John Part reached his first big final in over two years but lost out to Mark Walsh in the 5th UK Open qualifier in South Yorkshire.
But it was great to see Team Unicorn’s Canadian ace back to something like his best…..he will now be aiming to repeat this sort of performance in Players Championship events over the coming weeks as he bids to qualify for the World Matchplay.
Of course, this event and the £3,000 prize money only count towards Bolton and the UK Open Final in June…..but this is certainly a start for Part.
He picked off some notable scalps on his way to the final including Gary Anderson, Vincent van der Voort and Unicorn stablemate Jamie Caven, who he overcame in the semi-finals.
In the Final though, he always left himself too much to do…..despite an 88 finish, Part found himself 2-0 and 3-1 behind. He also missed darts to pull level at two apiece but did bang in a 13 darter to make it 2-3 after Walsh had hit six perfect darts in that 5th leg.
But Walsh pulled away to deny Part the title…..the Canadian though looks to be right back in the mix and it’s good to see after his struggles of the last 18 months or so.
Hopefully, it will be the start of a much needed good run for Part, who deserves a bit of luck along the way!
Caven’s run to the last four was another fine performance in what’s been a good year so far. Earlier in the day, he beat Saturday’s Players Championship winner Simon Whitlock, Dutchman Michael van Gerwen and he then saw off Wes Newton in an all Unicorn quarter-final.
Youngster Arron Monk confirmed his spot in Bolton after a fine run to the last 16, where he eventually lost out to Wayne Jones….Adrian Lewis lost at the same stage to Denis Ovens.
In the 3rd Round, Monk secured one of the best wins of his career – beating Terry Jenkins 6-3 in the all Unicorn clash. Colin Osborne was beaten 6-3 by Mervyn King, Paul Nicholson lost 6-4 to Co Stompe, Kirk Shepherd lost narrowly 6-4 to Steve Maish and Kevin Painter lost a last leg decider to Michael van Gerwen.
In round two, Lewis beat Andy Hamilton 6-5 in another all Unicorn affair, Mick McGowan went down 6-3 to Kevin McDine, Gary Mawson was trounced 6-1 by Steve Farmer and Barrie Bates lost 6-5 to Maish.
Anastasia will be disappointed to lose 6-2 in the 1st Round to Mark Stephenson. She has still got some work to do in the remaining three UK Open qualifiers if she wants to make it to the Reebok Stadium in June.
Joe Cullen was another first round loser…..he missed key doubles as he lost 6-4 to Colin Lloyd.
By the way, James Wade withdrew from the tournament on the morning of the event
Results – last 16:
Wes Newton 6-2 Steve Maish
John Part 6-3 Gary Anderson
Denis Ovens 6-2 Adrian Lewis
Wayne Jones 6-2 Arron Monk
Co Stompe 6-2 Ronnie Baxter
Vincent van der Voort 6-3 Mark Cox
Jamie Caven 6-3 Michael van Gerwen
Mark Walsh 6-5 Mervyn King
Losers - £500
Quarter-Finals:
Jamie Caven 6-2 Wes Newton
Wayne Jones 6-4 Denis Ovens
John Part 6-4 Vincent van der Voort
Mark Walsh 6-5 Co Stompe
Losers - £1,000
Semi-Finals:
Mark Walsh 6-5 Wayne Jones
John Part 6-3 Jamie Caven
Losers - £1,500
Final:
Mark Walsh 6-3 John Part
Winner - £6,000
Runner-up - £3,000
By STUART PYKE