Avid Spurs fan Steve West is set to return to the MODUS Super Series this week – a venue that has been a happy hunting ground in recent years for the 50-year-old.

Darts World caught up with the Essex-born slinger to find out where his game is at – and to gauge his excitement at taking the arduous ten-minute trip to the Live Lounge:

“My form has been pretty up and down lately. I don’t play nearly as much as I used to – mainly every Wednesday at my local called the Phoenix Club now. It’s just a weekly competition – best of seven legs – and the likes of Simon Whitlock and son Mason, Adam Lipscombe, and Andy Jenkins go along. Plus, a good few of the lads playing on the Super Series often pop in.”

As hinted at above, Steve resides with partner Michelle in Waterlooville – a stone’s throw from the MODUS HQ (assuming you have the ability to throw said rock six miles). For Westy, the problem is the same as for most dart players on the planet – consistency. Once sat nicely at number 18 on the PDC Pro Tour Order of Merit, the two-time WDF Danish Open champ is now trying to regain his magic touch after major hip surgery:

“That’s been my battle – trying to be as good as I was before the operation. Before, I’d pick up a dart and it felt natural. Now, I’m overthinking even my grip. My thigh diameter went from 12 inches to four, and I’m having to rebuild all the muscle in my standing leg just to get balance. It’ll take a couple of years to feel right.”

However – when performing down in Pompey – West is a kind of fine wine player – he gets better as time elapses. Always kicking off his MODUS Super Series campaign in Group A, he explains how things usually roll:

“At the start of the week, I’m usually poor. I’m one of those players – as the week goes on, I build into it and grow into the tournament.”

That was evident on his last trip down the road, where – after a sluggish start – he ended up being pipped in the final by Mervyn King. Further proof that it’s the tortoise, not always the hare, that lasts the course over five gruelling days of action. Steve also has the distinction of throwing two perfect legs on the Live Lounge stage – one against a young kid called Luke Littler, who hasn’t done too badly since, and another he even predicted before taking on Jeffrey De Graaf:

“Yeah! I was in the back practicing and missed the double for the nine. So I said to Henry Deacon, if I get back-to-back maximums in the game – I’ll nail it.”

That’s exactly what happened, and I’m now just waiting for Steve to text me the next lottery numbers. With five weekly wins under his belt, it’s a MODUS Super Series Champions Week title that he would love to claim – at a venue he has nothing but praise for (unlike others):

“The best place I’ve ever played darts. If you are an amateur, there’s nowhere better. I played the British Open recently – worst experience I’ve had in the game. It was disorganised, cramped, people tripping over each other. Proper holiday camp stuff. No barriers, no space. When you’re used to the Pro Tour, you get spoiled. It was like going back 30 years in time at that event.”

West will indeed head north to Q-School in January – but in Milton Keynes, it’s not so much the golden ticket he’s chasing, but simply the opportunity to compete on the Challenge Tour:

“I’ll probably go back – but being on that Pro Tour messed me up mentally. I don’t really miss it too much and only keep in touch with one or two of the lads. In fact, myself and Paul Nicholson travelled up to Scotland recently for Christine Thornton’s funeral.”

Once again, our condolences extend to Rob and his family. When asked what he’d like to reflect on five years from now, Steve didn’t hesitate:

“Definitely a Champions Week MODUS Super Series title. An invite to the World Seniors would be very welcomed too.”

Those seem like not only fair aspirations – but very possible ones. It might take Steve a little while to get back to his best, but when he does – West’s best is pretty damn good.

—-ENDS—–

Images: PDC

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The over 50s darts organisation (later 45) then rapidly added several more ‘major’ events many of which mirrored their traditional/regular tour equivalents, such as with their Masters and Matchplay events, being added as well as a Champion of Champions.

Floor events and qualifiers have also supplemented the TV tournaments, initially on an ad-hoc basis, to form a nascent over 50s tour.

With the aging and final retirement of some legendary players, and the development of the overall tour, invitational places were scaled back.

Following the third WSDT World Championships in February 2024 it was announced that the ‘money list and other tour events would be main source of qualifiers for televised event going forward.

Sadly, despite a rebrand and several major stars joining in 2024 and 2025 the system proved financially unviable and the organisation announced it would cease holding events.

