THE LADBROKES.COM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Quarter Finals through the Final – How they played!
THE 2011 LADBROKES.COM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Quarter Finals through the Final – How they played!
(Complete match results and photos are printed in BEN, Mar/Apr 2011)
QUARTER FINALS
Terry Jenkins vs Wes Newton
After not losing a single set so far in the tournament, Wes Newton gave up the first three legs to Terry Jenkins missing doubles in each leg to allow Jenkins to steal the first, hold ‘serve’ in the second and steal again in the third. However, after the break, Newton came back to return the favor taking the next three legs on the trot to level the match at one set each. Newton extended his run to 5 straight legs breaking Jenkins in the first leg of the third set and taking the second. It looked like he was going to sweep the set with Jenkins on a difficult 158 in the third leg while Newton was looking at 32. But Jenkins managed a brilliant 158 finish to hold his start and save the set, temporarily. Newton held his serve with a fine 4th leg to go 2-1 up in sets.
The fourth set went with the darts taking the set to the decider where both players showed their nerves and struggled mightily for the double. Newton had the first go at the bull and hit a 7 to leave 43. Jenkins returned the favor missing one at tops. Newton set up 40 but missed two darts to win the set. Jenkins then missed 3 darts at double for the set. Newton missed another 3, Jenkins missed 3 and Newton missed 3 more for a total of 9 missed set darts. Jenkins finally managed the double 2 to level the match at 2 sets all.
The 5th set went again to the decider, but both players missed doubles. Newton missed 7, Jenkins 8 before he walked in double 10 for a 3-2 lead in sets. Newton had to be boiling mad at this point thinking he should be up 4 sets to 1 instead of being down 3 sets to 2. He came out after the break and swept the 6th set to level the match at 3 sets all. Jenkins open the 7th set with a bull finish from 110. Newton came back taking out 70 overcoming a 180 from Jenkins. Jenkins added his 5th 180 of the match in the next leg to go up 2-1 in the 7th set. Newton then held his start finishing 95 with Jenkins resting on 56. Set 7 came down to another decider and Newton had a shot from 120 with Jenkins on 40, but his first 2 went just above the triple giving Jenkins a look at his 40. A 20, then 10 then 5 didn't cut it, and Newton came back to the line and this time finished to go up 4-3 in sets.
It was a sea saw battle between the two gladiators, back a forth, through the whole match. Newton was now the favorite to win having 3 starts in set 8. Jenkins had to hold his starts and break Newton to keep the match alive. Newton set up 40 in leg one, but Jenkins took 70 out for the break he needed. Newton set up 22 from 162 with a 140 with Jenkins resting on the highest out possible at 170. Knowing he had to hold his starts to level the match, Jenkins proceeded to finish a brilliant 170 going up 2 legs to none in set 8. Newton held his start in the 3rd leg, so the match was in Jenkins hands with his start in leg 4. Newton landed a 180 to leave 40 with Jenkins on 67, but Newton never got a look as Jenkins took care of business and leveled the match at 4 sets all.
Now in the deciding set, Jenkins had the start and held in the first leg when Newton missed a dart at the bull to break. Newton failed to score well with his start in leg 2 and watched Jenkins hit his 6th 180 of the match and finish the break to go up 2 legs to none in the deciding set. Jenkins smelling victory, only one leg away, came down nicely, but Newton managed his 3rd 180 to leave 65. Jenkins left 66 and Newton missed his chance from 65. Jenkins, with match in hand, failed to finish his 66 and Newton cleaned up his remainder to stay alive. Then Newton open with his 4th 180 of the match, got to 32 with Jenkins on 72 and missed three darts to level the set and stay alive. Jenkins did not miss another opportunity and took the 72 to win the set and the match 5-4. Missed doubles from Newton was the difference in this match.
Adrian Lewis vs Vincent van der Voort
The two fastest throwing players paired off against each other and produced a thriller with 19 180s, 13 by Adrian Lewis and 6 by Vincent van der Voort. Lewis had the darts in the first set and held in the first leg. Van der Voort came back in the second leg with two 180s and Lewis added one of his own and was able to steal the leg when van der Voort missed 8 darts at double. Both players hit 180s in leg three of the first set, but it was van der Voort who had the shot at tops leaving Lewis wanting 34. Lewis opened leg 4 with another 180 and raced to a finish to win the first set 3-1.
Van der Voort opened the second set with two 140s but Lewis answered with his 4th 180 of the match. Van der Voort took a clutch 121 finish on the bull with Lewis needing only 56. Lewis opened the 2nd leg with his 5th 180, backed it up with a 140, followed that with a 170 and cleaned up the remaining 11 for a neat 12 darter. Van der Voort hit his 4th 180 in leg 3 and just missed finishing from 140, but then missed 5 additional darts allowing Lewis to step in and hit double 1 for the steal. Lewis punished van der Voort's 3 missed darts at double in leg 4 to take the second set 3-1.
Van der Voort opened set 3 with a neat 11 darter hitting his 5th and 6th 180 of the match with 100 in between the two, finishing the remaining 41 in 2 darts. He continued his good scoring with back to back 140s in leg two and cleaned up another 41 when Lewis missed from 69. Lewis hit his 6th 180 in leg 3 and took out 85 on the bull then hit his 7th 180 and finished from 36 with van der Voort back at 91. Van der Voort took control of the decider and took out 80 with Lewis on 126 to win the set 3-2.
