FINAL PUSH TOO MUCH FOR HENDO
JOHN HENDERSON last night saw his dream run in the World Grand Prix ended by Daryl Gurney.
The Highlander’s magnificent charge in Dublin was halted at the semi-final stage by the home hero.
Henderson had knocked out Dutch superstars Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld on the way to his maiden TV last-four appearance but saw his memorable week ended by the 31-year-old.
Gurney punished a slow start from the Scot to claim the opening set without reply, only for Henderson to burst into life in the second as he levelled in style.
The Scot took out 60 for the opening leg before hitting seven perfect darts in leg two, scoring 160 and 180 and another treble 20, before missing the treble 17 in his bid for a nine-darter.
Henderson also took out finishes of 80 and 96 as the third set went to a deciding leg. But Gurney grasped the nettle in the decider as he landed a 180 and double 16 to regain the edge.
Gurney then raced through the fourth set without reply to move 3-1 up, punishing misses from Henderson in the opening two legs before finishing with 86 for a clean sweep. He also led in the fifth set before Henderson took successive legs to move 2-1 up. But three missed doubles from the Scot across the next two legs allowed Gurney to seal his spot in the Final.
The Northern Irishman will face Simon Whitlock, who held off a brilliant fightback from Mensur Suljovic.
Meanwhile, Robert Thornton admits he is delighted to be back on the radar after a lean spell of tournament success.
The Ayrshire ace produced his finest TV event by reaching the quarter-finals of the World Grand Prix this week.
He eventually lost out to Gurney in a 3-2 nail-biter on Thursday night.
But Thornton said: “I guess when all the dust settles I’m just happy to be back on the radar.
“I’ve been saying for a while that I disappear then suddenly rise up like a phoenix from the flames. Well I’m a man of my word.
“Now I’ve just got to keep my form going. I feel re-energised. It’s nice to get a few wins under my belt and this is the perfect springboard for the winter season.”