Robert Thornton wins inaugural World Seniors Darts Championship after superb victory against Martin Adams

Robert Thornton has won the 2022 World Seniors Darts Championship by defeating Martin Adams in a 5-1 sets win.

Thornton was utterly dominant until the finishing line came in sight missing eleven match darts throughout allowing Adams back for a set back and also to send the requisite one to a decider.

But in the end, 'The Thorn' is a World Champion adding to his titles at the World Grand Prix, UK Open and World Masters after a classy weekend for the 54-year-old who scoops £30,000.

Thornton sealed the opening leg with an 89 checkout to break throw. He began his throw with a 177 and followed up an Adams 180 with one of his own to leave 44 as he went one away from the opening set.

‘The Thorn’ was averaging 118 as he smashed in double 20 to go one set up. Adams missed bull for a 72 checkout to get a leg on the board and the Scot smashed in double 16 to hold.

Thornton missed a chance at 84 to seal a break but more darts went begging for Adams and double 11 was pinned by Thornton to go one away from a 2-0 sets lead. A 77 checkout saw Thornton make it six legs without reply to lead 2-0.

Adams finally got his final off and running to hold. They produced back-to-back 180’s but Adams allowed Thornton back for a clinical 68 to hold and make it 1-1. A 116 checkout to break followed it up and he was throwing for a 3-0 lead.

‘Wolfie’ hit a third 180 but Thornton again hit one to be first to a finish on his throw and had six at 124.

Adams hit another 180 but a 68 checkout went to Thornton as he went two sets away from the title. He hit double 12 to begin the next set with a hold of throw.

Adams missed three at double 20 for a hold but Thornton couldn’t clean up this time missing 68 only for double trouble to continue for ‘Wolfie’ and Thornton hit double 10 to go one away from a 4-0 lead.

It was the best leg of the match for Adams as he aimed to find his way back in and Thornton missed the chance for a 12-darter. Adams claimed a 10-darter as a result to break throw as he aimed to send it to a decider.

Adams from nowhere was kicking into gear with another 180 and hit a 15-darter on double 10 to send it all the way. Thornton wasn’t flustered by the Adams resurgence and despite missing 111 on double 20, he returned for double 10 for the set and he was 4-0 up.

He began Adams throw with a 180 but ‘Wolfie’ sealed double three as he wouldn’t give in. A seventh maximum followed for Thornton who hit double 10 to hold.

He missed the chance at a 127 but returned after Adams couldn’t take out 119 and it was 2-1 and one away for Thornton.

He hit 128 to leave 36 with Adams well back but he missed three match darts. Adams was looking at 130 but missed the bull.

More match darts went as Thornton missed two at double four and Adams hit 48 to send it all the way. Adams found a 72 checkout to go 4-1 down.

Thornton held throw as he aimed to head towards the finish again but Adams did the same with an 81 checkout. Thornton set up 32 from 146 as he put himself at the brink again.

He hit a 180 followed by 140 on Adams throw to leave 88 and missed double seven for the title with another match dart going. Two more went from seven.

Adams returned for 71 and he hit double 20 to send it all the way. Thornton had the throw for the win again and he hit a ninth 180. Thornton missed 68 for the match again but finally returned for double two to claim the title.