The countdown is well and truly underway for the World Seniors Darts Champion of Champions. In less than a week, a dozen legends will take to the oche, all vying for the coveted trophy.
With the stage set at the MODUS Live Lounge and Pluto TV ready to bring you the live action as it unfolds, the first-round draw has produced some very tasty ties:
TRINA GULLIVER v STEVE BEATON (Winner to play Ross Montgomery)
A true pioneer of ladies’ darts, Trina Gulliver is set for a busy week on the south coast. After competing in the Women’s MODUS Super Series, she’ll take on the evergreen Steve Beaton.
It’s got a loose Olympic theme to it – well, it’s medal-related, so let’s roll with it – two former BDO World Champions battling it out. Will the Golden Girl or the Bronzed Adonis reach the finishing line first? Was that clever? Probably not. Monty awaits, and, unfortunately, there’s no silver reference in his nickname.
MARTIN ADAMS v NEIL DUFF (Winner to play Raymond van Barneveld)
This should be a tasty one. Two former Lakeside champions collide, both having made noise in World Seniors events. Wolfie was a 2022 runner-up in the big one, while Northern Ireland’s Neil Duff reached the Matchplay semi-finals a couple of years ago. Will Martin duff him up, or will Neil leave his opponent howling in pain? Again, best I could do! Whoever prevails will face a World Seniors debutant – some Dutch bloke named Ray. He’s meant to be pretty good and allegedly brings his own army.
SIMON WHITLOCK v RICHIE BURNETT (Winner to play John Henderson)
Two of the game’s most colourful characters are set to duel on the oche. In one corner, we have a World Cup of Darts regular and former winner; in the other, the enigmatic Prince of Wales and former Lakeside champ.
Both have only recently left the elite tour. Who takes this one? It’s a tough call. Will it be the bearded Australian who looks like he’s often on walkabout in the outback? Or the charismatic Welshman who occasionally goes walkabout from the oche? Hendo awaits in the quarters.
MERVYN KING v KEVIN PAINTER (Winner to play Richie Howson)
The King is another quality recent addition to the already star-studded World Seniors Darts legends list. For nearly two decades, the Ipswich man was consistently a dangerous player in the PDC, making countless deep runs in major TV events. Then there’s The Artist, who gave us one of the greatest World Championship finals in history – almost edging out the immortal Phil Taylor at the Circus Tavern just over twenty years ago. This should be a great match-up between two players who go way back. Will it be the tungsten-twirling Merv or the finger-licking Kev who plays reigning champion Richie Howson?
Circle Sunday, June 29th, on your calendar. And if you fancy a trip to Portsmouth to watch the icons live, head to www.dartshop.tv to grab your tickets.
—–ENDS—–
Images: WSD
