19/02/2024

Third time lucky for Ryan Searle; 'Heavy Metal' clinches thrilling last-leg decider with Gary Anderson at Players Championship 3

It took Ryan Searle three attempts, but he finally secured his first ranking title of the season. In his thrid straight final, he defeated Gary Anderson to win Players Championship 3.

As mentioned, Searle had also reached the final in the previous two Players Championship tournaments, but lost to Luke Littler and Anderson respectively. On Monday, however, 'Heavy Metal' got a chance for revenge against 'The Flying Scotsman'.

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Searle had reached the final after victories over successively Patrick Geeraets (6-2), Owen Bates (6-4), Simon Whitlock (6-4), Damon Heta (6-3), Danny Noppert (6-4) and Michael van Gerwen (7-4). Anderson defeated Jeffrey de Graaf (6-3), William Borland (6-2), Jim Williams (6-3), Jeffrey Sparidaans (6-0), Peter Wright (6-2) and Callan Rydz (7-4). In addition, Anderson posted averages of 107.63, 109.35, 111.71 and 112.02, among others.

In the final, Searle won the first three legs of the match, and managed to hold that lead for a long time. Anderson then threw three 12-darters in his own legs in a row, but was still looking at that break deficit after nine legs.

However, a miss by Searle in the 11th leg on double 12 resulted in a break for Anderson. The Scot broke his practice partner with an 11-darter, before levelling the score with a 14-darter in the 12th leg. Both men then held their own leg, before Searle struck with a 14-darter in the leg-decider.