robert thornton

ROBERTTHORNTON

Thornton fights his way into Seniors semis

By Phil Lanning

ROBERT THORNTON admits he loves to fight with himself after reaching the last four of the World Seniors Championship.

The Ayrshire ace rolled back the years with a stunning 3-0 win over Dave Prins at the Circus Tavern earlier tonight.

Thornton, 54, averaged 112.73 in the second set and is now the red-hot favourite to take the crown, seven years after his last PDC major title win at the World Grand Prix.

He said: “I felt comfortable at that speed. It was a good finish, made easier because Dave had left himself a bogey number. 

“I watched Dave’s game this afternoon and he played awesome against John Lowe. I thought I hope he doesn’t play like that tonight. 

“But he never started off the way he can. I’ve played him quite a few times and that’s probably one of his worst games against me.

“I was nervous in the first set. My wife always says to me if you feel nervous just walk back to your table and take a big deep breath and let it out. There you go darling I did what you told me!

“I still have a go at myself if I hit a 180. It’s just me, it keeps me focused. Everyone says why do you fight with yourself? If I win the trophy I will give it to my wife.

“I don’t care who I play, whether it’s Phil (Taylor) or Kevin (Painter). I used to care but I don’t now.” 

Images by Taylor Lanning

ROBERTTHORNTON

Thornton vows Taylor will be hell bent on Seniors glory

By Phil Lanning

ROBERT THORNTON vowed that Phil Taylor will be “leathering” the dartboard in a bid to win the first World Seniors Championship. 

The Ayrshire ace joined the inaugural tournament and faces 1988 World Champion Bob Anderson in a cracking opening clash when it starts on February 3.

But Thornton, 55, is adamant that The Power is the man to beat when the new event kicks off at the Circus Tavern. 

He said: “I know Phil, this is a new trophy and he wants his name on it first. He’s going to be leathering that dartboard. He definitely won’t be taking it easy.

“All these guys in the tournament are very capable. They’ve got the winning mentality and competitive streak. Bob is going to be very tough to play against, they all are.”

The draw has thrown up some interesting ties. Favourite Taylor could face the prospect of taking on Peter Manley if he beats Deta Hedman.

The Power and Manley were bitter rivals after three world final wins for Taylor, two of which were 7-0 drubbings. 

Thornton faces 10-times Ladies World Champ Trina Gulliver if he gets past Anderson. But he fancies another crack at Taylor, the man he beat to win the UK Open nine years ago. 

He added: “I know I’m playing well. I’m not going to keep throwing this good and keep losing.

“I’m the rookie in amongst this lot in the seniors, the spring chicken. It’s like being re-born!

“I’m looking forward to it because they are all great guys, it will be a more relaxed atmosphere but we’ll all still want to win, trust me. 

“You are going to walk in there and it’s like a step back in time, a time warp. Almost a twilight zone!”

Thornton missed out regaining his PDC Tour Card last week but says he’ll be back and is far from winding down his career.

He has done remarkably well to keep playing to such a high standard despite a plethora of personal heartbreak over the years.

He added: “I’ve got the seniors, online and the Challenge Tour to keep me very busy. I’m only 55, I’m not finished yet. 

“At Q School I was unlucky with a couple of the results, that’s the way darts goes. 

“Some people have good days and it just works for them. You just have to accept that Q School is tough like that. It’s absolutely mental.”

Images by Taylor Lanning.