MICK McGOWAN will return to the big stage in December after winning the Tom Kirby Memorial Irish Matchplay championship with a narrow 6-5 win over Tom Biggane in Saturday's final at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin.
The annual domestic championship sees the winner qualify to compete in the William Hill World Championship as well as take the prestigious title, which is named in honour of the late Irish PDC professional Tom Kirby.
Cork's Biggane had won through September's early rounds in Tramore to secure a spot in the final against Balbriggan's McGowan, who has previously competed twice in the World Championship during his previous stint as a professional.
The debutant, though, showed his quality with four 180s as he established leads of 3-1 and 5-3 before McGowan hit back to force a deciding leg, with the left-hander missing three match darts in leg ten.
McGowan then missed four darts to claim the win in the decider, but Biggane wired tops for a 120 checkout which would have snatched victory, allowing his rival back in on double two for glory.
McGowan, a two-time PDC ranking event winner, will now compete at Alexandra Palace in December in his third World Championship as he celebrates his return to top-level darts.
"It means everything to me," said McGowan. "I've got great affection for Tom Kirby because he introduced me to the PDC many years ago, so to win this on the Citywest stage is really special.
"I gave away so many legs early in the game and I nearly paid for them, but thankfully Tom let me off the hook.
"Tom seemed to gain some self-belief when he got a lead, and fair play to him. He missed three darts in one leg to win and thankfully I capitalised, but he played well.
"I struggled a little bit up there but I'm playing okay. My health is good again and my form is starting to come together; it's a long time since I've played on the big stage so hopefully that game will bring me on.
"I'm looking forward to Ally Pally in December - I can't wait. Everyone wants to play there and this is my chance to get back in, I've got a lot to work on and I'll prepare for it."
MATCH INFORMATION
Tom Kirby Memorial Irish Matchplay Final
Mick McGowan v Tom Biggane
1-0 - McGowan takes out 86 to win the opening leg.
1-1 - Biggane punishes missed doubles from McGowan to land double five to level.
1-2 - Biggane lands a 180 before finishing 68 on tops to move ahead.
1-3 - Cork's Biggane opens with another 180 before finishing double nine to establish a two-leg cushion.
2-3 - Double nine sees McGowan hit back.
2-4 - Biggane lands another maximum before finishing double 16 to regain his lead.
3-4 - McGowan takes out a 13-darter on double 16 to respond once more.
3-5 - McGowan lands a 180 of his own, but Biggane finishes a 14-darter on double five to move a leg away from the win.
4-5 - Biggane hits his fourth 180, but McGowan keeps the game alive by finishing 48 on double 16.
5-5 - Biggane misses three match darts, and double 13 for McGowan forces a deciding leg.
6-5 - McGowan misses double ten to take out 83, but Biggane wires tops for a 120 checkout to allow the Balbriggan ace in to seal victory on double two.