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HOME!!! March 20 DARTS WORLD WAITS ON MARSHALL FOR DATE As Denis "the Field Marshall" Reilly and Barney "Bad News" Johnson arrive back from their storming success on their tour of Australia, the darts world waits with bated breath for news from Reilly as to when Darts 2002 will take place. The Minister confirmed last week that it will be either April 20th or 27th, due to the large number of players who would be unable to make April 13th. Now the final date is dependent on which date the Field Marshall can get off work. The darts world waits eagerly for the Marshall to engage in showdown talks with his employer. CAT OUT OF DARTS 2002 John "The Cat" Heaney has withdrawn from Darts 2002 as he is back on the road for his South American tour. The Cat informed the committee last Tuesday night that he would be unavailable for the 20th or 27th dates. Organisers had already ruled out the 13th, which ironically Heaney would have been available for, as a number of players had declared unavailability. While the Cat's withdrawal is a disappointment for the Committee, it is not seen as a major setback. Heaney has not played darts since his glorious victory in Darts 98 and is happy to remain as an undefeated former champion. However a sense of intrigue lingers as fans and players wait for his 2003 return. BYRAN THROWS DOWN MINISTER WARNING Ciaran "The Bear" Bryan has launched a stinging warning to Minister Gary Corcoran as the days to Darts 2002 count down. Byran, not seen by many as a major contender for the title, is sick of reports suggesting he will not be a major player. He was also angered by alleged off the record comments made by Corcoran which implied that Corcoran did not fear meeting Byran in the draw. Byran hit back last Wednesday night, telling reporters in Kavanaghs pub, Fairview, "I would love to get Gary Corcoran in the draw as I would put the record straight. There are no players I fear, but Corcoran is one I would be certain of beating. I expect to make a real impression this year". Gary Corcoran declined to respond to Byran's statement. MAJORITY OF PLAYERS' PREPARATIONS GROSSLY INADEQUATE - Report By John McNab Most observers agreed that the standard of Darts seen at the event in 2000 and 2001 had been far superior to what was on offer in Darts' formative years. That is not to detract from the victories of Henry, The Cat and Kelly as it is mainly the overall standard that has improved. Much of this improvement has been attributed to correct training and practice. However fears are rife that Darts 2002 could see a return to mismatches, flops and sagging standards as reports suggest that only a tiny minority of players have begun any form of proper preparation. In the last couple of years in particular, it is well known that most players prepared well by indulging in a combination of some stamina or darting preparation. This year, it seems only the following players have embarked on a training regime: The big four of Super Robot, Joyce, Kelly and Dolan. While Joyce and Kelly are well known for their marathon practice sessions from their Ringsend base, little is known of Dolan and the elder Corcoran's actual efforts. Reports from Kerry have indicated that Dolan's training programe is more gruelling "than even in 2000", while Neil Corcoran has launched a stern regime, but believed to be less rigourous than last year. By contrast, Ciaran Bryan's Canadian tour was an unbelievable flop, and nobody else it seems has attempted to prepare for the event. The rest of the players, are believed to be hoping it will be alright on the night as happened for Barney Johnson last year. Part of the reason for this seems to be the demise of the Trimleston club, which hosted regular match nights. While there is no shame for the pack in looking on at the big four, it would be good for the game for the pelaton to break their dominance. Whilst the likes of the Henrys, Johnson, Doheny and Reilly won't lack for stamina next month, there are a number of players who would need to "get it sorted". 22 March JOHNSON AND REILLY HAILED AS APRIL 27th ANNOUNCED AS DATE Darts 2002 will take place on Saturday April 27th in the Walsh Road bastion of Barney Johnson and Denis Reilly. Following the gentlemen's return from their successful Australian tour, Johnson and Reilly made a swift decision on the date. "The 20th was unsuitable for Johnson," said an insider, "he is away for rigourous final training that weekend in Galway. The Marshall agreed to the 27th and is endeavouring to secure his own availibilty. The Minister expressed his delight. "I would like to thank Denis and Mr Johnson for their swift resolution of the issue. The next step is for myself and Mr Johnson to meet to decide on some logistics, such as board location, oche security, and such." Player are now rushing to finalise their preparations as a mere THIRTY days are to countdown between now and the first dart of darts 2002. SUPER ROBOT IN AIRLINE BUST UP The King of Darts, Neil Super Robot Corcoran has been involved in a furious row with the airline company who have agreed to fly the darts champ to Dublin for the defence of his crown. The carrier have stated categorically that Corcoran will not be allowed to bring his championship arrows into the cabin for security reasons. Corcoran is reported to have been enraged at the airline's stance and now faces the prospect of having to check his arrows in and have them