Lewis breezed through the first leg of set 4 when van der Voort's third dart knocked 120 points onto the floor. Then Lewis took a 108 finish (19, triple 19, double 16) in leg two. Lewis opened up leg three with his 8th 180 of the match, followed it with his 9th 180 , then hit 130 to leave 11 and finished with an 11 darter hitting 3, double 4 to win the set 3-0.
Lewis, now in command of the match leading 3 sets to 1, hit his 10th 180 in leg 1 of set 5, but van der Voort held his start finishing from 71. Lewis took leg 2 with the darts and then broke van der Voort in the 3rd leg with his 11th 180, 134, 100 and finishing the 87 remaining with 17, triple 20 double 5 for a neat 12 dart leg. Lewis then held his start to go up 4-1 in sets, one away from the semi finals.
Van der Voort knew he had to win the remaining sets to earn a place in the semi finals, and that had to start with set 6. It was Lewis who had the start, but van derVoort opened with a powerful 177. It made no difference as Lewis was consistent hitting 100, 100, 140, 105 and finishing the remaining 56 in 2 darts (16, double 20) for a 14 darter. Van der Voort took leg 2 with the darts to level, but Lewis came back with 140, his 12th 180, 140 and cleaned up the remaining 47 for another 14 dart leg. It looked bleak for van der Voort down 2-1, but he held his start in leg 4 leveling the set at 2 all then hit a timely 136 to leave 40 in the decider and finished to break Lewis, winning the set 3-2 to keep the match alive.
Lewis would have no more of van der Voort as he breezed through the 7th set adding a 13th 180 in the second leg and taking three legs on the trot without response. Lewis was on to the semi finals, 5 sets to 2.
Raymond van Barneveld vs Gary Anderson
Gary Anderson had the start in the first set of the match and it was Raymond van Barneveld who comfortably beat him to the double and nailed his favorite double 18 to break Anderson in the first leg. In leg two, van Barneveld had 11 darts at double before Anderson had his chance, missing two at double 16. Van Barneveld held his start to go two legs up. Anderson got on the board in leg three hitting an 84 finish, 1, triple 17, double 16 after Barneveld missed one dart at double 16 to close out the set. Back on the start in leg 4, van Barneveld saved the leg with a brilliant 110 finish (20, triple 18, double 18) after Anderson hit a timely 180 to set up a makeable 76. After averaging well over 100 points per turn in his first 3 games, Anderson looked nervous and his play was far sub par in the first set against van Barneveld.
After the break, Anderson came out smoking hot. Van Barneveld had the start in the second set, but Anderson opened his leg with back to back 180s following it up with a 121 and hitting double 10 for a brilliant 10 dart leg. Anderson kept the pressure on opening leg two with 123, 85, 140, 127 missing 4 darts at double before hitting double 5 to go two legs clear in the set. Van Barneveld narrowly held his start in leg 3, after Anderson missed tops on his 12th dart. Van Barneveld's scores were 100, 140, 95, 98 and finished 68 with 20, 16, double 16. Anderson followed with 140, 96, 125, 120, hitting a single 20 on his 12th dart aimed at the double. Anderson continued his scoring in the 4th leg hitting a 174 to leave 36 which he punched out with van Barneveld resting on 70.
With the match tied at 1 set each and Anderson with the start, he continued applying the pressure hitting a 13 dart leg (121, 140, 140, 80, double 10) in the opener. It was well that Anderson hit his finish as van Barneveld was not far behind shooting 140, 140, 140, 56 to leave 24. Anderson broke van Barneveld's start in leg 2 with a 15 darter that included a 180. Then Anderson produced his second attempt at a nine darter opening 180, 180, but finished with an 81 and a 20, double 20 for an 11 darter to win the set 3 legs to none.
Anderson hit another 180 in the first leg of set 4 to break van Barneveld's start then held his start in leg 2 when van Barneveld suddenly had trouble finding the triples. Van Barneveld hit a fine 12 darter to save the set in the third leg hitting a 180 of his own in the leg. However, Anderson followed that with one better in the 4th leg. He hit 140, 140, 180 and finished with 1, double 20 for an 11 darter. Anderson was now leading 3 sets to 1 and it appeared his confidence was soaring while van Barneveld's was falling.
After the break, van Barneveld came out fired up knowing he had to win this set to have any chance to get back into the match. Anderson had the start and opened with another 180, but missed his shot at double 16 on his 15th dart leaving the door open for van Barneveld who hit triple 18, 20, double 10 for a 15 darter and a break of Anderson's start. It was short lived as Anderson fired back with a 12 darter breaking van Barneveld's start in leg 2 hitting 180, 96, 123, and finishing from 102. Anderson following that leg with a 13 darter hitting 140, 100, 140, 113 and double 4. Van Barneveld leveled the set at 2 legs each holding his start in leg 4 with a fine 15 dart leg hitting 140, 100, 57, 140 and taking 64 with 16, 16, double 16. In the decider, Anderson opened 100, 120, 97, 140 while Barneveld shot 96, 58, 140, 134 to leave a very makeable 73. He never got a chance as Anderson closed out the set with 4, double 20 for a 14 darter.
Now up 4 sets to 1, Anderson was looking like the giant killer about to send the number 3 seed to an early exit of the tournament. Van Barneveld had the advantage of the start, but it was Anderson who hit the 15 darter in leg one. He backed that with a 13 darter in leg two that included a 177 opener. Van Barneveld had to have leg 3 to stay alive and hit back with a 13 darter of his own which included a 180, but it was Anderson with the start in leg 4 that took home the match with a fine 14 dart leg. Anderson averaged 102.75 for the match to van Barneveld's 93.79, which pretty much tells the story.
