The PDC confirmed the U.S. Open Dart Tournament information in an article today on its website. Click here to see it. Any U.S dart player who has not been hiding under a rock the past two years knows that this means a fantastic chance to experience big time darts. The PDC is ponying up approximately $250,000.00 in prize money for the U.S. Open. That's right... a quarter of a million dollars. Finish in the top 64 and you get $2,000.00, which is more than the first place prize in most tournaments we are used to.
The same weekend the PDC will host a separate open tournament, the North American Dart Championships, with a $50,000.00 prize fund open only to U.S. and Canadian citizens. In other words, we get one tournament for the locals, and also a chance to play the best from around the world, all in the same weekend.
I have participated in the past two events and they were both a lot of fun. Last year I won my first round and then got to play Ronnie Baxter in round two. After I crashed out there I got to talk to Raymond Van Barneveld and plenty of other world class dart players. Later stages were televised and played on a stage at the Mohegan Sun Cabaret Room, which is an excellent venue. This highlights the uniqueness of darts. The stars of the game are accessible and generally friendly, outgoing characters.
The tournament will be at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut, May 16-18, 2008. Thanks to PDC Chairman Barry Hearn for bringing such unprecedented prize money and opportunity our way! More will follow as I get additional information. Needless to say I will be there. Since I got such a great response to my reporting the Rae Chesney Tournament, maybe I will do so again for this one.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
ADO Masters Regional Date Set
I got back this evening after a nice weekend in Cape May, NJ at a bed and breakfast inn with Margaret to find an e-mail from Robert Race setting the ADO Masters Regional Competition:
February 9, 2008
Irish American Association
95 Kearney Ave.
Kearney, NJ 07032
12:00 PM sign-up, 1:00 PM start - Round Robin 501
$110.00 entry, 1 player advances to the finals in Houston on June 20, 2008 for every $880.00 raised. Winners at the finals go on to England to compete in the Winmau World Masters.
This is a great opportunity to play a long day of darts against top regional competition, which is actually top national competition when you figure that 4 of the top 10 U.S. ranked darters (including the #1 and #2) are in this region!
I have been tracking my game in practice and lamentably I am only averaging in the low to mid 70's per turn. Nevertheless I will try and get out there. There is nothing like competition for improving your game.
February 9, 2008
Irish American Association
95 Kearney Ave.
Kearney, NJ 07032
12:00 PM sign-up, 1:00 PM start - Round Robin 501
$110.00 entry, 1 player advances to the finals in Houston on June 20, 2008 for every $880.00 raised. Winners at the finals go on to England to compete in the Winmau World Masters.
This is a great opportunity to play a long day of darts against top regional competition, which is actually top national competition when you figure that 4 of the top 10 U.S. ranked darters (including the #1 and #2) are in this region!
I have been tracking my game in practice and lamentably I am only averaging in the low to mid 70's per turn. Nevertheless I will try and get out there. There is nothing like competition for improving your game.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Upcoming Dart Tournaments in NJ Area
This is a busy season for darters in the New Jersey area! Here is a list of upcoming open steel-tip dart tournaments and events that were reported to me within a reasonable drive:
January 18-20, 2008, $10,000.00 New York/New Jersey Open, at the Holiday Inn Airport, Islip, NY. See http://www.lbdarts.com/pdffiles/NYNJOpen.pdf for the flyer. Laurett Meddis and Buddy Bartoletta always run a great tournament.
February 8-10, 2008 $6,700.00 Tricoda Open XX, at Holiday Inn Select, Solomons, Maryland, benefitting Hospice of St. Mary's, Inc. See http://tricoda.leaguerepublic.com/data/league4548008/55959.pdf for the flyer.
February 15-17, 2008, $20,000.00+ Syracuse Open, at the Holiday Inn in Liverpool, NY, including a youth event. See http://www.saltcitydarts.com/ for the flyer.
February 22-24, 2008, $15,500.00 Port City Open #27, at the Holiday Inn by the Bay, Portland, Maine. Click here for the flyer.
