Winmau are delighted to announce the signing of American international Leonard Gates. Gates, who has risen rapidly in recent times having claimed 2 TV Titles on the World Seniors Darts Circuit and represented his country PDC World Cup of Darts.
Gates spoke on his new partnership saying: “I am delighted to sign with Winmau. Winmau are the biggest manufacturer in darts, and I am excited to be a part of that in the future.”
The Soulger becomes the latest American player to join forces with Winmau and will look to continue his form on the Seniors Circuit at the start of September for the upcoming World Seniors Matchplay. Leonard has beaten Richie Howson in consecutive Finals in Blackpool and Yeovil and will hope for another strong run at the York Barbican.
Gates comes in as the Number 2 seed and will face Colin McGarry in the 1st Round, with either debutant John Henderson or David Cameron waiting in Round 2.
The 52-year-old from San Antonio secured qualification for his maiden PDC World Championship last year, after beating compatriots Jules van Dongen and Danny Baggish as well as David Cameron to win the 2022 PDC North American Darts Championship at Madison Square Garden.
Gates will hope to appear at the Alexandra Palace this year, having beat Geert Nentjes 3-1 before losing to former BDO World Champion Stephen Bunting in 2022.
The American international caught many people’s attention during the lockdown period. Leonard has claimed numerous tournament wins in the US with 4 CDC Pro Tour wins including one this year.
Winmau recently announced a partnership with the Championship Darts Corporation, which is North Americas leading darts organisation. The top Canadian and American ranked player will secure a spot at the 2024 World Darts Championship, with Leonard currently ranking 5th with 3 events left to play in September.
Winmau marketing director, Simon Hall, also spoke on our brand-new signing, adding, “We are delighted to have Leonard join the Winmau family, seeing a rapid rise in success most recently. We have played a part in many North American players darting journeys, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds with Leonard going forward.”
Gates will be back on our television screens on the 2nd of September for the 2023 World Senior Darts Matchplay in York, live on TNT Sports.
By Harry Masterson
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