Cameron Claims 7th CDC Title with Magic Darts Masters Win

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David Cameron clinched the 2024 Magic Darts Masters title with a thrilling 7-6 victory over Jeff Smith in an all-Canadian final, marking his seventh overall win on the CDC circuit. He surged to a 6-3 lead before Smith launched a relentless comeback, surviving match darts to force a nervy deciding leg in which Cameron pinned tops in 18 darts to secure the win.

Smith and Cameron entered the weekend as the top two in the 2024 points standings but had not advanced past the quarterfinals until Event 5 on Sunday. Cameron was knocked out in the quarterfinals twice, while Smith didn’t make it past the last 16 on Saturday.

“The Silencer” began his Magic Darts Masters run with a 5-2 victory over Shane Meeks, followed by a 5-3 win against PDC tour card holder Jules Van Dongen. He then cruised through the next rounds, defeating fellow countryman and good friend Albert Anstey 6-1 and Leonard Gates 6-3, before facing Danny Baggish in the semifinals. Scoring and finishing on-form, Smith got to within one leg of victory at 6-3 before Baggish managed to claw back three legs on the trot to force a last-leg decider where Smith checked 14 for a 16-darter to book the clash with Cameron.

For his part, “Excalibur” navigated the early rounds smoothly, dispatching Brian Fenlon 5-1, Eugene Schmitt 5-0, and Anthony Cianciolo 6-2 to reach the quarterfinals. There, he faced a tough challenge from Gary Mawson, who had been in top form all weekend. In a seesaw battle, Cameron emerged victorious in a last-leg decider and then defeated fellow Canadian Jim Long to reach the final.

Throughout the tournament, Cameron posted the third-highest average at 88.58, just behind Jeff Springer and Adam Sevada. He also led with 12 180s. Daniel Baggish recorded the highest checkout of 160 and tied with Sevada for the highest checkout percentage, hitting 44% of his finishes.

Finals

  • David Cameron 7-6 Jeff Smith

Semifinals

  • Jeff Smith 7-6 Daniel Baggish
  • David Cameron 7-2 Jim Long

Quarterfinals

  • Daniel Baggish 6-4 Adam Sevada
  • Jeff Smith 6-3 Leonard Gates
  • David Cameron 6-5 Gary Mawson
  • Jim Long 6-5 Jake Womack

The journey to the 2024 Continental Cup continues on August 3 & 4 with main events 6 to 8 in Chicago, IL.

 

Article by Brian Fraser
July 15, 2024

STOWE-king the Fire: Buntz Reigns Supreme in Galaxy Gold Cup

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Stowe Buntz clinched the 2024 Galaxy Gold Cup in a thrilling final Saturday night, overcoming Jacob Taylor 7-5 in a match that saw drama and brilliance in spades. Trailing 5-4 after nine legs, the reigning Continental Cup champion reached deep and reeled off the final three legs to capture his first title of the year and remind the darts world why he’s a force to be reckoned with.

Coming off a shocking second-round exit in his previous event, Buntz wasted no time making his intentions clear. He stormed through the early rounds with a 5-2 triumph over Levi Kransel and dispatched Ross Snook 5-1 to set the tone. Buntz then delivered back-to-back 6-0 whitewash wins against Jake Womack and Jim Long, cruising into the semifinals. There, Event 3 winner Gary Mawson pushed him to the brink, but Buntz’s resilience shone through in a thrilling 7-6 win.

Jacob Taylor, on the other hand, had a rocky start, edging past Jeff McDonald, Trevor Buboltz, and Dustin Holt in less-than-impressive fashion. But he found his rhythm just in time, averaging 103.43 in a 6-2 demolition of Leonard Gates and continuing his strong form with a 92.70 average to overcome Adam Sevada in the semifinals. His 98.58 average in the final was six points higher than his opponent’s but wasn’t enough to stop Buntz’s late surge.

Statistically, Buntz was peerless. He posted an 89.05 average and matched Taylor with 10 maximums. His checkout rate of 40% is a testament to his clinical finishing under pressure. Danny Baggish, meanwhile, provided the highest checkout of the day with a spectacular 167 to close out his second-round win over Albert Anstey.