Phil Taylor vs Mark Webster
The quarter final of the tournament was the last on the schedule and featured Mark Webster against Phil The Power Taylor, the defending champion, going for an unprecedented 16th World Championship title. Webster had the start in the first set and saw Taylor break his start in the first leg with a fine 14 dart leg hitting 100, 100, 97, 140 and triple 16, double 8. However, Webster returned the favor breaking Taylor's start in the second leg with a 14 darter of his own hitting 140, 140, 85, 96 and double 20 on his second attempt. With that leg, the crowd sensed they were about to witness the match of the tournament. Webster held his nerve and showed Taylor that he could match what Taylor dished out.
Webster started leg three and landed his first 180 of the match added 121, 100 and had time to finish to take a 2-1 lead in the set. Taylor hit back on his start with a 15 darter, timely finishing from 103 as Webster was resting on 104 after 12 darts which included a second 180 to his tally. With the set leveled at 2 legs each, Webster opened the decider 96, 80, 99, 140 and finished from 86 with Taylor resting on 100 after 12 darts. So, Webster took the early lead taking the first set 3-2.
Taylor opened the second set and missed 3 darts at double giving Webster the chance to break. Webster needed 48, hit 8 and missed two darts high at the double 20, and a thankful Taylor wasted no time hitting the double 4 to take the first leg. Webster opened leg 2 with 93, 59, 180, 129 to leave 40. Taylor replied with his first 180 of the match adding 134, 97 and 70 to leave 20, but he never had a go as Webster finished in one dart on double 20 for a fine 13 dart leg. Taylor opened leg 4 with his second 180 of the match and followed it with 140, 100 and 57 to leave 24. Webster followed with 140, 44, 140, 137 to leave 40, but he never thought he would see another turn. Yet, Taylor missed 3 darts at 24 and Webster took his double in two for a 14 dart leg to break Taylor and go up 2-1 in the set. Taylor returned the favor in leg 4 taking it with a 14 darter of his own hitting 140, 60, 137, 132 and double 16 on his second attempt. At 2 legs each and with the start, Taylor never let Webster get a chance as he took out 69 with triple 19, 6, double 3 for a 15 dart leg to level the match at 1 set each.
Webster opened the 3rd set with 100, 58, 139, 140 to leave 64. Taylor followed with 99, 135, 59, 134 to leave 74. Webster made sure Taylor never had a shot as he finished 64 for a 15 dart opener. Then Webster shot a brilliant game to break Taylor's start shooting 55, 100, 140 and 170 to set up 36 which he eliminated on his 13th dart. Now with the start, Webster threw 60, 100, 100, 140 to rest on 101. Taylor answered with 134, 140, 95, 76 to leave 56. Webster was spot on and finished the 101 for another 15 dart leg to take the set 3 legs to none and go up 2 sets to 1 in the match.
Webster continued his run taking the first leg of set 4 breaking Taylor's start. Then in the second leg, Webster hit 57, 96, 96 and his 4th 180 of the match to set up 72 after 12 darts. Taylor also hit a maximum in the leg but never got a look at a double as Webster cleaned up the remaining 72 for another 15 darter and his 5th leg on the trot. Taylor finally ended the rot with a 15 darter of his own in leg 3, but Webster opened leg 4 with a 180, his 5th of the match, and followed it with a 174 to keep in line for a perfect 9 darter. It was no 9 darter, but Webster cleaned up the balance for another 15 dart leg and went up 3 sets to 1 in the match.
Webster opened the 5th set with his 6th 180 and followed it with 100, 91, 90 and double 20 on his 15th dart with Taylor resting on 40 after only 12 darts hitting 96, 134, 97, 134. Taylor struck back in leg 2 opening with his 4th 180 then 140, 99, 42 missing double 20 on his 12th dart, but not missing on his 13th. Webster then shot 96, 100, 140, 125 to leave 40. Taylor answered with 99, and his 5th 180, 94 and 103 hitting the single bull instead of the double on his 12th dart, but when Webster missed 3 at the double 20, Taylor cleaned up his remaining 25 with 9, double 8 for a 14 dart leg and a much needed break. With the start, Taylor left no room for Webster, hitting a nice 15 dart leg 93, 100, 100, 140, triple 20, miss, double 4 for the 3 legs to 1 set win.
Down now 3 sets to 2, but with the start and momentum, it appeared Taylor was on target to level the match. However, Webster had other plans and fired off a brilliant 12 darter to break Taylor with 140, 100, 140 and finishing the 121 with triple 20, 11 and double bull. Webster held his start in leg two with a 17 darter. Then the match started to really heat up. Taylor opened with 137, Webster answered with his 7th 180 of the match. Taylor came back with 140. Webster answered with 140. Taylor then hit 174 to set up 50. Webster hit 100 to leave 81 after 9 darts. He never got a chance as Taylor went 18, double 16 for the 11 dart leg. Then Webster shot 59, 100, 140, 130 to leave 72 and Taylor answered with his 6th180, 140, 97 and 20, 14, 25 missing the double bull for the 12 darter to leave 25. Webster never let Taylor have another go hitting triple 16, double 12 for the leg and the set to go up 4 sets to 2.
