Leonard Gates was a fan favorite the last time he took to the Alexandra Palace stage, and “Soulger” is still dancing today PDC World Darts Championships folklore, albeit in a rather hot scene Cameron Menzies.
Gates sealed the score 3-1, but by the end of the match Menzies was visibly emotional and distraught as he sensed that a golden opportunity had passed him by. He also faced enormous abuse from the crowd, who cheered his wayward darts and every failed dart was celebrated.
But when Menzies is eliminated, Gates is tied with Aspinall. He gave Menzies chances, but on other occasions he was also a money-maker, showing once again why he’s the man to watch on this day, and not just because of his fun dance moves.
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Gates flew out of the blocks, although in sensational style. He hit the bull for 138, 120 and 85 and went into the first set without reply. He gave Menzies a tough fight.
However, the Scot reacted decisively. At the decisive moment, he won the second set and equaled his three maximum points.
However, the tables turned in Gates’ favor once again as he sealed the third set in three straight games to regain the lead and advantage. Gates made it 2-1, but Menzies continued to concede and looked increasingly agitated. Chance after chance came and went and he suppressed the bad feeling, the Ally Pally pressure from the unsympathetic crowd.
Sam Gates wasted a chance in the match and Menzies cashed in for 72 points to stay alive. However, after his own roll, it was over as Gates converted the 122 he had missed earlier to seal victory and seal a draw with Nathan Aspinall.
It was Gates’ signature dance that had the audience cheering and Menzies leaving the stage in tears as his dream year ended in dismay.
