Shane McGuirk eases into Lakeside semi-finals as Sophie McKinlay shocks Aileen de Graaf

Shane McGuirk AND Sophia McKinlay continue their breakthrough runs in 2024 WDF World Championships at World Darts headquarters, Lake reaching the semi-finals and finishing on Friday afternoon.

McGuirk took it off Piotr Machinthe former BDO World Trophy champion went 4-0 in straight sets as the format progressed, but that was no problem for the Irishman known as ‘The Arrow’.

In the race to fourth place, McGuirk started well and got better. The Australian won the first set 3-1. He won the second set with a 14-darter, also 3-1, barely giving Machin a chance to gain a foothold in the clash.

However, Machin increased the pressure in the third period as it almost became his last chance. He survived Macin’s dart. However, it was only in the decisive set that he decided to throw another 14 shots, which allowed him to lead 3-0 and be one set away from winning.

He was throwing misplaced darts at the double-destroyed Machin for the match when he failed to get the gauntlet down on McGuirk. Although he bowled for the match and couldn’t pin 124, Machin hit 56 with the last shuttle in hand to break through. But McGuirk finally crossed the line. Now he will face Francois Schweyen for a place in the final.

While McKinlay, who said goodbye to Lisa Ashton and Irina Armstrong, added another big name to her CV in the form of Aileen deGraaf.

The 18-year-old, who will also play in the girls’ tournament this weekend, will also be in the women’s semi-final, which is a good chance for one of her players and Lerena Rietbergen, who will now reach the final.

However, it will also be good news for, for example, Beau Greaves, who will be the favorite to face the winner in this part of the draw, which will also see Nicole Regnaud and Deta Hedman face off tonight.

The start of the match was shocking for De Graaf, who lost the first set 3-1. She started the second set by breaking McKinlay’s throw and led 2-0. But the 17-darter and 18-darter from the Scot turned things around.

Going from likely to lose a set to winning position as she continued to play the short format, McKinlay scored 74 points to seal the win.