Robert Thornton, a former UK Open champion, has staged a remarkable recovery at the MODUS Super Series in Portsmouth. After finishing last in Group A, ‘The Thorn’ dramatically surged to the top of Group C on the opening day, showcasing incredible resilience. This unexpected comeback sees him lead a fiercely competitive group, with Petri Rasmus, Nico Plovier, and Harry Ward hot on his heels, all battling for a spot in Saturday’s Finals Night.
Thornton’s Incredible Resurgence: From Last Place to Group Leader
Darts veteran Robert Thornton, affectionately known as “The Thorn,” proved that experience and grit can overcome any challenge at the MODUS Super Series. Fresh off a disappointing last-place finish in Group A, where he managed just four points, the former UK Open champion delivered a stunning performance on Thursday afternoon in Group C, ending the day as the undisputed leader.
A Day of Ups and Downs, Ending on a High
Thornton’s journey to the top wasn’t without its early hurdles. He began his Group C campaign with a 2-4 loss to Finnish newcomer Petri Rasmus, hinting at another difficult day. However, “The Thorn” quickly found his rhythm and unleashed a series of impressive victories:
- A crucial 4-3 deciding-leg win against pre-tournament favorite Harry Ward, demonstrating his clutch performance under pressure.
- A dominant 4-0 whitewash over Belgium’s Nico Plovier, showcasing clinical precision.
- A solid 4-2 victory against Jamie Kelling, solidifying his position at the top.
These results propelled him to the summit of the six-player group after the first full round of fixtures, a testament to his fighting spirit.
Who Else Shone? The Contenders in Group C
While Thornton stole the headlines, other players also made their mark in a highly competitive group:
- Petri Rasmus’s Impressive Debut: The Finnish player made a strong first impression, securing notable wins including his early upset against Thornton and a solid 4-2 victory over Nico Plovier. He’s certainly a player to watch.
- Nico Plovier’s Consistent Performance: The Belgian talent enjoyed a solid afternoon, securing three wins from five matches. He finished the day strongly and is well-positioned for Friday.
- Harry Ward’s Mixed Fortunes: The 2019 Players Championship winner, making his return to this stage, experienced a roller-coaster day. He started strong with a 4-1 win over Jim Widmayer but needed a late recovery win to stay in contention and avoid the bottom of the table.
- Jim Widmayer’s Highlight Reel: Widmayer delivered one of the day’s most memorable moments, hitting a hat-trick of ton-plus checkouts in a deciding-leg victory over Jamie Kelling.
- Jamie Kelling’s Struggle for Consistency: Kelling found it tough to maintain a consistent level of play throughout the afternoon.
The Road to Finals Night: Group C Wide Open
As the group heads into Friday’s concluding afternoon session, the competition remains fierce. Only the top two players will advance to Saturday’s highly anticipated Finals Night. Thornton currently holds the overnight lead, but Rasmus, Plovier, and Ward are all closely grouped and well-placed to challenge for those coveted qualification spots. Every leg will count in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to Group C.
What’s Next in the MODUS Super Series?
While Group C concludes, the action continues elsewhere. Group B, featuring players like Michael Wiles, Jamie Atkins, Radek Szaganski, Aden Kirk, and Gemma Hayter, will begin their battles later in the evening. Meanwhile, Jeff Smith has already secured his place in Saturday’s Finale as the winner of Group A, setting the stage for an exciting weekend of darts.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
