The 2023 JenningsBet World Seniors Darts Championship commences today at the iconic Circus Tavern in Purfleet.
This year’s field has been increased to 32 players from 24 last year and once again includes a blend of invited legends alongside 8 players that secured their spots via various qualification routes.
Defending Champion Robert Thornton will look to pick up where he left off in 2022. The Scot won two out of three World Seniors televised majors last season, defeating Martin Adams and Phil Taylor in the World Championship, and World Matchplay finals.
David Cameron was the only man to beat Thornton last year, with the Canadian securing his victory at the Lakeside in the World Seniors Masters. Excalibur also saw off Kevin Painter, Richie Howson, and Phil Taylor to secure the title as a qualifier!
Glen Durrant, Scott Mitchell, and Neil Duff are all new additions to the tournament, as are Chris Mason, Mark Dudbridge and Leonard Gates.
Durrant and Mitchell join the WSDT having lost their PDC tour cards in 2022 and both carry an immediate threat to the title hopefuls in the field. Neil Duff also carries the same threat as the Northern Irishman joins the field as the reigning WDF World Champion.
Reigning US Darts Master Gates will be looking to make a splash as one of 4 North Americans in the field. He’s joined by John Part, David Cameron, and Larry Butler from across the pond.
The international flavour of this year’s tournament doesn’t stop there, as Roland Scholten is joined this year by Co Stompe! The pair both start their campaigns on Friday evening.
Richie Howson heads up the form book from the qualifiers this year. Local hero, Howson, known as The Owl, was beaten by Martin Adams last year but will be looking to bounce back in a revenge meeting with David Cameron.
Colin McGarry, Darren Johnson, and Andy Jenkins are also part of a very strong qualifier contingent that includes Mike Huntley and Dennis Harbour. The latter secured their places back at the first qualifier weekend in November!
TV BROADCAST
UK – BBC Digital Services (iPlayer, Red Button and Sport Website) and BT Sport
Netherlands – Live from Friday evening on RTL7, with the broadcast starting at 6pm GMT to include a highlights package of the story so far.
US, Canda, and Rest of the World – available as a PPV from https://www.247.tv/gaa/seniorsdarts for $5 per session, or $10 for the entire event.
Coverage will be hosted by Ray Stubbs, Bobby George, and Helen Chamberlain.
PLAYING FORMAT
Last 32: Best of 5 sets (best of 5 legs)
Last 16: Best of 5 sets (best of 5 legs)
Quarter Finals: Best of 5 sets (best of 5 legs)
Semi Finals: Best of 5 sets (best of 5 legs)
Finals: Best of 9 sets (best of 5 legs)
The deciding set of any match must be won by 2 clear legs, until the score line reaches 5-5. The 11th leg will be sudden death.
PRIZE MONEY
Winner: £30,000
Runner Up: £13,000
Semi Final Loser: £4,500
Quarter Final Loser: £2,000
Last 16 Loser: £1,000
Last 32 Loser: £750
—–Ends—–
Images: Chris Sargeant / WSDT
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