Shane McGuirk eases into Lakeside semi-finals as Sophie McKinlay shocks Aileen de Graaf
WDF
Shane McGuirk and Sophie McKinlay continue their breakout runs at the 2024 WDF World Championship at the home of World Darts, the Lakeside reaching the semi-finals to complete Friday afternoon.
McGuirk took down Peter Machin, the former BDO World Trophy champion in straight sets 4-0 as the format increased but wasn't an issue for the Irishman known as 'The Arrow'.
In the race to four, McGuirk started well and continued to get better. He won the opening set 3-1 against the Aussie. He took the second set with a 14-darter also 3-1 as he barely gave Machin a chance to gain a foothold in the clash.
Machin did ramp up the pressure in the third though as it became almost last chance saloon for him. He survived a set dart from Machin. But it was another 14-darter in the decider that saw him go 3-0 up and one set from the winning line.
He was throwing for the match as missed darts at double blighted Machin as he failed to lay a glove on McGuirk. Albeit he threw for the match and couldn't pin 124 and Machin hit 56 last dart in hand to break back. But McGuirk finally got over the line. He now faces off against Francois Schweyen for a spot in the final.
While McKinlay who saw off Lisa Ashton and Irina Armstrong added another big name to her resume in the form of Aileen de Graaf.
The 18-year-old who will also play in the girls tournament this weekend will also be in the Ladies Semi-Final and it is a big chance for one player out of her and Lerena Rietbergen who will now reach the final.
But also it will be good news for Beau Greaves for instance who will be the favourite to face the winner in that part of the draw which also features Nicole Regnaud and Deta Hedman facing off this evening.
It was a shellshocked start for De Graaf who lost the first set 3-1. She started the second set breaking McKinlay's throw and went 2-0 up. But a 17-darter and 18-darter from the Scot turned the tables.
She went from likely to lose the set to in a winning position as still in the short format, McKinlay took out 74 to seal the win.
𝗠𝗰𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗸 𝗽𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗿 🔢
— WDF Darts (@DartsWDF) December 6, 2024
New tournament favourite Shane McGuirk punishes missed chances from Peter Machin to progress to the semi-finals. Keeping his record in tact of not dropping a set at Lakeside this year!… pic.twitter.com/vRhfukyGIG
Sophie was fantastic again today, I was confident she'd beat Aileen She is a brilliant player, so composed. I actually heard about Sophie from Lorraine Winstanly and how she was winning competitions and was going to be a star. Brilliant player and surely competition for Beau, I like Beau but she hasn't had anybody on her level.
I've got to go with McGuirk to win the title - he's been the most consistent player in the tournament so it will be well deserved...
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