The JenningsBet World Senior Darts Championship got underway in fine style at the Circus Tavern yesterday with Lisa Ashton, John Henderson and former World Champion Scott Mitchell amongst the stars to progress.
The two entertaining sessions, from the iconic darts venue, featured an all star cast both on the oche and behind the microphones.
The afternoon featured a strong opening performance from former Lakeside champion Mitchell before a Canadian derby saw Jim Long claim national bragging rights by defeating compatriot, and former Senior Masters champion, David Cameron.
The evening session featured a succession of tight matches with deciding sets being needed by Lisa Ashton, Mark Dudbridge and Neil Duff.
Russ Bray, recently retired from the PDC circuit, made his seniors officiating debut as a host of stars, including Russ and Phil Taylor, guested in the commentary box.
Scotland’s Jim McEwan threatened to put on the performance of the opening day as he looked to re write the Seniors record books, while going 2 sets up, against former World finalist Kevin Painter.
Yet, The Artist has been around long enough not to panic and calmly hit back by claiming set 3.
The tension increased throughout set 4 until the Scot forced a match dart, with a brilliant attempt at a 142 finish, only for Painter to check out 140 with a tops tops combination to take it all the way.
Painter used his experince to take advantage of a shellshocked McEwan and close out the final set to claim a remarkable turnaround victory 3 sets to 2.
Champion Robert Thornton and 16-time World Champion will enter the arena tomorrow as The Thorn begins his quest for a hattrick of titles and The Power seeks to bow out in style.
Thornton defeated Richie Howson 5-2 in last year’s Final, whilst also hitting an average of 98.72 in a 3-1 Quarter Final victory over former Lakeside World Champion Neil Duff.
The Scottish international is the only winner of a World Seniors Darts Championship having also won the inaugural tournament, beating 3 Time Lakeside World Champion Martin Adams 5-1 in the Final.
Meanwhile, Phil Taylor will feature in a Final World Senior Darts Championship, after announcing last year he was retiring from competitive action.
The Power is yet to win a Major on the World Seniors Circuit but reached the Finals in the World Seniors Matchplay and World Senior Masters 2 years ago.
Phil has reached the Quarter Finals in both of his Senior World Championship campaigns at the Circus Tavern and will hope for a better run in 2024, facing Manfred Bilderl in the Last 32.
Former World Championship Finalist Andy Hamilton takes on Tony O’Shea in his opening clash in the World Seniors Circuit, whilst MODUS Super Series Champions Week Winner Matt Clark will face Scott Mitchell.
The World Seniors Darts Championship begins on the 15th of February from the Circus Tavern, as the Seniors return to action in 2024.
2024 Jenningsbet World Seniors Darts Championship
Draw
Robert Thornton (1) v Martyn Turner
Tony O’Shea (16) v Andy Hamilton
Kevin Painter (8) v Jim McEwan
Trina Gulliver (9) v John Henderson
Martin Adams (5) v Deta Hedman
David Cameron (12) v Jim Long
Neil Duff (4) v Richard-Eirig Rowlands
Terry Jenkins (13) v Paul Hogan
Phil Taylor (3) v Manfred Bilderl
Darryl Fitton (14) v Chris Mason
Lisa Ashton (6) v Michael Huntley
Scott Mitchell (11) v Matt Clark
Leonard Gates (2) v Colin McGarry
Keith Deller (15) v Richie Burnett
Glen Durrant (7) v Mark Dudbridge
Richie Howson (10) v John Part
—–ENDS—–
Images: WSDT/ Chris Sargeant
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