'The Highlander' John Henderson was full of praise for the North East as he added a third World Seniors title to his cabinet at Nissan Sports Complex in Washington on Saturday.

Scottish darts star 'Big John' beat his "good friend" Robert Thornton 6-5 in the final, surviving a couple of wobbles to win the trophy in a final set tiebreak.

“I thought it was gone early doors," Henderson said.

 "But I just got something in the back of my head saying ‘keep going, keep going’ and I did and I got over the line."

And The Highlander said that the crowd behind him all the way through his run which saw him beat Scott Mitchell and Matt Clark on his way to set up an all-Scottish final. “Sunderland’s been brilliant to me," he said. 

"They got behind me today and they were really, really good. They gave respect to every player. I can’t thank the Sunderland crowd enough.”

“It’s been a good venue – maybe not the easiest place to get to – but once you get here it is fantastic. I’m sure the crowd out there loved it, so long may it continue coming back to Sunderland.”

Recommended

Get the latest news, sports, and entertainment delivered straight to your device by subscribing to The Northern Echo here - now only £2 for 2 months!

(Image: PA) Victory in the North East gifted Henderson his third Seniors title of the season. “It’s unbelievable," he said. 

"When I won the first one I would have never dreamed that I would go on and with the others. I’ve got belief in my game now and I’m taking that onto the dartboard now.”

The Seniors tour is open to dart players over the age of 50 who do not hold a professional tour card. It has been credited by players like Phil Taylor and Glen Durrant with giving players a second chance at earning a living from the sport.

“When I first lost my tour card, I thought ‘where’s my darts going?’ but there are opportunities now, which I’ve proved this year" Henderson said. 

"You’ve got the Seniors where I’ve had a really good year. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to come back and defend it, if I get my card obviously I can’t do that.

"But if I don’t get my card then I’ve got this to fall back on. I’ll play everything.”