DAY two of the World Seniors Darts Championships from the Circus Tavern saw a mix of impressive performaces and shock results as Phil Taylor was defeated by German debutant Manfred Bilderl.
The day had started with a gripping encounter between three time World Champion Martin Adams and legendary Deta Hedman. Hedman had appeared all set for a landmark win before Wolfie rallied to claim a deciding set victory.
Defending champion Robert Thornton opened his defence, and pursuit of a hattrick, with a strong 3-1 win over Martyn Turner and Richie Burnett impressed with a similalry smooth win over recent MBE recipient Keith Deller.
Another shock opened the evening session as 3 time WSDT major winner Leonard Gates was sent packing by Colin McGarry.
Chris Mason staged a fine turnaround after falling set behind to Daryyl Fitton. The Ace replied immediately and, at one point, had won six legs in a row, as he ran out 3-1 winner.
It was the Taylor’ s turn to take centre stage. His opponent, Manfred Bilderl, is a German soft tip expert who is highly rated and started effectively, taking the first set against a lacklustre Power.
The German veteran stretched his lead to two-nil forcing the 16-time World champion to win all 3 remaining sets to stay in this years event.
Despite levelling at 2-3 and forcing the decider it was Bilderl who claimed victory and the biggest scalp of his lengthy career.
Friday 16th February
AM Session
Martin Adams 3-2 Deta Hedman
Robert Thornton 3-1 Martyn Turner
Keith Deller 1-3 Richie Burnett
Tony O’Shea F-W Andy Hamilton – Tony O’Shea withdrew due to medical advice after suffering a finger injury.
PM Session
Leonard Gates 1-3 Colin McGarry
Darryl Fitton 1-3 Chris Mason
Phil Taylor 2-3 Manfred Bilderl
Richie Howson 3-0 John Part
Saturday 17th February
LAST 16 ORDER OF PLAY
Afternoon Session
John Henderson vs Kevin Painter
Scott Mitchell vs Lisa Ashton
Martin Adams vs Jim Long
Mark Dudbridge vs Richie Howson
Evening
Robert Thornton vs Andy Hamilton
Paul Hogan vs Neil Duff
Manfred Bilderl vs Chris Mason
Richie Burnett vs Colin McGarry
—–Ends—–
Images: WSDT/ Chris Sargeant
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