The darts world witnessed a major upset on the opening night of the bet365 US Darts Masters at Madison Square Garden. Canadian veteran Jim Long, affectionately known as ‘Gentleman Jim’, delivered a stunning 6-4 victory over Northern Ireland’s rising star Josh ‘Rocky’ Rock. This surprising win marks Long’s second significant triumph in New York, proving his ability to shine on the biggest stages. While most North American players struggled, Long’s performance has set up an exciting showdown against world number one Luke Littler. The tournament promises more drama, concluding on Friday with a record-breaking crowd expected.
‘Gentleman Jim’ Strikes Again: Long Topples Rock in Thriller
The return of the World Series of Darts to the iconic Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden kicked off with a bang. Thursday’s opening night saw eight PDC superstars face off against their North American counterparts. Among them, Jim Long emerged as the undisputed star, securing a remarkable 6-4 win against Josh Rock.
This isn’t Long’s first taste of giant-killing in the Big Apple. He famously defeated darts legend Michael Smith at the US Darts Masters in 2023. His latest victory against Rock, a player known for his explosive scoring, further solidifies his reputation as a formidable opponent on the big stage.
The match itself was a nail-biter. Rock, despite a sluggish start, managed to fight his way back, leveling the score at three legs apiece. However, Long showed incredible composure and determination, winning three of the next four legs to seal the upset. Rock’s struggle with his finishing doubles ultimately cost him dearly.
Long’s Reaction and What’s Next
“It’s an amazing feeling to win on this stage. I’m over the moon,” reflected Long, who was making his fourth appearance at the US Darts Masters. He added, “I’ve played Josh three times on the tour, so we’re familiar with each other, and I was fortunate he missed a couple of doubles at the end there.” Long’s humility and focus on performance were evident: “I just want to play every game I can play and perform at my best with every chance I get.”
Long’s reward for this monumental win is a highly anticipated clash against the teenage sensation and world number one, Luke Littler. Littler himself had a challenging opening match, surviving an early scare against a resilient David Cameron. Littler, not at his blistering best initially, managed to overturn a 4-3 deficit, finding his rhythm and hitting five maximums to avoid an early exit.
Tournament Continues: Record Crowds and Championship Stakes
The bet365 US Darts Masters will reach its thrilling climax on Friday evening. The day will feature the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the grand final, all played in front of an anticipated sell-out crowd of 5,000 fans. This attendance figure is set to be a record for darts in the US, highlighting the sport’s growing popularity in North America.
Before the main event, Friday afternoon will host the bet365 North American Darts Championship. This competition sees eight American and Canadian stars battle it out for not only silverware but also a coveted spot in the World Championship, adding another layer of excitement for local talent.
How to Watch the Darts Action
Fans across the globe can tune in to catch all the darting drama. The 2024 bet365 US Darts Masters is being broadcast live on ESPN and FanDuel in the US, offering extensive coverage for American viewers. In Europe, DAZN provides exclusive coverage in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Various other territories, including the Netherlands, can watch via Viaplay. For a truly global reach, PDCTV streams the event live in all countries. UK fans can also catch delayed coverage on ITV3 on Saturday, June 27th, from 17:00-21:00 BST, showcasing the Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals, and Final.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
