Leonard Gates competed at the World Seniors Darts Championship in early February reaching the semi-finals losing out to Richie Howson but has now joined 'The Owl' in the line-up for the World Seniors Champion of Champions starting on Saturday in Blackpool.
'Soulger' who has gained a lot of new fans in recent months for his superb walk-ons, dance moves and interviews will head to VIVA! Blackpool to attempt to topple Phil Taylor after sealing the Golden Ticket.
Travelling all the way from the US for the opportunity, he saw off Mark Layton 5-0 in the final after a run which featured wins over Co Stompe, Paul Holloway, Richard-Eiring Rowlands and a stand-out 109 average against Ronnie Baxter in the semi-finals.
2023 World Seniors Champion of Champions Golden Ticket Results
Quarter-Finals
Mark Layton (88.39) 5-3 (80.24) Paul Hogan
Jim McEwan (86.48) 5-3 (80.43) Trevor Ellacott
Ronnie Baxter (93.56) 5-1 (78.30) Martin Thomas
Leonard Gates (95.14) 5-2 (86.27) Richard-Eirig Rowlands
Semi-Finals
Mark Layton (85.01) 5-1 (78.59) Jim McEwan
Leonard Gates (108.91) 5-0 (86.86) Ronnie Baxter
Final
Leonard Gates (92.78) 5-0 (84.15) Mark Layton