Colin Osborne came close to another PDC tournament win, before falling just short at the Ireland Open Classic Final in Castlebar. The Unicorn Contender was beaten 3 sets to nil by Denis Ovens in the final but that tells only half the story, because each set went to the deciding leg.
It was still a terrific performance from Osborne, who continues his meteoric rise up the PDC ladder and he collected £2,500 for his troubles. It was Ovens first tournament victory in two-and-a-half years.
‘The Heat’ was certainly running hot and he completed a hat-trick of wins over Team Unicorn stars – beating Kevin Painter in a close quarter-final, then losing only leg in beating Adrian Lewis in the semi-finals.
Osborne had earlier beaten Michael Van Gerwen in a thrilling quarter-final and easily beat Mark Walsh – dropping only two legs – in the semi-finals.
Of the other Team Unicorn players – Kirk Shepherd went down 3-2 to Andy Smith in the 2nd Round and Bob Anderson was beaten by Brendan Dolan at the same stage….he seems to have problems against the Irishman – remember, ‘The Limestone Cowboy’ lost to Dolan at the UK Open Finals in Bolton….this time Dolan won 3 sets to 1.
Four Unicorn stars fell in the 3rd Round…..James Wade was a surprise 3-2 loser to Dave Ladley….Wes Newton lost 3-0 against Ovens, while last year’s Irish Open Classic Champion Mick McGowan was beaten 3-0 by Alan Tabern….Peter Manley lost 3-0 against Adrian Gray.
Ireland Open Classic results:
Last 16:
Denis Ovens 3-1 Dave Ladley
Losers - £300
Quarter-Finals:
Denis Ovens 3-2 Kevin Painter
Losers - £600
Semi-finals:
Denis Ovens 3-0 Adrian Lewis
Losers - £1,250
Final:
Denis Ovens 3-0 Colin Osborne (2-1, 2-1, 2-1)
Winner - £5,000
BY STUART PYKE