March 14-16, 2008 $3,100.00 Winter Classic, at the Leominster Eagles, 456 Litchfiled St., Leominster, MA 01453. Click here for the flyer.
March 21-23, 2008, $35,000.00 Virginia Beach Dart Classic, at the Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Va. Beach, Virginia, right on the beach! This ever popular event brings a lot of people in. Click here for the flyer, which has a pretty cool logo. The tournament benefits the Special Olympics of Va.
March 29, 2008, 1:00 p.m., at Joker's Bar & Grill, 7312 Castor Ave, Philadelphia, PA. QCEDL Cancer Shoot, $1,000 luck of the draw benefitting Crossing the Finishing Line. This one raised $13,000.00 for charity last year!
April 12, 2008, save the date for the Greater Trenton English Dart League's Dart-A-Thon to benefit the Make A Wish Foundation of NJ. I will pass on more information as it becomes available.
There will likely be an ADO Regional Event coming up over the next two months. As always, pass along information on any further events and I will post them.
January 18-20, 2008, $10,000.00 New York/New Jersey Open, at the Holiday Inn Airport, Islip, NY. See http://www.lbdarts.com/pdffiles/NYNJOpen.pdf for the flyer. Laurett Meddis and Buddy Bartoletta always run a great tournament.
February 8-10, 2008 $6,700.00 Tricoda Open XX, at Holiday Inn Select, Solomons, Maryland, benefitting Hospice of St. Mary's, Inc. See http://tricoda.leaguerepublic.com/data/league4548008/55959.pdf for the flyer.
February 15-17, 2008, $20,000.00+ Syracuse Open, at the Holiday Inn in Liverpool, NY, including a youth event. See http://www.saltcitydarts.com/ for the flyer.
February 22-24, 2008, $15,500.00 Port City Open #27, at the Holiday Inn by the Bay, Portland, Maine. Click here for the flyer.
March 14-16, 2008 $3,100.00 Winter Classic, at the Leominster Eagles, 456 Litchfiled St., Leominster, MA 01453. Click here for the flyer.
March 21-23, 2008, $35,000.00 Virginia Beach Dart Classic, at the Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Va. Beach, Virginia, right on the beach! This ever popular event brings a lot of people in. Click here for the flyer, which has a pretty cool logo. The tournament benefits the Special Olympics of Va.
March 29, 2008, 1:00 p.m., at Joker's Bar & Grill, 7312 Castor Ave, Philadelphia, PA. QCEDL Cancer Shoot, $1,000 luck of the draw benefitting Crossing the Finishing Line. This one raised $13,000.00 for charity last year!
April 12, 2008, save the date for the Greater Trenton English Dart League's Dart-A-Thon to benefit the Make A Wish Foundation of NJ. I will pass on more information as it becomes available.
There will likely be an ADO Regional Event coming up over the next two months. As always, pass along information on any further events and I will post them.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Men's Singles 501 Finals Report
Chris Linkous took the Men's Singles 501 Title at the Rae Chesney Memorial Dart Tournament in Philadelpha on Sunday, defeating opponent Robbie Phillips by a score of 2-0. Chris won the cork for the start in the first leg, and opened with scores of 100, 85, 58, and 85. Robbie, who is an up and coming young player from North Carolina, appeared to succumb a bit to nerves as his scoring was not up to the standard that saw him past some earlier opponents. Chris then hit a 137 to leave 36 after 15 darts, with Robbie back on 207. Robbie was unable to pressurize Chris' next shot, and Chris hit the double 18 on his first dart for a nice 16 dart game.
In the second leg, Chris again won the start and opened with a 140 and then a 41. Robbie opened with 41, and then 140, leaving the score even after 6 darts. Chris then followed with scores of 85, 44, and 100 to leave 91 after fifteen darts. Robbie responded with scores of 45, 130, and 45 to leave 100 after 15 darts. Then, the nerves took over for both players. Chris missed double 9 for what would have been an 18 dart game. Robbie failed to convert the 100 after two rounds missing double 18 to leave 9. Three rounds of missed doubles for each player followed, leaving them both shaking their heads. Finally, Chris hit a double 2, and with a relieved look accepted the Winners Plaque and prize.
