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HOME!!! BARRY CONROY It is reasonably fair to say that Barry Conroy has not set the world of darts alight. While not appearing to be a poor player, he has yet to move up a gear and make a lasting impact on the event. Conroy possesses ability and skill, has no difficulties with the units, and seems to have a burning will to defeat his close rivals. But punters banking on him to go one further and put on a credible run of form could be advised to hedge their bets. After beating Barney Johnson in 99 he flopped in the quarter finals to Gary Corcoran. In 2000 after a tight win over Digger Matthews, he fell apart completely against the power of Paul Dolan. Last year Conroy hit rock bottom with a bitter defeat to his fierce rival Barney Johnson. With bookies not looking outside of the "big 4" for a winner, Conroy is on offer at a generous 25-1. Given the difficulties of players to maintain their form from year to year these are indeed generous odds. Given that the likes of Doheny, Johnson and G. Corcoran have reached the latter stages, this could well be the year Conroy does likewise. COLM LYNCH Colm Lynch will always be remembered for two darts incedents: his entrance as the half time entertainment in Darts 98 and his horrific leg injury sustained at the hands of Karl Heaney during Darts 99 which initiated the descent of that year's event into chaos. Pundits tend to overlook his match record, which is not inspiring. Lynch was among the favourites entering Darts 2000 following his tutelage under Dave Heaney. In the build up, the Cavan hardman was the one player who could compete with the Mayo legend. On the day it all went wrong as Lynch's pop at the big time was ended by Super Robot in a surprising result. Since that Lynch has been out of the game and his preparations are unknown. Rumours that he has been in heavy training in Australia have yet to be confirmed. One thing is for sure - Darts will rejoice at the return of one of its true stars. Whether he will have a massive impact on the result remains to be seen. CONOR GUINAN The High Priest has returned to the darts scene this year after a lengthy layoff. Guinan, a regular in the early years of darts provided stiff opposition on the oche without ever setting the tournament alight. It is unfortunate for midlands based player that he will always be remembered for his clash with Jimmy Styles in the Darts 97 preliminary rounds. This match, along with the Lynch v Mulvey clash in 1999 is regarded as the worst game ever seen in the history of the tournament. The groan of disbelief when Guinan missed a series of checkout attempt to allow Styles back to bring the match to a third leg still grates in the minds of observers who were in the arena that night. Quarter final defeats in 97 and 98 were followed by a bizarre abscence from Darts 99. The High Priest was arrested and detained in custody on the morning of the event and was unable to travel in time for registration. Since that Guinan has been on tour in Holland and Australia and has returned to full fitness after serious injury. If Guinan does make it to Darts 2002 it will be a welcome return for one of the old school. If he enters and is drawn against Jimmy Styles, a mouth watering clash is in prospect - for sadists. DAVE DOHENY Doheny represents a new breed of unconventional darter. His much mocked hairstyle, scruffy demeanour and laid back approach have resulted in one of the most unlikely looking players on the circuit. However Dave Doheny is made of strong stuff as his debut in Darts 2000 showed. A fine win over bitter rival Barney Johnson was followed by a brilliant peformance in a convincing win over then champion Pat Kelly. The Monk went on to be an unlucky loser against John Joyce in another brilliant semi final. His great showing in 2000 was marred in 2001 as he was blown away by the Dolan express, still on a high from his 2000 victory. Doheny epitomises cool, but some have argued he is too laid back to ever walk away with the title. More prudent obsevers have noted Doheny needs no motivation when facing the likes of Johnson, Ryan and Conroy. Keep an eye on Doheny in April; he is one to be avoided in the draw. JOHN JOYCE No neutral would begrudge John Joyce the King of Darts title after his exploits in recent years. The popular Ringsend man debutted in Darts 99 and it was plain to see from an early stage that he was an exceptional player. Joyce played some excellent darts in reching the quarter finals until he was narrowly beaten by wildcard John Sower who went on to reach the final. The following year he returned and was on many tipsters' shortlists for the title. In an amazing campaign, the Dart Vader reached the final beating Gary Corcoran, Pa Ryan and Dave Doheny in thrilling matches. Observers noted his play was