More than hundred players from across South Africa took part in an electronic darts tournament that was hosted by Flights Darts Club under the auspices of Darts South Africa at the Goodwood sports ground over the weekend.
The tournament which carried purse monies worth more than R65 000 was sponsored by World Sports Betting (WSB).
Tournament convener Jeff Adams hailed the competition a success as it was streamed live on YouTube and Facebook, allowing viewers to witness “dart-to-dart action from group stages”.
Mr Adams said the 123-player tournament had top dart players from as far as Mthatha, Gqeberha and Gauteng.
The overall winner was Gauteng-based Protea captain Shawn Hogan whose final dart release ensured that he booked his ticket to England where he will take part in the prestigious Pro Darts Corporation Qualifying School in January.
Hogan defeated Cape Town’s golden boy Cameron Carolissen in a clash that was full of suspense; one could hear a pin drop as the two biggest names in the sport darted with precision.
Darts South Africa president Graham Stark said the bar was raised from the first dart released to the end.
“The show-stopping final had everyone back in their seats, it was a final fit for television. We thank World Sports Betting for their generous support, and everyone involved; hope more corporates will help us create more of these tournaments across the country,” said Mr Stark.
A quartet of elite women darters Yolanda van Rooyen, Olivia Hendriks, Colleen Solomons and Johanna Oosthuizen were announced as part of the Protea squad headed to the Darts World Cup in 2023.
Adams extended words of gratitude to Lennie Thomas, Mark Calvert, Priscilla Pieters, Vanessa Adams, Christopher Pieters, Kim Jacobs and Rene Werth who have been organising this tournament for the past six months.
