Most capped international player of all time wins major in style
Martin Phillips has achieved his quest for his first ever major darts tournament when he lifted the Winmau World Masters championship trophy in Hull last night beating Jamie Hughes of England 7 to 3 sets. Martin, from Dolgellau Wales is darts most capped international player of all time (over 130 appearances) and journey man pro for over 3 decades with 11 appearances at Lakeside (spanning 21 years, 1991 to 2012) has come close on many occasions to lifting a major trophy after contending so many titles.
Immediately after the final a very tired Martin Phillips said “I can’t believe I have finally won a darts major after trying for so long. I can’t express how happy I am and it hasn’t sunk in yet, I can’t thank my closest friends and family enough, especially my wife for all the amazing support they have shown me”.
Martin’s route to the final included some spectacular games where he white washed Andy Boulton of Scotland in the last 32 with a scintillating display. Progressing then, he beat Rhys Hayden of England 3-0 by maintaining his tremendous form that he has been displaying all season. In Martin’s next game he faced Mark McGeeney of England whom he beat 3 sets to 0 before coming up against Glen Durrant of England in the semi-final. The semi-final was a thrilling game that went the full distance, that ended in a tie break set and went one leg all. Martin held his nerve to clinch the game with a double 10 to the delight of a packed Hull City Hall.
With Martin Adams facing Jamie Hughes of England in the second semi-final, Martin had to wait a considerable period of time as another enthralling semi-final took place, going the full distance to the final set and final leg with Martin Adams (Wolfie) missing out to Jamie Hughes (Youzza) 6 to 5 sets.
With the final to come it was unsure if Martin could maintain the superb form after such a long days play under high pressure, which seemingly showed as the Welshman was 2 to 0 sets down in the blink of an eye. However, the unflappable Welsh captain wasted no time himself in pulling back the 2 sets he was down to level the match to 2-2. After a short break Martin came out as if it was the first game of the day reeling off straight sets to get 5 to 2 sets in front. A pivotal point came when Martin missed three darts to go 6-2in front. Jamie Hughes rallied to get the eighth set to make the score 5-3 with the break to follow.
With the crowd sensing a come back could be on, the atmosphere was superb as the players came back to the oche. Clearly the players could sense the tension but it was Martin that kept hitting the important trebles to keep the score board ticking over. This saw him go 6 to 3 sets in front needing only one more to win the title. With Martin to throw first the darts went with the throw to the deciding leg where an emotional Martin Phillips hit the winning double for his first ever major title. An ecstatic Martin wrapped in a Welsh flag was presented with the trophy by the Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Kingston upon on Hull and Admiral of the Humber, he lifted the trophy to a roaring crowd. Sue Getty, Chairwoman of the BDO said “Martin has been a world class player for well over 25 years and for all those who know him in darts, everyone is overjoyed that such a nice man and patriotic dart player has won his first major title. This Winmau World Masters has been one of the best standards of darts we have ever seen and it has been amazing to see so much fresh talent coming through the BDO ranks.”
Simon Hall, Head of Marketing said “having worked with Martin for many years we are very happy seeing him win his first major title.”