MICK McGOWAN became the first player to retain the Tom Kirby Memorial Irish Matchplay title with a narrow 6-5 win over Radek Szaganski at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin on Saturday, securing his place in the William Hill World Darts Championship in the process.
The Balbriggan thrower relaunched his career when he picked up the top domestic honour 12 months ago by edging out Tom Biggane, and repeated the success with a deciding-leg win over Cork-based Szaganski.
A tight contest saw all 11 legs won with throw, with Szaganski missing the bull to snatch victory in the final leg before McGowan followed a 180 with a 60 finish.
McGowan is the first player since the tournament, named in honour of the late Irish professional Tom Kirby, was launched in 2008 to retain the title, and he said: "It's a special night.
"This trophy means so much to me and to defend it is absolutely fantastic. He was a great friend of mine and to win this the first time was brilliant, so to retain it is something really special.
"This year I've had a number of performances on stage and I've been getting better and better. This was a bit nervy but I got the job done."
Tom Kirby Memorial Irish Matchplay
Final
Mick McGowan 6-5 Radek Szaganski
MATCH INFORMATION
Mick McGowan v Radek Szaganski
1-0 - Reigning champion McGowan take the opeining leg.
1-1 - Double ten sees Cork-based Szaganski level.
2-1 - Szaganski hits a 180 but misses double 16 to allow McGowan back in on double four.
2-2 - McGowan misses the bull, and Szaganski finishes 46 to level.
3-2 - McGowan lands a 180 as he regains the lead.
3-3 - Szaganski takes out 36 to hit back.
4-3 - Szaganski lands his second maximum, but McGowan holds throw to move back ahead.
4-4 - Szaganski finishes 101 as the pair continue to trade legs.
5-4 - McGowan fires in a 180 as he moves a leg away from victory with a 46 finish.
5-5 - Szaganski sends the game into a decider with a maximum and double eight.
6-5 - McGowan posts a 180 before completing victory to retain the title, with Szaganski missing the bull to finish 83 before the Balbriggan thrower takes out 60.