In a thrilling prelude to the Tendring Masters Finals Night, darts veteran Daniel Sare made a sensational debut, dominating Qualifier 5 with an almost flawless performance to secure his spot. Despite a hard-fought loss in the final, rising star Joshua Gregory continued his impressive form, solidifying his lead in the Grand Prix points race. This qualifier, held at the historic Comrades venue, saw a record 59 entries, setting the stage for an explosive conclusion to the series.
A Historic Venue Sets the Stage
The Comrades venue, steeped in darts history, proved to be a fitting host for the penultimate Tendring Masters Qualifier. Once the home of the Clacton Men’s Darts League and even featured in an ITV Anglia documentary, its rich heritage added a special atmosphere to the day. With an unprecedented 59 entries – the highest turnout of the entire series – the event attracted a vibrant mix of new talent and seasoned contenders, all vying for a coveted place at the prestigious Finals Night at the Prince’s Theatre.
Daniel Sare’s Dominant Debut
Making his first appearance in the series, former Essex County player and 2025 Tendring Open Darts Championship finalist, Daniel Sare, arrived with a formidable reputation. Known for his ability to make deep runs in tournaments, Sare wasted no time in asserting his dominance.
His path to the semi-finals was nothing short of spectacular, dropping just a single leg:
- Defeated Callum Rayner 3–1
- Beat Paul Foley 3–0
- Overcame Steve Western 3–0
- Swept William Cowley 3–0
Sare continued his relentless form in the semi-final, delivering another powerful performance to defeat former Essex and Suffolk County player, Gavin Payne, 3–0. Payne himself had a strong debut, showcasing his reputation as a tough competitor with notable wins against Bobby Brown, Paul Hawkins, and Daniel Craig, before a tight 3–2 quarter-final victory over Shaun Fox, who recently returned from PDC Q-School.
Joshua Gregory’s Unstoppable Ascent
In the bottom half of the draw, Joshua Gregory, fresh off his runner-up finish at Qualifier 4, once again proved his mettle. He navigated a challenging bracket with an outstanding run to reach his second consecutive final, demonstrating remarkable consistency and skill.
Gregory’s impressive journey included:
- Defeating reigning champion Paul Williams 3–1, marking Williams’ second successive first-round exit.
- Overcoming newcomer and former Essex County player Chris Denny 3–0.
- Securing a solid 3–1 win against points-chasing Paul Kempen.
- Maintaining his momentum by defeating last year’s finalist Darren O’Neill 3–0.
In a tightly contested semi-final, Gregory faced Essex County ‘A’ player Matthew Good, who was making his second semi-final appearance of the series. Gregory held his nerve to edge through 3–2, securing his well-deserved spot in the final.
The Grand Final: Experience vs. Emerging Talent
The final promised a captivating clash: the seasoned experience of Daniel Sare, a former 2001 Youth World Masters competitor and PDC tour player, against the burgeoning talent of Joshua Gregory, who continues to make a significant impact on the local darts circuit.
Both players showcased exceptional darts, but it was Sare’s vast experience that ultimately prevailed. He secured a decisive 3–1 victory, claiming the Qualifier 5 title and booking his place among the elite at Finals Night.
The Race to Finals Night Heats Up
Despite his second final defeat in the series, Joshua Gregory’s consistent performances have been phenomenal. His efforts propelled him eight points clear at the top of the Grand Prix Points Table, a significant lead heading into the final qualifier. The stage is now perfectly set for a thrilling conclusion to the Tendring Masters Rab Scott Trophy qualifying campaign, with the final qualifier scheduled for Saturday, January 24th, at Clacton Sports Bar. The battle for the remaining Finals Night spots promises to be intense!
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
