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HOME!!! Jan 20 TOM "THE TRUTH" HENRY'S BETTING ANALYSIS Here Darts 97 champ Tom "The truth" Henry gives his expert insight and analysis of Darts 2003 from a betting perspective. "Denis Reilly 11-4 5-2 Achtung, Achtung. If the field marshal were a stick of rock and you cracked him open you'ld see only one word written all the way thro' - "QUALITY". An even safer bet than Nazshi gold in a Swiss bank for the final. Neil Corcoran 3-1 The Appliance of Science. Can Super Robot be the cutting edge again or is it the scrap heap? May short circuit in the semis. Put him up for a place Ciaran Bryan 7-2 7-2 4-1 Power and the glory. Once the bear gets his grizzly grip on the game he'll crush the life out of the opposition. Paws for thought before bypassing these odds. Paul Dolan 4-1 7-2 9-2 Potential non runner but if he turns up will be challenging and with his pedigree could go all the way. Look to a place in the semis Dave Doheny 10-1 12-1 11-2 Do it for the nipper. With a birth in the family is the spacemans thoughts in the right place or is it somewhere in orbit. Colm Reilly 5-1 6-1 The kitten. The prodigy of Johnny the Cat, brother of the field marshal & untested in the crucible. Kitty Kan't, but maybe next year. Place in the 2nd round. Gary Corcoran 6-1 7-1 The godfather of darts, the minister but as yet not the king. Steady improvement has seen him reach the semis but faces further tough questions in the house this year. The quarters are his safest seat. John Heaney 8-1 7-1 Which Cat shall we see, the lager drinking revolutionary that once stormed the King of the Darts or the merlot drinking effete ponce with his young "prodigy". I know which the fans deserve to see. Round 2 nonce sense. Chris Plockelman 8-1 9-1 All the way from the US of A and something of an unknown. Only time will tell if its a Desert Storm or another Black Hawk Down. You're whistling Dixie if you back this man to win! Mark Ellis 14-1 10-1 Friend of the Field Marshal and a man who takes a risk and likes to gamble. Untested in the darts world but will play the game with a smile. Do you know what else smiles at you before the kill? A shark thats what! Just whe you thought it was safe to go back on the oche. Quarter finals Sean Laphen 10-1 11-1 Two goals, two darts, two hopes.... bob and none. 2 rounds more like Gregor Hall 12-1 Another debutant and a case of wait and see but I think a place any further than round one will be as tangiable as Scots Mist for this man. Barney Johnson 12-1 14-1 "Women made his legs weak" commented darts svengali Gax Gallaghan as he led the Old Man from the oche last year. This year Bad News could be good news for the punters as celebacy is the key word from the Johnson camp. A place bet for the quarters could be good value. Rising up and back on the streets Brendan Fay 16-1 Nessun dorma when this mans on the oche. The fastest darts in the business but more haste less waste. The big Fay out in the 2nd round Colm O'Donnell 16-1 20-1 25-1 Will he turn up? Can he reproduce friendly form in competition? Too many questions for the average punter James Henry 20-1 18-1 Of darts families, younger brothers have never fared as well as older brothers in the darts tournament (Corcorans, Reillys, Henrys) & I can't see it changing this year. Dancing trousers and flash shirts won't save you when the pressures on. A spell in the Quarter finals for the druid if luck; more like round two Pa Ryan 25-1 20-1 When asked recently how he could do in darts 2003 Pa responded "I'm a man without conviction, I'm a man who doesnt know, when I'm gone, I'm gone for ever, I come and go, I come and go." An enigma but its no riddle for us as the Rock's roll stops in round 2 Conor Guinan 33-1 40-1 20-1 Its been too long and although he will attend, its round one exit. John Looby 25-1 A mate of the marshall's with unknown pedigree. Best stay safe on the betting. Conor Delaney 25-1 You could stake each way at long odds on Kennedy, but you might be safer do a 1.50 euro quickpick. Steer clear. Declan O'Regan 25-1 Another unknown, best sticking to the proven form players. A no bet here. Serguei Semikhatov 28-1 "Darts is cool" If he sticks to the vodka instead of the lager it may improve his checking out. Big scorer but can't finish. Round one exit Jimmy Styles 25-1 33-1 Vibe for Stylsie. No chance. Round one exit Barry Conroy 