Schedule World Seniors Matchplay 2024: Howson, Henderson, Gates and Thornton battle for title on Saturday night

Saturday, 05 October 2024 at 18:30

Four seniors are still in the race for the title at the 2024 World Seniors Matchplay. Saturday night is the denouement of this event with the semifinals and final. Late in the evening we will know who will walk away with the top prize of 10,000 pounds.

It is the third time this WSDT tournament has been played. The World Seniors Matchplay first saw the light of day in 2022, when it was won by Robert Thornton, who was too strong for Phil Taylor in the final, 12-10. In 2023, Leonard Gates became the winner of this tournament. The American won in the final 9-6 over Jim McEwan.

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Richie Howson v John Henderson

The first semifinal of the evening is between Richie Howson and John Henderson. Howson is the only name in the field of participants who has become best known for his successes on the World Seniors Darts Tour. The 58-year-old Englishman was never a high-flyer at the PDC or the BDO/WDF, but already reached three televised finals on the senior circuit. He lost the first two finals, but this year Howson did take the title at the Champion of Champions tournament.

Howson has not been in any trouble this tournament. He began the tournament on Friday with an 8-4 victory over 10-time women's world champion Trina Gulliver, then Howson won 8-4 over Neil Duff.

Henderson, alongside Howson, is considered the biggest favorite for the title at this event. Although "The Highlander" no longer has a Tour Card, his active career is still in full swing. Henderson currently plays on the PDC Challenge Tour, and also plays regularly as a substitute on the PDC Pro Tour. He also participates in the MODUS Super Series and thus plays tournaments on the World Seniors Darts Tour. On this circuit, Henderson became senior world champion early this year.

In the first round, Henderson was originally scheduled to face Phil Taylor, but 'The Power' had to cancel due to persistent hip problems. Tony O'Shea became his new opponent and 'Silverback' was defeated 8-5. In his quarterfinal against David Cameron, Henderson fell behind 3-6, but with five won legs in a row, 'The Highlander' still won 8-6 thanks to an average of 93.

Leonard Gates v Robert Thornton

The winners of the past two editions of the World Seniors Matchplay will meet in the second semifinal. Leonard Gates won one of his three major WSDT titles in York last year. The American was the most dominant player on the tour last year, with further final victories at the World Seniors Masters and the Champion of Champions tournament. Recently, Gates also secured participation in the PDC's World Darts Championship by winning the CDC ranking.

The 53-year-old darter from American Texas came through his first two matches comfortably. The first round saw an 8-5 win over qualifier James Richardson. Then, in the quarterfinals, Gates was too strong 8-1 for Lisa Ashton.

Thornton grabbed the title at the first edition of the World Seniors Matchplay in 2022. In addition, 'The Thorn' captured the world title at the senior association in 2022 and 2023. At the PDC, Thornton also achieved success by winning the UK Open (2012) and World Grand Prix (2015).

This tournament, Thornton has yet to show his good form. In his first-round match against John Part (10-8 after extension), the Scot reached an average of only 81.35. Thornton's level in the quarterfinals was even lower. Then he won 8-4 from Martin Adams with an average of 79.33.

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