UK Darts Issue 14 - May 2014 | Page 8

German Darts Masters The Maritim Hotel in Berlin was the venue for the 2014 German Darts Masters, which was held over Easter Weekend (19th21st April) in front of packed out and enthusiastic crowds. Stephen Bunting impressed on his European Tour debut and a lot the usual names came through to the thick end of the tournament. Adrian Lewis and Michael van Gerwen had excellent runs, but when all was said and done it was Phil Taylor who took home the trophy and £20,000 in prize money. Taylor Back On Song In Berlin First Round Stephen Bunting got his debut European Tour campaign off to a flying start when he produced a fine display of darts to end the challenge of Ross Smith. The St Helens based thrower has recently made the switch to the PDC and he is keen to show that he has what it takes. “I’ve been really nervous all day, it’s my first European Tour event and my emotions are running high, so I’m so glad to get through the first game,” said the BDO World Champion “I’ve come to the PDC to play the big boys and I know I’ve got the game to do it - and I want to show that this weekend.” Andrew Gilding also made a great start to the tournament as he took out Peter Hudson 6-2, whilst there was a shock defeat for Raymond van Barneveld, the Dutchman falling to Ronnie Baxter at the first hurdle. Jarkko Komula ended the challenge of Ronny Huybrechts, whilst Michael Smith, Andy Smith and Vincent van der Voort all made it safely through to the second round. Photo: Mike Glover/UK Darts Magazine