Jackson beats old friendGurney to claim title

The North West thrower had annexed a remarkable three in a row of the weekend opener, the double in-double out tournament on Friday but after two years of missing out on qualifying for the Weigh Inn Irish open Jackson clinched the big prize in remarkable fashion.

In a thrilling, breathtaking final with his close friend and fellow PDC professional Daryl Gurney.

Jackson edged the title 7-6 with the decider coming down to the final game. Eighty of the UK and Ireland’s top players battled it out over three days of the highest quality darts and the final did not disappoint.

In front of a capacity crowd Jackson, who had already beaten world number 12 Brendan Dolan in the first round and Kevin Burness in the semi-final (6-5), continued where he left off as he stormed into a 6-2 lead.

Gurney took the first, Jackson levelled, a double top eased last years winner ahead again before steady darts for Jackson made it two apiece. Winning that game put Jackson in control and he went within a game of clinching the open, Gurney had other ideas.

The Waterside man had a 100, 32 and 117 checkouts and a super 141 checkout took the final to an edge of seat final game.

Gurney took his time in that final game and needing just 60 he had one hand on the trophy, remarkably after a good start he failed to hit the double top required opening the door for Jackson.

Requiring a 52, Campbell Jackson kept his cool to seal the win and the stunning double, it came as no surprise as Jackson had played some of his best darts this season.

Beating Dolan and Burness were highlights but the local man had also beat Paddy Meaney and Donegal’s Charlie Grant on route to the win over Gurney.