Taylor now had to win the 7th set to stay in the tournament. Webster opened with 100, 100, 100, 58 to leave 143 after 12 darts. Taylor opened with his 7th 180, 135, 60 and then hit 19, triple 19 and this time the double bull for a 12 darter and a break of Webster's start. He then went 100, 140, 140, 81 and took the double 20 on his 15th dart to go 2 legs to none up in the set. It was looking good for Taylor at this point. Webster then struck back with a 15 darter of his own despite Taylor adding his 8th 180 in the match. Taylor shot 100, 83, 83, 180 to rest on 55 after 12 darts. Webster's finish from 100, triple 20, miss, double 20 preventing Taylor from sweeping the set. Taylor opened leg 4 with 61, 100, 55, 100 and Webster answered with 140, 100, his 8th 180 of the match, and with 81 remaining, he shot 25, 16 but missed the double 20 high. Taylor could not finish from 185, hitting 122 to leave 63, but it was a mute point as Webster nailed the double 20 on his 14th dart to break Taylor, level the set at two legs each, and go one away from winning the match sending the defending Champion to the showers. Now with the start in the decider, Webster opened with 134. Taylor answered with his 9th 180 of the match. Webster hit back with 96, Taylor 43, Webster 100, Taylor 100, Webster 45 to leave 126. Taylor hit 96 to leave 82. Webster managed only 65 leaving 61 after 15 darts. Taylor hit triple 20, missed the double 11 on the wire outside, then missed again on the wire inside to leave 11, but it was all over for Taylor as Webster cleaned up his remaining 61 and moved into the semi finals. The 15 time World Champion was out of the tournament.
SEMI FINALS
Gary Anderson vs Terry Jenkins
Gary Anderson had the start in the first set and got to the double first scoring a 180 in route but missing 2 darts at his double. Anderson's misses gave Jenkins a look from 96 and two darts later, he drew first blood taking the first leg, breaking Anderson. Now with the start, Jenkins got to the double first despite a second 180 score from Anderson and finished from 72 in two darts. Anderson opened the third leg of the set with his 3rd 180 of the match and this time finished in 15 darts with Jenkins needing only 78 after 12 darts. Now with the start, Jenkins shot 99, 122, 100, 140 and took double 20 for a fine 13 dart game to win the first set 3 legs to 1. It wasn't like Anderson was struggling as he hit 3 180s in his first 4 legs, and except for the missed opportunity in the first leg, Jenkins was spot on.
Jenkins continued his good form in the first leg of set 2 landing his first 180 of the match and finishing from 102. Anderson hit back in leg two scoring well and taking the leg without trouble. Then in leg 3, Anderson jumped to a good lead hitting his 4th 180 of the match. He missed three darts at double, but Jenkins was still behind at 182. Jenkins hit his second 180 of the match bringing his score to 2, but Anderson wasted no more darts taking the double 4 on his next attempt. Jenkins struggled with his scoring in leg 4 while Anderson was at 40 after only 12 darts. Jenkins had 111 to do after 15 darts and thought it was over, but Anderson missed 3 darts at the double 20, all high. Jenkins had his shot from 111 hitting 20, triple 17, but fell just below the double 20 leaving 20. Anderson didn't miss again and the match was level at 1 set each.
Set 3 was a thriller with Anderson opening 140, 180, 60, 81 to leave 40 after only 12 darts. Jenkins managed only 100, 100, 100, 60 and watched Anderson nail the double 20 for a nice 13 darter. Jenkins then opened the second leg with his 3rd 180 of the match, followed it with 81, 140 and finished it with triple 20, double 20 for a brilliant 11 darter. Had he not done that, Anderson would have most likely taken the game after shooting 134, 125, 125 and needing only 117. Jenkins broke Anderson's start in leg 3, opening his leg with another 180 and following it with 83, 60, 118 and 20, double 20 for a nice 14 dart leg. Anderson had only 50 to do when Jenkins took the leg. Then it was Anderson who broke Jenkins in leg 4 shooting 135, his 6th 180 of the match, 130 and 16, double 20 for a brilliant 11 darter. Jenkins led with 134, 100, 100, and 97 and had only 70 to do after 12 darts. Anderson had the start in the deciding leg and opened with 140, 100, 140, 65 and hit 19, 20, double 20 for a 15 dart leg, winning the set 3-2.
Jenkins opened set 4 and, after missing 4 darts at the double, had time to convert double 18 for the leg. Anderson followed with a nice 13 dart leg hitting 140, 59, 140, 122 and double 20 while Jenkins needed only 64 after his 12 darts scoring 137, 140, 60, 100. Anderson was brilliant in the next leg hitting a 12 darter with 140, 134, 100 and a finish from 126 with 19, triple 19, double bull. Jenkins scored 135, 81, 121 and had 164 left after only 9 darts. In the decider, Jenkins opened but watched Anderson land two consecutive 180s, then follow that with 85 and then miss one dart from 56, but recover to take the leg in 13 darts and win the set 3-2.
Anderson had the start in the 5th set, but it was Jenkins in the first leg shooting his 5th 180 of the match and taking the leg. Anderson broke back in leg 2 with a 13 dart game hitting his 9th 180 of the match. Anderson scored steady in leg 3 hitting 140, 100, 100, 137, but missed three darts at double 12, but landed 12, double 6 to win the leg with Jenkins resting on 58. Anderson then took the set with a nice 15 dart leg hitting 82, 100, 97, 140 and 82 (25, 17, double 20).