WSDT Majors – Honour Rolls

World Seniors Darts Championship

2025 – Ross Montgomery (Scotland) (def Graham Usher)

2024 – John Henderson (Scotland) (def Colin McGarry)

2023 – Robert Thornton (Scotland) (def Richie Howson)

2022 – Robert Thornton (Scotland) (def Martin Adams)

World Senior Darts Masters

2024 – John Henderson

2023 – Leonard Gates

2022 – David Cameron

World Senior Darts Matchplay

2024 – John Henderson (Scotland)

2023 – Leonard Gates (USA)

2022 – Robert Thornton (Scotland)

WSDT Champion of Champions

2025 – Ross Montgomery (Scotland)

2024 – Richie Howson (England)

2023 – Leonard Gates (USA)

—–ENDS—–

Images: WSDT/ Chris Sargeant

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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 as we discussed here, but could also be the time to back your judgement and have a punt on the winner?

Title sponsors BetGoodwin have made Raymond Van Barneveld favourite with Steve Beaton close behind.

But, Barney is making his debut in WSD event and has never played in the venue previously and Beaton is also yet to win an event since joining the WSD Tour. Could the value be elsewhere?

Defending Champion Richie Howson has a superb record in World Senior Darts events reaching multiple finals before holding this trophy aloft last season. 7-1 seems worth a thought.

John Henderson had a superb spell in seniors darts after joining and claimed a trio of majors including a WSD World Championship. Although he has gone off the boil a little he will have huge support should not be counted out.

Our dark horse is Neil Duff, the former Lakeside World Champion has looked to be inching back to his best form in recent months. Assuming he overcomes Martin Adams he may fancy himself to catch van Barneveld cold and cause a major upset. 16-1 seems a value bet to some of us.

Overall despite short odds for the top two there’s plenty of value elsewhere, so if you think you have spotted a winner there is opportunity to back yourself handily this weekend.

—–ENDS—-

Images: World Senior Darts

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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

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With her past and public battles against alcohol well and truly behind her, the lady with more titles to her name than a second-hand bookshop is hungry to add a few more to her résumé. Ahead of a busy week – first a women’s MODUS Super Series event, followed by her inclusion at the Champion of Champions – Darts World caught up with the legend for a quick chat:

“I’m very much looking forward to both. I feel my game is coming back slowly – a bit longer than I’d have liked, but it’s getting there. It almost feels like starting fresh again.”

Trina is, of course, referring to what she recalls as a near-death experience. After falling ill, she was admitted to hospital at the end of 2019:

“I spent the better part of a month there, fighting against cirrhosis of the liver, which almost proved fatal. My weight dropped to seven stone, and I underwent extensive rehab to fully recover. Thankfully, with the support of my family and well-wishers, I’m now in full recovery and over five years sober.”

It was a harrowing ordeal for the ten-time former world champion, but one that has given her a new perspective on the game:

“It’s all about enjoyment now. Of course, I still have that hunger and the desire to win things. But that’s no longer my priority. You need to strike the right balance, slow down, and find the lifestyle that suits you.”

First up is MODUS Super Series action, where Trina kicks-off on bright and early on Monday morning:

“I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a great set-up they have there in the Live Lounge. The facilities for players are excellent, and they’ve got a great team who really look after you. As I get older though, I’m more susceptible to injuries and suffer a lot with my knees. Hopefully, I’ll get through it. My goal is to reach Finals Night on Saturday – ideally by topping the group and having a few days off to recover!”

Yep, Trina – that’s Father Time giving you a heads-up! It happens to us all, but not many can still chuck a dart as well as you can. Once the Super Series is done and dusted, the 55-year-old icon will meet up with some familiar faces at the World Seniors Darts Champion of Champions tournament. With Rob Thornton unfortunately having to pull out for personal reasons, Gulliver had to extend her travels:

“I’m so happy to be included. I know most of the guys from years on the circuit. There are a few new faces I don’t know as well, but all in all, they’re a good gang and old friends. We have a laugh and reminisce – it’s almost like a school reunion.”

With some of the biggest stars ever to grace the oche, Trina’s inclusion solidifies what looks like a Hollywood cast if they were making a darts movie. As a leading pioneer for the women’s game, the Warwickshire born chucker is delighted to see how it’s progressed and is now thriving:

“I think the standard is as high now as it’s ever been. Back in my day, we didn’t have social media platforms, and there wasn’t the same exposure for female darts as there is today. If we wanted publicity, it was through newspapers or radio.

“Now, look at the opportunities afforded to girls who want to take up the sport. Whereas I just had county and Super League, there’s now MODUS, which is a massive starting point for many. Plus, it’s beneficial to get used to playing in front of cameras and gaining solid stage experience. The WDF and ADC circuits are fantastic platforms too.”

