James Hubbard, a former youth world champion, has made an electrifying start to Week Six of the MODUS Super Series, topping Group A after the first day of competition. Despite a stellar performance from recent Champions Week winner Derek Coulson, who even handed Hubbard his only defeat, Hubbard secured four wins from five matches. This sets up a captivating battle as several players, including Coulson, Jamai van den Herik, and David Munyua, are hot on his heels, all vying for crucial points in this high-stakes darts event.
James Hubbard’s Resurgent Start
Kicking off Week Six with remarkable precision, James Hubbard demonstrated why he’s a former PDC Unicorn World Youth Champion. He stormed through Day One, securing four victories out of five matches and accumulating 8 points to lead Group A. Hubbard, who famously defeated darts legend Michael van Gerwen in the 2012 youth final, showed glimpses of that championship form. His only stumble came against the formidable Derek Coulson, but his overall performance marked a strong return to the Portsmouth venue.
Derek Coulson: The Formidable Contender
Hot on Hubbard’s heels is Derek Coulson, a recent MODUS Champions Week winner and widely regarded as the in-form player of the group. Coulson finished Day One with 6 points from three wins. He delivered some of the day’s most dominant performances, including impressive 4-0 whitewashes against David Munyua and Gary Mawson. Crucially, Coulson also claimed a decisive 4-0 victory over James Hubbard, proving his credentials. Despite his strong showing, Coulson experienced a tight 4-3 defeat to Patrick Dekker and a 4-2 loss to Jamai van den Herik, highlighting the competitive nature of the group. His consistent play was reflected in him posting the highest average of the day.
The Chasing Pack: Van den Herik and Munyua Join the Fray
The race for the top spots is incredibly tight, with Jamai van den Herik and David Munyua also finishing on 6 points each, securing three wins apiece. Van den Herik, a Dutch player and a previous weekly winner in the MODUS Super Series, showcased resilience by recovering well after an early setback in his matches. Meanwhile, David Munyua, often referred to as an “Ally Pally hero” due to his memorable performances at the World Darts Championship held at Alexandra Palace, picked up vital victories, including a narrow 4-3 triumph over Patrick Dekker.
Current Group A Standings (Day One)
- James Hubbard: 8 points (4 wins, 1 loss)
- Derek Coulson: 6 points (3 wins, 2 losses)
- Jamai van den Herik: 6 points (3 wins, 2 losses)
- David Munyua: 6 points (3 wins, 2 losses)
- Patrick Dekker: 2 points (1 win, 4 losses)
- Gary Mawson: 0 points (0 wins, 5 losses)
What’s Next for the Super Series?
As Week Six of the MODUS Super Series progresses, the competition promises more thrilling darts action. Players will continue to battle it out in a round-robin format, aiming to secure enough points to advance to the next stages and ultimately compete for the weekly title. The early dominance shown by Hubbard, coupled with the consistent threat from Coulson and the resilience of Van den Herik and Munyua, sets the stage for a compelling week of darts at this prestigious event.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