In the second leg, Chris again won the start and opened with a 140 and then a 41. Robbie opened with 41, and then 140, leaving the score even after 6 darts. Chris then followed with scores of 85, 44, and 100 to leave 91 after fifteen darts. Robbie responded with scores of 45, 130, and 45 to leave 100 after 15 darts. Then, the nerves took over for both players. Chris missed double 9 for what would have been an 18 dart game. Robbie failed to convert the 100 after two rounds missing double 18 to leave 9. Three rounds of missed doubles for each player followed, leaving them both shaking their heads. Finally, Chris hit a double 2, and with a relieved look accepted the Winners Plaque and prize.
Women's 501 Singles Report
Stacy Bromberg completed a sweep of the Women's Singles events with a 2-1 victory over Carolyn Mars in the finals of the Women's 501 Singles at the Rae Chesney Memorial Tournament in Philadelphia on Sunday. Stacy won the cork and the start in the first leg but Carolyn quickly took the lead, opening with scores of 70, 100, 100, and 85. After reducing her score to 40, Carolyn closed the leg against the darts with her third try at double 20, while Stacy sat back on 145.
Carolyn won the cork and the start for the second leg. Carolyn opened with 60, but Stacy was scoring well, opening with scores of 140, 94, 81, and 95 to leave 91 after twelve darts. Carolyn was back at 220 and Stacy looked to have the game well in hand. However, Stacy busted the 91 with an errant triple 20 while attempting the single. The next two rounds, Stacy was unable to take out the remainder, and Carolyn reduced her score to 65. Stacy's third dart at double 12
missed the inside wire, giving Carolyn a match shot. Carolyn's first dart scored 25 on the single bull, but her two shots at double tops for the match flew high. Stacy's nerves held, as she hit single 6, miss, and then double 3 to stay alive.
Stacy won the cork and the start for the third and deciding leg. After twelve darts, Stacy was on 143 and hit a score of 119 to leave 24. Carolyn's scoring was faltering, and she was still not on an out. Stacy scored 18 the next round, hitting single 12, single 6, to leave 6 left. Carolyn was unable to pressurize the shot, and Stacy hit double 3 again on her first dart for a 19 dart game and the Women's Singles 501 Title.
Carolyn won the cork and the start for the second leg. Carolyn opened with 60, but Stacy was scoring well, opening with scores of 140, 94, 81, and 95 to leave 91 after twelve darts. Carolyn was back at 220 and Stacy looked to have the game well in hand. However, Stacy busted the 91 with an errant triple 20 while attempting the single. The next two rounds, Stacy was unable to take out the remainder, and Carolyn reduced her score to 65. Stacy's third dart at double 12
missed the inside wire, giving Carolyn a match shot. Carolyn's first dart scored 25 on the single bull, but her two shots at double tops for the match flew high. Stacy's nerves held, as she hit single 6, miss, and then double 3 to stay alive.
Stacy won the cork and the start for the third and deciding leg. After twelve darts, Stacy was on 143 and hit a score of 119 to leave 24. Carolyn's scoring was faltering, and she was still not on an out. Stacy scored 18 the next round, hitting single 12, single 6, to leave 6 left. Carolyn was unable to pressurize the shot, and Stacy hit double 3 again on her first dart for a 19 dart game and the Women's Singles 501 Title.
Women's Pairs Cricket Finals Report
Stacy Bromberg of Las Vegas and Frannie Frederick of Philadelphia won the Women's Pairs Cricket title in Philadelphia Sunday against Doreen Berry and Brenda Roush. Stacy and Frannie won in two straight games, with both Stacy and Frannie hitting well throughout. In the first leg, Stacy opened with four 20's and an 18. When Doreen failed to close 19's, Frannie followed by cutting off that number and jumping on 17's, establishing a lead that several four counts by Brenda could not challenge. In the second leg Stacy won the start and opened identically, with four 20's and one 18. However, an even game was put beyond reach on Stacy's next turn, when her nine count closed 18, 17 and 16. A spirited attempt to come back on bulls fell short for Brenda and Doreen, and Stacy and Frannie won the title.
