Friday night. Shepherd will finally make his big TV debut on Sky Sports on the main stage, where he will take on American Roger Carter. Green, who reached the quarter-finals in Bolton 12 months ago, faces either Dave Blenkarne or Ian Wise.
Canadian ace John Part – much fancied for a strong run in the event – plays in the 3rd Round on Friday night. He kicks off the 3rd Round on the main stage against either Kevin Dowling or Matt Sheehan. Bob Anderson is also under the spotlight against Irishman Brendan Dolan.
The rest of Team Unicorn are already in the top 32 in the UK Open Order of Merit. They come into the event in the 4th Round on Saturday afternoon, when the tournament reaches the last 64 stage and they are guaranteed at least £1,000. The draw for that 4th Round will be made on Friday night and it is an open draw.
Phil Taylor is bidding to win the UK Open for a third time. James Wade is the No.2 seed after consistent performances during the eight UK Open regional events.
Andy Hamilton, Colin Lloyd, Barrie Bates, Adrian Lewis, Colin Osborne, Mick McGowan, Peter Manley, Kevin Painter and Wes Newton are the other Team Unicorn players who – FA Cup style – go into the hat for that 4th Round draw.
BY STUART PYKE
