Howson Hunts Maiden Major

Richie Howson will want to continue his strong start to the 2023 Senior Darts campaign, coming agonisingly close to success in both the World Senior Darts Championship and the Champion of Champions.

The Owl lost in the Finals of both competitions against Robert Thornton and American Leonard Gates but can take confidence from his runs, as he prepares for his 2^nd World Senior Masters campaign.

“I’ve always enjoyed my darts but never really reached what I thought my potential was, I just carried on playing my county darts and tournaments.”

“Then the Seniors came along, and my wife got me a ticket for the very first one on my birthday. I then qualified for the Tavern and since then, the last 18 months have spiralled really and I’m probably playing some of the best darts I’ve ever played, which is great!”

Howson will hope this is the tournament where he finally gets over the line on the World Seniors Circuit but knows not to get carried away with the competition at a very high standard.

“Yeah, it’s a lot of pressure, everyone keeps saying this one’s you’re one. But to be honest, it’s difficult just to get to the Final let alone thinking you’re going to win it.”

“As I said there is no reason why I can’t win this one and there is going to be a lot of good players standing in the way, so you’ve got to take it one game at a time and try you’re best really.”

The Romford born thrower reached the Semi Finals 12 months ago at Lakeside, losing to eventual winner David Cameron 5-2 in the Semis, after beating the likes of Terry Jenkins and Trina Gulliver earlier in the competition.

Howson has played the MODUS Super Series in recent weeks, benefiting from the opportunity to get match practise in a competitive environment.

“You’re playing against a high standard of player, and you can’t afford to take your foot of the gas, which I may have done a couple of times at the Super Series.”

“It sharpens you up, match practise is far better than standing at a board on your own and throwing darts at it.”

Richie will take on Bob Anderson in the First Round, with the Limestone Cowboy retiring from the sport after the tournament in what has been an impressive career, winning 3 World Masters in a row and the World Darts Championship in 1988.

“Bob is a proper legend; he’s done so much for darts over the years and it’s going to be sad seeing him play in his last tournament. He’s done himself proud over the years.”

The World Senior Masters starts from June 24^th – June 25^th from Westlands in Yeovil, with set play format returning once more for a Seniors Event. Richie Howson will face 8^th seed Bob Anderson at the Last 16 stage in the final game of the opening afternoon session.

2023 World Senior Masters Draw:

Last 16:

David Cameron (1) v Neil Duff

Bob Anderson (8) v Richie Howson

Phil Taylor (4) v Mark McGeeney

Martin Adams (5) v Dennis Harbour

Robert Thornton (2) v Colin McGarry

John Part (7) v Kevin Painter

Leonard Gates (3) v Mark Dudbridge

Trina Gulliver (6) v Chris Mason

—–ENDS—–

Images: PDC