Finals

  • Stowe Buntz 7-5 Jacob Taylor

Semifinals

  • Jacob Taylor 7-6 Adam Sevada
  • Stowe Buntz 7-6 Gary Mawson

Quarterfinals

  • Adam Sevada 6-4 Alex Spellman
  • Jacob Taylor 6-2 Leonard Gates
  • Gary Mawson 6-5 David Cameron
  • Stowe Buntz 6-4 Jim Long

With the Galaxy Gold Cup in the rearview mirror, the CDC main tour moves on to the Magic Darts Masters, kicking off Sunday at noon in Chicago, Illinois. The journey continues, with all roads leading to the 2024 Continental Cup.

Article by Brian Fraser
7/14/2024

“The Mawler” Rolls Back the Years to Take Winmau Championship Title

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North America’s top players gathered in Chicago, IL, for the Winmau Darts Championship – Event #3 on the 2024 Championship Darts Circuit. Sixty-four players started the day vying for the title, but it was “The Mawler” Gary Mawson who turned back the clock, defeating Jeff Springer 7-4 to secure his first CDC title since the 2018 Continental Cup. Both players were making their first finals appearance since 2022.

The tournament saw shocking first-round exits for Jeff Smith, Jules Van Dongen, and Danny Lauby. Second-round defeats for Stowe Buntz, Leonard Gates, and Adam Sevada left the bracket wide open. Top seed Alex Spellman failed to make it past the last 16, while former US number one Daniel Baggish fell in the quarterfinals, along with the Canadian trio of Jacob Taylor, David Cameron, and Jim Long.

Gary Mawson was in commanding form during his early matches, securing a 5-1 victory over Chris Caldwell, a 5-0 win over Jacob Schaeffer, and a 6-1 triumph over Sylvain Bourdeau. He faced a tough test in the quarterfinals, falling behind 4-3 before rallying to win the last three legs to secure victory over David Cameron. In the semifinals, Mawson opened up a 5-2 lead against Jake Womack, eventually holding on for a 7-5 win.

Springer was the giant killer of the day, knocking out Jeff Smith 5-2 in the first round, Alex Spellman 6-5 in the third round, and Daniel Baggish 6-3 in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals against Nick Linberg, Springer found himself trailing 5-4 but showcased his resilience by winning three successive legs to take the match 7-5.

Despite his defeat in the last 16, Alex Spellman posted an impressive average of 95.65 on the day. Jeff Springer led the way with twelve 180s, four more than semifinalist Jake Womack, and also hit the highest checkout of the tournament with a 164.

 

Final
Gary Mawson  7-4  Jeff Springer

Semifinals
Jeff Springer  7-5  Nick Linberg
Gary Mawson  7-5  Jake Womack

Quarterfinals
Jeff Springer  6-3  Danny Baggish
Nick Linberg  6-1  Jacob Taylor
Gary Mawson  6-4  David Cameron
Jake Womack  6-2  Jim Long

The full bracket is available at: https://tv.dartconnect.com/event/cdc24dc03/brackets/72784

The CDC continues with Event #4 – the Galaxy Gold Cup – this evening in Chicago.

Article by Brian Fraser

July 13, 2024

CDC Tour Weekend #2 – Betting Preview

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As the Championship Darts Corporation (CDC) Tour prepares for its second weekend in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois from July 13-14, the darts world is buzzing with anticipation. With two months passed since the season opener in Indianapolis, players have had time to refine their game and strategize for the challenges ahead. The betting odds reflect this extended break, taking into account not just the Indianapolis results, but also players’ performances in other competitions and their historical strengths. From seasoned champions looking to assert their dominance to hungry challengers eager to make their mark, the Oakbrook Terrace event promises a smorgasbord of betting opportunities for those willing to delve deep into the intricacies of each matchup.

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Key Takeaways

  • Cameron’s Momentum: David Cameron’s recent Event #2 victory and overall standings lead make him a compelling favorite, but do the odds reflect his true potential?
  • Spellman’s Comeback: Alex Spellman’s disappointing Indianapolis showing has lengthened his odds, creating a high-risk, high-reward betting opportunity if he rediscovers his 2022 form.
  • Gates’ Gambit: Leonard Gates’ dramatic shift from Event #1 champion to Weekend #2 outsider presents an interesting dilemma for bettors weighing recent success against consistency.
  • Buntz’s Surge: Stowe Buntz’s strong start and reigning Continental Cup status have positioned him as a top contender, but can he live up to the hype in Oakbrook Terrace?

