Preview World Seniors Darts Championship 2024: Hat-trick for Thornton or can Taylor wave goodbye with seniors world title?

The Circus Tavern in Purfleet will host the third edition of the World Seniors Darts Championship from Thursday, Feb. 15, to Sunday, Feb. 18.

The field of participants for this tournament consists of 32 darters aged 50 and older. Many former world champions and former major winners have been invited by the organization to participate in this tournament.

The World Seniors Darts Championship was established in 2022 with 24 participants at the time. At the time, Phil Taylor and Robert Thornton were the big favourites for the final victory, but it did not come to a clash between these two players. Kevin Painter won in the quarter-finals over 'The Power', after which Thornton was too strong for Painter in the semi-final 4-2. In the final, Thornton dealt with Martin Adams (5-1).

The second edition in 2023 had some similarities to the year before. Taylor again lost in the quarter-finals, this time to Richie Howson (3-1). The latter then managed to beat Leonard Gates for a final place. On the other side of the bracket, Thornton and Painter once again faced each other in the semifinals. Again it was 'The Thornton' who prevailed (3-0). The Scot then defeated Howson in the final 5-2 to crown himself senior world champion for the second time.

1. Robert Thornton (56)

2. Leonard Gates (53)

3. Phil Taylor (63)

4. Neil Duff (51)

5. Martin Adams (67)

6. Lisa Ashton (53)

7. Glen Durrant (53)

8. Kevin Painter (56)

9. Trina Gulliver (54)

10. Richie Howson (58)

11. Scott Mitchell (53)

12. David Cameron (54)

13. Terry Jenkins (60)

14. Darryl Fitton (61)

15. Keith Deller (64)

16. Tony O'Shea (62)

Manfred Bilderl (56)

Richie Burnett (57)

Mark Dudbridge (51)

Andy Hamilton (56)

Deta Hedman (64)

John Henderson (50)

Michael Huntley (52)

Chris Mason (54)

Colin McGarry (58)

John Part (57)

Martyn Turner (54)

Jim Long (55)

Paul Hogan (60)

Jim McEwan (56)

Richard-Eirig Rowlands (54)

Matt Clark (55)

Among bookmakers, John Henderson is the biggest favorite for the title. At 50 years of age, "Hendo" is eligible to play in the World Seniors Darts Championship for the first time. Henderson finished third on the 2023 PDC Challenge Tour Order of Merit, and was 175 pounds short of grabbing a Tour Card. On the Challenge Tour, the Scottish darter regularly showed a very decent level with averages of 90+ and with that level, Henderson is certainly going to compete for the title.

Seemingly though, Leonard Gates is the man to beat in Purfleet. Thornton is the senior world champion, but all other majors on the World Seniors Darts Tour (WSDT) are held by the American. Gates won the Champion of Champions, World Seniors Matchplay and the World Seniors Darts Masters last year. A senior world title would complete the set for 'The Soulger'.

Of course, defending champion Thornton also belongs to the list of favourites, although 'The Thorn' seems a little less in form than last year. Furthermore, players such as Scott Mitchell, Richie Burnett and Richie Howson are outsiders.

Of course, we should also mention Phil Taylor. It will definitely be his last World Championship participation for the 16-time world champion, as 'The Power' has announced he is putting the arrows away for good after this season. Perhaps the knowledge of one last participation has given Taylor additional motivation to prepare optimally.

It will be shown free of charge in the UK on the BBC via the BBC Red Button and also BBC iPlayer.

Through the website 247 TV, those in other territories can access a live stream for a fee. For just £4.99, fans can watch the entire tournament live.

The prize pool at the 2024 World Seniors Darts Championship consists of £80,000 in prize money. All participants are guaranteed £750.

More than half of the total prize money is not distributed until the final. The runner-up receives £13,000, while the winner goes home with £30,000.