After a very comfortable sleep on the fold out Travelodge mattress-couch, it was time to enjoy 3 minutes of glorious Barnsley sunshine before getting a taxi with the Kirkulator to the Metrodome. Hearty congratulations were extended to young David Coyne on the occasion of his run to the final in last night's Youths tournament, netting him a delicious £400 in semi-filthy cash.
The random factor, like a tractor, weaved its magic way to the determination that Board 6 should be my realm for the afternoon.
Preliminary Round
Michael Rosenauer 6 Ian Lever 2
Awful darts from both to start (the first leg was a 30+ dart affair), then both improved, especially Michael, who was rewarded with a "gut gespielt" (well played) from me afterwards, provoking delight that the marker spoke German.
Round 1 (Last 128)
Denis Ovens 6 Jon Archer 0
Alas, Jon's darts were even poorer than yesterday's, and his body language screamed "I hate this and don't want to be here." Denis scored and finished well, and the whitewash was never really in doubt.
Adrian Lewis 6 Dylan Duo 0
After last night's Escapade, Dylan was feeling decidedly unrefreshed, and after the white-wash, he was quick to point out to Adrian that it was because of "this c**t", pointing to me, evoking laughter all round. Adrian wasn't tested at all but his mind did seem to be elsewhere.
Simon Whitlock 6 Martyn Turner 4
I'm not supposed to do it but after a couple of minutes of Martyn being on the oche, I saw Simon heading to the practice board, so went and told him that his game was on. "It can't be," he said, "I haven't even practiced." I told him about that the previous two games were 6-0 affairs but he still couldn't believe it.
Martyn has to be one of the most unlucky players on the tour at the moment - things just aren't going his way, and despite some brilliant darts, he went down against Simon who was in fine form, despite the lack of practice. Fingers crossed that Martyn's fortunes will change soon.
Michael Rosenauer 6 Steve Evans 2
Steve came onto the oche and informed me that I was his bogey marker and while such things shouldn't prey on the mind, maybe they did as he did not throw well at all, ensuring a comfortable win for Rosi, who seemed to be getting increasingly refreshed.
Round 2 (Last 64)
Denis Ovens 6 Adrian Lewis 3
Denis threw excellent solid darts, albeit a little less pacey than the previous game, and the World Champion found himself 3-0 down before winning the next leg causing him to say "Welcome to the game" to himself. Denis remained in control though to produce a shock win against Adrian, who definitely seemed in off-par mood.
Simon Whitlock 6 Michael Rosenauer 3
Michael's request that Simon throw with his left hand went unheeded. Simon established an early 3-0 lead and it went with throw from there.
Round 3 (Last 32)
Simon Whitlock 6 Denis Ovens 1
Denis' throw grew even less pacey in this match, but nothing was stopping Simon who was throwing really well. When Simon went 4-1 up in a leg that could have gone either way, Denis told Simon : "You need to lose weight" and went to colourfully vent frustration at the fact that Simon's foot pressing hard up against the oche during his (Simon's) throw was causing a creaking noise. "I dunno what you mean," said Simon and went on about his business, impressively unaffected and continuing to cause the creaking sound, going on to win the next two legs and the match, although there was heavy tension in the air.
Duties dispensed with, it was time for me to say some quick farewells and dash to the train station to get a train into Leeds where I had time to purchase a wrap and a chicken noodle salad for breakfast which was eaten aboard the bus to the toilet that is Leeds/Bradford airport, where the few facilities on offer are compacted into a ridiculously tiny space. Time for more dehumanising experiences with Ruinair who most probably arranged the requirement to go up one flight of stairs and go down another during the queue for the gate. It was great to be back in The Lighthouse before 9pm, and this was celebrated with a tremendous Chinese feast of hot 'n sour soup and chilli chicken with rice - bleedin' d'lish!
Contentment : 13.5 / 25
Excitement : 4 / 10
Memorability : 4.5 / 15
Overall Score : 44% (25th out of 107)
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