Men's Pairs Cricket Report
Jim Widmayer and Tim O'Gorman were victorious in the Men's Pairs Cricket competition on Sunday against David Fatum and Joe Slivan. The contest was best of three legs, and the teams split the first two games in see-saw battles that saw the lead change hands several times. In the deciding third leg, Jim won the start but opened weakly with two marks on 20. David failed to take advantage, and the teams started a point battle involving 20's, 19's and 18's. The momentum shifted in favor of Jim and Tim when Joe had an unlucky dart fall out of the triple 19. Jim and Tim were able to keep ahead down the stretch, with Tim striking a major blow with triple 15 and two bulls to put the game beyond reach and win the title.
Men's Singles Cricket Report
Darin Young defeated Bob Miske in two straight legs at the finals of the Men's Cricket Singles event on Saturday at the Rae Chesney Memorial Dart Tournament in Philadelphia on Saturday. More to follow soon.
Women's Single Cricket Finals Report
Stacy Bromberg triumphed over Cali West in the finals of the Women's Single Cricket event on Saturday at the Rae Chesney Memorial Dart Tournament in Philadelphia. In the first leg Stacy won the cork and opened with two seven counts. Cali was slow out of the gate, and after four rounds Stacy had closed all numbers save the bulls, with Cali having closed no numbers. Cali did manage to close bulls before Stacy hit the winning shot, preventing a total whitewash.
In the second leg Cali won the cork, and opened with a five count. To her credit, Cali rebounded from the thorough defeat she suffered in the first leg, maintaining a steady pace and winning the second leg without ever being seriously threatened by Stacy, who was uncharacteristically struggling to find the triples.
The momentum shift continued into the start of the final and deciding leg, with Cali winning the cork, and jumping out to a lead on 20's. Cali maintained a moderate lead until the players started trading 17's and 16's, and Stacy closed the gap to make it a see-saw contest. Stacy finally nosed ahead enough to close Cali's 17's, and then Cali critically blanked one round on 15's. Stacy took advantage to close out the match and win the Women's Single Cricket title.
In the second leg Cali won the cork, and opened with a five count. To her credit, Cali rebounded from the thorough defeat she suffered in the first leg, maintaining a steady pace and winning the second leg without ever being seriously threatened by Stacy, who was uncharacteristically struggling to find the triples.
The momentum shift continued into the start of the final and deciding leg, with Cali winning the cork, and jumping out to a lead on 20's. Cali maintained a moderate lead until the players started trading 17's and 16's, and Stacy closed the gap to make it a see-saw contest. Stacy finally nosed ahead enough to close Cali's 17's, and then Cali critically blanked one round on 15's. Stacy took advantage to close out the match and win the Women's Single Cricket title.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Men's and Women's Pairs Results
In the Men's Pairs 501 finals on Saturday, New Jersey natives Buddy Lessig and Rich Hammond faced seasoned opponents in Gary Mawson and Chris White. Chris was in his third consecutive final and was scoring well, and his partner Gary Mawson is also a top ranked American player and with international experience. The local underdogs were unfazed however, and managed to take the winning leg under pressure with their opponents waiting for a shot at a double. Cheers erupted as Buddy Lessig hit the winning shot, and the two partners hugged on stage. "I'm really excited about being there" said Rich Hammond, who could not stop smiling.
Stacy Bromberg and local star Frannie Frederick won the Women's Pairs 501 event in a contest that went to the final leg. As the final leg wound down, Stacy had a shot at double 20 for a 120 out, but missed high. This left her opponent with a shot at 82 out, but she missed double 8. The next round, Fran failed to convert 40, leaving 10. Her opponent was unlucky, missing two darts right on the wire at double four. Stacy then hit the double 5 for the win.
Action follows today, including the Men's and Women's Singles Cricket, followed by a Luck of the Draw.
