THE final two places in the 2006 Holsten Premier League Darts play-offs will be decided on the final league night in Reading on Thursday.
The tournament returns to the Rivermead Centre for the tenth night of action, with the top four players in the table then progressing to the semi-finals in Plymouth on 29 May.
Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld have already ensured their places in the play-offs, but could play a big part in Thursday's action.
Van Barneveld plays three matches on the night, all against players battle for spots in the four, while Taylor meets Roland Scholten - who currently occupies third place.
Scholten is on the brink of ensuring his place, and needs just one point to finally confirm that spot, although he is still a likely qualifier on Leg Difference should he lose to Taylor.
Colin Lloyd, who plays twice, would finish inside the top four should he win both his games.
Peter Manley, Ronnie Baxter and Wayne Mardle are all dependant on winning their matches and hoping that other results fall their way.
A full summary of each player's scenario, and reaction from the players involved, is below, along with the fixtures and current league table.
Holsten Premier League Darts
Night Ten, Rivermead Centre, Reading
Colin Lloyd v Raymond van Barneveld
Peter Manley v Ronnie Baxter
Raymond van Barneveld v Wayne Mardle
Phil Taylor v Roland Scholten
Ronnie Baxter v Raymond van Barneveld
Wayne Mardle v Colin Lloyd
Live on Sky Sports 2, 6.30pm
Current League Table
|
P |
W |
D |
L |
+/- |
LWAT |
Pts |
Poss Pts | |
|
Phil Taylor |
11 |
10 |
1 |
0 |
+45 |
31 |
21 |
23 |
|
Raymond van Barneveld |
9 |
7 |
1 |
1 |
+33 |
28 |
15 |
21 |
|
Roland Scholten |
11 |
4 |
2 |
5 |
-2 |
23 |
10 |
12 |
|
Peter Manley |
11 |
4 |
0 |
7 |
-21 |
18 |
8 |
10 |
|
Colin Lloyd |
10 |
3 |
1 |
6 |
-18 |
17 |
7 |
11 |
|
Ronnie Baxter |
10 |
2 |
2 |
6 |
-15 |
18 |
6 |
10 |
|
Wayne Mardle |
10 |
1 |
3 |
6 |
-22 |
13 |
5 |
9 |
LWAT - Legs Won Against Throw
Poss Pts - Possible Points Total
ROLAND SCHOLTEN
Plays Phil Taylor (Game Four)
Needs either a win or draw against Phil Taylor to ensure his place.
If Colin Lloyd loses the night's opening game, Scholten will be assured of a top four place whatever his result versus Taylor.
Leg Difference should be enough to secure his place should Lloyd and/or Manley also finish on ten points.
Would only miss out if Lloyd wins both games and Baxter wins both games by enough legs to go ahead on Leg Difference.
"I'll be doing my utmost to beat Phil," said Scholten. "After two defeats in Stevenage last week I know I'll have to play better.
"I haven't performed my best in the Premier League but I'm getting there. I'd like to finish well in Reading and I've got four weeks then to prepare for the semis.
"I'm very positive and it's nice to know my destiny's in my own hands."
PETER MANLEY
Plays Ronnie Baxter (Game Two)
Has to beat Ronnie Baxter.
If Colin Lloyd loses the opening game of the night, Manley has to defeat Baxter to secure fourth place.
A win over Baxter would put Manley onto ten points, with only Lloyd (possible 11) able to reach or surpass that.
Could miss out if Leg Difference is deciding factor.
"The last three weeks have been do or die for me," said Manley. "I had Wayne and Roland and now have Ronnie, and I knew at the start of this run that I have to win them all.
"I'm not going into the games worried or concerned, I'm relaxed and I'll go up there to enjoy myself.
"I think I've played well throughout except for the first game, when I lost 8-4 to Roland.
"If Colin loses the first game, it's going to be a big incentive for me when I get out there.
"If he beats Raymond van Barneveld, then I think he'll also win against Wayne and take the fourth spot.
"There would be nothing I could do about that, but I'll give it my all."
COLIN LLOYD
Plays Raymond van Barneveld (Game One) and Wayne Mardle (Game Six)
Will be through if he wins both matches.
If he loses against van Barneveld and Manley beats Baxter, he cannot get fourth.
A win and a draw would put him onto ten points and could mean Leg Difference is deciding factor against Manley/Baxter. Is superior to Manley but behind Baxter.
One draw could leave him tied with Manley and Baxter on eight points.
"I've got two tough games but I'm quite capable of winning them both and I'm up for it," said Lloyd.
"I've got to do my best and concentrate on my own game. I'll solely focus on winning both games - I won't be paying attention to anything else."
RONNIE BAXTER
Plays Peter Manley (Game Two) and Raymond van Barneveld (Game Five)
Has to win both games and hope Lloyd picks up less than three points.
Could go to Leg Difference on eight or ten points, but is currently better than both Manley or Lloyd.
"If I win my two games, then I could be through," said Baxter. "That's the only way I can look at it.
"I'll be preparing the same and I know that it may go to Leg Difference.
"The Premier League has been absolutely great this year. I've never enjoyed a tournament as much in my life - hopefully it won't end for me on Thursday!"
WAYNE MARDLE
Plays Raymond van Barneveld (Game Three) and Colin Lloyd (Game Six)
Needs to win both games and hope Baxter beats Manley and Raymond van Barneveld defeated Lloyd and Baxter.
"I'll just do my best," said Mardle. "I know it's out of my hands in a way and I'm not getting my hopes up.
"My form earlier in the tournament has cost me really, but winning against Ronnie last week gave me an outside - and I mean very outside! - chance.
"It should be a very interesting night though, whatever happens."