Robert Thornton kicked off the 2022 World Seniors Darts Championship by seeing off Bob Anderson in the opening game of the first night at the Circus Tavern and he spoke of his pride of opening up the tournament.
"It's amazing that this is only the second time I've been here, the last time it was 13 years ago. To be back here and playing and opening a major tournament like this, I'm one of the proudest men in the world," said Thornton post match.
But in terms of his overall game, there is still work to be done according to the multiple major champion.
"The scoring was there, the doubles I need to work on a little bit. I was kind of lose on one or two darts but it's swings and roundabouts, if it's going to go in, it's going to go in."
"When he hit that last one (180), you've got to give him respect. He's an icon."
He also diminished talk of it being just an exhibition and spoke about the financial incentives on offer.
"When in the world are you going to get paid thirty thousand pounds to do an exhibition, this isn't just an exhibition."