Schedule and preview Thursday afternoon session 2023 World Seniors Darts Championship including Mason-Jenkins, Fitton and Cameron

It's that time of year again as the World Seniors Darts Championship begins at the Circus Tavern in Purfleet, an iconic venue with iconic players.

Thursday afternoon sees the start of Tungsten Time on the stage where legends played and darting history was made in the words of MC Paul Starr with some top ties to begin proceedings.

Chris Mason has decided against media commitments barring The Masters in recent weeks in order to practice solidly for the tournament and if he is any of the form which saw him delight on the recent MODUS Super Series, he will be in for a good weekend.

Albeit he faces tough opposition in the game of the session and the opener in Terry 'The Bull' Jenkins, a tie between perhaps two of darts' biggest underachievers but two formidable talents who battled with Phil Taylor in his pomp.

Format wise, it is the best of five sets until the final so it could be a tie that goes all the way.

Les Wallace last year produced an iconic walk-on with the bagpipes as the former World Champion made his way to the stage but hasn't performed so far in the World Seniors and could be a one-sided affair against Darryl Fitton.

Another player who has an iconic walk-on, he will look to go One Step Beyond his Last 32 defeat in 2022 against Richie Howson.

Speaking of 'The Owl', the formidable Howson returns after once again dominating the tour and after a superb clash with Martin Adams last year is set to face World Seniors Darts Master, David Cameron who received a direct invite after winning at Lakeside. Likely one that goes all the way.

While 'Dynamite' Darren Johnson, a former PDC Tour Card holder and a player at his best has been discussed for a potential run this weekend, he faces Larry Butler who is not a player to be written off. Still at the top of his game on the CDC Tour and recently playing at Q-School, he will look to upset a lot of betting slips to start off.

Afternoon (1pm GMT) – 4x Last 32 Matches

Terry Jenkins (13) v Chris Mason

Les Wallace (11) v Darryl Fitton

David Cameron (7) v Richie Howson

Larry Butler (15) v Darren Johnson