Lewis Gurney, James Richardson, Jack Main and Matt Clark were all victorious at the ADC Winmau Open Tour Series while claiming the lion’s share of a prize pot worth just short of £10,000. Each will also have the chance to earn up to £20,000 more and play on TV.
The Amateur Darts Circuit and Winmau was pleased to announce the brand new Winmau Open Series competitions in 2023, with places at the MODUS Super Series on the line at Wythenshawe Forum and a chance to play live on TV and YouTube. The event kicked off in Manchester with entry sold out weeks before the event had even begun.
The tournaments are famed for being the best staged outside the PDC with a superb set up and conditions including the Winmau Blade 6 dartboard emulating the Professional Darts Corporation’s decision to bring the equipment in at the start of last year
Play started at 10:30 on Saturday morning for the 1st Event of the weekend, with darts World’s own Colin Osborne enjoying a strong start to the day in Manchester. The Wizard included wins over Luke Getty, Llew Bevan and Alex Long as he progressed to the Final, including a 13-dart leg to beat Long in the Quarters. Colin spoke on the development of the Amateur Darts Circuit:
“You’ve got players on the Tour and Challenge Tour, but this ADC competition is like they’ve created the monster. They go from strength to strength, we’re all here trying our best, it’s really good.”
The Middlesbrough-born thrower would face former Sussex County player Lewis Gurney, who came through the other side of the draw. The Englishman survived match darts from Scott Taylor in the Last 32 before coming through a last-leg decider to beat Tom Cromwell in the Semi-Finals.
Lewis secured his passage to Portsmouth with a 6-2 win in the Final and spoke after his success, with the 21-year-old confirming his debut at the MODUS Live Lounge.
“I’ve been playing well recently, and it has been a long time coming really. I just stuck at it, I was 3-1 down against Scott, who was a winner in this phase, and I took out 81 for a 12 and 124 when he was on tops. I can’t believe it.”
James Richardson clinched success in the ADC in 2023, having reached 2 Semi Finals in the Winmau Championship Tour last year. Ruthless will head to the MODUS Super Series after clinching a 6-3 win over Chris Wickenden in the Final of Event 2, dropping just 1 leg in his Quarter Final and Semi Final wins over Paul Anderson and David Davies.
“I said to my Mrs I’ve got to buckle down now, next round I took it one game at a time. These ADC Tour Events are brilliant, you can’t fault them. The setup and everything around it really helps, they don’t mess about, you play straight away and that’s what darts players want.”
Jack Main reached the Quarter Finals of Event 1 and the Semi-Finals of Event 4 but went all the way to the title in Winmau Open Series Event 3 after beating Lewis Gurney in a last-leg decider on Easter Sunday. The Main Man included checkouts of 161 and the big fish (170) to beat Bailey White and Colin Osborne in his opening 2 matches of the day.
The 26-year-old also wrapped up the 11th and deciding leg in the Final with a 113 finish, showing his strong finishing ability in Manchester.
“I will support this event as and when I am available depending on dates, it’s a good setup, a good environment and the people who look after it are great.”
Matt Clark who has already prevailed in the MODUS Super Series on 2 occasions this year, will head back to Portsmouth after clinching a 6-1 victory against David Evans in the Final of Event 4, showcasing ruthlessness on the outer ring having punished the odd missed dart at double from his opponent.
Superman didn’t feature on Saturday but left Manchester on Easter Sunday with a win to his name.
“I couldn’t make it yesterday after my father-in-law was taken into hospital with sepsis, by the time we got home we decided there was no point in coming, the win today was the icing on the cake for him.
“After the first MODUS in January when my finishing let me down, especially in the first three days, I’ve been practicing my doubles every day and it’s really paid off for me.
Winmau Open Series Events 5-8 will take place in Bridlington on the 20th and 21st of May with another 4 spots at the MODUS Super Series up for grabs through the Amateur Darts Circuit system.
The Vault Series is another avenue where players can get themselves to Portsmouth after 9 regional winners including John Brown and Jamie Durrant secured their qualification after 12 weeks of Round Robin competition.
ADC Winmau Open Series 2023 (Events 1-4)
Winmau Open Series Event 1 Final:
Lewis Gurney 6-2 Colin Osborne
Winmau Open Series Event 2 Final:
James Richardson 6-3 Chris Wickenden
Winmau Open Series Event 3 Final:
Jack Main 6-5 Lewis Gurney
Winmau Open Series Event 4 Final:
Matt Clark 6-1 David Evans
—–ENDS—–
Images: Darts World
Grab a copy of the 50th Anniversary Darts World 581 here (while stock lasts) or the new Issue 582 here :
The Darts World 50 limited edition set is available to order (Here) in your choice of pack/bundle.
Also Available Free: Darts World Extra 7 – Palace Prelude
Darts World Magazine‘s fantastic value bundles:
Subscribe or purchase your copy
