UK darts star hits the mark
A world-famous darts player has hit the mark in Dannevirke.
More than 100 darts fans jumped at the chance to watch professional English darts player Jamie ‘‘Jabba’’ Caven in action at the Dannevirke Services and Citizens Club on Monday night as part of a tour of the country.
Caven faced off against a selection of New Zealand’s top 10 ranked players, including Palmerston North’s own Peter Hunt and Mark Mcgrath, as well as invited players.
Peter Holm, a Dannevirke darts legend, was chuffed to be invited to dust of his darts and test his game against Caven.
Holm said it was exciting to face off against Caven, as well his old sporting rivals Hunt and Mcgrath, and it had almost tempted the 68-year-old to launch a professional comeback.
The former New Zealand seventh seed hasn’t played in front of a crowd so big since he retired from competition 19 years ago. ‘‘The feeling was great. It was just like the old days.’’
Caven first played against eight volunteers, selected at random from the audience.
All the while he made trick shots – including throwing doubles and bullseyes from his knees or standing on a chair, and covering the board and shooting for doubles and 180s from memory.
It was bit of fun, and a chance to show off and entertain the crowd, Caven said.
However, it was time to get serious when he faced the Kiwi pros.
‘‘There was a good level of competition... I had to get my head back on a bit for it. It was a good workout,’’ Caven said.
Caven said the Kiwis put on a good show and Mcgrath put up a particularly good fight in a tight final match. But, ultimately, the visitor was undefeated.
Darts players will get another shot at besting Caven when he appears in Whanganui today and in Timaru on Saturday.