Friday Luck of the Draw and Philly Youth Shoot Results
On Friday night Toby Simkozy and Ray Wolf, Jr. of Philadelphia won the luck of the draw at the Rae Chesney Memorial Dart Tournament defeating a strong team of Chris White and Davis Snider. This was Chris' second final in as many events, as he makes a stong bid for the coveted MVP Trophy for the Tournament.
On Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m., fifteen youth competed in two divisions for awards. The youth were divided into two age catgories, of 6-12 years old and then 13 to 17 years old. The 6-12 years old division played single in/single out 401, best of 3 legs, while the 13 to 17 year olds played 501, single in double out.
In the 13-17 year old division Drew Collins faced Alex Broderick in the finals. Alex won the start in the first leg and scored steadily in the beginning. Alex reduced 100 down to 20 while Drew was back on 195. However, nerves took over and Alex had difficulty with double 10 and then double 2, eventually busting several times. Drew then missed several opportunities to steal the leg, and Alex eventually hit the elusive double two. Alex again won the start in the second leg, and settled down with some steady scoring, hitting a 93 to leave 50, while Drew was back on 195. Alex hit double 18 instead of a single, leaving double 7. The next round Alex hit double seven on his second dart to win, with Drew waiting on 99.
On Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m., fifteen youth competed in two divisions for awards. The youth were divided into two age catgories, of 6-12 years old and then 13 to 17 years old. The 6-12 years old division played single in/single out 401, best of 3 legs, while the 13 to 17 year olds played 501, single in double out.
In the 13-17 year old division Drew Collins faced Alex Broderick in the finals. Alex won the start in the first leg and scored steadily in the beginning. Alex reduced 100 down to 20 while Drew was back on 195. However, nerves took over and Alex had difficulty with double 10 and then double 2, eventually busting several times. Drew then missed several opportunities to steal the leg, and Alex eventually hit the elusive double two. Alex again won the start in the second leg, and settled down with some steady scoring, hitting a 93 to leave 50, while Drew was back on 195. Alex hit double 18 instead of a single, leaving double 7. The next round Alex hit double seven on his second dart to win, with Drew waiting on 99.
"I lost my GT darts a few days ago and brought some Darin Young signature darts." reported Alex, who is the 17 year old son of Mike Broderick, of Philly Darts fame. "I had some trouble adjusting." reported Alex, who was nevertheless happy with the win.
Alex Broderick
Finalists for the 6-12 year old division were Sean McGedigan "Little Mac" and Tim Schwartzer, both 10 years old. In the semi-finals Little Mac had nicked a leg against Alex's brother, who busted on a single-out 12 by hitting the triple instead. In the finals, despite a spirited fight by Little Mac, Tim won the first game with a 37 out while his opponent was waiting for a shot at the game. In the middle of the second game Tim hit a nice 104 to set up a winning shot for the 6-12 Division Title. Both contestants were from Bensalem, PA.
"It's not about winning, its about having fun" said Little Mac (pictured on left), who was happy with his performance, and enjoyed playing on stage. Tim (pictured on right) won the title.
Action continues today with Men's and Women's pairs 501 and the singles cricket.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Philly Pro Shoot Final Results: Chris White Victorious
Chris White emerged from a field of 132 contestants as champion at the finals of the Pro Shoot at the Rae Chesney Tournament in Philadelphia Friday night. Chris faced a strong opponent in Larry Butler, who was reportedly hitting well in the preliminary rounds of the best of 3 legs, 501 event.
Larry won the first leg in a close contest, but Chris critically won the start in the second leg. Chris opened strongly with 100, 140, 100, and then 129 to leave 32 after 12 darts. Larry's previously excellent scoring finally faltered, and Chris won the second leg in 15 darts, leaving Larry sitting on 120.
In the decider, Chris again critically won the bull for the start. Chris opened with 100, but then faltered with scores of 47 and 57. Larry was unable to punish Chris' low scores, as he opened with 45, 97, and 55, finding the wrong side of the triple wires several times in succession. Chris nosed ahead with a nice 137, to leave 160, followed next round by a score of 79 to leave 81 left with Larry back at 174. Chris failed to convert the 81 out leaving 40. Larry pressurized Chris' next shot with a nice 134, to leave 48. Larry never got a chance though, as Chris cooly sank the 40 on his first dart, to win the contest.