40-1 33-1 Ha he got the stomach for this competition? Probably not, but he's got the abs. Its looking like another round one exit. For a novelty bet put your money on Barry to out taunt Johnny the Cat over the course of darts 2003. Generous odds on that one. Also bet on him to be first man to mention "Where we going after this one lads" Brendan Hanratty 50-1 Brendan works in a bank and your money's usually safe in bank. Not in this case. Round one exit." 22 Jan GREAT HALLS ON FIRE (courtesy of two-darts news service) The inaugural Heytesbury lane Classic got of to a controversial start last night with the outcome still the subject of on going debate. Not since Roy Keane called Mick MacCarthy a f*****g w****r has one incident so dominated the media. A large crowd packed into the arena to see this clash of the titans as Gregor 'the scot' Hall went up against two darts Laphen. The darts were of a high level from the outset as Hall consistently out scored Laphen only to struggle on the doubles. Rumours swept the arena of Two darts all night extra curricula activities. Had he used up all his scoring powers the previous night? Laphen quipped to the crowd 'Two darts, Two goals, two holes'. A true heir to that other Belfast sporting legend, Georgie Best. Hall had taken an early lead but was pegged back to 2 all. He then brilliantly finished on double 1 to take the match 3:2. Or so he thought. He had not accounted for the gamesmanship of Two darts. Disgruntled with the outcome and possibly suffering sleep deprivation he proposed a three dart shoot out. Two darts then produced the darts of the night to rack up an impressive 112 which Hall could not match. As two darts celebrated Hall protested vehemently that he had never agreed that it was winner takes all and claimed a moral victory 3 legs to 2. The judges could come to no agreement and there are real fears that this could lead to an irreparable split between these two giants of the modern game. With matches every night this week in the build up to darts 2003 there is sure to be no lack of excitement. Heaven help us all if the draw should but these to rivals together. Sparks will fly along with the darts. CAT TO BOYCOTT "DARTS EVE" DRINKS Johnny the Cat Heaney has stated he will not attend the tradition "pre event drinks" held in a pub on the night before the event. The unofficial event has over the year provided a social focus for players to unwind and discuss with other players their views on the prospects for the big event, aswell as reminiscing over past nights of glory. However Heaney has stated he will not attend - "it is a sham. I will not go". Some observers have commented that this augars well for the prospects of Heaney and protegee Colm Reilly that they are so well focussed for the big event, however respected Darts commentator and analyst Tom Henry dismissed this notion. "This is a fallacy. The Cat is going out of his mind because "The Nutty Professor" is on TV3 Friday night and "The Klumps" is on Sky premiere. The Cat's preparations are in chaos as he grapples with this dilemma!" Shorts BOARD TO BE BOLTED INTO POSITION TONIGHT MAD DOG O'DONNELL CONFIRMS ENTRY Star tells press "it's what Philo would have wanted". CONROY TAUNTS JOHNSON'S "LACK OF STAMINA" Conroy alleges "arena will be a lake of puke". 23 Jan DOLAN OUT OF DARTS 2003 The 2000 King of Darts, Paul Dolan has withdrawn from Darts 2003. Dolan, who was always doubtful to enter, confirmed as expected, that he would not compete, citing family reasons. However, Dolan has vowed to return for the 2004 event. "It's been a difficult decision," Dolan told reporters in the Brandon Hotel, "however the time is not right for me personally. I expect no difficulties for 2004, and wish best of luck to all the competitors." However, in a frank questions and answers session, Dolan claimed that the standard has dropped and that the line up for Darts 2003 is weak. "When you look at Darts 2000 and 2001, they were the strongest years in my opinion. Denis Reilly and Neil Corcoran were not of championship standard in 2000, and now, you have the likes of Ciaran Bryan in the final. I recall Bryan struggled with the standard in 2001 and was atrocious." Dolan dismissed most of the current field as not being contenders but added it will not take a lot to win Saturday's event. However his two selections were Denis Reilly and Neil Corcoran. A