Jenkins opened the 6th set with a 140 81, 100, 100, 40, missing his last dart at the double 20 high. Anderson landed his 10th 180 of the match and followed it with 60, 81, 60 and 80, missing tops with his last dart. Jenkins landed his double 20 on his 16th dart of the leg. Anderson followed with a 17 dart leg and followed that leg with a brilliant 12 darter which included his 11th 180 of the match (100, 180, 95, 126) and a finish from 126 hitting 18, triple 19, double bull. Now with the start and a 2-1 leg lead, Anderson hit 134, 100, 140, 87 and double 20 for a 13 dart leg, a set win at 3-1, and a lead of 5 sets to 1 in the match.
Jenkins knew he had to win the next set to stay in the tournament. He broke Anderson in the opener setting up the opportunity to win with his starts. However, Anderson broke right back in leg two taking 94 out 1, triple 19, double 18 with Jenkins needing only 24. Jenkins took advantage of Anderson's missed doubles in leg 3 hitting double 18 for the third break in the set. He then followed that up holding his start with a timely 15 darter hitting 100, 100, 81, 100 and a 120 finish, 20, triple 20, double 20. The scoreline was 5 sets to 2, so Jenkins knew he could not lose another set.
Now with the start, Jenkins took the first leg with a double 20 finish. Anderson hit back taking 18 with a 9, 1 double 4. Then Anderson struck with his 12th 180 of the match and took out 89 with double bull, 3, double 18 for a fine 12 darter. Now with the start and a 2-1 leg lead in the set, Anderson scored 90, 140, 99, 132 to leave 40 after 12 darts. Jenkins, knowing this leg was a must, hit 100, his 6th 180 of the match, 140 to leave 81. He hit the triple 19, just inside the wire of the double 12 and missed outside of the double 6, leaving 12 after only 12 darts. Those misses proved fatal as Anderson nailed the double 20 on his first attempt for a 13 dart leg and a 3-1 set win and a 6 sets to 2 match win. Anderson averaged 101.61 throughout the match while Jenkins averaged 97.27. Anderson was on to the final.
Adrian Lewis vs Mark Webster
Adrian Lewis opened his Semi final against mark Webster and reached the double first. Webster landed a 180, but it came too late in the leg as Lewis nailed double 4 for first blood. Lewis smoked through the second leg and took double 18 with Webster back on 124 for the break of his start. Webster got on the scoreboard in leg 3 when Lewis missed one from 92 at tops. Then with the start, a 2nd 180 helped Webster breeze through leg 4 taking out double 20 with Lewis still needing a massive 249. Then Lewis managed to overcome Webster's third 180 of the match to take the decider for a 3-2 set victory and a 1 set to none lead in the match.
Lewis continued his run with a break in the first leg, but Webster came straight back with a break of his own in leg two. In the third leg, Webster pulled through to the double and took a 110 finish to go up 2-1 in the set. Then it was Lewis in leg 4 to have time to reach the double well before Webster and take out double 10 with Webster way back on 163. All level at 2 legs each, Webster had the start, reached the double first, took double 20 with Lewis needing 50. Webster won the decider to take the set 3-2 and level the match at 1 set each.
Lewis opened the 3rd set with his first 180 of the match and took the first leg from 80 with triple 20, 10, double 5. Webster held his start in leg two after surviving a threat from Lewis from 124 who hit triple 20, triple 14 and a missed dart on the wire of double 11. Lewis hit a fine 15 dart leg next hitting 140, 134, 60, 127, miss, miss, double 20. Webster took it up a notch winning the 4th leg with Lewis needing only 40. Lewis opened the decider very strong hitting 140, and his 2nd 180 of the match, 59, and 115 shooting triple 18, triple 18 and a miss just inside the double wire of the seven, leaving 7. Webster answered with 177, 125, 59 and 82 to leave 58. Lewis finished the leg with 3, double 2 to win the set 3-2 and go up 2-1 in sets for the match.
Webster opened set 4 strong taking out double 20 with Lewis still back at 187. Both players ran into double trouble in leg two with Lewis missing tops on dart 15 and then missed three more on his next turn. Webster was resting on 40 after only 12 darts shooting 59, 174, 134, 94, got his chance, but missed three at the double leaving 10 after 15 darts. When Lewis missed again, Webster took the double 5 to break and go up 2 legs to none in the set. Webster then finished the set on his 18th dart after Lewis missed one at the double bull from 81 on his 15th dart. That leveled the match at 2 sets each.
Lewis had the start in set 5 and continued his troubles on the double missing 3 darts from double 8 and another 3 from double 4 leaving 2. Webster took the first leg and started leg two only to see Lewis break right back finishing from 79 with 19, 20 and double 20. Lewis reached 131 after 9 darts in leg three and finished from 131 with triple 20, triple 13 and double 32 to go up 2 legs to 1 in the set. No double trouble this time. Webster held his start in the fourth leg hitting double 16 with Lewis wanting double 16 for the break. All level at 2 legs each, Lewis opened with 81, Webster thrilled the crowd with his 4th 180 of the match. Lewis kept the crowd in a frenzy backing Webster's 180 with one of his own. Webster came back with 96. Lewis hit 67 and Webster answered with 95 to leave 130 after only 9 darts. Lewis subtracted 133 from his score to leave 40 after 12 darts. Webster, looking at 130 hit triple 20, triple 20 and wired the double 5 on his 12th dart just missing on the outside wire leaving 10. Lewis hit the double 20 on his 13th dart to win the set 3-2 and go up in the match 3 sets to 2.
