Day one of the ADC Winmau Championship Grand Finals in Portsmouth delivered thrilling darts, setting the stage for an epic conclusion. Steve Lennon stole the show with a dominant performance, averaging over 97 and securing his spot in the quarter-finals. Young sensation Lewis Cook, just 16, also impressed, while defending champion Graham Hall battled through injury. Top seeds Danny Ayres and Callum Francis advanced, though Francis survived a major scare. The competition heats up towards Sunday’s finale, where the winner will claim a significant £3,000 prize.
Darts Grand Finals Ignite: Shockers, Surprises, and Stellar Performances!
The ADC Winmau Championship Grand Finals kicked off with a bang in Portsmouth, bringing together the top eight players from both the North and South regions after a grueling 12-event season. The opening day was packed with high-stakes matches, showcasing both established pros and exciting new talent.
Lennon Dominates, Young Cook Shines
One of the day’s most impressive displays came from Steve Lennon. The former PDC Tour Card holder – meaning he’s competed at the highest professional level in darts – was in sublime form. He averaged an outstanding 97+ in his assured 5-2 victory against Willie Borland in the Last 16. Lennon immediately set the tone, opening his campaign with spectacular finishes of 151 and 107, demonstrating his class and control. His next challenge will be against Chas Barstow.
The future of darts also made its mark, with 16-year-old Lewis Cook drawing significant attention. The young prodigy began his tournament journey with a confident 5-2 success over David Sumner, averaging nearly 90 in the process. Cook’s performance has certainly turned heads and he now faces a tough quarter-final match against the reigning champion, Graham Hall.
Defending Champion Battles On, Top Seeds Advance
Graham Hall, the defending champion, proved his mettle by battling through a challenging slipped disc to secure a 5-2 win against Ashley Coleman. His determination to compete and win despite injury highlights the fierce competitive spirit at these finals.
Top seed Danny Ayres had a relatively smooth start, cruising to a comfortable 5-0 win against Danny Trueman, who stepped in as a late replacement. Ayres’s dominant performance signals his intent to go all the way. He is now set to face WDF Welsh Open champion Ryan Hogarth, a formidable Scot who also advanced with a solid 5-2 victory over Dan Nicholls.
Close Calls and Clutch Finishes
The drama peaked with second seed Callum Francis, who narrowly escaped an early exit. He was given a significant scare by Roger Crook, who had strong support from his family and friends. Crook famously missed critical match darts at both 5-3 and 5-4, allowing Francis to seize the opportunity and deny him victory at the very last moment. This nail-biting encounter sets up a quarter-final clash for Francis against Jack Main.
Jack Main showcased his exceptional finishing skills, particularly on his doubles. He sealed his 5-1 win against Alan Slater with a superb 81 checkout on the bullseye, demonstrating precision under pressure.
Road to the Finals: The Quarter-Finals Await
The competition continues to intensify, with players battling for the coveted title and the £3,000 winner’s prize. The Grand Finals will conclude on Sunday afternoon, promising more high-octane darts action. Here’s a look at the quarter-final matchups:
- Danny Ayres vs Ryan Hogarth
- Lewis Cook vs Graham Hall
- Steve Lennon vs Chas Barstow
- Jack Main vs Callum Francis
Day One Results: Last 16
- Danny Ayres 5-0 Danny Trueman
- Ryan Hogarth 5-2 Dan Nicholls
- Lewis Cook 5-2 David Sumner
- Graham Hall 5-2 Ashley Coleman
- Steve Lennon 5-2 William Borland
- Lewis Pride 4-5 Chas Barstow
- Alan Slater 1-5 Jack Main
- Callum Francis 5-4 Roger Crook
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
