Adams celebrates elusive title win
MARKET Deeping ace Martin Adams chalked off another landmark in his illustrious career by winning the Winmau World Masters on Sunday.
The second biggest tournament in the British Darts Organisation calendar had always eluded ‘Wolfie’ who was beaten in the final two years ago by Michael van Gerwen.
However, the 52-year-old won a thrilling final at Bridlington on Sunday to beat Scott Waites 7-6 in a close contest.
Adams had missed three darts for the match but eventually hit double 16 to claim the title and a winner’s cheque for £25,000.
He said: "I have been trying to win this tournament for close to 20 years and I can’t tell you how wonderful it feels to have done it.
"It was the only really big one that I hadn’t won and I am delighted to finally get my hands on it."
There was never more than a set between the players and it needed two extra legs in the final set to split them.
Adams, the number three seed who averaged more than 105 to beat Tony O’Shea in the semi-finals, was never behind after the third set but didn’t really look certain of victory.
After the first two sets went with the darts, Waites – who beat Robert Wagner in his semi-final – broke the throw in the third set, hitting a 127 out-shot in the process.
But he failed to take full advantage, failing to get down from 58 with three darts in the decisive leg of the fifth set, allowing Adams to level.
The pair continued to trade sets and out-shots, Adams hitting a 160 to claim a £1,000 prize for the highest checkout and, more importantly, the seventh set.
Adams missed the bull when going for a 121 out-shot in the next set, allowing Waites to level yet again as the match headed towards a decider.
Waites was always under the pressure of throwing to remain level and at 6-5 down must have feared the worst as Adams put in a strong set to close on the title.
However, with the title just 20 points away and with three darts in his hand, Adams threw a loose dart into the double 15 bed to bust and give Waites the chance to level again.
Nervelessly he hit 96 to level the set and the same finish in the next leg to win it.
The final set reached 1-1 in legs after Adams missed a 118 out-shot, forcing decider legs with one player having to be two legs clear.
And this time Adams’ nerve stayed as he held his own leg and then hit the double to win the title.
l Adams will face Dave Chisnall of Lancashire in the opening round of this year’s Lakeside World Championship.
‘Wolfie’ will be bidding to repeat his 2007 triumph at Frimley Green with victory in his first round contest on Monday, January 5.
Story By: Rutland And Stamford Mercury