Robert Thornton books all Scottish World Seniors Darts Masters Final with John Henderson

Robert Thornton will face John Henderson in the final of the 2024 World Seniors Darts Masters in Sunderland after ending the run of Richard Eirig-Rowlands in the best display yet from the rising Welshman.

A tour that has given rises to the likes of Richie Howson, Rowlands has proven this weekend that he could be the next cab off the rank seeing off Andrew Kateley, Tony O'Shea before finally losing to Thornton who is a multiple major winner and a force in these tournaments.

He proved that again with a 5-2 sets win staving off a late comeback win and winning it 11-5 in legs in the end overall with a near 84 average.

Both players missed buckets of doubles but it was Thornton who took full advantage to end Rowlands' run. The former surged through the opening set 2-1. But it was the second which was the disaster for Rowlands.

He missed three in hand to level the second set and Thornton showed his experience sealing the set on double 10 to head into the break leading.

On return, it was Rowlands turn to hit the front as he came from 1-0 down to claim it 2-1 and give himself something to think about. But that was missed chances. Rowlands found a maximum to leave a one dart out but Thornton stepped up to take set four. This restored his breathing room at 3-1.

Rowlands made it 20 missed darts at a double in the next set and Thornton again led by a further margin without much in the way of quality. He went 4-1 up and towards the finishing line. Rowlands stole the next set though to ask the question as he pinned double 20 for 4-2 down. But that comeback didn't get off the ground.

Thornton breezed past the next set to seal the win and book a spot against his good friend. Both struggled on the outer ring but Thornton's grit and experience won the day.