"I've been absolutely hammering the practice board" - Robert Thornton intent on making it a hattrick of world titles this weekend

Robert Thornton made a good start to his title defense at the World Seniors Darts Championship. 'The Thorn' defeated Martyn Turner 3-1 in the opening round.

Thornton became world senior champion in both 2022 and 2023. "I really enjoyed it. If felt quite comfortable up there and I was quite happy with the way they were going," reflected 'the Thorn' post-match. "I've been absolutely hammering the practice board this last week and I'm feeling good."

This year's edition of the World Seniors Darts Championship is arguably the most competitive ever with a number of names battling to take the title away from Thornton. "The fire in the belly never goes. Always want to keep winning," answers the 56-year-old Scot. "Winning it for a third year, wit the quality of the field, and I'm not taking anything away from the field the last couple years, winning it for a third time would be absolutely exceptional."

Thornton was active with the PDC for a long time butvin recent years has concentrated hisnefforts elsewhere. "I do miss it," Thornton admits. "But to be honest, I don't think I could do all the traveling again," he concludes.