Just when I was wondering when we were going to get a surprise we got one - Colin Monk beat John "Boy" Walton.

John should have beaten Colin but he wasn't on form at all - I think the pressure got to him.

He threw a lot of good darts and actually had a better average than Colin, but he didn't look the same player that we know he is and can be.

I know John well as I used to play pairs with him and I could see it in his eyes.

He didn't get the flow or the rhythm that he had last year and one 16th of an inch can make or break you in this game.

If the darts don't go with you they don't go.

But Colin's the sort who when he gets in front he doesn't let go.

I pointed out to Colin that John had a better average and as ever he started his reply with "to be honest with you" - it's something he always says.

"To be honest with you Bob I don't give a monkeys about the averages," he said.

That's just about right, isn't it - Colin Monk doesn't give a monkeys.

Raymond van Barneveld was just as ruthless as Colin, if not more so.

Fast and ruthless, that's Raymond. He never let Erik Clarys play, or was that Erik who didn't let Erik play?