World Series of Darts Episode Recap - Episode 2


World Series of Darts - Episode #2
Broadcast July 25, 2006 on ESPN 7pm EDT

The second episode opens with a recap of last week. The Americans struggled with doubles connecting just 18% of the time as opposed to the Internationals who checked out 35%. Can the Americans fair better this week? Again we are reminded of Johnny K the American hotshot and our best chance at a victory.

The first match of the day we officially meet Phil "The Power" Taylor. His number 2 ranking is deceiving as he is by far the best dart player in the world, winning 13 world championships. His opponent is Tim "The Dagger" O' Gorman a New York City police officer. While Taylor may be a darting hero to many, one of New York's finest O' Gorman is truly a real American hero defeating long odds to make the finals in Friday night's Midnight Madness.

As Taylor kicks off leg one we recap the rules of 501 and the scoring sections of the dartboard. When we return we find The Power leading 2 games to nil. But the Dagger is averaging a mind numbing 105 and holding his own in the third stanza. As the double wedge betrays Taylor for the fourth dart, O' Gorman steps up to snatch the victory. What a beautiful game this darts, a relative unknown has just beaten the very best player in the world under the most intense situation!

Most striking in the match is the extreme contrast in styles. O' Gorman's style can best be described as a bull rush which is fitting when you see his commanding presence and aggressive persona. Phil Taylor is a picture of controlled elegance making the game seem almost effortless. As O' Gorman storms toward the board, Taylor looks every bit a man strolling through the park.

In the end, though O' Gorman only was able to take 2 games off the highly favored Taylor. And The Power pulls through 6-2 at match's end. In a post interview, Taylor comments had The Dagger played better he would have won. Not the most interesting commentary but who can argue the logic?

Next up we meet another Tim this time its Tim Grossman of Hudson, New York. His opponent is the 15th ranked player in the world, Terry "Tucker" Jenkins. We learn that surprisingly Grossman has more darting experience then his International opponent. Having competed internationally in the past Grossman focuses on playing the board rather then his opponent.

We join the match in progress during the 7th leg with Jenkins leading by a score of 4-2. Both players struggle with the finish and after Jenkins misses 9 darts at a double, Grossman scoops up the game with his 11th dart at a finish. At only one leg back and Jenkins clearly having difficulty releasing the pressure darts, Grossman could have a real chance!

Most apparent in this match is the visual nervousness of Grossman. Jenkins takes advantage using just 14darts to win the 8th leg. In the ninth double trouble strikes Jenkins again and after 3 turns at the double Grossman finds a double 4 to draw the match within 2legs. But Jenkins gathers himself in the next to leave Grossman back at 245 and wins a very nerve shaking match. Continued...