spokesman for Denis Reilly said "Denis doesn't take Dolan's remarks too seriously. Denis is the defending champion on merit and looks forward to when Dolan decides to return to the genre." Other players were less composed, with Serguei Semikhatov reportedly furious and Pa Ryan needing to be "held back". FAY OUT OF DARTS 2003 Brendan Fay, the quick throwing Cavan marathon man has withdrawn from Darts 2003 citing work commitments. "I have to work Saturday. I will be around to catch the action at some point in the day but will be unable to compete. I'd like to wish all the players the best of luck," Fay announced during the visit to the venue on Tuesday. While Dolan is possibly the most gifted player in the genre, Fay is not regarded as a major contender. However, his whirlwind style made him a firm favourite with spectators. Fay's problems with units have been widely discussed. STYLES OUT OF DARTS 2003 Jimmy Styles, the popular Tipp vindicator has withdrawn from Darts 2003. In a letter to the Minister, Styles announced his withdrawal due to "family commitments" and stated he regretted having to withdraw. Styles, like Fay is not regarded as a major contender having a poor record at the events, however he is remembered for some of the greatest moments in the finals' history including the bull outshot v Pat Kelly in 2002, and his chronic match v Conor "The High Priest" Guinan in 1997. The withdrawal of Dolan, Fay and Styles leave the field for the event at 22. DRAW FORMAT A field of 22 will mean 6 first round games and 10 players getting a bye to the second round. ODDS UPDATE Reilly is the clear favourite with strong support and reportedly in "ominous form", according to Johnson. There are significant market moves for Doheny, Heaney and Mad Dog O'Donnell. Denis Reilly 11-4 5-2 9-4 Neil Corcoran 3-1 11-4 Ciaran Bryan 7-2 7-2 4-1 Dave Doheny 10-1 12-1 11-2 9-2 John Heaney 8-1 7-1 5-1 Gary Corcoran 6-1 7-1 6-1 Colm Reilly 5-1 6-1 7-1 Chris Topher 8-1 9-1 Mark Ellis 14-1 10-1 Sean Laphen 10-1 11-1 10-1 Gregor Hall 12-1 10-1 Barney Johnson 12-1 14-1 12-1 Colm O'Donnell 16-1 20-1 25-1 14-1 James Henry 20-1 18-1 16-1 Pa Ryan 25-1 20-1 18-1 Serguei Semikhatov 28-1 20-1 John Looby 25-1 25-1 Declan O'Regan 25-1 Colm Kennedy 28-1 Conor Guinan 33-1 40-1 33-1 Barry Conroy 40-1 33-1 Brendan Hanratty 50-1 40-1 UNITS FOCUS UNITS FOCUS - DARTS 97 Units have remained an integral part of the darts genre since its inception in 1997. The Darts genre itself was devised that January following the introduction of a darts board to the Trimleston venue by Mad Al Heaney. A strong darts rivalry developed among the members of the club with the likes of Oakley and Al Heaney himself the most talented players of the day. A competition was mooted among the members to decide the answer to the question, who was the darts champion? With external interest from gifted players such as Walsh and Willis and other outsiders, the desire to create the competition was there. Gary Corcoran assumed the vacant title of Minister for Posts and Telegraphs and set about forming a committee, known as "The Committee" to create the event. One controversial rule was introduced, that a number of units must be consumed before the title can be claimed. While there was some minimal resistance to the rule, it was broadly welcomed and the event was steamrolling to its launch. On the day a field of ten were in attendance and it was looking like a straight battle between the gifted but cocksure Oakley and flamboyant showman Al Heaney. However the units factor kicked in, not in the poor performances of the two favourites, but the inspired performance of Tom Henry, a rank outsider who had showed shocking form in the run up to the event. Henry was inspired by his units, Fosters lager, which lifted his game from its normal mediocre self to being sublime and exceptional. Henry stunned Heaney in the quarters then ground out a battle against his bitter rival in the semis - brother James Henry to set up a final against the young Oakley. Oakley had ceased consuming his units in the semis having fulfilled the rule and was roundly booed throughout the arena. Henry merely upped his consumption and outplayed Oakley throughout the match. The pivotal moment was in the fourth leg where Oakley and distracted scorekeeper James Henry had to be separated from coming to blows following a dispute over scoring protocol. A