Lewis the broke Webster's start in set 6 with a 14 darter hitting 140, 125, 66, 100 and finishing from 94 with triple 18, double 20. Webster posted 100, 100, 140, 45 and 86 to leave 30 after 15 darts. Lewis then shot a 12 dart game with the start adding his 4th 180 of the match to his total hitting 98, 180, 147, and finishing from 86 with 18, double 18 and double 16. Lewis then broke Webster again in the third leg to win the set 3-0 and take a 4-2 set lead in the match.
Webster knew the match was slipping away and he needed set 7 to stay alive in the match, but Lewis had the start advantage. Set 7 was a thriller with 5 180s to get the crowd going. Both players hit a 180 in the first leg and Lewis was at the double first missing one dart at the bull. Webster desperate to break missed his chance with three at double 18 leaving 18. Lewis failed to convert the 25 remaining and Webster took the break to set up the chance to win on his starts, but he failed in leg two to hold his start as Lewis broke right back. Webster opened leg 3 with two perfect throws 180, 180 to set up for the perfect 9 darter, but only managed 84 on his next turn to leave 57 after 9 darts. Lewis was right on Webster after hitting a 140 and 134 to set up 66 after 12 darts. Webster hit 17, 20 at the double 20 and 10 at the double 10 to leave 10 after 12 darts and possibly blowing a great opportunity. Lewis gave the game back hitting the triple 10, but missing the double 18 and double 9 to take the leg. Webster hit the double 5 for a 13 dart game, and narrowly escaping with the win. Now 2 legs to 1 up, Webster hit his 4th 180 of this set and his 8th of the match and took the out, with Lewis needing only 80, to win the set 3-1 and inch back to 4-3 down in sets for the match.
Now with the start, Webster could level the match by wining set 8. Lewis, however, had other plans and took the break in leg one with a brilliant 12 dart game hitting, 174, 100, 100, and finishing with a 127 out hitting triple 19, triple 17, double 8. Webster hit right back with a 13 darter scoring 140, 140, 140, 57 and hitting the double 12 on his 13th dart. Webster held his start in the third leg when Lewis was unable to find the triples, and then took the set with a break in leg 4 leveling the match at 4 sets all.
Lewis, seeing his 2 set lead disappear, opened set 9 strong but missed 2 darts from 40 leaving 10, then missed three from 10 leaving 5, then missed two more at the double 2 before Webster reached the opportunity to shoot at a double finishing with a 103 to break Lewis in the first leg. Lewis broke straight back in leg two nearly taking 122 with triple 20, triple 20 and double one, only to leave the double to clean up on his next turn. Lewis held his start in leg three. Webster opened leg 4 with 140, 60, 140, 137 to leave 24 after 12 darts. Lewis answered with his 6th 180 of the match followed by 84, 99, 100 to leave 38 after his 12 darts. Lewis never let him have a look taking double 12 for a timely 13 dart leg to level the set at 2 legs each. Now with the start, Lewis shot 100, 97, 100, 140 taking 64 with triple 16, miss and double 8 for a 15 dart leg to win the set and move one away from victory and the final. Webster hit 96, 125, 100 and 123 and was resting on 57 when Lewis secured the win.
Webster was now was in a situation where he must win the set to remain alive in the match. With the start, he opened the first leg of set 10 with a brilliant 11 darter hitting 134, 177, 140 taking 60 with 20, double 20. Lewis had hit his 7th 180 of the match scoring 100, 180, 84 to leave 137 after nine darts. Lewis held his start in leg two with a 16 dart leg, then broke Webster's start in leg 3 with a fine 14 darter when Webster missed three darts at double 20 after hitting 93, 60, 134 and 174 to leave 40 after 12 darts. Lewis answered with 45, 100, 140, 140 and finished 76 with triple 20, double 8. Lewis was now one leg from victory and opened with his 8th 180 of the match, followed with 99 and 140 to leave 82 after only 9 darts. Webster, desperate to win this leg, answered with 60 134, 137 to leave 170 after his 9 darts. He never got the chance as Lewis went 25, 17 and double 20 for the 12 darter, the 3-1 set win and the 6-4 match victory to send him into the final of the 2011 Ladbrokes.com World Championship.
Adrian Lewis averaged 98.17 while Mark Webster posted a 96.39 average during the match. The question was whether either of those averages would be good enough to beat Gary Anderson who has averaged over 100 in each of his matches so far during the tournament.
THE FINAL
Adrian Lewis vs Gary Anderson
Over 2,500 fans packed Ally Pally at Alexander Palace for the long awaited final of the 2011 Ladbrokes.com World Championship that started 16 days earlier. Gary Anderson earned the start in the first set and opened with 140 and finished with a very timely 104 out after Lewis landed back to back turns of 132 and 137 to leave 36 in the first leg. ThenJackpot Adrian Lewis opened the second leg with 58 and Anderson answered with 174. But Lewis hit back to back 180s and finished 83 with 17, triple 16 and double 9 for a 12 dart second leg to level the set at one leg each. Now with the start, Anderson opened with his first 180 of the match, but watched Lewis answer with his third 180 and follow it with his fourth 180 of the match to set up the perfect game opportunity. On his next turn, Lewis landed the triple 20, triple 19 and stroked in the double 12 for the perfect 9 darter. The crowd was wild and it was only the third leg of the final. Lewis followed that up with 140, 140, 60, 136 and 9, double 8 for a 14 darter and an unbelievable 123.00 average for the first set. Anderson's average for the first set was an incredible 106.07.
