MARTIN ADAMS 4 v MARK WEBSTER 6

Mark Webster justified his top seeding to overcome a terrific challenge from defending champ Martin Adams to win through to his first world final 6-4. It brought to an end a classic 109 minute clash which had seen Wolfie battle back from 3-0 down and turn a one-sided encounter into a thriller. But Webster, despite his youthful 24 years showed that he is ready to take over Adams’ crown.

The speedy left-hander was in terrific form overcoming the mid-match revival from Adams to reach the final of the sport’s blue riband event. Both players declared their intentions in the opening leg as they hit
maximums, Webster annexing the first leg against the throw went on to take the set 3-2 despite a battling performance from the defending champ.

A 141 checkout, completed on double 12 paved the way for Webster to defend the second set 3-1 as Adams missed double 16 to level the match. Webster levelled the third set with a bull finish and then took the next
against the throw, following three missed doubles from Adams who then took the fourth. Another maximum set up Webster to exit on 90, finished on double tops for shock 3-0 lead.

Things changed at the start of set four. Adams snatching the leg on double 12, crucially against the throw and then powered down to the double, hitting the winning double with his third throw. Each player hit a maximum and took a leg in the next, 134 and 140 scores driving Webster to the double and an impressive 87 completed on bull to steal the advantage. Adams replied with a superlative 128 finish and then produced a
set winning 11-darter completed with a 100 checkout to pull the match back to 3-2.

Twice the Welshman led the sixth set but the fourth seed fought back, blasting out a brilliant 121 finish to level the match at 3-3. He held his throw in the next to win 3-1, clinching the set on double tops after Webster missed doubles, to lead the match for the first time. Webster fought back from losing the opening leg of the eighth set and despite a couple of 180s from the Peterborough player, levelled the match with an
80 checkout. He maintained the momentum to move 5-4 ahead after bagging a spirited 105 checkout finished on double tops.

Starting the 10th set with the throwing advantage Webster blasted in his 12th 180 of the match and his 26th of the tournament hitting double 10 to edge 1-0 in front. He then hit double 18 with his first throw in the next and coolly clinched victory on double 12 to send the Welsh supporters into raptures of delight.

Webster said: “It is a great feeling to be in the final, I really can’t believe it, I’m just so made up. “I have improved with each game and darts is after all a confidence thing and you just have to keep it going.
“Martin has been a great champion and showed great fighting qualities, battling back from 3-0 down,” added Webster. Adams was gracious in his praise for the Welshman after conceding the title. “He is capable of going on to win the title if he reproduces that kind of form in the final. “At 3-0 down I just thought to myself, I had to try to keep it going and I got back into the match but then he just pulled away. He just didn’t give me any chances,” said the outgoing champion.
 

 
Contact us | View site map