The World Seniors Darts Matchplay will commence at the Barbican Theatre in York this afternoon, with 16 players battling it out to be crowned the champion.

2022 and 2023 World Seniors Darts Matchplay champions Robert Thornton and Leonard Gates want to double their respective title tally. Still, the 16-player field could bring up surprises regardless of past achievements in this competition.

Every first-round match is a first-to-eight-leg contest, with a must-win by two clear legs possibility to win if needed. If 2023’s tournament was anything to go by, which saw many exciting and close-fought tussles, this year’s tournament could bring some big surprises.

Day 1: Afternoon Session Order of Play

Ritchie Howson vs Trina Gulliver

In a repeat of 2023’s first round encounter, Ritchie Howson will play Trina Gulliver. The stakes are different now for Howson as he goes into this tournament as the number one seed, with the Romford born ace wanting to double his World Senior TV title wins.

2023’s matchup saw Howson win 8-3 in convincing fashion against the ten-time World Women’s Champion, though she is a player never to be underestimated given her list of past achievements and ability.

Martin Adams vs Matthew Clark

Martin Adams will be looking to go one better than he did in 2022 and reach the final, with the 68-year-old ever present in these events and is still playing at an extremely competitive level. The three-time Lakeside champion has missed last years tournament due to personal reasons, but he faces Matthew Clark.

Both are very experienced players on the big stage, but Clark has had less time under the lights in recent years. His last appearance at Alexandra Palace was back in 2014, therefore it could take a bit longer to acclimatise back to being in front of the cameras.

Kevin Painter vs David Cameron

The 2004 PDC World Championship finalist Kevin Painter takes on World Seniors Masters winner David Cameron. This is the third time the pair of them will meet since the World Seniors Darts circuit started, with their last encounter was at the 2023 Champions of Champions. Cameron won that matchup 10-5.

Cameron’s ability on his day has seen him go all the way to win a TV title, while Painter on multiple occasions has been edged out in the latter stages. It will be a tough test for both, but once again shows the true depth of talent there is in the field.

Leonard Gates vs James Richardson 

The reigning champion of this tournament, Leonard Gates, plays in the final matc

h of the afternoon session. He takes on James Richardson in another tough draw to call.

Both players have made several features in other darting codes and tournaments, with their last meeting taking place in Portsmouth at the Modus Super Series. Gates won that particular matchup 4-2, but it can be assumed that tonight’s contest could go the distance.

Day 1: Evening Session Order of Play

Robert Thornton vs John Part

Robert Thornton has a tough test against three-time BDO and PDC world champion John Part. The Scotsman narrowly defeated Part in set play at the 2023 World Seniors Masters, winning 4-3.

While Thornton has a more decorated darting CV in previous years, Part has the quality to raise his game at any given point. The possibility of this game going all the way once again shouldn’t be ruled out.

Neil Duff vs Chris Mason

The former Lakeside champion takes on pundit and former professional Chris Mason. The duo have never played before in any capacity, but this encounter will provide drama for all the right reasons.

Both players haven’t made huge strides in their respective senior darts careers thus far,  therefore a win later today could spark a big run. With the winner taking on either Howson or Gulliver, all is to play for to make it to the semi-finals or further.

John Henderson vs Tony O’Shea 

After Phil Taylor announcing his withdrawal after his hip replacement surgery, three-time Lakeside finalist Tony O’Shea was announced as his replacement. Reigning World Seniors Darts champion John Henderson will be looking to double his TV tally later this evening with this first round match.

O’Shea will have a tough test on his hand due to Henderson’s strong form, but will give it his best shot given his late stand in for the 16-time world champion Taylor.

Paul Hogan vs Lisa Ashton

The last game of the day is between Paul Hogan and Lisa Ashton. Ashton reached the semi-finals of this years World Championship at the Circus Tavern, while Hogan made it to the quarter-finals.

Another thrilling tussle is on the cards to round off the first day. Hogan has been producing the goods on the floor in on the senior circuit, while Ashton has been extremely competitive in the Women’s Series, picking up two titles.