A very personal view of the WDF Europe Cup. Tommy Thompson.
Having just returned from Slovakia where England Men’s and Women’s team took part in the WDF Europe Cup, where 40 Men’s and 32 Women’s teams took part.
To say it was an exhausting week, especially directly following the British Open, would be a massive understatement.
Firstly I would like to thank everyone involved from Slovakia the organisation was terrific, including the boys’ and girls’ both big and little ones, who marked all the matches, outstanding.
The presentation of the event was first class, I think many people in the UK, think that organisations outside our country are not up to scratch, but believe me in organisational skills they are every bit our equals.
The venue was unbelievable and the accommodation was the best I have stayed in, in my entire life.
I would like to pay special thanks to our teams, only Scott Mitchell has represented either a World or Europe Cup previously for England. These events are unique in the sport of darts, and as some of the players stated; they felt pressure like they had never done before at any events, or Internationals.
A very proud well done to the Men who finished 3rd and Women who just missed out on 3rd with a fourth place, so well done Natalie, Sam, Steph, Paige, Ricky, Cam, Milly and of course Scotty dog.
The girls did win bronze in the team event, after losing to a really good Slovakian team in their Semi-final, as did the lads losing at the same stage to Czech Republic, securing a Bronze for England. Although the lads and lassies felt they had let us down, they definitely didn’t how many of the other 37 Men’s teams and 29 Ladies teams would have loved to be up on the podium on presentation.
The only success we had in the singles came from Cam Crabtree losing his semi-final, in a very high class affair.
Scott and Cam did get onto the podium as joint 3rd place in the Pairs, after just being pipped by Sweden in a titanic tussle.
I think both our girls and boys were a little surprised on the standard of darts at the event.
We had to attend several meetings during the weekend as usual, which is the only opportunity of getting the countries together to set the rules for the future.
I would like to say thanks to all the England players and their supporters over the weekend, to Neil Pritchard for being my personal care assistant, and to Paul and Deta as always 100% in supporting and protecting England Darts irrespective of the personal costs financial and more importantly adverse social media attacks, to the many people who came to me in respect of myself and our organisation, I was humbled by them!!.
Money cannot buy this.
I just wish our own people could emulate the high regard other countries have towards us and the opportunities we provide.
Thanks everyone great event, great people lovely memories in the locker for me and the team to share forever.
Tommy T