My main priority (outside of darts, of course) over the past week has been the move into new offices for me and my management. As I mentioned in my last post these rooms are just minutes from my home and allow me to practice whenever and with whoever I want without any outside distractions.Previously, I would train in pubs and in other public places. And while it's great to meet my fans and chat and sign autographs, when I have to practise I have to be dedicated.
When I practise I either play against other players in match formats or with my manager where we play darts games or try to break personal records or analyse my technique and look for improvements.
This new office will also prove to be a great place to meet sponsors and fans. I may never leave!The power of Taylor
I was very disappointed with my performance against Phil Taylor in our Premier League Darts match. I wasn't in the game at all and he won 8-3. I must admit that if Phil plays like that all the time, he's unbeatable. I think he had one of his best games ever with an average of 111 and some unbelievable out shots of 167, 144 and two 121s.
Now that it's gone all the result now means to me is that I need more practise and more focus. You must clear your mind when you have matches like that; forget them and move on.
The future's Lewis
My next Premier League Darts challenge is against Adrian Lewis on March 13. He's a great young player who I really admire. He has a very natural throw and sometimes seems capable of throwing a treble 20 without even looking. He's got great scoring power, which makes him dangerous, and good rhythm. He's a fast player which is something I look and suits my own game.
For me, it's a key match in the competition. A win will give me 10 points out of a possible 14 which is strong total for the halfway point in the group stage. I feel players will need around 16 or 17 points to reach the playoffs and as anyone can beat anyone I've got to be satisfied with my position at the top of table so far.
See you at the tables
Away from darts, this Sunday at 20:30 ET I'll be taking part in a $2,000 prize pool poker tournament at PartyPoker.com - and you can be there playing against me.
Qualifiers are taking place this week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 20:30 ET this week, with an $11 buy in. Six players from each qualifier will win a place in the Sunday event where I'll be involved.
Please note, this event is only open to PartyPoker.com's Dutch players. Register now to book your seat in the qualifiers. And if you're not a member of PartyPoker.com you will need to sign up, make a deposit and register as soon as possible.
While I enjoy poker and normally play to relax, in this situation I'll be very focused. When I play anything I want to win and it's no different for poker. Without giving too much away, I'm a careful player. It doesn't matter how big my stack is, it won't change my game and I'm not one to be bullied out of a hand.Barney's bets
PSV vs Ajax
The biggest match in Dutch football takes place on March 19 after being postponed due to a strike by police.
My feeling is for a 2-2 draw between these two sides. PSV are top of the Eredivisie but I think they're looking more vulnerable than they have so far this season. Also, Ajax, in second spot, are playing really well right now and will really go for it as they need a win if they are to catch their rivals.
Barcelona vs Valencia
This is the games of two Dutch coaches, with Frank Rijkaard in charge of Barça and Ronald Koeman leading Valencia. Valencia, I think, are big trouble. Koeman's come in this season and changed the team around and it hasn't worked with the team sitting in mid-table. I can only see a win for the Catalan side, probably 2-0, as they have more individual quality.
Will Koeman be fired by the end of the season?
The past five or six years, Valencia have done so well and established themselves as a big club in Europe. The fans now demand success and right now this is a bad season for them. I think it will be difficult for Koeman to keep his job. The team doesn't look like qualifying for Europe and unless he wins the Copa del Rey I think the Dutchman will be looking for a new post next season.
If you fancy a bet on any of my predictions, visit PartyBets.com now.
Speak soon.
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