Stevenson searching for a sixth Champ title

PLYMOUTH’S darting big hitters will do battle for the biggest prize of them all, the Champion of Champions, on Sunday, at the Victory Inn from 7pm.

- JAMES COOK

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS 2023

The joint-record holder for the most titles with five, Simon Stevenson, booked his shot at a sixth title and eternal glory in the Fawn with an 18-dart leg in the first of his two 3-0 wins in the combined Last 64/32 stage.

Stevenson them completed his evening’s work with a 13-darter in a success over Dan Jewell, who had won his first match-up 3-1 thanks in part to an 87 check-out.

Fred Goldsmith joins Stevenson at Final’s night after being taken to all five legs twice, but came through with the help of a 13-darter of his own.

Goldsmith did have to withstand a 114 checkout by Dean Richards in his final outing of the night, who himself ended the competition for 1989 champion Col Maddocks 3-2 at the Last 64 stage.

Scott Lawrey looks like he could challenge at the grand finale after securing his place amongst the 16 elite with check-outs of 80 and 142 aiding his progress.

Lawrey’s two 3-0 successes saw legs taken in 17, 16 and 18 darts, whilst Scott Cook completes the line-up after navigating his way through the Greenbank venue.

Cook added three maximums and legs of 17 and 15 darts to claim wins of 3-1 over Russ Paxton-Denny and Alan Masters.

Masters showed something like his best form on the night to claim a 3-2 win over Dave Lee that saw a crucial 80 check-out before Masters’ 180 came in the 3-0 defeat to Cook.

Reigning champion John Mann is still in the hunt the become the first player to win three consecutive titles after some marvellous form at the King Billy.

Mann edged out Paul Gavican 3-1 with legs of 17 and 18 darts and a maximum doing the damage before running into 2018 champion Neil White in the early rounds.