With the stage set and the odds locked in, it’s time to make your mark on the CDC Tour Weekend #2. Whether you’re backing a proven champion, a surging underdog, or spreading your bets across the field, the time to act is now. Don’t let this golden opportunity slip through your fingers – head to our expert analysis, study the latest odds, and stake your claim on what promises to be a weekend of nail-biting action and potentially lucrative outcomes. May your bets be as precise as a perfect nine-darter!

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Cameron Races to Victory in Indianapolis 501

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Two of Canada’s finest clashed in the Final at the 2024 CDC Indianapolis 501 on Sunday, with David Cameron – the 2023 CDC top-ranked Canadian – emerging victorious over the 2023 North American champion, Jeff Smith, to clinch the title. Cameron’s precision finishing proved decisive in the final, showcasing three ton-plus finishes and two more over 90.

Jeff Smith, returning to the CDC circuit after several years playing overseas, began his campaign with a 5-3 win over Sylvain Bourdeau, followed by a commanding 5-0 victory over Chris Swanson. Smith then defeated the 11th seed, Keith Way, 5-3, before delivering a blistering performance against fellow US Darts Masters qualifier, Adam Sevada, winning 6-0 with a 101 average to Sevada’s 96. He continued his impressive run with a 6-3 quarterfinal victory over Jacob Taylor and a 7-1 semifinal triumph over Jake Womack.

David Cameron, the number one seed, opened with consecutive 5-1 victories over Paul Forauer and Chris Caldwell. He narrowly escaped his last-16 matchup against Danny Young, winning 6-5, and then dispatched an out-of-sorts Daniel Baggish 6-0. Cameron’s semifinal clash against Stowe Buntz was a tight, back-and-forth affair, but he ultimately prevailed 7-5 to reach the final.

This was a big weekend for Excalibur as he not only claimed the Event #2 title, but also booked a spot at the US Darts Masters (alongside Smith and Sevada) by winning Friday’s qualifier AND secured his place as Matt Campbell’s partner on Team Canada at the World Cup of Darts to be held in Frankfurt from June 27-30.

The tournament saw several surprising early exits, with five top-10 players falling in the round of 64. Notable early casualties included Alex Spellman (2), Jim Long (6), Larry Butler (7), and Gary Mawson (9). However, the biggest shock came when Leonard Gates, the fourth seed and winner of Main Event #1, was knocked out by Jack Robinson 5-2.

Adam Sevada, who also qualified for the North American Championship and the US Darts Masters, led the way with a 92.33 average. Jeff Smith edged out David Cameron for most 180s, hitting 12. John Part had a 45% checkout rate, while Jake MacMillan recorded a tournament-high 167 checkout in his third-round loss to Jake Taylor.

Finals
David Cameron (1) 7-5 Jeff Smith

Semifinals
David Cameron (1) 7-5 Stowe Buntz (5)
Jeff Smith 7-1 Jake Womack

Quarterfinals
David Cameron (1) 6-0 Daniel Baggish (8)
Stowe Buntz (5) 6-5 Jack Robinson
Jake Womack 6-2 Jules Van Dongen (15)
Jeff Smith 6-3 Jacob Taylor (3)

The Championship Darts Corporation’s main circuit continues with Events 3 to 5, taking place July 13 and 14 in Chicago, Illinois.

Soulga Secures Opening Day Title at CDC Cosmo Darts Classic

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The 2024 Championship Darts Corporation (CDC) season kicked off with a bang in Indianapolis, Indiana, where North America’s finest talent gathered for the Cosmo Darts Classic.

In what may be one of the highest-quality finals in CDC history, Leonard Gates claimed his 7th career CDC Main Event title (and 13th CDC-related overall win) with a 7-3 victory over Doug Boehm. Both players averaged 102 in the finals, with no leg exceeding 16 darts.

The top five ranked players all advanced to the quarterfinals, but competition was fierce and Gates, seeded fourth, was the only one to survive, edging out 2023 CDC Continental Cup champion Stowe Buntz with a hard-fought 6-4 win. Gates then averaged 98.4 in a commanding semifinal victory over Danny Baggish, following earlier wins over Jake MacMillan (6-2) and a pair of whitewash victories over Jared Leedy and Paul Jones.

