Watson’s got the Knack as darts league gets started
John Watson was the standout performer as the 2022 edition of The Knack Premier League got under way last week.
Watson delivered 5-2 wins over both Neil Rose and David Stokell with a couple of 180s, a 116 checkout and a terrific 11-darter to his name. Rose later beat Andrew Ambler 5-0.
World number 42 Adam Hunt made his debut in the league with back-to-back whitewashes of Stokell and Brian Scollen with the help of a couple of maximums. Eddie Ashman fired in five 180s againstDavidMorrisbuthadto settle for a point. Ashman did collect three points with a 5-0 win over Keith Roberts.
Multiple Knack champion Paul Williams started his campaign off with two draws; first up was an excellent Chris Vaughan who fired in two 13-darters to rally from 3-0 down, before Williams snatched a point against Adam Atkinson, who had earlier registered a 91+ average in a 5-1 winoverScottHunt.Huntthen produced a superb performancetobeatDavePrins5-3in their second games with both players firing in three 180s.
Pete Kenny toppled the reigning champion Barry Davies in his first game, then drew with Anth Skelton with a 125 checkout in a 15-darter. Davies showed his class as he rolled off three 15-darters in a 5-0winoverTonyWelburn,averaging over 92 in the process.
Jock Lyons enjoyed wins over Skelton and Philly Dunn. Darren Patton hit a fantastic 160 checkout as he stunned Prins in a 4-4 draw, but then lost 5-0 to John Kippen, who had earlier beaten Keith Roberts 5-1. Dan Mock beat Claire Stamper and Chris Vaughan while Mal Robertson, Tony Cummings and Paul Webster allpickedupmaximumpoints.