World Seniors Matchplay Darts final LIVE RESULTS: John Henderson faces holder Leonard Gates for £10k prize
JOHN HENDERSON has snatched the World Seniors Matchplay Darts title from Leonard Gates after an epic final in York Barbican.
The Scotsman fought off a late Gates comeback before becoming champion.
And Highlander has now added this title to his over-flowing trophy cabinet as well as taking home the £10,000 winnings.
- FINAL RESULT: Henderson 9-6 Gates
- TV channel: TNT Sport
- Live stream: discovery+
- Explainer: Full results and prize money
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Follow ALL the action from the World Seniors Matchplay with our live blog below...
Gates reaction
John played great, he hit at the right times and I missed at the wrong times.
“He knew how to stay ahead and win, and that’s what he did.
“I have to work on staying consistent and to finish.”
More from Taylor
The 16-time world champion continued: "It's horrible, it's like you're trying to lift the roof off the house, it's heartbreaking.
"That's the worst part, when you've got people saying 'come on, Phil, you're better than this'.
"I know I'm better than this but you can't turn right [because of the hip]. It's [difficult] getting your foot in the right position and turning the body like I used to.
"It feels like someone sticking a knife into you, it's a weird feeling."
Why did Phil Taylor withdraw?
One player missing from the World Seniors Matchplay Darts was Phil Taylor.
Unfortunately, he had to withdraw because of a health complaint.
He told Online Darts: "It's the worst pain I've ever had, the last 12 months. Honestly, it's been a nightmare.
"I'll be glad when this year has gone. Playing-wise, I've been OK, but when you've been practising for a couple of hours, then you play the game, you get a really bad ache in your hip.
"It's like having toothache, it drives you crackers. Anybody who's had it done will know what I'm on about."
Henderson's route to the win
Round 1 - Tony O’Shea 8-5
Quarter-Final - David Cameron 8-6
Semi-Final - Richie Howson 9-6
Final - Leonard Gates 9-6
Henderson reacts
To have the World Championship, now the Matchplay it means so much to me.
"I know maybe the seniors don't get the recognition that it deserves."
John HendersonHere's the money shot
Henderson lifts the trophy.
Hendo is the champ
Hendo's over the line
Even though he missed match darts, allowing Gates to bring it back to 8-6, Hendo wins!
Gates needed a ton topper to stay in the game, and couldn't manage it.
Hendo closes 36 to win 9-6!
Don't rule out Soulger
Well, since this second interval started Gates has come out like a man on a mission.
Not only did he record a stunning 120 checkout.
He's now won on Hendo's throw to bring the scores back to 5-8.
We've got some final on now.
Well this is a rapid start
We're used to seeing Leonard Gates come out of the gates rapidly.
However, it's John Henderson who is flying like a bullet train in the final already.
Gates can't live with him.
Treble 14, double 16, completes a 74 checkout.
And it's 5-1 to Hendo.
Soulger wins
Leonard Gates will get his opportunity to defend his trophy.
Gates prevails
The Soulger steals the 13th leg to win 9-4.
The Thorn bravely tried to fight his way back into this, but to no avail.
It's Gates who prevails.
Hang on a minute...
Could Thornton mount the mother of all comebacks?
Don't back against it.
The Scot has now checked out 80 to trail 4-8.
It was a break too.
Who saw this coming?
Leonard Gates is absolutely flying at the moment.
He's leading 7-1 in our second semi-final against Robert Thornton.
In leg three Gates threw a 14-dart leg. Madness.
Big moment for Henderson
Henderson in the final!
WSDT World Champion John Henderson has defeated Champion of Champions Richie Howson to seal a place in the World Seniors Matchplay Darts final.
Hendo won 9-6 and will await the winner between Leonard Gates and Robert Thornton.
The Scot sealed the victory with a 72 checkout, finishing on double tops.
Here's your final four
All the results
It was an action-packed quarter-final. Here's the lowdown on the results.
All Thor it
Robert Thornton beats Martin Adams 8-4 after what looked to be shaping up as a tight affair.
Thor blimey
Scot Robert Thornton is beating England's Martin Adams 3-2 in a tight affair heading into their 6th leg.
Leon in wait
Leonard Gates beats Lisa Ashton 8-1.
American dream
America's Leonard Gates is currently leading England's Lisa Ashton 7-1 heading into their 9th leg.
Game over
David Cameron betters John Henderson 8-6.
Cam on then
John Henderson is currently trailing David Cameron 3-6 heading into their 10th leg.
All over
Howson takes an 8-4 victory proving too good for Duff.