The ADC Winmau Championship South concluded with a spectacular double-header in Aylesbury, seeing Jack Drayton and Roger Crook emerge as the final champions. Their victories capped a day of intense darts action, solidifying their places in the prestigious Tour Finals and the ultimate ADC Global Championship. Expect thrilling finishes, high averages, and nail-biting qualifications!
Jack Drayton Claims First Title in Event 11 Thriller
After a strong showing earlier in the season, Jack Drayton, hailing from Fleetwood, finally secured his first title at Event 11. His journey culminated in a decisive 5-2 victory against Michael Wiles, a player who had himself won Friday’s warm-up event.
Drayton’s path to the final was marked by exceptional play and nerves of steel. He began his day with impressive wins over Kyle Mantom and Ash Ling, even boasting a remarkable 98.20 average in one match. He then navigated two tense, last-leg thrillers against Liam Earwicker and Archie Self before finding his stride, thrashing Ross Twell 5-1. A 5-2 win against Reece Colley further showcased his form, leading him to the final where he once again demonstrated his prowess, defeating Asa Canfield 5-1 with a 93.50 average.
Michael Wiles, Drayton’s opponent in the final, also had a challenging route. After initial wins, he edged out Tom Parradine 5-4 and then delivered a strong 5-2 performance against Dan Hands with an average over 93. His semi-final match against Robbie Martin was particularly dramatic, as Wiles had to dodge match darts to survive 5-4 and reach the final.
In the championship match, Drayton truly shone, putting on a “scoring clinic”. He finished with an average of over 94, solidifying his position within the top eight contenders for maximum points.
Roger Crook Snags Final Crown in Dramatic Event 12 Showdown
The final champion of the season was Roger Crook, who secured his title in a nail-biting 5-4 win against Harrison Leigh in the Event 12 finale. Supported by a lively crowd of friends and family, Crook demonstrated remarkable consistency from the outset.
Crook’s early matches saw him lose just two legs as he dispatched Rich Griffee, James Goodin, and Matthias Dietrich. He continued his strong run with victories over Graham Jenkins and Steve Green, eventually reaching the last eight. Here, he faced Adam Mould on his home turf, denying him in a final leg with an average exceeding 87. Crook then secured his spot in the final with a 5-3 win over Jamie Kelling.
Harrison Leigh’s journey to the final was equally impressive, marked by hard-fought wins. He overcame Hayden Newman, Mason Teese, and notably, Lloyd Pennell, ending the Welshman’s hopes of qualification. Leigh then endured another lengthy battle to knock out Michael Wiles and defeated Neil Duff 5-3 to reach the quarter-finals. He continued his excellent form by ending the hopes of young sensation Jack Johnson with a 5-2 success, finally reaching the championship match by getting the better of Dai Davies, a winner on the tour this season, in a tight 5-4 contest.
The final was a tense affair, with both players experiencing moments of brilliance. However, it was Crook who clinched the emotional victory, executing a nerveless 100 finish in the final leg to secure the £1,000 winner’s cheque. Despite his commendable tenth-place finish in the overall standings, it wasn’t quite enough for a Tour Finals spot, which is awarded to the top eight players.
Who Qualified? The Elite Head to Tour Finals and Global Championship
The conclusion of the ADC Winmau Championship South wasn’t just about the final winners; it was also the day when the season’s top performers earned their places in prestigious upcoming events. Qualification for both the ADC Global Championship and the Winmau Championship Tour Finals was highly sought after.
The top four players secured berths in both the ADC Global Championship and the Winmau Championship Tour Finals:
- Callum Francis
- Archie Self
- Dai Davies
- Graham Hall
Players finishing in spots five to eight earned their places in the Winmau Championship Tour Finals:
- Lewis Cook
- Alan Slater
- Dan Nicholls
- Chas Barstow
These players have demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency throughout the season, and their qualification marks them as the elite of the ADC Winmau Championship South circuit.
Upcoming Darts Extravaganzas
Darts fans can look forward to more high-stakes action with these upcoming events:
- The Winmau Championship Tour Finals are scheduled for October 3rd and 4th.
- The ADC Global Championship will run from November 1st to 8th.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