Don’t try to get hold of Trina for the next several days. Not only will she be heading down to Portsmouth on Sunday – there’s a trip up to Bury in the grim north beforehand for Lisa Ashton’s daughter’s wedding. It’s go, go, go for the Golden Girl at the moment. Hopefully, it will end with silverware.

—–ENDS—–

Images: WSD

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The 57-year-old Scot has been immensely successful since joining the star-studded World Seniors roster, claiming three major titles in just over a year to further enhance an already impressive major winning career CV.

The news will come as a blow to fans who were hoping to see the two-time PDC major winner in action.

However, they’ll be pleased to hear that Thornton’s replacement is someone who needs no introduction – but I’m going to give her a good one anyway.

Step forward, Trina Gulliver. A shining light for women’s darts and a true Golden Girl from a golden era of the sport. And, in keeping with the theme of the week, she also has an MBE at the end of her name.

While everyone wishes Robert Thornton the very best and hopes to see him back on the World Seniors stage soon, his unfortunate absence gives tungsten lovers a wonderful opportunity: the chance to see the ten-time Women’s World Champion lock horns with some of the sport’s most iconic names from years gone by.

Only last week it was revealed that Raymond van Barneveld will make his World Seniors debut at this tournament. Now that’s real star power. The event was already brimming with former world champions and players more decorated than a town centre Christmas tree. Add one of the most dominant female arrowsmiths of all time into the mix, and you’ve got a truly formidable line-up.

There’s now just under a couple of weeks to go until the big event, staged at the MODUS Live Lounge in Portsmouth. If you fancy taking a stroll down memory lane and watching some of the greatest names ever to grace an oche battle it out once again – grab yourself a ticket. It promises to be a night of darts not to miss.

—-ENDS—-

Images: WSD

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The five-time World Champion, a legend of our sport, will make an unlikely appearance as he tries to add a World Senior Darts title to the many from the WDF/BDO and PDC that he has already worn.

World Seniors Darts can confirm that the final wildcard invite for the 2025 BetGoodwin Champion of Champions has been accepted by Raymond van Barneveld.

The five-time World Champion will be part of the 12-player field on Sunday 29th June at the MODUS Live Lounge in Portsmouth.

World Senior Darts

The 58-year-old Dutchman claimed his five world titles between 1998 and 2007 and won his last major championship when he claimed the 2014 Premier League. Following an aborted retirement around 2020 he has claimed Pro Tour titles as recently as 2024 and certainly still has the ability to produce top level performances.

“I am looking forward to playing in this event” said van Barneveld.

“The sport has always loved big characters, and World Seniors Darts have brought them back, with most still playing to a high standard. They have a loyal crowd, and the popularity for the Seniors seems to grow and grow. I’m looking forward to catching up with the old faces of the sport, especially from my BDO era”. 

“I’m not coming over to Portsmouth thinking this will be easy. I will be giving my full respect to all of the players involved, and I will be preparing hard for this tournament”

Raymond van Barneveld

The 2026 World Seniors Events have seen a plethora of legendary darting talent attempt the over 45’s scene

Steve Beaton, Simon Whitlock, Meryn King, and many other champions with legendary status and those, such as Richie Howson, who have thrived on the senior circuit.

But, asked who he would like to play at the BetGoodwin Champion of Champions, the Dutchman was taken back to classic BDO World Championship finals. He would lose his first final at Lakeside to 1995 World Champion Richie Burnett, but would win his fourth and final BDO World crown in 2004, where he defeated Martin Adams. Both Adams and Burnett will be part of the Champion of Champions field:

“I can’t wait for the draw. Richie can still play to a high standard, and Martin is rock-solid too. They would be two special games, but anyone in this field will be a good test for me. They are all world-class dart players”.

Could the Den Haag native be the titan needed to add that final boost to the fourth of the World Senior Darts ‘major’ events

 “The fire still burns for me. I’m used to winning tournaments wherever I have played, and it would be very special for me if I could lift a Seniors TV title too”.

All of the action will be shown live and free on Pluto TV via the MODUS Super Series Darts channel.

We are sure that organisers, sponsors, TV and media partners (inc. Darts World) and most of all fans and players will be delighted to see Raymond van Barneveld back on their terrestrial TV screens once more.

—–ENDS—–

Tickets for the 2025 BetGoodwin Champion of Champions are on sale at DARTSHOP.TV. They can be found here:

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Coulson, who entered Champions Week having won Week Seven back in March, made a perfect return by winning all five of his matches, as he recorded victories against Scott Campbell, Jenson Walker, Alec Small, Mervyn King and Shane McGuirk, to sit on a maximum 10 points from a possible 10 thus far.  