Lewis opened the first leg of set two with another 180, his 5th of the match, and took the first leg. He then hit 140, 95, 99, 64 and finished 103 with 20, triple 17 double 16 for a 15 dart break on Anderson's start. Lewis had another 15 darter in leg three hitting 140, 140, 57, 64 and taking 10 with 20, double 20, double 20 to sweep the set 3 legs to none. That gave Lewis a two set to none lead in the race to seven sets and the £200,000 first place prize.
Anderson back on the start landed his second 180 of the match to open the third set and followed it with 140, 60, 105, triple 20, triple 15, and nearly hitting the double 8 for a 12 darter. He hit 8, 4 and double 2 on his next go to take the first leg in 15 darts. Lewis opened leg 2 with 140, 99, 92, 100 to leave 70 after 12 darts, but never had a look as Anderson hit 140, 100, 131, to leave 130 after 9 darts which he finished with triple 20, triple 20 and double 5 for a brilliant 12 darter. Anderson followed that leg with another 12 darter hitting 140, 85, 140 and finishing the 136 with triple 20, triple 20 and double 8. Anderson swept the third set 3 legs to none and brought the match back to 2 sets to 1 in favor of Lewis. The averages at this point in the match were 102.59 for Lewis and 102.98 for Anderson. Game on!
Set four began with Lewis hitting 97, Anderson 60, Lewis his 6th 180 of the match, Anderson his third 180 of the match, Lewis 100 then 122 and double 1 for a 13 dart leg. Anderson opened leg two with 134 and Lewis answered with his 7th 180 of the match. Anderson hit back with 100 and then hit his 4th 180 of the match, to leave 87. Lewis followed with 100 and a 140 to leave only 81 after 9 darts. Both players missed opportunities, but it was Anderson who stroked the winner with a double 5 to level the set at 1 leg all. Lewis held his start in leg three and then broke Anderson in leg four with a 15 dart leg hitting 44, 100, 140, 139, and finishing 78 with 12, triple 16, double 9. Anderson was left with 30 after 15 darts. Lewis extended his set lead in the match to 3-1 over Anderson.
Anderson open set 5 with a brilliant 12 darter scoring 137, 140, 140 and finishing 84 with triple 20, miss, double 12. Both players struggled with their outs in leg 2, but it was Lewis who found the double. Anderson nailed his 5th 180 of the match in leg 3 and after missing 5 darts at doubles, he took double 10 to take a 2-1 leg lead in the set. He then landed his 6th 180 of the match and broke Lewis's start with a neat 12 dart leg shooting 100, 140, 180 an finishing 81 with triple 7, 20, double 20 to take the set 3-1 and bring the match closer at 3 sets to 2 in favor of Lewis.
Lewis opened set 6 taking the first leg after Anderson missed two darts to break. Anderson then landed his 7th 180 of the match scoring 100, 100, 180, 81 to leave 38. Lewis followed with 85, 140, 125, 131. Anderson cleaned up his 38 on dart 14 with Lewis needing only 20 to break after 12 darts. Lewis opened leg three hitting 140, 58, 97, 140 to leave 66 after 12 darts. Anderson shot 140, 140, 57 and nailed the remaining 164 with triple 20, triple 18 and double bull for a brilliant 12 darter. Now 2 legs to 1 up in the set, Anderson opened with 140 and Lewis answered with 140. Anderson hit 95 and Lewis landed his 8th 180 of thee match. Anderson followed with his 8th 180 of the match and Lewis followed with 134 to leave 57 after only 9 darts. Anderson, needing only 86, landed triple 18, miss, double 16 for back to back 12 darters and a 3-1 set win to level the match at 3 sets each. Anderson's match average was 100.17 and Lewis's average had dropped to 97.68 at this point. The fans were definitely getting their money's worth!
Now with the start and having leveled the match, Anderson's confidence powered him to win the first leg of set 7. Lewis shook that confidence with a brilliant 10 dart second leg hitting his 9th 180 of the match and following it with 140, 145 and double 18. Anderson opened leg three with 140, 97, 140, 84 to leave 70 after 12 darts. Lewis answered with 96, 140, 65, and his 10th 180 of the match to leave 20 after his 12 darts. Anderson faltered on the double leaving 40 to do and Lewis hit 10, double 5 for a 14 darter and the break. Lewis then landed his 11th 180 of the match on route to a 15 darter that secured the set 3 legs to 1 and took him to a 4-3 set lead in the match. With the three 180 in the set, Lewis upped his match average to 99.61 while Anderson average slightly fell to 99.75. Lewis's out shot percentage stood at 40% with 14 out of 35 hit while Anderson's out shot percentage was only 31% with 12 out of 39 hit.
Set 8 was a battle with Anderson breaking Lewis in the first leg and Lewis breaking Anderson right back in leg two with a nice 14 darter hitting 177, 60, 27, 140 and a 97 finish with triple 19, double 20. Lewis opened leg three with 100, 96, 138, 139 to leave 24 after 12 darts. Anderson followed with 140, 140, 140 and 56 missing the double bull on dart 12. Lewis took the remaining 24 on dart 14 to go up 2-1 in the set. Anderson struck back with a beautiful 13 dart leg hitting his 9th 180 in route. His scores were 139, 180, 100, 62 hitting a single 20 on his 12th dart needing 40 and finishing double 10 on his 13th dart. Lewis had followed with 137, 59, 138 and 55. In the decider, Lewis opened with 140, 100, 140, 85 to leave 36. After missing 4 darts at double 18, the opportunity came around again and Lewis nailed it to go up 5-3 in sets.