inconsistent but he always managed to pull out the goods when it counted. In the final however he was no match for Dolan, and it seemed the previous excesses had taken their toll. Darts 2001 saw a mouth-watering first round clash with his stable mate Pat Kelly. Joyce blew away Kelly in record time and went on to gain revenge on Dolan in blistering style for his previous defeat. In the semis, John pipped Gary Corcoran at the death after a thrilling encounter, but again fell short in the final. This time it was Neil "Super Robot" Corcoran who beat the unlucky Joyce. Nobody is in any doubt of Joyce's ability but after two final defeats, it is possible doubts have entered his mind. However there is growing feeling that John Joyce will not let his chance slip this year. He is the number one ranked player and the rankings do not lie. If Joyce does win in April it would be a victory all of the darts would feel is just. COLM O'DONNELL Colm O'Donnell has been discounted by many as a contender for this year's title. O'Donnell, known as mad dog is remembered by most as a first round loser last year. However on closer analysis, it is maintained that the first round clash was a game that Neil Corcoran was extremely fortunate to win. While Super Robot went onto glory, O'Donnell was left to rue his missed chances. Little is known of his preparation for this year's event. What is known is that O'Donnell was a tough competitor on the London circuit for many years. He is reported to have shown excellent darting ability and has no difficulty with stamina or units. The big question is whether O'Donnell has the hunger to drive himself to glory in Darts 2002. Expect some emphatic answers in April. PA RYAN Pa Ryan remains along with Barry Conroy darts' greatest underachiever in recent years. The big colourful star is now an established performer on the circuit, but fans are still waiting for him to come good. Given his undoubted "pool hall" lifestyle for years, much was expected of Pa Ryan when he entered the darts scene in 1999. Ryan put in a competent performance in that year's event, nervously beating wildcard O'Keefe on his way to the quarter finals where he put up a brave show against eventual champion Pat Kelly. Observers noted that Ryan would move on from that showing and be a contender in the years to follow. Sadly things did not work out for him as he has been blighted by being drawn against Dick Hanratty in 2000 and 2001. Although Hanratty is not one of the strongest players on the circuit, Ryan has struggled terribly against him and the dour stuggles seem to have taken their toll on him each year. In 2000, Ryan faced John Joyce and despite outplaying him for much of the match, failed to take his chances to win. In 2001, Ryan was much fancied to take Barney Johnson in the quarters, but was pipped as Johnson punished his checkout misses. With 2002 expected to have an even more competitive event, Ryan may find the hunger and indeed the luck to show his doubters his colours. A strong performance from the big man would be good for the game. JAMES HENRY James Henry is regarded by some as one of the greats of the darts circuit. The flamboyant crowd pleaser has always been a big attraction, popular with neutrals and an entertainer on the oche. However, the last couple of years have seen his star wane, as miserable performances in 2000 and 2001 have left doubts over his ability and future potential. Henry was one of the favourites for the title in 97, and began with a blistering display against enigmatic Dave Devins. Many have regarded this display as Henry's finest hour, but critics have question Devins' ability. In the semi final, James was surprisingly ground out by his brother Tom in a bitter and dour affair. While Tom Henry went onto darts legendry in that event, James was left the bridesmaid, almost brawling with Richard Oakley during the final. Things did not get better in 98, as after Henry destroyed a feeble Gary Corcoran, he flopped miserably against rival Al Heaney. Having missed the 99 event, Henry returned in 2000, to be on the end of another hammering by the Field Marshall followed by a revenge destruction by the Minister Corcoran in 2001. Despite his good ability and pedigree, Henry's recent performances have been shocking, and there is little evidence to suggest he will make any impression in 2002. Henry still remains one of the big attractions of the tournament and if he were given a good start, there is no doubting he could do well. BARNEY JOHNSON Barney "Bad News Johnson is another who burst onto the darts scene in 1999. It was said of him that "Trouble follows him like a bad smell" and it was partly true in his darts form so far. The fiery Johnson has managed to keep his explosive side under control for most of his darts career. Having beaten wildcard Webb with an amazing