Qualifier Howson surges past Fitton to book Adams clash at World Seniors Darts Championship | Dartsnews.com

Richie Howson delighted a home crowd by booking his place in the second round of the 2022 World Seniors Darts Championship seeing off Darryl Fitton 3-2 in a hard fought win.

Howson had the Owl Army in full force at the Circus Tavern with the qualifier living two miles down the road and he sent Fitton packing and will now face Martin 'Wolfie' Adams as he looks to continue his run.

To begin, Howson pinned a 180 but missed multiple opportunities to hold throw and Fitton went 2-1 up with a break of throw. ‘The Owl’ made an error off an 82 checkout and Fitton pinched a 52 checkout for a opening set.

Both had struggles finishing the opening leg but it was Fitton who sealed the opening leg to hold throw. Howson hit 138 to leave himself on 68 with Fitton needing 156 which he couldn’t pin.

‘The Owl’ had the opportunity to turn the sit in his favour but missed double 16 for it. Fitton returned but couldn’t steal it and Howson hit double two to go 2-1 up claiming a break. A 180 and double 16 saw Howson claim set two.

A 180 and 125 start Howson’s throw saw him en route to the opening leg. Fitton missed 52 in the second and Howson cleaned up on double eight for a 2-0 lead.

He began strong again on his throw and despite a Fitton 180, Howson hit a 72 checkout to claim the set and go one away.

Howson missed double 20 for the lead in the fourth and Fitton hit double 12. This saw a hold though for ‘The Dazzler’. But a 130 set up from 146 left Howson on double eight but he missed multiple darts and Fitton pinned 105 for 2-0.

Howson broke to go 2-1 down on double five as he looked to force a decider. Fitton pulled a dart on double 20 to send it all the way but Howson missed two darts for 2-2 and ‘Dazzler’ sent it all the way on double eight.

Howson missed bull off 93 for the opening leg but Fitton couldn’t take 148 and ‘The Owl’ returned for double eight to lead.

An 84 checkout on the bull though saw Howson break and go one away. He couldn’t get a dart of 101 and Fitton had a chance at 80 which he couldn’t claim and Howson returned for double eight for the win.