Bob Anderson has qualified for the prestigious World Darts Trophy in Holland. ‘The Limestone Cowboy’ warmed up for the World Matchplay, with a terrific display in the qualifiers at the Winter Gardens…..but there was heartache for the Unicorn duo of Colin Osborne and Kirk Shepherd, who both lost their final games.
Anderson – using his new Unicorn darts – swept through his board and then beat Kelvin Painter 5-1 to win through to the WDT, which starts in Utrecht on August 31. He will go into the preliminary round in Holland to join 24 other players battling it out for a place in the 1st Round proper.
It is the perfect boost for Anderson, as he gets ready to play in a record-equalling 14th World Matchplay and he will fancy his chances in Blackpool against the out-of-form Ronnie Baxter.
Osborne looked set to qualify but saved his worst performance for the most important match – losing 5 legs to 2 against Mark Walsh in the final match to get through. It was a case of so near but yet so far for Unicorn youngster Kirk Shepherd, who was edged out 5-3 by veteran Peter Allen in the final qualifier.
Of the other Unicorn players, Wes Newton suffered a shock 1st Round exit. He lost 5-4 to Mark Lawrence, while Robbie Green was beaten by the same score in the 2nd Round.
Mark Dudbridge and Chris Mason were other high-profile casualties.
Final qualifying results:
Wayne Atwood 5-3 Lionel Sams
The eight qualifiers are now guaranteed at least 1,000 euros for winning through to the main event.
Unicorn’s star man Phil Taylor is the defending World Darts Trophy Champion.
BY STUART PYKE
