Highlander Henderson slays Excalibur Cameron in epic comeback as Howson shines in Duff win

The first semi-final is confirmed at the 2024 World Seniors Darts Matchplay at the York Barbican with John Henderson set to face Richie Howson on Saturday evening in a battle of two of the favourites for the title this weekend.

Both had very contrasting results though with Howson sublime in seeing off Neil Duff. He claimed an 8-4 win in the opening Quarter-Final of the day. It is a sixth semi-final for Howson who is top seed and one of the leading lights this weekend.

Duff was superb early on as the former WDF World Champion broke back in 11 darts after Howson took the early impetus. But Howson led 4-2 to open some daylight between himself and Duff. He missed bull for 66 but Duff couldn't hit 46 and Howson pounced for 4-2.

Albeit Duff had a chance to remain in the tie. Howson had the chance to basically put it to bed but he couldn't pin double 20 for 6-3 and Duff went to within one. But mind games seemed to work as Howson didn't go for 130 and sent it back to Duff to hit the 170. But he didn't and Howson returned for double 11 for 7-4 before sealing the win.

While John Henderson reeled off five straight legs from 6-3 down in an epic comeback to defeat David Cameron for a spot in tonight's semi-finals.

At the first interval, Cameron had the lead going 3-1 up with a 177 to leave 109 which he pinned double 20 to claim it. Henderson nearly hit a nine-dart finish but this lit a spark in him as he went to within one with an epic 125 checkout and he sealed parity before pinning double 10 for 7-6. The comeback was done as he hit 136 to leave double 20 before claiming the win 8-6.