PDC U.S. Open Draw Is Made

Planetdarts has posted the draw for the PDC U.S. Open, with some fun matchups showing up early. I will mention some interesting early matches, focusing on some of my friends and people who read the blog.

Raymond Van Barneveld, the number 1 seed, drew Chris Russano in the first round. I have shot a few pairs events with Chris, who is known for his liking for 19's instead of 20's. Chris used to live on Long Island but has since moved out west. Good luck Chris...make him work for it!

Ronnie Baxter, who knocked me out last time, drew Jerry Van Loan first round. Jerry is a lawyer from New York. He is a nice guy and a fine shot who will give Ronnie a game if he is hitting well.

Johnny K drew Vincent Van De Voort, a Dutchman, in round one and that promises to be a good match. Paul Lim will play local New Jersey darter Robert Race.

Board 10 will feature a nice first round match up between some skilled Americans, Darin Young and Davis Snider, with the winner possibly facing Steve Beaton the next round. I got to play Steve once at the Desert Classic and he beat me four legs straight in a best of seven event, with his worst game a 14 darter! He had used all his best against me though and lost the next round. That's darts I guess.

My friend, Corner Bar team mate, and fellow New Jersey darter Tom Waterman always complains that he gets a tough draw in these events. Last year it was Jelle Klassen, who was on fire when he played Tom. This year it is no different, with poor Tom facing John Part in the first round on Board 13. Tom is a fighter and well capable of giving John a good game, but I can just imagine hearing him muttering under his breath right now. Roger Carter, Isen Veljic, Matt Malone, and Colin Monk will also make Board 13 quite a contest.

Robert St. Onge from New Hampshire drew the honor of playing Phil Taylor first round. Local New Jersey star Buddy Lessig faces Pat Breithaupt in his opener, with Jim Widmayer and Robert Heckman battling to play the winner of that match on board 21. It will be interesting to see who emerges from that one. New Jersey darter Dave Hascup opens against Keith Conner.

One fun first round match that I will want to see involves New Jersey Darter Stacey Stevens against Scott Wollaston, who was a top dart player in the New Orleans area when I lived down there and was first getting involved in darts. The first time I came to New Jersey was with Scott for ADO Nationals about 10 years ago, and I remember watching the two of them play at Courtside Bar in Clifton NJ, for $5 a man. They have had a rivalry going ever since, so get ready to hear some humorous trash talking in that match. The winner of Adrian Lewis vs. Jerry Convery will await whomever comes out on top.

Jim Newman, the top qualifier in the recent GHS tournament, faces John Garramone in the first round. Jim is in good form and will be able to give anyone a competitive game.

I will be covering events Friday and Saturday, but I will be out Sunday for an unavoidable family obligation. For that reason, I am not competing in the U.S. Open, but I will compete in the North American Dart Championships as it finishes on Saturday. Once that draw comes out, I will let you know. Until then, good darts!