Gates crowned World Seniors Darts Matchplay champion to take third straight Seniors title

Leonard Gates has been crowned the 2023 World Seniors Darts Matchplay champion, securing his third straight tournament win on the WSDT.

Facing off against Jim McEwan in the final, Gates was a heavy favourite heading into the tie and immediately set about putting his mark on the game, moving into an early 4-0 lead courtesy of a 97 checkout finished on tops.

McEwan, who saw off the likes of Glen Durrant, Kevin Painter and Neil Duff en route to the final, got his first leg on the board in leg five thanks to a 117 finish. Gates though, who'd made history earlier in the afternoon by recording the first 100+ average in the Seniors continued to be on top and stretched into a five leg lead at 7-2.

Refusing to go down without a fight in his first Seniors final, McEwan kept scrapping and fighting to keep himself in the tie, getting back to just two legs behind at 8-6. Sadly for the Scot however, he'd left himself too much work to do and the 'Soulger' secured himself a third straight title and continued the dominance he has held over World Seniors Darts Tour, a 9-6 winner.

Leonard Gates lifts the 2023 World Seniors Masters

Soulger makes it a hat trick of titles this year 🏆🏆🏆#SeniorsWorldMatchplay pic.twitter.com/Hsqm5dftaM

— World Seniors Darts (@SeniorsDarts) September 3, 2023