UK Open
Third Round
Kirk, whose previous best result had been a quarter-final appearance
at a challenge tour event impressed as he finished clinically to set up
a fourth round encounter with Peter Wright, who overcame Michael
Smith 9-8 after the St Helens’ based thrower had missed eight match
darts.
Raymond van Barneveld continued to play well as he overcame Mick
Todd 9-3, whilst Dave Chisnall put pay to Justin Pipe’s chances with a
9-7 victory on one of the outside boards.
Terry Jenkins defeated Stuart Kellett 9-4, Gary Anderson secured a 9-3
victory over Andy Smith and Simon Whitlock’s woes continued as he fell
victim to an in form Ronny Huybrects, with the Belgian claiming a 9-6
win to book his place in the last 32.
Qualifier Paul Hogan continued to impress, defeating Benito van de Pas
9-3 and Andrew Gilding received a walkover as Wes Newton was forced
to withdraw due to the tonsillitis that had kept him out of the previous
weeks Premier League action.
James Wade and Michael van Gerwen both picked up 9-1 victories over
Michael Mansell and James Hubbard respectively, whilst Adrian Lewis
kick started his campaign with victory over Blackpool’s Ronnie Baxter.
Lakeside Champion Stephen Bunting found himself 8-5 down to Kevin
Dowling, but was able to find World Championship winning form just in
time, landing a 151 checkout with his opponent sat on double to level
up before producing a timely 180 in the deciding leg to secure victory.
There were no other shocks in the round, with Andy Hamilton
completing the fourth round line-up thanks to a deciding leg victory
over Jelle Klaasen.
Fourth Round
Michael van Gerwen and James Wade continued to mirror each others
results, although this time things were a little closer as the pair
claimed 9-5 victories over Andy Hamilton and Kim Huybrechts
respectively.
Meanwhile youngster Aden Kirk produced another
shock as he defeated Premier League leader Peter
Wright 9-5 to book his spot in the fifth round and
more than double his career earnings to date.
Mervyn King was suffering with a bad back, but
Photo: PDC/Lawrence Lustig
The top names joined the fray at the third round stage and from the
outset there were some big shocks. Youngster Aden Kirk, who was
making his TV debut on the main stage, held his nerve to overcome
an admittedly below par Phil Taylor 9-7 in one of the big stories of the
weekend.