potentially manhandled by baggage handler. "Neil is furious," said a London based associate, "his whole demeanour has changed since he returned to training. After a bad trainning session the other night, he even fired an arrow at his cat". Reports of Corcoran's state of mind will be closely monitored over the coming weeks. HIGH PRIEST OUT OF DARTS 2002 Conor Guinan, the High Priest faces another year out of darts as he has withdrawn from Darts 2002. In a short statement released Wednesday night, Guinan said "it is with regret, that I, the High Priest must withdraw from Darts 2002. This is because I am going on a family holiday which I had arranged for sometime before. I would like to wish the very best to all the competitors in Darts 2002 and hope to be back for the 2003 event." The Minister Gary Corcoran responded "Conor's withdrawal is a substantial blow for the event, but we hope to have him back next year." Fans will have to wait another year for his much awaited rematch with Jimmy Styles. However locals in Guinan's home town of Ferbane have greeted the news with scepticism. One local told reporters "The Ferbane Festival Fayre is on that weekend. Guinan never misses that." STYLES SET FOR DARTS 2002 Jimmy Styles has confirmed he will return to Darts at the Walsh Road event. Styles ended months of speculation by announcing earlier "I will be back for the Darts this year and look forward to competing at the event. I look forward to seeing all the old faces from previous years, hmmm." Styles news has been greeted with delight by his army of well wishers. BYRAN AND MINISTER PICTURED IN HAPPIER TIMES A photo has been uncovered of Ciaran "The Bear" Bryan and Gary "The Minister Corcoran years before their bitter public spat. 27 March Hi folks, here is the latest news HERO STYLES FACES EVICTION AGONY Veteran Darts entertainer Jimmy Styles has suffered a major blow in his prepartations for his return to Darts. The Vindicator, a hero for darts fans everywhere has learned that he is due to be evicted from his West Dublin residence. Styles learnt the news after returning from a charity function in South Tipp that he would be evicted at the end of March and now the star faces a race against homelessness. Styles has vowed not to let the ordeal break his preparations up. "Obviously it is a massive blow but I am determined to be back for the 2002 event. I think I missed last year for some reason but as the Minister declared, the show must go on." Styles' return to darts is one of the massive attractions of the 2002 event. DOLAN SET FOR ARDUOUS TRAINING Paul Dolan, the 2000 King of darts has called in the services of fitness trainer and psychologist Mr P. Bundes in an effort to improve preparations for Darts 2002. Dolan, who was dethroned by John Joyce in the 2001 quarter finals, is reportedly very determined to reclaim his crown. However reports of poor form and fatigue are emanating from Kerry. Dolan's last attempted comeback ended in farce, when the annual Red Fox Invitational was abandoned last August due to the dreadful organistational skills of Dolan. However the acquisistion of Mr Bundes is seen as a step in the right direction as the respected instructor will be putting Dolan through his paces in terms of stamina and endurance. Dolan is still a leading fancy among punters for the 2002 crown. INITIAL POLL RESULTS MAKE FOR INTERESTING READING A poll undertaken by the darts website has shed some interesting light on players' views for who would win Darts 2002. In the poll, players were asked to tip who would win the event. The results so far show Paul Dolan and John Joyce neck and neck at the head of the list with Neil Corcoran and Pat Kelly the closest challengers. Denis Reilly, Colm Lynch and Ciaran Bryan were indentified by some players are their choices and a host of players listed Barry Conroy, Dave Doheny, Jimmy Styles, Gary Corcoran and Tom Henry as "good outside bets". Pat Ryan, Colm O'Donnell, John McNab, Barney Johnson and James Henry were not selected by anyone as potential winners. Full results to follow. UPDATED BOOKIES ODDS Plenty of market movement. Overround 155% John Joyce 9-4f (was 11-4f) Paul Dolan 5-2 (was 7-2) Neil Corcoran 9-2 (was 4-1) Pat Kelly 9-2 (was 11-2) Denis Reilly 9-1 (was 10-1) Gary Corcoran 12-1 Dave Doheny 12-1 (was 14-1) Barney Johnson 14-1 (was 12-1) Tom Henry 16-1 (was 33-1) Colm O'Donnell 16-1 Colm Lynch 16-1 (was 20-1) Barry Conroy 28-1 (was 25-1) Pa Ryan 33-1 (was 25-1) Ciaran Bryan 33-1 (was 50-1) James Henry 40-1 (was 33-1) Jimmy Styles 66-1 (was 200-1) John McNab 66-1 (was 40-1) Dick Hanratty 100-1 (was 66-1) SHORTS STARS CALL FOR WALSH COMEBACK - COMMITTEE SAYS DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN HANRATTY PARTICIPATION DOUBT - RUMOUR LOGISTICS SURVEY A MASSIVE SUCCESS - MINISTER 10 April MCNAB WITHDRAWS FROM DARTS 2002 - BUST UP WITH MINISTER, COMMITTEE CITED 25 APRIL DRAW PREVIEW Barney Johnson 7 Bad News Johnson will be keen to get a favourable draw as he bids to improve on his semi-final appearance last year. Having home advantage he has little to fear from anyone in the pool. Neutrals would relish the prospect of him facing one of his bitter rivals: Ryan, Doheny, Reilly but especially Conroy Brendan Fay 16 Fay is set to debut in Darts 2002 after being hunted by the Committee for years to appear. With no units difficulties expected till later on and little championship aspirations, Fay holds no fears entering the draw and should be a useful