Day two of the ADC Winmau Championship North saw a thrilling Scottish takeover! After Ireland’s Steve Lennon dominated the first day, Scotland’s Scott Winder and Danny Trueman stepped up to claim both prestigious titles on offer at the Middlesbrough Sports Village. Winder delivered a stunning 5-0 victory in Event Seven, while Trueman clinched a dramatic 5-4 win in Event Eight, completing a memorable double success for Scottish darts.
Winder’s Dominant Performance Secures Event Seven Title
Scott Winder started the day strong, demonstrating exceptional form throughout Event Seven. His journey to the final was marked by a series of impressive wins:
- He overcame Dominic Mcelvenney and Kaden Mitchell in the early rounds.
- A flawless 5-0 shutout against Oliver Mitchell secured his spot in the last 16.
- He then defeated Robert Grundy 5-2.
- In the quarter-finals, Winder bested Jordan Matthews 5-3.
- The semi-final saw him edge out young talent Benjamin Smith in a tense deciding leg. Notably, Smith had previously hit two incredible 170 finishes (clearing 170 points with three darts) in his 5-4 win over Jack Main.
Ayres’ Strong Run to the Final
Winder’s opponent in the final was the formidable Daniel Ayres, who had shown incredible consistency. Ayres had previously ended the reign of Day One’s star, Steve Lennon, with a strong 4-2 victory in the last 32, boasting an impressive average of nearly 97. He continued his high-scoring form:
- A 99.34 average in a commanding 5-1 win against Sam Spivey in the last 16.
- Another 5-1 victory over Gary Hayes, maintaining a 93.79 average.
- He secured his final spot with a third consecutive 5-1 win, averaging 92.60 in the semi-final.
The Event Seven Final: Winder’s Whitewash
Despite Ayres’ powerful performance leading up to the final, Scott Winder was unstoppable. He delivered a masterful display, securing a dominant 5-0 victory. Winder sealed his win with clinical finishing, including checkouts of 83, 126, 96, and a match-winning 66. This exceptional performance earned him the first prize and a substantial £1,000 prize money.
Trueman’s Dramatic Comeback Crowned Event Eight Champion
After his triumph, Scott Winder made an early exit from Event Eight, falling in the first round. This opened the door for another Scot, Danny Trueman, to step into the spotlight. Trueman delivered a truly memorable performance, culminating in a drama-filled 5-4 final victory against Oliver Mitchell.
Trueman’s Path to Glory
Danny Trueman’s journey through Event Eight was characterized by skill and resilience:
- He successfully navigated early rounds against John-Sebastian Wright, Graham Usher, and Lewis Cook.
- Averaging nearly 92, he secured a 5-1 win over Jason Watson-Smith to reach the quarter-finals.
- Trueman then produced the tournament’s best performance in the last eight, clocking a stunning 109.61 average in a 5-1 demolition of Alan Winspear.
- He then dispatched Stuart Dutton 5-3 to earn his place in the final.
Mitchell’s Strong Challenge
Oliver Mitchell, who had been whitewashed by Winder in Event Seven, showed great determination to reach the Event Eight final. His route included:
- Victories over Darryl Hughes, Ozzy Ayres, and David Thomas.
- A powerful performance in the last 16, where he averaged nearly 94 to whitewash Chris Wickenden.
- A hard-fought win against Jamie Owens in a deciding leg in the quarter-finals.
- He secured his spot in the final by defeating Ryan Hogarth 5-2 in a competitive semi-final, maintaining a 93.67 average.
The Event Eight Final: A Thrilling Decider
The final between Trueman and Mitchell was a high-quality affair that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Trueman started strongly, taking a 2-0 lead with quick 14 and 13-dart legs (meaning he hit the winning double in 14 and 13 darts, respectively). Mitchell, however, fought back to level the score. The pair traded legs, leading to a tense climax.
With Mitchell seemingly on the brink of victory, he missed three crucial match darts. This opened the door for Trueman, who seized the opportunity to take out 44, forcing a final, deciding leg. In a moment of high pressure, “The Show” Trueman found “tops” (double 20) with a 16-darter to snatch the win from Mitchell’s grasp, completing a truly remarkable comeback.
Standings Update and Future Events
Danny Trueman’s victory propelled him up the standings to seventh place. Daniel Ayres, despite his final loss, still maintains a strong lead, sitting 132 points ahead of Steve Lennon in second. The exciting Northern action of the ADC Winmau Championship will resume with the next block of events scheduled for September 5-6.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
