More final heartbreak for Howson as Leonard Gates dances his way to World Seniors Darts Masters title

Leonard Gates has claimed the title and is the new champion of the World Seniors Darts Masters thanks to victory in the final over Richie Howson.

In a repeat of the Champion of Champions final from earlier this year, Richie Howson, in his third Seniors final of the year, was taking on the dancing American, Leonard Gates. It was Gates, the winner of that aforementioned Champion of Champions final, who started the better here as well, blitzing his way to a 2-0 lead at the first break, taking all 4 of the legs played.

After the break, Howson finally got himself on the board in the final, taking the first leg of the third set. A few moments later, courtesy of double 16, Howson had a set on the board. After the Owl missed three clear darts for a third straight leg though, Gates took control of the fourth set. Despite Howson levelling the set, it was Gates that took it and as the players headed off stage for the second break the American led 3-1 in a race to 6.

Howson wasn't going down without a fight though. Despite not being at his best, the Owl was scrapping for everything he could as he pulled it back to 3-2. Gates was simply playing the better darts however, giving himself more opportunities at the double and soon he again reestablished his two set lead at 4-2.

After the Owl passed up no fewer than eleven chances for the seventh set and became more and more frustrated, Howson eventually was made to pay by Gates, with the American pinning double 5 to one set away from the win.

Gates moved one leg away from the win, yet again nailing the double with his third dart in hand. The following leg saw Howson again dig deep to pull out yet another ton-plus finish and stay in the contest. But after he then missed two darts for the set, Gates had a chance for victory. Despite spurning his first two darts, Gates was allowed to return and this time he made no mistake, nailing double 4 and taking the title.