Andrew Gilding finally broke his ProTour duck at the Mattioli Arena, beating Jonny Clayton 8-3 to claim Players Championship 16 in Leicester. The 55‑year‑old surged to a 3-0 lead, steadied after a 61‑outshot from the Welshman and sealed the match with a 100 checkout. The victory carries the £15,000 top prize and ends a 442‑event wait, marking a milestone for England.

Gilding’s run began with a 6-4 win over Wesley Plaisier, then he rallied from 4-2 down to dispatch Arno Merk in a last‑leg decider. Subsequent victories included a 6-0 whitewash of Jermaine Wattimena, a 6-2 triumph over Dirk van Duijvenbode with a 102.36 average, and a 6-2, 103.82‑average demolition of Joe Hunt, and showed his stamina, and proved his nerves under pressure.

The win lifts Gilding into the ProTour elite, securing his place for the World Matchplay and European Championship after a season‑opening surge that saw him qualify for every major event. He capped the night by holding double 10 under six darts, confirming that perseverance finally paid off on his 442nd attempt, and validates his season‑long consistency, solidifying his status among the sport’s veterans.