With the lead, Lewis took his game up a notch. Anderson opened the 9th set with 140, 100, 84 and 137 to leave himself 40 after only 12 darts, however, he never had a look at his out as Lewis followed with 96, his 12th 180, then his 13th 180, and finished 45 with 5, 20, double 10 for a 12 dart break crushing Anderson's opportunity for a 13 darter. Lewis came back in the second leg with 140, 96, his 14th 180 of the match, 53 missing one at double 16 for another 12 darter, but cleaned up the 32 with 16, 8 and double 4 for a 15 dart game. Anderson survived Lewis's 15th 180 of the match in the third leg hitting 59, 139, 171, 92 to leave 40 then taking the 40 on his next turn with a miss, 20 and double 10 for a 15 darter. Lewis then put together a brilliant 11 dart leg hitting 100, 177, his 16th 180 of the match, then 4, double 20 for the 11 darter and the set. Lewis landed five, count 'em, five 180s in the four leg set, one more than he threw in the first set.
Now with Lewis 6 sets to 3 up and one away from the £200,000 first place prize, Anderson was in desperate need of winning the next set, well, the next 4 sets or his attempt at the World Championship would be over. His fight back has to begin with one set at a time. However, Lewis had the start in set 10 and opened with 85, 95, 100 with Anderson answering with 140, 140, 96 looking to break Lewis in the first leg. Lewis had other plans hitting his 17th 180 of the match on his next turn and 1, miss, double 20 on his following turn for another 15 darter. Anderson came back with a 15 darter of his own in leg two shooting 100, 137, 140, 92 and cleaning up the 32 remaining with 16, miss and double 8. In leg three, Anderson survived Lewis's attempt at a 15 darter when he shot 100, 60, 140, 105 and triple 20, single 18 at the double and missing the double 9 leaving 18. Anderson hit 140, 100, 125, 128, then missed one at double 4, but hit it on his 14th dart for the necessary break. Anderson then opened the 4th leg of the set with his 10th 180 of the match, followed it with 135, 100 to leave 86 after only 9 darts. He then stroked triple 18 and missed two at the double 16. Lewis landed his 18th 180 of the match, but it was too late as Anderson cleaned up the 32 on his 15th dart to take the set and move the scoreline to 6 sets to 4 in favor of Lewis.
With three legs on the trot and the start in set 11, Anderson was on a roll. He opened set 11 scoring 50, 121, 83, 96, 96 to leave 55. Lewis struck back with 140, 140, 55, 134, and with 32 left after only 12 darts, he went miss, 16 and 8 to leave 8 giving Anderson the chance. Anderson wasted no time landing 15 and double 20 and thanked Lewis for the gift. Lewis opened leg two with 100, 140, 140, 103 to leave 18 after 12 darts. Anderson followed with 100, 100, 125, 100 to leave 76 after 12 darts. Lewis hit 9, 1 and 4 missing two at doubles to win the leg and Anderson nailed the 76 with 20, 16 and the double 20 for a 15 darter, and thanked Lewis again. Now with 5 legs on the trot and the start, Anderson opened with 134, 96, 140, 91 to leave 40 after 12 darts. Lewis followed with 140, 41, 60, then his 19th 180 of the match to leave 100 after 12 darts. Anderson came to the line and missed, hit a single 20 and a single 10 to leave 10 and could only watch as Lewis came to the line needing 100. Lewis's first dart hit the triple 20, but the next two went outside the double 20 and Anderson nailed the double 5 for his sixth leg in a row, a 3-0 set win, and another thank you to Lewis.
Anderson now needed only one set to level the match, but Lewis had the start in the 12th set. He opened with 140, 96, 105, 100 to leave 60 after 12 darts. Anderson followed shooting 140, 134, 81 and 28 to leave 118 after 12 darts. He wouldn't see another turn as Lewis nailed 20, double 20 for a 14 darter moving him two legs from the championship. Anderson opened the second leg with a weak start hitting 60 and 45 on his first two turns, but came back with 140, 140 and 98 on his next three turns, missing his 15th dart at double 18, hitting a single. Lewis answered with 81, 83, his 20th 180 of the match, 99 to leave 58 after 12 darts. Two darts later, 18, double 20, and he had another 14 darter and was one leg away from victory and £200,000. Anderson was up against the wall needing the next three legs to remain alive. Lewis opened leg three with 120, 97, 20 (bouncing two darts off the triple 20), 140 and 102 to leave 22 after 15 darts. Anderson followed with 96, 99, 60, 128 and 68 to leave 50 after his 15 darts. Anderson could only pray for another shot, but he didn't have to pray long as Lewis nailed the double 11 on his 16th dart. A three leg sweep in set 12. Seven sets to five victory to Adrian Lewis.
Lewis had a 99.62 match average with 20 180s, 40 140s, and 41 scores of 100+ and an overall tournament average of 97.77. Anderson landed 10 180s in the match, 41 140s and 51 100+ scores for a 98.86 match average and a 102.09 tournament average. So close, but Lewis was just too good on the day.
The title was his. The 2011 Ladbrokes.com World Championship belongs to Adrian Lewis. His name to be placed on the trophy forever more. £200,000 to Adrian Lewis, at least until the tax collector finds him!
