Darts News - The Streamline Taxis York Open Darts Championship 2013 Grand Finals

Rich Pickings Stuns Hitman

Three times Order of Merit Winner Richie Corner finally got his just desserts as he claimed his first York Open Darts Championship Grand Final victory defeating last years runner-up Chris Thompson 7-5 in the finals held at Huntington WMC in York. The event sponsored by Streamline Taxis and organised in Association with Red Dragon Darts brought together the Top 48 Ranked players who had played over eight qualifying stages to battle it out for the £501 winners prize.

This is York Darts Promotions version of the FA Cup where each round in drawn out in comparison to other events which are held on a block draw.

Corner started the final in emphatic style shooting out on 156 for a 15 dart opening leg. Thompson replied with 18 only to see Corner take the next four legs, 22-18-19-18 to take up a 5-1 lead in the best of 13 leg final. Thompson returned with a 180 for 20 darts and 19-18 to follow to rally back to within a leg at 5-4. A 117 finish for 15 gave Corner a two leg cushion which was deflated back to one as Thompson hit back with 16 darts. Another 15 darter from Corner showed his determination and gave him the 2013 tittle with an 81.66 average.  Thompson 81.75 average showed just how close the match was between these two York rivals.

Thompson beat Carl Hesslegave (Havercroft) 6-1 in the first Semi-final with legs of 21-16-20-19-20-20 whils Corner (180 for 20 and 2 x 18) defeated York^s Quentin McMaster (116 finish for 15) by the same margin.

The 1/4 Final results had quality stamped all over them Hesslegrave (3 x 180^s and a 120 finish in legs of  20-15-18-16 and 17) took his game to the wire beating David Copley (Thurnscoe) 5-4, who included 2 x 180^s in legs of 17-18-16-18 . McMaster (15-17-17-21) halted Whitwell^s Tommy Heron (17-19-21) 5-3 whilst Corner (15-18-19-18-18) defeated Clevelands Kenny Dobson 5-0. Thompson took the decider against Paul Cooper (York).

The pick of the last 16 had Heron (2 x 19 and 20) defeating Brigg^s James Weldon ( 2 x 180^s in 20 and 16) 4-3 the same margin in which Corner (16-13-15 and 180 for 17) ended, the defending champions interest, John Quantock (180 in 16 and 2 x 19). Copley included 2 x 14 dart legs in his 4-1 win over Hull^s Jake Patchett. Hesslegrave (18-20-13 with a 180) took the decider in a 4-3 win over Barton Jamie Ellam and Neil Hart (18-20-17) fell to the same score against Thompson 17-20-20-19). Paul Cooper (2 x 16, 17 and a 144 checkout for 18) whitewashed Cameron Spiller (Malton). Dave Kerr (York) lost 4-2 to McMaster and Dobson beat Barnsleys Mark Helliwell 4-3.

The early stage matches included 57 legs of 21 darts and under with ton plus checkouts from Paul Cooper (148), Keith Craggs (Scorton-141) and John Quantock (11-5 and 104). Further 180^s were added by Cooper, Hendry, Hesslegrave, Steve Mann (York) and John Bowler (Kendry)
 
As another very successful event comes to an end so the next begins. The YDP Pro-am qualifiers start on Wednesday 5th June 2013 with the first of eight knockouts being held at The Flag and Whistle in York. Registration closes at 7.45pm prompt with 8pm start. £3 entry fee, NO BDO County A or B players or any person who plays on the current PDC Tour can enter this event. Its aimed at pub/amateur players with each of the eight knockout winners playing on stage alongside eight BDO Professionals at The Grand Finals in York on Wednesday 9th October 2013 at Huntington WM in York. Tickets for the Grand Finals will be on sale at the qualifying knockouts and are just £7.50 each, sure to sell out very quickly.

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