John Henderson produces epic comeback to deny Robert Thornton in World Seniors Darts Masters tie-break epic

It is the Big Hendo Weekendo again. John Henderson has completed a near clean sweep of WSDT major titles in the 2024 season sealing the triple crown of the World Championship, World Matchplay and now World Seniors Darts Masters.

Henderson defeated Robert Thornton in an electric final that Thornton led 5-3. But 'The Highlander' never knows when he is beaten and against his close friend, he took it to a tie-break in the race to six.

One that he claimed just before sudden death in one of the best matches ever seen in the World Seniors tournaments. His only title missing is the Champion of Champions. While Thornton's wait goes on for the Masters to enter his collection.

Thornton was electric from the start. He sped through three quickfire legs to cement him close to a two set lead already. He wasted no time in taking the early impetus. He won the opening two sets with only one leg in reply. Albeit Henderson wasn't about to give up, he reeled Thornton back in easing through the third set for a foothold.

Henderson made it 2-2 from there with a 15 and 16 darter including a 102 checkout. But Thornton continued to keep him at arms length and breezed through the next set. He then sealed a 4-2 lead. Henderson hit back but it was all about heading towards those six sets and Thornton pounced on missed darts from Henderson to claim a 5-3 lead.

Albeit he delivered to stay in it, Henderson hit a 120 checkout to deny Thornton a championship shot. He made it 5-4 down and was looking to make Thornton sweat.

That he did as he was finding some of his best darts to send it into a deciding set. He hit a 68 checkout for a 15 darter then a 12-darter 41 checkout leaving it after nine and taking it out to also give himself the throw for the title in the final set.

But Thornton broke to throw it back in his favour. Henderson though pinned a 91 checkout for 1-1. He went one away again but Thornton sent it all the way at 2-2. They continued to head towards sudden death. Henderson went 4-3 up.

Thornton missed darts to stay in it and Henderson took aim at 100 and took it out to seal the title.

John Henderson (89.41) 6 | 5 (88.92) Robert Thornton

John Henderson (91.03) 5 | 3 (90.41) Paul Hogan

Robert Thornton (83.97) 5 | 2 (82.03) Richard Eirig-Rowlands

John Henderson (92.05) 4 | 0 (84.51) Matt Clark

Paul Hogan (84.75) 4 | 3 (87.34) Martin Adams

Robert Thornton (90.22) 4 | 3 (87.47) Neil Duff

Richard Eirig-Rowlands (81.23) 4 | 2 (78.99) Tony O'Shea

John Henderson (86.79) 4 | 1 (80.04) Scott Mitchell

Matt Clark (85.24) 4 | 2 (79.22) Lisa Ashton

Martin Adams (84.32) 4 | 0 (82.61) Chris Mason

Paul Hogan (87.56) 4 | 1 (82.45) Glen Durrant

Robert Thornton (81.45) 4 | 0 (70.64) Trina Gulliver

Neil Duff (85.81) 4 | 1 (81.08) Darryl Fitton

Richard Eirig-Rowlands (85.70) 4 | 1 (89.13) Andrew Kateley

Tony O'Shea (82.24) 4 | 2 (80.69) Richie Howson