"Playing on the Seniors isn't where I want to be" - John Henderson admits disappointment at failure to re-gain Tour Card

With the 2024 World Seniors Darts Championship getting underway today at the Circus Tavern, one of the pre-tournament favourites is the much-loved Scot, John Henderson.

Having failed to secure a return to the Pro Tour via Q-School, the 50-year-old former World Cup of Darts winner heads to Purfleet for his first crack at World Seniors Darts Championship glory.

"I'm looking forward to it but obviously, playing on the Seniors isn't where I want to be," 'Hendo' admits in conversation with the Weekly Dartscast. "But the standard is higher than I thought it was going to be and getting the chance to meet up with old friends and participate in a venue I've never been to, I'm really looking forward to it."

As mentioned, Henderson's peak on the PDC was his World Cup of Darts win for Scotland alongside Peter Wright. Sadly though, he found it hard to kick on afterwards. "I felt like people were trying even harder against me after winning that," he says of his struggles since. "Everyone said Jonny Clayton was the benchmark. After he won the World Cup he went on to win major after major but it didn't quite happen with me. Unfortunately I lost the Tour Card and that's why I'm here where I am."

In his opening round match on Thursday afternoon, Henderson faces off against 9th seed, Trina Gulliver. "With the Seniors, the Challenge Tour and the Modus Super Series I'm back playing regular darts with a smile on my face, and I'm enjoying it as well," he says. "I didn't think I was going to be here because I thought I'd have my card back but now I've got a great opportunity and I'm looking forward to it."