Perthshire Masters set to welcome top players

Action on the oche is set to make a return next week.

The Nortel in Coupar Angus will be the venue for the first instalment of the Perthshire Masters darts tournament on Friday, October 9.

Now in its fourth year, a maximum of 30 players will do battle in six-leg matches played over several weeks in a bid to finish top of the table.

Last year’s tournament boasted a prize pot of £1200 and the winner, Ross MacDougall – a Scotland international in the sport – took home £500.

Organisers have said this year’s Masters will be slightly smaller as a result of restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak but there’s confidence the standard will remain high.

Daryl Stewart, one of the organisers, said 28 players had registered so far and there was space for an additional two competitors.

The field includes four players who have represented Scotland at international level and approximately 15 who are regulars on the Perthshire County darts scene.

Daryl, from Rattray, explained: “The idea behind it is to have the best players in the area playing against one another over a fairly long format, and to give up-andcoming players the opportunity to test themselves against established players of good quality.

“It has helped to really bring on some good young players.”

Explaining the format, he continued: “The 30 players will be split into three groups of 10, with the top two players from each group – plus the two best third-placed players – qualifying for the finals.

“The players who don’t qualify for the top eight also play for a smaller prize pot on finals night, so everyone has something to play for right to the end.

“It’s normally held over 10 to 12 weeks and is open to everyone, but it’ll probably be over six to eight weeks this time.”

The ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic have touched every corner of the sporting landscape and the Perthshire Masters will be no different, with an earlier 7pm start time chalked up to combat the recently-introduced enforced closing of pubs at 10pm.

Daryl went on: “Social distancing will be observed and carried out in line with government guidance.

“This means that everyone will be seated when not playing, and there will be no more than six people from two households at each table.

“There will be table service in operation and masks will be worn by everyone.

“In terms of the darts, the COVID rules will mean darts can’t be shared – not that it happens at this level – and antibacterial gel will be used before and after each match.

“Nobody will be shaking each other’s hands and the marker for each match will be wearing a mask throughout.

“The pens and boards will be cleaned before and after they’re used each time with antibacterial wipes.”

Daryl concluded by saying he was confident the competition would go ahead but added it was subject to change given the fluid nature of the COVID-19 restrictions.

The entry fee is £20 per player and anyone wishing to claim one of the two remaining spots is asked to contact Daryl via Facebook.