John Part has secured the last spot for the
World Seniors Darts Matchplay's field of participants. 'Darth Maple' received a wildcard for the event from the World Seniors Darts Tour (WSDT) organization.
The Canadian is considered an absolute darts legend. In 1994, Part became the first non-European world champion by taking the title at Lakeside. Early this century he made the move to the PDC, where Part also became world champion in 2003 by defeating Phil Taylor 7-6 in a legendary final at the Circus Tavern.
Part also went into the history books as the first world champion at Alexandra Palace, where the World Darts Championship still takes place today. In 2008, Part captured his third world title after a 7-2 victory over World Cup sensation Kirk Shepherd. The three-time world champion also won the 2006 Masters, while he managed to throw a nine-darter at the World Matchplay in 2011.
In recent years, Part has already participated in several tournaments of the WSDT, which organizes events for (famous) darters over the age of 50. "I am very happy and honored to have received an invitation to the Matchplay and I did not hesitate to accept it," Part said in a statement.
"I'm really delighted and honoured to have received an invite to the Matchplay, and it's one which I didn't hesitate to accept", said Part.
"It's nice to catch up with old friends, and to compete for the most prestigious prizes in Seniors darts. I'll give it everything to show the fans that I still have the passion and ability in the sport, and I'll be coming to win!"
Phil Taylor, Leonard Gates, Glen Durrant, Robert Thornton, Trina Gulliver, Martin Adams, Lisa Ashton, Kevin Painter, John Henderson, Chris Mason, Neil Duff, Paul Hogan, Matt Clark, James Richardson and David Cameron are the other participants at the World Seniors Matchplay.
The 2024 World Seniors Darts Matchplay will take place this year on Oct. 4 and 5. In 2023, the tournament was won by Gates, who won 9-6 over Jim McEwan in the final.
