WDF World Cup 2013

Thorn's 2013 World Cup, Part 11
Who knows how I got back to the event the next day-was it by cab? with Troy's family? or bus again? I don't know but I made it early. I wasn't going to miss one minute of the finals on stage-Men's, Women's, or Youth-but mostly, I was just hoping to see Team USA make history with a win over Team Scotland.

Me and my coffee started at the US team table, me giving my last hopeful words of encouragement to the men before their match. Then, I found my way to the front of the seating area, front row and just right of the stage. Jacques and Richard were busily running the show, while the entire BDO team and tech support sent out scores and live feeds as fast as they could.

I remember Deta Hedman and her well-earned win in ladies singles over Irina Armstrong of Germany. Wesley Harms of the Netherlands won a brilliant thirteen leg battle against England's Stephen Bunting. In doubles, Bunting and Tony O'Shea defeated the South African team of Meiring and Grobbelaar. Jamie Rundle and Tiarna Smith grabbed victory in youth singles, defeating the Netherland's Quin Wester and England's Casey Gallagher respectively.
The crowds grew thicker for the ladies doubles finals, with Team Canada's Cindy Hayhurst and Diane Gobeil falling to Trina Gulliver and Hedman. But, the local Canadian crowd finally got what they deserved in a thrilling victory in youth doubles, with Dawson Murschell and Alicia Looker winning in ten legs versus Australia's Rundle and Smith. Finally, the team event was ready to begin: USA versus Scotland for a place in the history books.

Again, I was seated front right, with a perfect view of the stage and the players off stage area. Unlike most matches, where I cheer for both teams to play well, I was definitely pulling for my home country this time. I knew it was an incredible achievement to get here, especially knocking England out on the way. I'm sure Scotland was excited to not be playing England either.

Basically, I was glued to my seat and riveted by the action-never before had I felt such a strong sense of hope for my team and country. Players took their turns on head to head battles-Alan Soutar, Ross Montgomery, Craig Baxter, and Gary Stone for Scotland, and Larry Butler, Robbie Phillips, Gordon Dixon and Tom Sawyer for the United States.
The USA started out strong with an early lead, only to see it evaporate a few legs later. Ten legs into the first-to-nine match, it was still close, with Scotland clinging to momentum. Off to the side, players focussed on the practice board behind the curtain, or watching the action. The crowd cheered every great shot and win, but eventually, the Scots were victorious by a score of nine to seven.
I was crushed, but not as much as the US players who valiantly fought for victory only to come up short. Nonetheless, both teams showed great sportsmanship afterward, and the match thrilled the Canadian crowd.

It was hard sitting with Team USA after that match, but spirits didn't stay dampened too long. The World Cup was over, save the closing banquet and ceremonies, and it was a success, with victory being enjoyed in various ways by a number of countries-which is always better than seeing one country win it all, as England had the previous World Cup in Ireland.

Later that afternoon, as the Power Plex emptied, I found myself standing outside waiting for the hotel shuttle bus. To the side, Team Scotland was still celebrating their victory, singing songs full of pride and energy. It was a feeling anyone could appreciate-anyone who has the love of darts.

Over and double out.






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