World Series of Darts May 19-21 2006 cont

The First Round
Players were required to check in by 11am for Saturdays main draw. My match was scheduled to be the 13th of the day so I had quite a wait. After checking in and chatting with the players I decided to go down to the theater and watch Isen's match. I have to say he did an excellent job for being the first to play. He just missed darts at doubles but he was very much in the match and showed that with a bit of experience he is capable of winning on that level.

After Isen's match I decided to go get some lunch. This caused me to miss some of the next couple matches but a guy has to eat and Michael Jordan cooks a good steak. After lunch and throughout the day I continued to watch matches and warm-up in small spurts. And I spent a lot of time going between the theater and the player’s room.

The atmosphere in the player’s room was very optimistic but edgy in the early portions of the day. Some of the usual swagger wasn’t present and I think everyone was just a touch tense. The Brits on the other hand joked and fooled around - mostly amongst themselves. And you could certainly see a contrast in demeanor.

John Part as always was fun to joke around with and we talked about sewa a bit. Great seeing you again by the way John. And I also talked to Dudbridge about the 100@ the 20's. Wayne introduced himself to me for the first time as well. For the most part, I would say it was a divided practice room. PDC players warming up with they’re peers and Americans throwing with Americans.

As loss after loss was broadcast into the practice room the tension grew thicker and thicker. The pressure seemed to build every match for someone to break the ice. By the time Roger Carter lost his match the mood turned a bit to worry.