competitor. Expect fireworks if he draws the Marshall. Sean Two Darts 16 Two Darts is an unknown quantity and connections have warned the man will adapt well to the event. His natural confidence and sporting ability mark him out as a threat and a lively character. A possible dark horse who may well take to the pressure like a duck in water. Pat Kelly 4 Double tops Kelly is one of the few players entering who it is universally accepted has genuine title claims. Kelly takes darts seriously and defeat last year hurt him bad. Pat will be keen to avoid stable mate and keen rival John Joyce if possible and is hoping for a good run to the later rounds. Sparks will fly if pitted against Cavan hardman Colm Lynch. Denis Reilly 14 The Field Marshall returns to the tournament after a good showing in 2000 and with home advantage is poised for a big impact again. Will be chomping at the bit to get stuck into his fierce rivals Johnson and Conroy and holds no fears entering the draw. Brendan Hanratty 16 Brendan Hanratty replaces his brother Dick in the lineup and has home advantage also. Not viewed by many as a major contender, he will be hoping for a respectable debut, however insiders have raised concerns over his stamina tolerance and pressure endurance in a contest of this nature. Gary Corcoran 5 The Minister faces his first tournament away from the bastion of Trimleston which may be a blessing in disguise. After being knocked out by John Joyce in successive years, he has made no secret of his wish not to face Joyce again at an early stage. Neutrals will be hoping for an intruiging clash for Corcoran against Super Robot or Ciaran Bryan. Dave Doheny 11 Spaceman Doheny knows he could progress well in the tournament if he avoids a bitter slog against the likes of Conroy or Johnson. The floppy haired star's image belies his capabilities. Holds no fear entering the draw and has a point to prove. Serguei Semikhatov 16 Semikhatov is set to become the first European to enter darts since Soren Neilsen in darts 99. Connections have warned he is well motivated and has an endless capacity for units. Expect much hilarity if the Russian is drawn against Ciaran Bryan. Jimmy Styles 24 Fitness doubts abound about the participation of Styles who is returning to the genre after a two year break. Styles is keen to take his first win in the event so will be eager to avoid players in the top 10. Remains a major attraction no matter who he is playing. Pa Ryan 10 Pa "The Scorpion King" Ryan enters darts 2002 safe in the knowledge he is unlikely to get bogged down in a dour struggle against Dick Hanratty who is a major doubt. Ryan will be out for revenge against Barney Johnson after their quarter final last year but in general will take any clash as it comes. Colm Lynch 15 Popular Cavan hardman Lynch returns to the world of Darts after his successful tour down under. Although delighted to be back, Lynch will be keen to atone for his flops in 99 and 2000 so will be hoping to light up the arena. Has scores to settle with Neil Corcoran and would be keen to knock out Pat Kelly or James Henry. Neil Corcoran 2 Little is known of the shrewd reigning champ's approach to this tournament and word is he will be keen to challenge strongly again. Entering the tournament as the "player to beat", Super Robot will know that whatever opponent he faces will raise their games a couple of levels. Keen to prove 2001 was no fluke and eager to take on any opposition but back to back wins may be a viaduct too far. Tom Henry 8 Tom "The truth" Henry returns to darts after a three year abscence and has nothing to prove to the general public. Neutrals would be fascinated if he were to be drawn against the leading lights of the present day, such as Kelly, Joyce or Super Robot. However it is well known that the walls of the Walsh Road venue would be tested to the limit if Henry was embroiled in an explosive and bitter conflict against brother James. Barry Conroy 9 Conroy is the player most people are wary of facing in the draw, due mainly not to his darting skills but because of the spectre of the Conroy taunt. Conroy's nerves of flint coupled with his mastery of mind games will always be in the back of opponents heads. Word is that Conroy is keen for a crack at Dave Doheny, but would settle for Johnson, Reilly, G Corcoran, Ryan or Fay. John Joyce 1 John Joyce is rightly ranked number on and is the man no player would begrudge winning the title given his excellent performances every year and his years of service to darts. Joyce's sheer skill and ability are usually enough to see him through the toughest of first round challenges so "dart vader" may be keeping one eye on the later rounds. James Henry 12 "The druid" James Henry has let himself down the last two years with feeble submissions. Although he is no longer regarded as a major contender, there is the chance that a spark might ignite his passion for the game and he may recapture the form of his previous years. A grudge match against brother Tom, or old foe Colm Lynch would surely see a return to his best. Ciaran Bryan 21 The Bear has made no secret of his intention to claim the title and to shoot down his rival Gary Corcoran. Although on previous form his title aspirations may be somewhat ambitious, his bitterness towards the Minister could see an intruiging clash. Brian Murphy 20 Murphy, a wildcard in darts 98 may be returning to the fold this year, although connections are not predicting a major run. |