Doug Boehm started his campaign with victories over Matthew Thompson, Jason Roker, and Shane Meeks, going 16-5 in legs over those three matches despite some lower-than-normal scoring averages. Boehm then found his rhythm, erasing a 5-3 deficit against 2024 Cross Border champion Alex Spellman to book a semifinal tie against Jeff Smith where shook off a 3-0 deficit by running off seven of the final eight legs to earn his first trip to a CDC event final.

Top seed David Cameron, who secured his spot in the 2024 US Darts Masters last night, fell at the quarterfinal stage against Danny Baggish despite averaging seven points higher than his opponent.

Statistically, Jake Womack ended the event with the highest average (95.55) which came in a losing effort in his first-round match against Dave Richardson. Womack was followed closely by Gates’ 93.64 average over six matches on the day. Gates checked out 48% of his finishes, and both he and Doug Boehm led the way with 13 maximums each.

Finals
Leonard Gates (4) 7-3 Doug Boehm (10)

Semifinals
Leonard Gates (4) 7-3 Danny Baggish (8)
Doug Boehm (10) 7-4 Jeff Smith

Quarterfinals
Danny Baggish (8) 6-3 David Cameron (1)
Leonard Gates (4) 6-4 Stowe Buntz (5)
Doug Boehm (10) 6-5 Alex Spellman (2)
Jeff Smith 6-4 Jacob Taylor (3)

Today’s event kicked off the 2024 season, which will feature 14 events. Points earned will qualify the top American and Canadian players for the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship in London, as well as the 2024 tour championship, the CDC Continental Cup, in New York City. Event #2 kicks off on Sunday at 11:00 am Eastern time.

Article by Brian Fraser

Littler to headline 2024 US Darts Masters line-up in New York

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Luke Littler will make his bet365 US Darts Masters debut at Madison Square Garden later this year, with the eight PDC representatives now confirmed for the World Series of Darts event in New York.

Teenage trailblazer Littler has created global headlines over recent months, reaching the World Championship final before landing a nine-darter on his way to celebrating Bahrain Darts Masters glory on his World Series debut in January.

The 17-year-old sensation will now set his sights on a second World Series of Darts crown when the sport’s biggest names take on eight North American representatives in The Theater at Madison Square Garden on May 31 & June 1.

2024 World Champion Luke Humphries, the world number one, and reigning champion Michael van Gerwen will headline the star-studded 16-player field, alongside former US Darts Masters winners Michael Smith and Nathan Aspinall.

Three other former World Champions – Peter Wright, Gerwyn Price and Rob Cross – will also return to ‘The Big Apple’, as the PDC visits New York for a third consecutive year.

 

PDC Tour Card Holders Matt Campbell, Jules van Dongen and Danny Lauby will head up the eight North American competitors, with Grand Slam of Darts quarter-finalist Stowe Buntz assured of qualification following his 2023 CDC Continental Cup triumph.

The 2024 CDC Cross-Border Challenge winner will also earn a place in the field following April’s event in Michigan City, Indiana, along with a further three players from the CDC Qualifiers, which are set to take place from May 17-19.

Alongside the US Darts Masters, the bet365 North American Championship will also be staged on Saturday June 1, as the eight North American competitors go head-to-head for that title and a spot in the 2024/25 Paddy Power World Darts Championship.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS FOR THE 2024 US DARTS MASTERS
(Click the unlock button at the seat selection screen and use code CDC33 for 33% off. Not valid on table seating or two-day passes.)

2024 bet365 US Darts Masters & North American Championship
May 31-June 1, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York

Session Schedule
Friday May 31 (1900 local time)
bet365 US Darts Masters first round

Saturday June 1
Afternoon Session (1300 local time)
bet365 North American Championship quarter-finals, semi-finals & final

Evening Session (1900 local time)
bet365 US Darts Masters quarter-finals, semi-finals & final

2024 bet365 US Darts Masters field
PDC Representatives
Luke Humphries
Michael van Gerwen
Michael Smith
Nathan Aspinall
Gerwyn Price
Rob Cross
Peter Wright
Luke Littler

North American Representatives
Matt Campbell
Jules van Dongen
Danny Lauby
Stowe Buntz
2024 CDC Cross-Border Challenge Winner
3x CDC Qualifiers

