PDC –"Well after a tough end to 2011 it's been good to get rested up and enjoy some grass roots darts with old and new friends. I am now into the groove again and preparing for the new season's starter in Benidorm. The changes to the system will present both a tough challenge and yet more great opportunities.  As always we have set goals and aim for 2012 and intend to set about reaching them as soon as possible. Good luck to all at PDC Q School especially young Ryan Herrington and my fellow Team Red Dragon players!”

Rankings – Our fastest mover in The Red Dragon Rankings is obviously Christian Kist, The new BDO world champion raises to 18 in the overall rankings an upsurge of 50 places! Andy Hamilton's run to the PDC final means he begins to threaten the top 10, Dean Winstanley making the code switch could prove very well timed with possibilities of another boost into the top echelon if he does well in early PDC events. The Count is also well placed and a good start could see Ted enter the top 10 within months! The PDC ranking offers the intriguing possibility of Phil Taylor being deposed as World No.1? Will the prodigy take the ultimate step or will `The Power' keep him waiting a while?

The 3rd Way – The Open Tour is always busy at this time of the year and provides very interesting form guide if you know where to look, going into Q School its interesting to note that Wayne Pepper , Gareth Pass and Johnny Haines have been in good form in these tough independent event, perhaps the highlight was Jamie Wilson winning The Crown Hotel Open, a large PDC contingent were all heading home before the semis and Jamie's superb final performance in beating Paul Harvey 6-0 (93 darts) was no surprise to any who watch darts in that area. In Youth darts The Flamethrower, Luis Barbaran continues to develop at an alarming pace, more wins on the tough Birmingham circuit for the young prodigy in recent times!

Unsung Heroes – A mention this week for John Fowler, known as Jayeff. John is a quality darter form the Oxford area and is also an MC/Caller of some repute, he does many charity functions as well as working with Wayne Mardle and other top line Pro's. In addition to this John works with Warwickshire County and holds down a normal job. He is one of open darts strongest supporters, often training around the country to attend events of various sizes to both play and support independent events the length and breadth of England. It is always a pleasure to see him. To catch up with John next appearance visit double16.com and check out Jayeff's MC section.

In Your Corner – Practice Partners can come in all shapes and sizes, fellow pro's, old or current team mates, talented players coming through or those trying to develop a career themselves. Young fearless players or vastly experienced impossible to phase guys. Over the last 2 years I have realized more and more how important the right practice at the right time is. Even travelling with me on occasion to make sure if I needed a back up or an extra session one was available. So give it up for the practice partner, not often seen but always valued, thanks guys!

Mile High Memoirs – Opening a PDC season in Spain will be not as novel for Mile High as it would appear, due to a confusion regarding a late switch of hotel Mark crossed into Spain in 2010 when starting his 1st season in Gibraltar, only to later informed that he would struggle to play the next day as he was actually in the wrong country!

Date : 19-01-2012