Seniors Set To Deliver Once More

Following a successful debut in 2022, the second edition of the World Seniors Darts Championship will take place between February 9-12 at the historic Circus Tavern. With the tournament expanding to 32 players this year, the over-50s will be aiming to deliver once again.

Last year, Robert Thornton thrashed three-time BDO World Champion Martin ‘Wolfie’ Adams 5-1 in the final as he finally secured a world crown to go along with his UK Open, World Grand Prix and World Masters titles. The Scot will have to fend off a raft of former world champions and major event winners however as he finds himself as the number one seed.

Robert Thornton wins the 2022 World Seniors Darts Championship at the Circus Tavern, Purfleet on the 6th of February 2022.

Roland Scholten will be his opponent in round one, with the Dutchman one of the eight invited players and having claimed the UK Open crown back in 2004, certainly has the capability to cause an upset by defeating the 55-year-old.

Adams will be hoping to replicate last year’s run as he faces Dave Prins while Phil Taylor – knocked out at the quarter-final stage last year by Kevin Painter – takes on Colin McGarry.

Two former BDO World Champions Glen Durrant and Scott Mitchell make their seniors debut and they play Mark Dudbridge and Peter Manley respectively. It will be interesting to see how Durrant gets on, especially as he announced at the end of last year he was no longer a pro player, but if he can somehow find some form, he could be one of the favourites for the title.

Larry Butler during the World Seniors Darts Championship at the Circus Tavern, Purfleet on the 5th February 2022.

David Cameron, who has had success on the over-50s circuit, winning the World Seniors Masters title last year will be hoping for a fast start against Richie Howson while Darren Johnson faces off against Larry Butler.

Trina Gulliver and Lisa Ashton are the only two women in the draw, facing off against Dennis Harbour and Neil Duff, with the pair having a combined 14 women’s world titles between them, they will be aiming to upset the apple cart.

Elsewhere, Chris Mason makes his seniors debut in an exciting tie against perennial bridesmaid Terry Jenkins (runner up in nine major PDC televised finals), while Painter – Taylor’s conqueror last year – will be hoping to improve on his semi-final appearance last year as he faces Ronnie Baxter.

The other two North Americans in the draw face difficult opening matches. Three-time world champion John Part is up against Co Stompe while Leonard Gates will play Tony O’Shea, who will be aiming to win his first ever world title having lost three BDO finals during his career.

Keith Deller vs Bob Anderson during the 2022 World Seniors Darts Tour.

Could Keith Deller add the senior crown to his famous 1983 world title? He faces Mike Huntley while another former BDO champions, Les Wallace meets Darryl Fitton.

The opening two days will see four matches played across afternoon and evening sessions, before the last 16 battle it out over the weekend to see who will claim the coveted title and a winners cheque of £30,000.

Can Thornton claim successive titles? will Taylor power his way to a maiden World Seniors title? or may there be a female winner of the event? With Gulliver and Ashton right in the mix to make history. Whatever happens, the Circus Tavern will be awash with fans looking for some great matches, excellent entertainment and perhaps a few upsets along the way as it promises to be a wonderful four days in Purfleet.