staggering Tom Henry clinched the match, and the title of King of Darts and a true God of units. UNITS FOCUS - DARTS 98 Mostly the same faces appeared for Darts 98. Oakley had moved on so Al Heaney and the talented but dysfunctional Karl Heaney lined up to dethrone Tom Henry. However it was a shaven headed stranger in black, Johnny "The Cat" Heaney, fuelled by cans of Carlsberg that he swilled between darts that cut the imposing figure of the day. JHeaney was a master of mind games and intimidation and faced the champ Henry in the opening match. Heaney's sledging, smoke blowing and jostling have become the stuff of legend and ousted Henry from the competition. The former champ had no complaints and the event was thrown open. The rest is epic history, as the Cat went on to clinch the title beating both of the Heaney brothers on the way. "He was not the greatest player I ever saw in the event," said Gary Corcoran, "but there was no beating him that day." UNITS FOCUS - DARTS 99 The innocent days of Darts 97 and 98 were brought crashing to earth with the monster that was Darts 99. While the first two events were well organized and good spirited affairs, the genre was in part victims of their massive success. The event saw now-established stars such as Ryan, Conroy, Johnson and Super Robot make their debuts, but it was marketed by some club members as a sort of free love celebration. "I knew we were in trouble," said the minister, "when I saw the paddling pool and the lad with a guitar". Some great matches were on display in the packed arena early in the event, but it was the units that tookthe upper hand over much of the lightweight field. The events of the day are well documented elsewhere but the final became a battle between the burly Pat Kelly, a regular visitor and player in the house and unknown gifted wildcard John Sower. Kelly was fuelled by Carlsberg and vodka and won an epic final in fine style with a comeback from the death. Had the players been sober, few would argue on a different result. UNITS FOCUS - DARTS 2000 Darts 2000 saw the birth of modern darts, with most of today's established players now in tow. John Joyce, a debutant in 99, was a slight favourite ahead of his stable mate Kelly. However it was the jumper wearing bulky figure of Paul Dolan, the Offaly man trapped in the depths of Kerry that dominated the event. Nobody could come near the sharpshooter all day as he annihilated Styles, Conroy and Neil Corcoran. Units never entered as a major factor, as Dolan destroyed Joyce in a blitzkrieg final. Joyce struggled with his units; no difficulty for Dolan with his cans of Budweiser. This was a classic tournament, a celebration of darts. UNITS FOCUS - DARTS 2001 Neil "Super Robot" Corcoran cut a sorry figure during Darts 99 as he stayed defiant until the end throughout mass scenes of carnage. He had done his homework and his three year plan came to fruition at Darts 2001. Bringing in tow a crate of duty free Amstel, the mechanical genius skipped past Mad Dog O'Donnell and Dan Grennan on his way to a semis clash with Barney Johnson. Johnson pushed him all the way, but with the popular European lager in his circuits, he edged ahead to the final against the gifted but unit intolerant Joyce. An epic final followed and the Robot clinched the title. UNITS FOCUS - DARTS 2002 Denis Reilly flew in the face of popular convention to win Darts 2002. Never before had a player won the event on any other unit choice other than lager. With the event now moved to the brilliant Walsh Road arena, the event was opening up to a new mass audience and was the most wide open since Darts 99. Reilly, on Bulmers cider started late in the event, and dethroned the champ in the first round and after this his name looked to be on the trophy.. He continued with a display of darts and unitting that ground out for him the title. Memorable units displays were given by Fay, Semikhatov and Joyce in his match v Two darts, but there was no stopping the Field Marshall as he annexed the title beating Ciaran Bryan in the final after victories over James Henry and the Minister Corcoran. Jan 24 SCHEDULE 1.00 Registration Players are invited to register their entrance or register by phone if not at the venue. 1.20 Draw Great excitement 1.30 First Round commences. 3.30 Second Round 7.15 Mid event interval 8.00 Quarter finals 9.30 Semi Finals 10.15 Final |