WSDT World Matchplay Day 1

Updated: October 4, 2024

Today saw the start of the 2024 World Matchplay on the World Seniors Darts Tour.

Reigning Champion Leonard Gates is the sole American on show, and started his title defense in style with an 8-5 defeat of James Richardson. ‘Soulger’ raced into a 5-1 lead before the Englishman fought back to win three of the next four legs. A swift 11-darter left the man from Houston one leg from victory, and with the next two legs going with the darts, it was Gates who advanced. He now faces the winner of the Lisa Aston/Paul Hogan clash, which is the last game on tonight.

The US #1 will be joined in the quarter-finals by Canadian Dave Cameron, who saw off Kevin Painter, but Cameron’s fellow countryman, former World Champion John Part went down to Scot Robert Thornton.

Elsewhere there were wins for Richie Howson and Neil Duff, which sets up an intriguing tussle tomorrow afternoon, while Martin Adams edged past Matt Clark.

The action continues tomorrow (Saturday).