The World of Darts

Watched a bit of the UK Open last night and was wondering will Phil Taylor ever lose he world number 1 spot? This guy is a fanrastic player and will take some beating. I understand (correct me if i'm wrong) but the rankings are based on prize money from the previous year. There are a few people I think could take over from Taylor and be the best in the world - even though it won't be for a few years yet. They are:-

James Wade - Great player when he turns up. Inconcistant.
Adrian Lewis - same as James.
Gary Anderson - I think if this guy can finish better he can do it. He is a heavy scorer.
Simon Whitlock - Showed what he can do at the World Championship. Only his 1st year in the PDC.

I think Raymond van Barneveld and Mervyn King have had there chances to take his spot but have failed. Both are still outstanding players.

only way i see there being another number 1 is when he retires but i dont think there will be another like him in this 67 titles is unbelievable achievement

The way I see it Barney and King have both had their day at the top. They may still be very much in the mix at the moment but you wont see them win much tournaments anymore. Barney is coming back to form now which is good to see. Here is my view of the top players:

Raymond Van Barneveld - Arguably one of the best and most popular dart players ever.5 world titles to his name and a great character on the circuit. One wonders if his best days are behind him, but with a resurgance of form, we could see him win one or two more trophies before he hangs up his darts.

James Wade - As his nickname suggests, he is a machine, only if he turns up though. His performances of late show a lack of enthusiasm and this is worrying for his fans to see, one of the top performers when on his game, but 7/10 he cant be bothered.

Mervyn King - Very consistant player, one of the most consistant aside from Phil Taylor IMO. I believe he will win a tv major one day, and that day might not be so far away.

Simon Whitlock - My favourite player. Has the game without doubt to challege Taylor in the here and now. Finishing is superb and is twice and World Champion runner up. Look forward to seeing how he does in the next few years.

Gary Anderson - Not consistant enough and his doubles are a worry for his fans. If he can deal with this then he is definately a class player with a good few titles in him.

Aidran Lewis - I dont think he will do it. Manages to play well against the little guys but put him against a Taylor, Whitlock or Barney and he crumbles. If he cant give these guys a good game, then I see others beating him to the post when Taylor retires.

Paul Nicholson - I love this guy. He has a natural talent for the game which leads me to believe he will be a guy at the top one day. Fantastic finisher and fantastic under pressure, it is just a case of how he deals with the fans.

Colin Osbourne - Has shown signs of potential but has gone of the boil in recent months. Definately a guy who has a few titles, if not World Titles in him.

Another guy with potential I think is Mark Webster.

Semi Finals in his first year in the PDC and he won the BDO world title. Thats all I know about him ti be honest but age is on his side

Not really a fan of Mark Webster. He is another who I think is very inconsistant and had a poor UK Open getting knocked out to a nobody. I dont tip him to do anything in the PDC despite what he did at the Worlds.

Terry Jenkins is another who used to be very consistant but is now sliding downhill. I think it is a shame because I think he deserves a title after being in 7 finals and not winning any but think he has had his day now and wont be getting anywhere near a final now.

I didnt see any of the UK Open apart from the Final so unsure who played who etc.

for me, Whitlock is now the no.2 player, if you could pick one player to take out a 150+ finish, id pick this guy every time

when he was in the BDO he would pluck these finishes out all the time, now hes in the PDC, hes really stepped his game up in terms of the 140s and 180s

This is his first year in the PDC and despite not seeing much of him in the BDO - because only one tournament gets shown -I still knew he was very dangerous and carismatic. However, I never expected him to play like that, I was amazed and hope he wins a World Title in the near future, he certainly deserves it.