Every issue of Darts World Extra takes a light-hearted look at who is hot, and who is not, since the last episode. Here we take a special peep at who has done better than you might think, or worse than expected, at Ally Pally:
Bullseyes:
Peter Wright – The PDC’s showpiece venue provided Snakebite with a breakthrough that had appeared far away. Before the triumphs of 2020 and 2022, Peter surprised many with his run to the final in 2014. Using a Tayloresque dart he went down 4-7 to MVG. Less than a decade later the Scotsman reversed the result and improved the score with his 7-3 triumph over the Dutchman to claim the first of two titles in three years.
Gary Anderson – The Flying Scotsman’s Palace record contrasts his famed Lakeside struggles. After taking 2010 to settle in Ando kick-started in 2011 reaching the final against an inspired Adrian Lewis. Although he has had ups and downs, his Back-to-Back wins (in 2015 & 16) and other spots in the semis and finals, even last year, ensure red bit rep for Gary at the Pally.
Adrian Lewis – Two wins, back-to-back, and another final during perhaps the most difficult era of our sport’s history, along with a perfect 9 dart on that massive stage, simply cannot be denied. Jackpot may have had a barron few years but the feeling that he is a handful of wins away from a triumphant comeback never quite leaves his many admirers.
Michael Smith – Don’t let his failure to win the crown fool you, Bullyboy has had some tremendous days and nights here. His defeat of Phil Taylor back in 2013 could be said to be his coming of age. His 2 runners-up spots and other superb runs, often taking out event favourites, mean that World title or not Mr. Smith still stands tall here.
Bounceouts:
Colin Lloyd – A former World No.1, and still well within the top ten when the event moved to the People’s Palace, you could be forgiven for thinking that Jaws didn’t like the grand old venue. The Matchplay winner famously punched the board in an early 2010 match ( before being eliminated by debutant Mark Hylton) Lloydy suffered a string of shock exits to lower-ranked players such as Beau Anderson.
James Wade – It is not easy to fathom quite why a multiple major champion, across all formats, has never even reached a final here. Our coach suggests it’s due to The Machine‘s game being built around a predictable consistency that doesn’t suit long format set-play, against those capable of tremendous bursts. Regardless of why, James may be running out of years to make that final leap into immortality.
Steve Beaton – The legendary Adonis may be making his 32nd straight World Championship appearance, but the PDC event’s most recent home is not a comfy fit for the 1996 World Champion. L16, and even that rarely, has seemed his limit here. Could we see a turnaround this time?
Phil Taylor – Winning the title three times and two more finals doesn’t seem like much of a bounce out does it? But, for The Power, at a World Championship venue, it could be described as such. Played 11, won 3 (and only two more finals) pales into insignificance next to his Circus Tavern record. Phil’s first 11 ‘Tavern tournaments’ resulted in 9 wins with him being defeated in the final on the other two occasions. Next to that anything looks like a boundeout!
—–ENDS—–
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