Robert Thornton, after a disappointing start, made an incredible comeback to top Group C and secure a spot in the MODUS Super Series Finals Night. He’s joined by Finnish newcomer Petri Rasmus, who impressed everyone with his consistent performance on debut. These two players battled through a highly competitive group to claim their places in Saturday’s grand finale.
The Unbelievable Comeback of “The Thorn”
Robert “The Thorn” Thornton, a former UK Open champion, proved that perseverance pays off. Earlier in the week, he found himself at the bottom of Group A, a position many would struggle to recover from. However, in Group C, Thornton staged a remarkable turnaround, securing an impressive seven wins from ten matches.
His qualification was sealed with a tense, decisive last-leg victory in the afternoon session, confirming his top spot with 14 points and a strong +11 leg difference. This achievement marks his return to the prestigious Finals Night, an event he last graced in Series 12, showcasing his enduring talent and fighting spirit.
Rasmus’s Remarkable Debut Performance
Making an outstanding debut at the Super Series, Finland’s Petri Rasmus demonstrated exceptional consistency across both days of Group C play. His steady form allowed him to finish level on 14 points with Thornton, securing his well-deserved second place on leg difference. Rasmus’s cool composure and consistent darting earned him a coveted berth in the Finals Night lineup, a testament to his immediate impact on the circuit.
Group C’s Intense Battle and Final Standings
The competition in Group C was fierce, with the drama extending right down to the final round of fixtures. Jamie Kelling put up a formidable fight, finishing third with 12 points and an impressive +11 leg difference. Kelling also boasted the highest average of the group, an excellent 85.27, narrowly missing out on qualification despite his strong performance.
Here are the final standings for Group C:
- Robert Thornton – 14 points (7 wins)
- Petri Rasmus – 14 points (7 wins)
- Jamie Kelling – 12 points (6 wins)
- Jim Widmayer – 8 points
- Harry Ward – 6 points
- Nico Plovier – 6 points
Jim Widmayer, Harry Ward, and Nico Plovier completed the rest of the table, each contributing to the intense battles throughout the group stage.
What’s Next? The Road to Finals Night
With their spots secured, Robert Thornton and Petri Rasmus will now join the already qualified Jeff Smith in Saturday’s highly anticipated Finals Night. The excitement isn’t over yet, as three more places still remain to be decided from this evening’s Group B session. Players set to compete for those final coveted spots include Michael Wiles, Jamie Atkins, Radek Szaganski, Aden Kirk, and Gemma Hayter. Stay tuned for more thrilling darts action!
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.