Posted online: Jan 8th, 2010

MARTIN MCCLOSKEY’S impressive run in the BDO World Darts Championship came to an end on Wednesday night when he was beaten 4-1 by Gary Thompson at the Lakeside Centre.
The Letterkenny darts player they call “The Fox” became the first Irish player in 20 years to progress to the second round at the Lakeside Centre after beating 11th seed, Steve West, on Monday. Despite a good start on Wednesday night, the match slipped away from McCloskey once Thompson gained the initiative.
The opening set saw the players testing each other but McCloskey threw some good darts to take a 1-0 lead. He had a chance to extend his lead when he set up a set-winning finish but he missed out on the bull. Thompson won that leg and the fifth leg to get himself back into contention.
McCloskey continued to fight but the match drifted away from him as Thompson started to find his range and hit some big scores. The Donegal County Darts captain struggled at times and also appeared to be distracted by a constant heckler, who ended up being ejected after continuously shouting out while the players were throwing.
Thompson went a step closer to victory when he took the third set and he held on to go 3-1 up after the fourth set went the distance. McCloskey was unable to regain control of the match and his opponent claimed a 4-1 win when he hit his favourite double 18 to ensure his place in last eight.