Elsewhere, Shane McGuirk ended the day in 2^nd on 8 points, whilst Scott Campbell sits in 3^rd on 6 points, Mervyn King in 4^th on 4 points, Jenson Walker in 5^th on 2 points and Alec Small bottom on 0 points, having suffered five straight defeats.  

The Modus Super Series continues on Tuesday with the six players returning, hoping to boost their chances of securing a place in Saturday’s Champions Week Finale, with Coulson leading the way thus far. Play will begin at 9:30am BST and will be streamed live on the Modus YouTube channel, Pluto TV or via various bookmaker’ websites worldwide. 

Modus Super Series Champions Week 

Monday 21^st April  

Group A (Day One)

Derek Coulson 4-3 Scott Campbell  

Shane McGuirk 4-2 Alec Small 

Mervyn King 4-1 Jenson Walker 

Shane McGuirk 4-0 Scott Campbell  

Derek Coulson 4-2 Jenson Walker 

Mervyn King 4-1 Alec Small  

Scott Campbell 4-2 Jenson Walker 

Shane McGuirk 4-1 Mervyn King 

Derek Coulson 4-1 Alec Small  

Shane McGuirk 4-1 Jenson Walker 

Scott Campbell 4-2 Alec Small  

Derek Coulson 4-2 Mervyn King 

Jenson Walker 4-2 Alec Small  

Derek Coulson 4-0 Shane McGuirk  

Scott Campbell 4-1 Mervyn King 

—–ENDS—–

Images: World Senior Darts

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The Scot, also know as ‘The Boss’, became the third World Senior Darts Champions following his two compatriots Robert Thornton and John Henderson.

Montgomery defeated Englishman Graham Usher 5-1 in the final on Saturday night to extend the run of Scottish winners.

Neither player had reached a televised final previously although Montgomery has had a long and distinguished amateur career while Usher was playing at the highest level of the PDC only months ago, there did not seem to be much in it.

A nervy opening saw Montgomery eventually take the opening leg on double 1 and that seemed to settle the Scot as he ran away with the second set and threw some impressive darts.

t was Usher’s turn to settle down in the second set and ‘The Gambler’ levelled at 1-1. He seemed to have found his feet and scored heavily throughout the third set as well. However, Graham was struggling on the double ring and it was ‘The Boss’ who nicked the set.

As Montgomery stretched his lead to 3-1 it was clear that Usher was unhappy with his opponent, perhaps wit his pace around the board, and he seemed to become more and more agitated in a manner reminiscent of his quarterfinal against American Leonard Gates.

The Gambler’s annoyance was clear for all to see but it was doing him no good as he fell further behind at 1-4 at the break. Even a second breather didn’t not see usher improve at double and he again missed chances before the Scot closed out a 5-1 win to claim the title, the cheque and that fabulous World Senior Dart Championship trophy.

——ENDS—–

Images: WSD / Chris Sargeant

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A new name was assured to be on said trophy as both previous champions, John Henderson and Robert Thornton had been knocked out in the last 8.

Crowd favourite Steve Beaton’s fabulous World Seniors Debut came to a crashing halt when he ran into man nicknamed ‘The Boss’.

Beaton stared strongly, taking a slightly scrappy opening set. Ross Montgomery seemed to take heart and realise he could certainly live at this level. Scotland’s final representative levelled in style hitting both 11 and 14-dart legs en route.

The order of merit qualifier moved in front for the first time after claiming set 3. Things looked as if they might get on top of Montgomery as Beaton’s support became very vocal and seemed to pile pressure on his opponent.

Although the game remained nip and tuck Beaton never quite seemed to regain his authority. Set 4 needed a decider on Beaton had the darts, but with Montgomery one away from victory, the pressure was on the Bronzed Adonis and it was Montgomery who sealed victory on double top.

Earlier in the evening the evening, two surprise packaged faced off for the first final spot up for grabs.

Graham Usher faced Derek Coulson both men had accounted for bigger names and are in very good shape. Coulson a left-hander from Wales, had already dispatched Mervyn King, Tony O’Shea and defending champion John Henderson en route.

Yet, it was Englishman Usher, a recent tour card holder, comfortably secured the win (3-0) and a final place.

The Gambler (Usher) will now encounter The Boss (Montgomery) for the title, the trophy and £30,000.

—–END—–

Images: WSD/Chris Sargeant

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