Top flight talent at airport

Darts: Around 500 people a day expected to turn up for Granite City Open

Some sports are struggling to retain their popularity and participation numbers as youngsters focus on their iPads and Xboxes.

And, for several years after the halcyon period in the 1980s when Jocky Wilson, Eric Bristow and John Lowe used to strut their stuff on the oche, it seemed darts’ potential might be as largely wasted as its stars were largely waisted.

Yet, fuelled by the emergence of new champions in the wake of Phil Taylor’s lengthy reign on the global stage, the game remains in remarkably good health.

That will be borne out this week when around 500 competitors take part in the Granite City Open at the Hallmark Hotel at Aberdeen International Airport.

It is the 16th year the event has been staged and previous winners include two-time world PDC champion Gary Anderson, three-time BDO king of the world Martin Adams and 10-time women’s world champion Trina Gulliver.

Derek Weston, one of the hard-working organisers and men’s team manager for the Grampian Darts Association, is a passionate aficionado of the sport and has worked tirelessly to promote it in his homeland.

He is confident the 2018 Open will be as hard-fought as ever in highlighting the depth of talent in Britain.

He said: “We ran our first event in 2003 and there have been plenty of big names who have come to Aberdeen and shown their class in the north-east.

“We’re expecting around 500 people every day from Friday to Sunday – there are singles, pairs and mixed competitions – and the total prize fund is £12,840. “Our entry is still healthy but we are struggling big time for sponsorship and that is a challenge for us.

“However, Grampian Darts Association is in a good position and our numbers are still substantial, although people now choose what to attend and what to miss.

“We know we can’t afford to be complacent but we can see from all the leagues across the region that many folk really love their darts.”

The Granite City Open attracts players from every part of the UK and the last two men’s winners, Andy Boulton, from Ayrshire, and Ricky Evans, from Kettering, will lock horns with the likes of New Pitsligo protégé Scott Robertson.

In the women’s event, Weston highlighted the potential of Aberdeen’s Emily Davidson and emerging Fife player Chelsea McMahon.

It seems appropriate the action is at an airport. Because the arrows will be flying high for three days.

“We can see from the leagues that many folk really love their darts”

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD: Derek Weston, an organiser and men’s team manager for Grampian Darts Association, toasts what he is sure will be an action-packed event