In a truly nail-biting conclusion to the WADC Winmau Championship North season, Natalie Gilbert pulled off a stunning upset, clinching the final event title in Middlesbrough and, by a single point, snatched a coveted spot at the ADC Global Championship. This dramatic finish saw her narrowly beat out rival Vicky Pruim, whose hopes were dashed in the final moments. Steph Clarke also shone, securing two event wins over the weekend, including a spectacular comeback against Pruim. This is the story of a darts weekend filled with twists, turns, and ultimate glory.
A Season Finale for the Ages: The WADC Winmau Championship North
The final weekend of the WADC Winmau Championship North season promised high stakes, with players battling for crucial ranking points and the ultimate prize: a place at the prestigious ADC Global Championship. Natalie Gilbert began the weekend in a strong position, holding the top spot in the standings. However, the dartboard had other plans, and the drama was only just beginning.
Event 11: Setbacks and Sensational Comebacks
The penultimate event of the season saw a rollercoaster of emotions and results. For Natalie Gilbert, hopes seemed to dim early on when she suffered an unexpected 4-3 loss to Sarah Roberts in the last 16. This setback caused her to slip to third place in the standings, making her path to the Global Championship look incredibly slim.
While Gilbert faced an uphill battle, Steph Clarke was in formidable form, securing her second title of the weekend and fourth of the season. Her victory in Event 11 was particularly memorable for a sublime comeback in the final against Vicky Pruim.
- Steph Clarke’s Road to Event 11 Victory:
- Started strong with a whitewash against Sonia Glendinning.
- Overcame a 3-0 deficit to edge Jade Gill 4-3.
- Defeated Rebecca Allen 5-2.
- Secured her final spot with a 5-3 win over Eleanor Cairns.
Vicky Pruim also demonstrated her fighting spirit, rallying from a 3-1 deficit against Debbie Dexter in her opening match. She then dropped just one leg in subsequent wins, reaching the final with an impressive 84.39 average and a 5-3 victory over Kim Holden.
The Event 11 Final: Clarke’s Unforgettable Turnaround
The final match between Steph Clarke and Vicky Pruim was a spectacle. Pruim dominated early, establishing a commanding 4-1 lead and seemingly on the brink of victory. However, Clarke unleashed a stunning 160 finish that completely shifted the momentum. She followed this with crucial 72 and 68 checkouts to sensationally level the score. Pruim, visibly shaken, then missed vital match darts for a 5-3 win. In the deciding leg, Pruim’s scoring faltered at the critical moment, allowing ‘The Swan’ Clarke to swoop in, claim the £500 first prize, and secure the Event 11 title.
Event 12: Gilbert’s Redemption and Global Glory
The final event of the season brought the most intense drama. For Vicky Pruim, a single win would have been enough to secure her Global Championship place. However, in a shocking turn of events, she was beaten in her opening match by Rebecca Allen. This unexpected upset blew the door wide open for Natalie Gilbert to rekindle her championship dreams.
Gilbert seized this golden opportunity with both hands, embarking on a determined run to the final. Her journey included:
- Natalie Gilbert’s Path to Event 12 Victory:
- Strong wins over Louise Johnson and Jane Hawtin to reach the last eight.
- A decisive 5-3 victory against Angela Kirkwood.
- A comfortable 5-2 success against Rebecca Allen, bringing her one win away from glory.
Standing in her way in the final was none other than the in-form Steph Clarke, who had enjoyed a dominant run to the final herself, dropping only two legs in her early matches and dispatching Jo Oldershaw and Liz Humphries convincingly.
The Event 12 Final: Gilbert vs. Clarke – A Championship Decider
The final match was a fitting climax to the season. Gilbert took an early lead, going 3-1 up with a crucial 74 finish. Clarke, true to her fighting spirit, responded with a magnificent 101 checkout to level the scores. But Gilbert was not to be denied; a clinical 57 finish put her back in front. She then held her nerve to complete the job, securing not only the Event 12 title but, more importantly, the coveted ADC Global Championship spot by a single, agonizing point over Pruim.
Who Else Made the Cut? The Grand Finals Qualifiers
Beyond the drama of the Global Championship spot, the top eight players in the final standings earned their places at the Grand Finals. Joining the triumphant Natalie Gilbert, the consistent Steph Clarke, and the narrowly-missed Vicky Pruim were a host of other talented players who showcased their skill throughout the season.
The Grand Finals Qualifiers Are:
- Natalie Gilbert
- Steph Clarke
- Vicky Pruim
- Kim Holden
- Angela Kirkwood
- Eleanor Cairns
- Lauryn Salter
- Kirsty Hutchinson
This thrilling conclusion cemented a season of incredible darts, marked by exceptional talent, dramatic comebacks, and a truly unforgettable final weekend.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