Article by Josh Gorton/PDC

Top Darts Stars Converge on Michigan City for the Second Annual Cross Border Darts Challenge

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HEADLINE EVENT IN NEW VENUE REIGNITES RIVALRY BETWEEN US AND CANADA, AIMS TO ATTRACT DIE-HARD SUPPORTERS AND CASUAL FANS ALIKE

TICKETS ON SALE AT TICKETSOURCE.US/CHAMPDARTS

MICHGAN CITY, INDIANA – Uptown Social, Michigan City’s premier historic entertainment venue, will play host to the best darts players on the continent for the second annual Cross-Border Darts Challenge, presented by Championship Darts Corporation, April 12 and 13, 2024. Eight Americans and eight Canadians will take the stage to compete for national glory, a minimum of $12,000 in prize money, and a berth in the largest darts event in North America – the US Darts Masters –taking place in New York City May 31 – June 1.

This invitational event kicks-off the tenth year of the Championship Darts Circuit – North America’s professional darts tour – and will provide darts enthusiasts and new fans alike the opportunity to experience the energy and passion that makes darts truly “the biggest party in sports!”

VIP ticketholders will have exclusive access to a Friday afternoon pre-tournament reception to meet players like three-time World Champion, John “Darth Maple” Part, World Grand Slam Quarterfinalist, Stowe “The Neon Nightmare” Buntz, and World Seniors Darts Masters Champion, “Excalibur” David Cameron.

“We’re excited to work with Uptown Social and the City of Michigan City to bring this headline event to a fantastic new home,” said Peter Citera, CEO of Championship Darts Corporation, “the rich history and intimate nature of Uptown Social is the ideal backdrop to showcase our players and the top darts competition North America has to offer.”

Friday evening will feature eight first-round “USA vs. Canada” clashes with the winners advancing. The action will resume on Saturday with the quarterfinals and conclude with the crowning of an individual champion and the awarding of The Nations Cup to the country with the most match wins in the tournament.

“Being chosen to host the second annual Cross-Border Darts Challenge is a true honor,” said Jeremy Rossi, COO of Uptown Social, “the upcoming tournament promises to showcase our premier venue and our wonderful city, propelling it into the spotlight it rightfully deserves.”

Terry Greetham, Director of Special Events for the City of Michigan City adds, “Michigan City is proud to play host to the Cross-Border Darts Challenge and the Championship Darts Corporation. Uptown Social is the perfect venue to launch what we believe will be a long-standing event in our community.”

Uptown Social will also be featured as the home of the World Championship in the upcoming feature film, Bulls, directed by Dan Meyer with filming set to begin at the venue immediately following the conclusion of the Cross Border Darts Challenge.

Tickets for the Cross-Border Darts Challenge start at $22.50 plus applicable fees and are onsale to the general public at ticketsource.us/champdarts.

About Championship Darts Corporation:
Championship Darts Corporation (CDC) owns and operates the Championship Darts Circuit, North America’s professional darts tour, consisting of 14 regular season tournaments leading into The Continental Cup Tour Finals Championship. We are the official North American affiliate of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) – the global head of professional darts, which stages events across the world with over $17 million in prize money. CDC provides the exclusive path to the World Darts Championship, World Series of Darts, World Cup of Darts and other major international events for US and Canadian players. The company also focuses on the next generation of players, running two youth tours to provide exclusive opportunities to play internationally via our affiliation with both the PDC and Junior Darts Corporation (JDC). Further information is available at www.champdarts.com. 

About Uptown Social:
Uptown Social provides a unique blend of historical luxury and contemporary comfort, offering a versatile space where individuals can gather, socialize, and tailor their experience. Guests have the opportunity to explore various areas such as the lounge, event space, covered patio, and iconic courtyard. Within these spaces, patrons can savor signature cocktails, book the venue for private events or weddings, and partake in live concerts or other special events.

About Bulls

Set in the beautiful and picturesque Uptown Arts District in Michigan City, IN, “Bulls” tells the hilarious and inspiring story of how two brothers, who own a struggling bar and play on their mediocre pub dart team, end up with a chance to play for the World Darts Championship. Hank and Austin are certain that they have no chance against the best Darts Team in the world, but with the help and support of family, friends and their community, they not only start to believe in themselves, but that they may have a chance to win.