World Matchplay 2015 - 3
The first evening or darts in historic buildings
Often enough we heard already that the Winter Gardens in Blackpool are a historic building and that because of this it is not possible to
install real air condition into the Empress Ballroom - in contrast to the air conditioning in the press room which on some days blows
you back up the stairs. It's always a good idea to bring a jacket with you when you pass your time in there.
This year the heat is no problem at all instead parquet flooring is a problem - it springs. That means that this year one as a reporter
or photographer or what ever is not allowed to walk over certain parts while players are involved in a match on stage. Would you do the
stage springs as well which would not really help the player's accuracy... One of the TV cameras is affected as well though should you wonder about
wobbly pictures - it's not the technique only some people walking over the floor. So this year a new theme beside the players will appear in most
published pictures - the handrail of the stairs leading in stage.
But despite all the problems the Empress Ballroom just is an incredible venue. The atmosphere is great; the crosswise stage is really
good for the crowd as well as the fact that they don't sit on a "normal" stand but in some kind of theatre circle makes the tournament
special. The players as well love the venue and when asked Eric Bristow said he can't imagine that the PDC will give up the venue
despite all plans to expand. The advantages in this case compensate all deficits. It can't always be everything as perfect as one
is used to today and often is expecting. After all the Winter Gardens never were designed and build for televised darts.
The first evening of the tournament didn't bring any upsets but some good darts matches. For me most surprising were the performances
of Simon Whitlock and Joe Murnan. Whitlock hadn't really convinced recently or even impressed but that was totally different against the
in last time so strong playing Jelle Klaasen. Whitlock took a short break during the match but played otherwise almost as impressive as
in his best times.
Almost as surprising for me was Joe Murnan's performance. I had awaited the debutant would be one of the weakest
opponents for the seeded players in the first round but Lewis had to work really hard and Murnan made a really impressive comeback.
The best match played Peter Wright as always supported by his as well colourful family members. In this match the difference between
the performances of the two players on stage was especially clear - Kim Huybrechts never was in the match and threw too many weak
scores to be a danger for Wright. Michael van Gerwen played a more medium match and the second debutant had some good darts against him.
All in all it was a good start of the tournament - and at least at that evening my prediction that none of the unseeded players would survive the first round proved right.
