Gladiator’s ready for a BDO world title charge

COVENTRY-born arrow master Mark ‘The Gladiator’ McGeeney spoke of his relief at finally beating his second round jinx after he saw off last year’s finalist Danny Noppert 4-1 at the BDO World Championships.

McGeeney, the BDO World No.1 and second seed at this year’s tournament, has fallen at the second round stage in both his previous visits to Frimley Green – to Scott Waites and Scott Mitchell.

But he made it third time lucky yesterday, recovering from the loss of the first set to Dutchman Noppert to reel off four sets in a row, averaging 92.13 to his opponent’s 89.48.

The relief was palpable for the 45-year-old, who claimed four titles in 2017. “That 160 finish really put me at