The tension was palpable at the MODUS Super Series as five darts players — Robert Thornton, Petri Rasmus, Aden Kirk, Jamie Atkins, and Michael Wiles — battled their way through intense group stages on Friday to secure their places in Saturday’s highly anticipated Week Nine Finale. They now join earlier qualifier Jeff Smith, all vying for the coveted single spot in the prestigious Champions Week, promising an electrifying conclusion to the week’s play.
Group C: Thornton Dominates, Rasmus Squeezes Through
Veteran darts pro Robert Thornton demonstrated his class in Group C, topping the leaderboard with an impressive 14 points. After starting Friday with 6 points, Thornton went on a winning spree, securing four victories from his five matches. His triumphs included strong performances against Jim Widmayer, Nico Plovier, Harry Ward, and Petri Rasmus. His only slip-up came in a defeat to Jamie Kelling, but it wasn’t enough to derail his charge to the top.
Group C Standings:
- 1st: Robert Thornton – 14 points (Qualified)
- 2nd: Petri Rasmus – 14 points (Qualified)
- 3rd: Jamie Kelling – 12 points
- 4th: Jim Widmayer – 8 points
- 5th: Harry Ward – 6 points
- 6th: Nico Plovier – 6 points
Petri Rasmus also showcased strong form, finishing second overall with 14 points and earning his spot in the Finale. While he had the same points total as Thornton, the tie-breaker (likely based on leg difference or head-to-head record) placed him just behind the group leader.
Group B: Kirk Leads the Pack, Atkins and Wiles Advance in Thriller
In Group B, Aden Kirk proved to be the standout performer, clinching the top spot with a solid 14 points. Kirk secured three crucial victories on Friday evening, overcoming Radek Szaganski, Michael Wiles, and Gemma Hayter. His sole defeat was at the hands of Jamie Atkins, but his overall performance ensured his direct qualification to Saturday’s Finale.
Group B Standings:
- 1st: Aden Kirk – 14 points (Qualified)
- 2nd: Jamie Atkins – 12 points (Qualified)
- 3rd: Michael Wiles – 6 points (Qualified)
- 4th: Radek Szaganski – 6 points
- 5th: Gemma Hayter – 2 points
The battle for the remaining qualification spots in Group B was incredibly tight. Jamie Atkins finished a strong second with 12 points, comfortably securing his place. The real drama unfolded for third place, where Michael Wiles and Radek Szaganski both ended on 6 points. However, Wiles edged out Szaganski due to a superior leg difference – a crucial tie-breaker in darts tournaments that measures the difference between legs won and legs lost. This narrow margin sent Wiles through and unfortunately ended Szaganski’s journey.
The Grand Finale Awaits!
With Friday’s intense qualifying rounds complete, the stage is now set for a thrilling conclusion to Week Nine. The six qualified players – Jeff Smith (from Group A), Robert Thornton, Petri Rasmus, Aden Kirk, Jamie Atkins, and Michael Wiles – will face off on Saturday evening. They will battle it out not just for the weekly title, but more importantly, for the highly coveted single spot in the prestigious Champions Week, where the best of the best compete for ultimate glory. Expect high-stakes darts and incredible performances as these players leave everything on the oche!
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
