Barnsley Players Championship, Saturday 12th June, 2010.

Barnsley Players Championship, Saturday 12th June, 2010.

I travelled on the train to Mexborough with my son (Daniel) and met up with Darren Johnson for a practice at his house before going to the venue. We set off from his house at 10am and had plenty of time to get to the venue! I propose all Players Championships are to be played at Barnsley!!

In the first round I had drawn Paul Nicholson who was seeded 14 for the event and was the first game on. I have recently changed my mental attitude and approach to the game and was looking forward to trying it out against a top class player like Paul.

The game swung one way then the other and at 3-3 I was more than in the match but unfortunately it ended there with Paul taking some great finishes out to win the game 6-3. I was reasonably happy but still know I have a way to go yet but happy I had played half decent in my first test of the new attitude. My winning legs were 14,18,16 darts.

Darren Johnson won his first round against Tony Randell finishing the match on 170. Unfortunately he lost out in the next round to a very in-form Colin Lloyd.

The event was won by Gary Anderson who beat Mark Walsh in the final. Justin Pipe had a great run to the semi final before losing out to Gary Anderson.

Barnsley Players Championship, Sunday 13th June, 2010.

I travelled with Darren and Daniel on Sunday and followed the same routine. I wish all these Players Championships could be closer!

In the first round I had drawn Vincent Van Der Voort and again was the first match on. I took the first leg in 15 darts and Vincent raised the level by taking the next 6 legs. I did not watch him throwing but know in the last 3 legs I had only thrown 9/12 darts so he must have been throwing well.

Looking at my weekend for positives I can surprisingly draw quite a few but I also know where I need to improve. My new approach to the game I feel is going to work for me however, I need to get more consistency in mid-game.

Looking forward to Holland and Las Vegas already!!

Thanks for reading,

Dave Ladley