The final qualifying event of the Tendring Masters Rab Scott Trophy series delivered a truly unforgettable conclusion, wrapping up two months of intense darts action with high stakes and dramatic turns.
Gregory Claims Grand Prix Points Title as Williams Fights for Redemption
With only one coveted Grand Prix points qualification spot and a single direct entry for the winner of Qualifier 6, the atmosphere at Clacton Sports Bar was electric. New faces joined the fray, hoping to make a last-minute dash for glory and a place in the prestigious Finals Night lineup.
Joshua Gregory: The Points King
Entering the event, **Joshua Gregory was the man to beat in the points race**. He needed only a Last 16 finish or better to guarantee the top spot, and he delivered. Gregory swiftly moved through his early matches, securing wins over Anthony Hawkins (3-0), Paul Hawkins (3-1), and Leah Robinson (3-0). His journey into the quarter-finals was enough to mathematically seal his position as the **Grand Prix Points leader**, a testament to his consistent performance throughout the series.
While his run ended in the quarter-finals against Brandon Western (a strong 3-0 defeat), Gregory had already achieved his primary goal, securing a top seed for Finals Night.
Shaun Fox’s Determined Push for the Final
ADC East of England No. 1, **Shaun Fox**, arrived with an outside chance of topping the points table, but his main focus was to seize the final qualifying spot by winning the event outright. He played with remarkable intensity and precision:
- Opened with two dominant 3-0 victories against Beau Healey and Paul Fuller.
- Faced fellow points contender Darren O’Neill in a critical quarter-final, emerging victorious in a tight 3-2 battle. This win ended O’Neill’s points challenge and secured Fox’s semi-final berth.
- In the semi-final, he met Harwich youth talent Mason Howard. Howard had impressed throughout the series, eliminating another points contender, Nick Comber, after surviving match darts. However, Fox’s experience shone through, leading to a composed and clinical 3-0 win, his first final of the series.
Paul Williams’s Quest to Defend His Crown
For **Paul Williams**, the reigning Tendring Masters Rab Scott Trophy champion, the path was clear: **only a victory in Qualifier 6 would give him the chance to defend his title** at the Princes Theatre. The Ipswich thrower rose magnificently to the challenge, demonstrating why he is a champion:
- Began with a solid 3-1 win over former Suffolk County player Keith Farthing.
- Followed up with a dominant 3-0 performance against Paul Robinson.
- Defeated Suffolk Youth County player Owen Howard (3-1) and Harwich’s Ben Attridge (3-1) to reach the semi-finals.
- In the semi-finals, Williams faced Brandon Western, who had previously knocked out Joshua Gregory. Williams halted Western’s momentum with a strong 3-0 victory, setting up a highly anticipated final against Shaun Fox.
The Grand Finale: Williams vs. Fox
The final match was a clash of titans, bringing together two proven competitors, both desperate to claim their spot at Finals Night. It lived up to every expectation, delivering one of the finest matches of the entire series.
Shaun Fox roared out of the gates, taking the opening leg to establish an early lead. Williams, however, responded immediately to level the score. Fox then regained the advantage, making it 2-1. The tension was palpable as Williams forced a dramatic deciding leg with a superb 72 checkout (double 18, double 18), in a leg where **both players hit maximum 180s!**
The deciding leg was a gripping, high-quality battle. Both players had clear chances, coming agonizingly close to victory. But in the end, it was **Paul Williams who held his nerve, sealing a thrilling 3-2 victory** and completing a remarkable comeback. With this triumph, the reigning champion successfully booked his return to Finals Night, ready to defend his title.
Looking Ahead to Finals Night
The qualifier was expertly managed by Tournament Directors Jill Bailey and Chris Brown, with Barry Gilbey serving as MC, adding to the evening’s professional atmosphere.
Following the event, the live draw for Finals Night was announced. The quarter-final lineup promises more thrilling darts:
- Paul Williams vs Arthur Allston
- Kevin Edwards vs Joshua Gregory
- Barry Lynn vs Curtis Hammond
- Michael Wiles vs Daniel Sare
The stage is now perfectly set for a memorable Finals Night at the Princes Theatre on **Friday, 13th February 2026**. Expect more incredible darts and high-stakes drama!
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
