The final of the 2023 World Seniors Darts Masters is set. Jim McEwan will face off against Leonard Gates for the title in York.
The first semi-final of the evening saw Jim McEwan take on Neil Duff, both players looking to make the final of a World Seniors event for the first time. It was the Scotsman who started the better, finishes of 130 and 111 helping him to a 4-2 at the interval.
'Chucky' as he's known was playing with freedom and confidence. Reeling off the first three legs after the break he stretched his advantage to 7-2, just two legs away from a place in the final. Duff fought back though, taking three on the spin himself to get back into touching distance at 7-5 behind. Sadly for Duff, it proved nothing more than a consolatory burst as McEwan regathered himself to book his place in the final with a 9-5 win.
But who would he face? Conqueror of Phil Taylor, Paul Hogan, or the man looking to make it three WSDT titles on the bounce, Leonard Gates?
Gates, who broke new ground earlier in the competition with the first ever 100+ average in a WSDT event was the better player early on in the match up but Hogan was more than holding his own at 2-2. Once Gates nudged in front for the first time at 3-2 though, the 'Soulger' began to press home his advantage. Two more legs followed and suddenly Gates was 5-2 clear.
Despite Gates seemingly being in complete control, Hogan refused to give in. Fighting and clawing, the Englishman got back on level terms at 7-7. Sadly for Hogan however, his charge stopped there as Gates was able to take the last two legs and continue his unbeatable streak on the Seniors Tour.
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Jim McEwan will be competing in his first World Seniors TV Final!#SeniorsWorldMatchplay pic.twitter.com/1D8jkjpVB5
— World Seniors Darts (@SeniorsDarts) September 3, 2023