Robert Thornton got his title defence off to an emphatic start as he progressed to the second round of the World Seniors Darts Championship on Friday night at The Circus Tavern.
The Thorn had the Circus Tavern jumping with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Dutchman Roland Scholten in the final game of the opening round.
Earlier during a superb evening line up, Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor returned to the Tavern once again and marked the occasion with a victory over Northern Ireland’s Colin McGarry.
The Chief, a World Seniors Darts Qualifier, was hotly fancied by many to cause an upset and exact revenge for his defeat to Taylor in 2004, and even had a match dart to turn off The Power, but Taylor survived and stepped things up to win through. He will take on Yorkshire’s Darren Johnson, who provided a moment of fond nostalgia by wearing a replica of Dennis Priestley’s famous red and black ‘The Menace’ playing shirt.
Glen Durrant’s WSDT debut didn’t go as the former 3x Lakeside Champion would have wished. Duzza struggled on the oche, going down in straight sets to Mark Dudbridge, who produced a fine performance, matching his amateur circuit form, that will have seen many sit up and take Flash seriously for this title.
North American duo John Part and Leonard Gates both progressed in differing fashion. 3x World Champion Part battled past Co Stompe on Friday evening, whilst Gates was superb in his victory over Tony O’Shea.
Andy Jenkins continued a strong opening for the qualifiers as he defeated the Legend Bob Anderson to open Friday’s action.
The tournament had already seen wins for home favourite Richie Howson over reigning World Seniors Master David Cameron, and Darren Johnson edge past Larry Butler.
There was no such joy for Wales’ Mike Huntley though as he lost in extra legs to the 1983 World Champion Keith Deller. The match enlivened the Circus Tavern who cheered Mr. 138 to the rafters.
Reigning WDF World Champion Neil Duff came through the encounter of the tournament so far. This one against the 4x Ladies World Champion Lisa Ashton! Yet again this one went to five sets and required extra legs to settle it. But the Duffman fights on.
Round 1 Results:
Thursday Afternoon
Terry Jenkins 3-2 Chris Mason
Les Wallace 2-3 Darryl Fitton
David Cameron 2-3 Richie Howson
Larry Butler 2-3 Darren Johnson
Thursday Evening
Kevin Painter 3-0 Ronnie Baxter
Trina Gulliver 0-3 Dennis Harbour
Martin Adams 3-1 Dave Prins
Peter Manley 0-3 Scott Mitchell
Friday Afternoon
Bob Anderson 0-3 Andy Jenkins
Neil Duff 3-2 Lisa Ashton
Tony O’Shea 0-3 Leonard Gates
Keith Deller 3-2 Mike Huntley
Friday Evening
John Part 3-2 Co Stompe
Glen Durrant 0-3 Mark Dudbridge
Phil Taylor 3-2 Colin McGarry
Robert Thornton 3-0 Roland Scholten
Saturday Order Of Play
Afternoon – 1pm GMT
Richie Howson vs Andy Jenkins
Dennis Harbour vs Kevin Painter
Neil Duff vs Keith Deller
Mark Dudbridge vs Terry Jenkins
Evening – 7pm GMT
Robert Thornton vs Scott Mitchell
Martin Adams vs Leonard Gates
Phil Taylor vs Darren Johnson
John Part vs Darryl Fitton.
—-ENDS—
Images: Chris Sargeant / WSDT
