Defending champion Thornton dumped out of World Seniors Matchplay by Duff, McEwan sees off much improved Durrant

The opening round of the 2023 World Seniors Darts Matchplay is complete and the final two players to book quarterfinal spots have been Neil Duff and Jim McEwan.

The dominant force in the World Seniors, Robert Thornton was up against WDF World Champion Neil Duff. Despite the Northern Irishman averaging nearly nine points higher in the averages, the pair couldn't be separated as the departed the stage for the interval with the score tied at 3-3.

After the break it was more of the same. Duff surged again to move two clear but Thornton reeled him back to level terms at 5-5. Duff again saw the momentum in his favour as he took the next two legs to move one away from progression. With his back against the wall, Thornton kicked off the 13th leg with a score of just 6. 'The Thorn' then missed two darts to save his skin before Duff sent him packing with an 8-5 victory.

The final first round tie was an intriguing one. Jim McEwan versus Glen Durrant. The recent struggles of 'Duzza' have been well documented but the early signs here were positive. A 180 and a break of throw in the opening leg. Despite the clear improvement from Durrant nothing could separate them at the break, 3-3 the score.

After the break though, McEwan began to take control, reeling off the first two to move 5-3 in front. Durrant would not lie down however and showing the heart of a world champion roared back into the tie and nudged into the lead at 6-5. After holding throw in the 12th leg, Durrant was one leg away. Unable to capitalise on the situation and carve himself a chance however, McEwan tied the tie at 7-7 sending the match into overtime.

Holding throw in the 15th leg, it was then McEwan who suddenly was teetering on the edge of the second round. Then, courtesy of a stunning 171 set-up, the Scot had three match darts at double 16. After he missed, Duzza had the chance to save his skin but was unable and this time around McEwen made no mistake to book his spot in the quarterfinals.

The World Seniors Darts Matchplay will be televised all weekend on TNT Sports. Elsewhere however, for a fee of £9.99, interested parties can watch the entire weekend via a live stream at www.247.tv/live/darts.

The World Seniors Darts Tour (WSDT), organizer of the World Seniors Darts Matchplay, announced that the winner of the event will receive £10,000. In addition, the winner will also go home with a trophy. Last year, it was won by Robert Thornton, who was too strong for Phil Taylor in the final 12-10.