comeback on his debut, Johnson was thrashed by fierce rival Barry Conroy in the second round. The taunting and abuse from Conroy was severe and was doubled in 2000 when he was brushed aside by other fierce rival Dave Doheny in a onesided affair. After two solid years of taunting, Johnson lit up Darts 2002 reaching the semi finals with good wins over Conroy and Pa Ryan on the way. Although Super Robot provided a bridge too far, Johnson vindicated himself and exacted sweet revenge over Conroy. With a succesful tour of Australia just under his belt and home advantage to boot, Johnson enters Darts 2002 with great form as a formidable opponent. This year could see him go one better and if his explosive side comes to the fore there could be fireworks in Walsh Road. CIARAN BRYAN Ciaran Bryan's recent soundings indicate he could be one of the big stories of Darts 2002. The giant "Bear" has made no secret of his belief that he will win the Darts title. Apologists have claimed that he was in a poor frame of mind last year with the birth of his son due only weeks after the event and will improve this year. However it is a great improvement that is required. Byran showed that night that stamina and units are clearly not an problem for him, as he adapted to the tournament well, despite his strange attire. However on the darting front in 2001, he presented a miserable display. Given that Johnny "The fugitive" Walsh was a tricky opponent, Byran offered feeble resistance, including not hitting the board at all in the shootout. Critics would use 2001 as their main aummunition and it is hard to defend him. Byran could not be regarded as a fool, but his frequent soundings and attacks on Gary Corcoran are interesting. If he does well he will be hailed as a genius and a master of psychology. But the vultures will already be circling about his giant frame if he wilts under the pressure of the arena again. GARY CORCORAN The Minister for Posts and Telegraphs, Gary Corcoran is hailed by many as a legend of darts for devising the concept and franchise for the Darts tournament series. But he hurts inside at his failure to ever come near capturing the big crown. Corcoran remains the only man to have competed in every Darts tournament. 97 saw him flop feebly against Paul Dunne, and 98 saw him blitzed out with a whimper against James Henry. 99 saw a fair performance beating Sheridan and Conroy on the way to the semis where he failed to perform against eventual beaten finalist, wildcard John Sower. Corcoran gave John Joyce a tough first round game in 2000 but came up short, and 2001 saw an improved performance reaching the semi finals. A reportedly rigiourous training programme saw victories over James Henry and Walsh but hope but was dashed by an agonising defeat again, by John Joyce. It is fair to say the Minister has improved greatly over the years and remains a formidable opponent, but would not be regarded by many as a definite contender. Reports suggest the Trimleston demise has taken its toll on Corcoran and his lack of proper preparation will tell. The Minister's hunger could be a telling factor in deciding the final outcome. TOM HENRY Even if Tom Henry never wins a match again he will always be assured of his place in Darts history. While some of the players of the current day may regard Henry as a relic linking us to the past, Henry, known as "The truth", has a darts crown under his belt, which can never be taken from him. It was thought for a long time that Henry would not return to the darts scene but his recent announcement of a return has provided a massive boost for the Richmond based star. In Darts 98 Johnny the Cat showed scant respect for reputation and dethroned Henry on the way to clinching his own title. In darts 99 it was the power of Pat Kelly that brushed aside Henry as Kelly went on his way to write history. But it was Henry's sweet victory in 1997, that remains in the memory. Henry arrived at the venue in a Leeds rugby league jersey and his practice form had been shockingly poor. Disregarded by the main contenders as a contender, Henry faced tournament favourite "Mad" Al Heaney in the quarter finals. Henry shocked the onlookers as he ground out a fine victory in a close game. And things were to get tougher as the Truth faced a grudge semifinal against his brother who had been on fine form. In the style of a true street brawler, Henry snr ground on to the final where prodigy Richard Oakley awaited. Oakley was regarded as a classier player and had the advantage of being much more sober. Not only did Henry grind out the tie but outdarted Oakley towards the end. To rapturous cheers and roars, Henry was crowned King of Darts and became a darts legend. After the ups and downs that followed this event, Henry has overcome the demons to return for 2002 to mass approval. Can he repeat