This inaugural England Darts Organisation International trial proved a massive success of showcasing quality darts.
Whilst it is fair to say we were unsure as to the support this first event would receive, with the reluctance of players worries about health around big Darts events, nevertheless we couldn’t have been more thrilled that the event with a tournament average of fractions below 80 (79.94) brought together a class field of competitors who to a man or women wanted to secure the England National place in the British Internationals this coming April, in Skegness.
My heart went out to Josh Richardson who hit a 180 to leave 24 when his match against young Connor Scutt was all level in sets and legs going into the decider, only to see Connor hit one of the finishes of the event under extreme pressure 60, 60 double 5 for a 130 check out to secure his invitation, such was the minuscule margin between the players.
Three 15 dart legs in the deciding set for Arron Monk saw him narrowly win against Stephen Burton to secure his International selection and emulate his father Colin Monk as a full England International.
The ladies event saw two of the top ladies in England Darts securing a grand finals place, after a thrilling tussle Lorraine Winstanley came out the winner over Deta with both girls putting in quality performances of over 80+ averages in a thrilling final. Notably Deta had a tournament running average of 79.30 the highest in the Ladies championships.
We would like to thank all the players who participated in the event, and event which was included into the England calendar, to try and identify players who on current form would enhance the quality of the England National team, especially after the 18 months of inactivity on our darts, due to the Covid Pandemic. We are also very mindful that some counties didn’t renew their membership, and it was important that England Darts catered for the players who were left out in the cold on the previous system, but nevertheless are 100% committed to supporting England Darts and proud to wear the National Shirt.
A full list of results and performances can be found on Darts Connect under the WDF logo.
Thanks to all concerned for giving England the opportunity of including this event into the British Open Championships, to the officials of Scotland and Wales along with David at Darts Connect for their assistance in running the event and sharing their equipment with us.
Tommy Thompson
Chairman England Darts
