James Richardson on Saturday forced qualification for the World Seniors Matchplay. Two qualifying tournaments will be played this weekend at the Crucible Club in Reading, and Richardson managed to win the first qualifier.
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With easy wins over Nick Holman (5-0) and Adrian Wood (5-1), Richardson easily advanced to the last 32. After that, "Ruthless" had tough battles with Kevin Dowling (5-3), Scott Mitchell (5-4) and Jim Long (6-5), but the Englishman still clinched a final spot.
In the final, Mike Norton was the opponent. Norton had won over David Cook (5-1), Paul Dawkins (5-1), Mike Huntley (5-4), Richard Boucher (5-1) and David Cameron (6-5) on his way to the final.
In the final, Norton took an 0-1 lead with a 25-darter, but the next four legs all went to Richardson, who recorded an 11-darter and a 15-darter, among others. Norton then made it 2-4 via a 15-darter, before Richardson clinched the match with two 14-darters.
It will be the first time Richardson has competed in a televised tournament of the World Seniors Darts Tour (WSDT), which organizes tournaments for (famous) darters over the age of 50. Richardson does have the necessary experience, as he competed four times at the PDC World Championship and twice at Lakeside. At the 2012 World Darts Championship, Richardson caused a huge sensation by beating Raymond van Barneveld in the first round.
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QUALIFIER 🏆
James Richardson is off to York 🎯
Ruthless lived up to his nickname, defeating Mike Norton 6-2 in the final to book his spot in the World Seniors Matchplay!
Congratulations James 👏