the feat of 97 in 2002? Much stranger things have happened and Henry may hold a psychological edge over many of the field. Stamina is never an issue and if his darting form returns, Henry could find himself on top of the pile again. JIMMY STYLES Known as James Harty to his hardcore of followers, the charismatic Jimmy Styles carries the mantle of being one of the most popular players the game has ever seen. Although now 29 years of age, he remains for many the perennial Peter Pan of darts, the local Tipp boy with the impish grin and precocious talent. Ever since his first Darts appearance in 1997, he has been burdened with the tag of the greatest player never to to have made any impact on the tournament - and as the years go by he seems less and less likely to shake it. Styles exploded onto the scene in Darts 97 only to see himself be ground out by Conor "The High Priest" Guinan in a shockingly poor game. Shattered, Styles returned in 98 vowing to be vindicated. There he faced Karl Heaney, one of the leading lights of his day and stunned Karl with a terrific performance but was unable to clinch victory. Styles' darts career was rocked by a mysterious absence in 99, for which he claims to have forgotten to attend. However his comeback in 2000 was rocked when he was annhilated by new boy Paul Dolan. Styles promised to roar back in 2001 but sadly was unable to attend again. 2002 sees him return and darts welcomes back its greatest legend. PAUL DOLAN Paul Dolan, is regarded by many as the greatest of the darts champions, clinching the 2000 title without dropping a leg on the way. This amazing feat may never be equalled and few would question his brilliance or his ability to do it again. Dolan was derided on his darts debut for the huge woolly jumper he wore but silenced his critics with an astonishing demolition of Jimmy Styles, featuring a record high checkout. Dolan continued to obliterate Barry Conroy in the quarter finals, to be followed by a meeting with the resurgent Super Robot, who he effaced. The final saw him triumph over John Joyce, and Dolan wrote his name into the annals. 2001 saw another big show from Dolan, who was keen to show that his hunger had not been sated. He destroyed Dave Doheny in the opening round to set up a mouth watering rematch again John Joyce in the quarter finals. Dolan lit the fireworks in the first leg, but Joyce slung back to grab revenge. Dolan claimed recently that the title of reigning champ is a great burden he is relieved not to be carrying on his back this year. Dolan is capable of massive scores and clinical checkouts. His hunger and ability make him a masssive contender. NEIL CORCORAN Neil Super Robot Corcoran's story is an inspiration for darts players down on their luck everywhere. Super Robot entered Darts 99 among the throngs of players who flocked to the game that year. A solid performance saw him lose to Anti-hero Brian Mulvey and he suffered the indignity of being the first man knocked out. Few felt he would return to the discpline given that he was involved with Tom Henry in the "Darts saddest face" incedent later on. Return he did but was again regarded as a non-contender. It could have been the famous post draw quote from Colm Lynch which spurred Corcoran on - "no offence to Super Robot but I am delighted with that draw!" Corcoran employed an unorthodox mathematical style to overcome Lynch surprisingly and to defeat the impressive Field Marshall onto what was regarded an unlikely semifinal appearance. However it was there he succumbed to Dolan's unstoppable charge and was not disgraced. It was from the ashes of this defeat that Super Robot's eventual darts triumph was master minded. Most contenders politely applauded his 2000 heroics but gave him little chance in 2001. A nasty first round draw against the gifted mad dog O'Donnell saw his doubters circle and when the Gorey hardman went one nil up, the obituaries were being written. A brilliant comeback, in which Corcoran returned to an orthodox style saw him squeeze past. After a facile win over Dan Grennan, Corcoran faced hardman Barney Johnson in an epic semi final and pipped him with epic checkouts. A classic final against John Joyce followed and the drive and determination of Super Robot coupled with some brilliant shooting was enough for him to claim the title. Rumours abound that Corcoran has "lived it up" in his year as champion as being discounted as Corcoran's tranmutation from Darts flop to peerless winner was no doubt achieved by gruelling preparations in the East End of London. Super Robot is unwilling to taste easy defeat again and has a great desire to retain his title. JOHN MCNAB McNab will not be competing in the tournament following a difference of opinions with the committee. Best of luck to all the competitors and hope you enjoy a great day on April 27th. |