SCOTLAND’s John Henderson claimed his second TV title of 2024 when he beat American Leonard Gates 9-6 in the final at the Barbican Centre in York to claim the World Seniors Matchplay Darts.
The 51-year-old scooped the £10,000 first prize and said he hopes the victory can trigger a revival in his career.
Once a regular at the PDC world championships and a former World Cup winner for Scotland with Peter Wright, Henderson lost his PDC darts tour card and now has been playing event across other formats for the past two years.
He has become the leading light on the World Seniors Darts Tour (WSDT, for players aged over 50) after capturing their World Championship at the Circus Tavern in Purfleet earlier this year.
“Coming into this, form wasn’t great,” said Henderson after his matchplay success to Online Darts TV on YouTube.
“But this can kickstart my career again. I’m just over the moon.”
Henderson improved as the event progressed after defeating former Lakeside finalist Tony O’Shea 8-5 on Friday night.
The highlander had the better of a tough encounter with Canada’s David Cameron in the quarter-finals, edging out Excalibur 8-6.
An impressive 9-6 success over Champion of Champions Richie Howson earned the hugely popular Scot a place in the final against American Gates.
Hendo raced into a 4-0 lead and, despite a little does of finish line fever Henderson took the title.
“Coming into this, form wasn’t great,” said Henderson said to Online Darts TV host Phil Barrs.
“But this can kickstart my career again. I’m just over the moon.”
—–ENDS—–
Images: Chris Sargeant/WSDT
