The WADC Winmau Championship North delivered an exhilarating weekend of darts, where Vicky Pruim and Steph Clarke emerged as the dominant forces. Both players secured their third titles of the season in Middlesbrough, significantly boosting their chances for a coveted spot at the ADC Global Championship. Pruim triumphed in Event Nine with a convincing win over rival Kim Holden, while Clarke battled past Jo Oldershaw to claim Event Ten, solidifying their positions at the top of the tour standings.
The atmosphere was electric at Middlesbrough Sports Village as the final weekend of the WADC Winmau Championship North kicked off. Spectators witnessed incredible skill and nail-biting finishes, with two players shining brightest on day one.
Vicky Pruim Dominates Event Nine
Swedish sensation Vicky Pruim was the first to step into the winner’s circle, showcasing her exceptional form. She proved too strong for her close rival, Kim Holden, in the Event Nine final, securing a decisive 5-1 victory.
Pruim’s path to the title was filled with impressive performances:
- She started strong, defeating Carla Boyes 4-1.
- A crucial 80.38 average helped her edge past former WDF World Championship finalist Kirsty Hutchinson in a tight 4-3 match.
- Another thrilling encounter saw her overcome Steph Clarke in a decisive final leg to reach the semi-finals.
- Pruim then powered past Natalie Gilbert with a comfortable 5-2 win to book her place in the final.
Kim Holden, who had previously won two titles early in the season, made a strong comeback in this event. She swept through her early matches, including a dominant whitewash win against Tip Whillis in the quarter-finals, and dropped only one leg against Judith Pike to reach the final.
However, the final belonged to Pruim. A brilliant 13-darter (finishing the game in just 13 throws, demonstrating high precision) put her 3-1 ahead, and she sealed the £500 first prize and the title with an 18-darter, catapulting her to the very top of the tour standings.
Steph Clarke Secures Event Ten Title in Gritty Fashion
Not to be outdone, Steph Clarke also claimed her third title of the campaign in Event Ten, overcoming Jo Oldershaw in a hard-fought 5-3 victory.
Clarke’s journey to the crown was marked by tactical brilliance and determination:
- She began with solid wins against Crissy Manley and Marie Fitton.
- A standout moment was her superb 4-0 revenge win against Vicky Pruim (who had beaten her in Event Nine), averaging over 81 in the process – a testament to her focus.
- Clarke then dispatched Jackie Brighton 5-2 to reach the semi-finals, where she secured a solid 5-3 victory over Angela Kirkwood.
Jo Oldershaw’s path to the final was equally impressive, especially after a disappointing Event Nine where she narrowly missed out despite holding a 4-1 lead. She bounced back with a vengeance:
- A whitewash win against Judith Pike.
- Revenge against Natalie Gilbert, winning 4-2 to reach the quarter-finals.
- A dominant 5-0 thrashing of Eleanor Cairns.
- An easy 5-1 win over Tip Whillis set up her clash with Clarke.
The final was a tense affair. Oldershaw had a crucial opportunity, missing a double 18 for a 113 finish and a 3-1 lead. This proved costly as Clarke seized the moment, going 4-3 up. Oldershaw missed further darts to push the match to a deciding leg, allowing Clarke to step in and pin tops (the double 20 segment, a common target for match-winning darts) to secure the win. This victory propelled Clarke into second place in the standings, just ahead of Natalie Gilbert.
The Road to the ADC Global Championship
These victories have significant implications for the players’ season goals:
- The top two players in the standings will qualify directly for the prestigious ADC Global Championship.
- The top eight players will earn a spot in the exciting Tour Finals.
Current Standings Snapshot:
After these thrilling events, the race for qualification is heating up:
- 1st: Vicky Pruim
- 2nd: Steph Clarke
- 3rd: Natalie Gilbert
- 4th-8th: Kim Holden, Angela Kirkwood, Lauryn Salter, Eleanor Cairns, and Sara Walton
The tour concludes on Sunday with Events 11 and 12, promising more intense darts action as players vie for those crucial final positions.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