As I headed off to bed, I was told that the Luck of the Draw event following the Pro Shoot attracted 332 contestants for an event that will almost surely last into the morning. More reports will follow tomorrow, along with pictures and interviews. Check back soon!
Larry won the first leg in a close contest, but Chris critically won the start in the second leg. Chris opened strongly with 100, 140, 100, and then 129 to leave 32 after 12 darts. Larry's previously excellent scoring finally faltered, and Chris won the second leg in 15 darts, leaving Larry sitting on 120.
In the decider, Chris again critically won the bull for the start. Chris opened with 100, but then faltered with scores of 47 and 57. Larry was unable to punish Chris' low scores, as he opened with 45, 97, and 55, finding the wrong side of the triple wires several times in succession. Chris nosed ahead with a nice 137, to leave 160, followed next round by a score of 79 to leave 81 left with Larry back at 174. Chris failed to convert the 81 out leaving 40. Larry pressurized Chris' next shot with a nice 134, to leave 48. Larry never got a chance though, as Chris cooly sank the 40 on his first dart, to win the contest.
As I headed off to bed, I was told that the Luck of the Draw event following the Pro Shoot attracted 332 contestants for an event that will almost surely last into the morning. More reports will follow tomorrow, along with pictures and interviews. Check back soon!
On my way to Philly
I am finished packing and getting ready to go to Philly. I was wondering how much to report vs. play this weekend, but circumstances made that decision for me. I got a bad sprain in my throwing hand last night while exercising. I will bring the darts just in case, but it looks like I will get some in-depth reporting in. Depending on how well I can get my laptop working at the hotel, I might update over the weekend. At worst, I will update on Monday. Best of luck to everyone competing this weekend!
Friday, January 04, 2008
Getting Ready for Philly
Weekend after next (January 11, 12, 13) darters will converge on Philadelphia for the Rae Chesney Dart Tournament. This year the tournament features $25,000.00+ in prize money, which brings in a lot of the top players from around the U.S. The tournament is open format, with everyone getting a shot at three singles events, including a pro shoot on Friday. There are also several doubles events and luck of the draws on Friday and Saturday. For people entering all events it is truly a marathon.
Philly supports Youth Darts and there will be events for youths on Saturday and Sunday. In the typical American format, its best of three legs in everything.
I am doing something different this year. I must be getting old because I am usually exhausted after a few events, especially if I make it several rounds in. Instead of wearing myself out I will just play a few events. When I am skipping events Margaret and I will be taking pictures and maybe even doing some filming and interviews of the winners! It sounds like a lot of fun. I notice that nobody covers American dart tournaments in a timely way. Apologies to Bullseye News, to which I subscribe and which is the best thing we have here. However, you usually don't get results from them (or anyone else) until months after the event. Only the PDC/PlanetDarts seems to do a creditable job but that is limited to those events which they sponsor here.
How would you blog readers like good coverage of events at a major U.S. dart tournament, with pictures and stories, within a few days of when it ends? I love to write, so I will give it a shot. I won't cover every event, but I will try to cover the later rounds of the men and women's singles. That should be interesting. I hope to see some of you at the tournament. Leave a comment if you are coming.
Philly supports Youth Darts and there will be events for youths on Saturday and Sunday. In the typical American format, its best of three legs in everything.
I am doing something different this year. I must be getting old because I am usually exhausted after a few events, especially if I make it several rounds in. Instead of wearing myself out I will just play a few events. When I am skipping events Margaret and I will be taking pictures and maybe even doing some filming and interviews of the winners! It sounds like a lot of fun. I notice that nobody covers American dart tournaments in a timely way. Apologies to Bullseye News, to which I subscribe and which is the best thing we have here. However, you usually don't get results from them (or anyone else) until months after the event. Only the PDC/PlanetDarts seems to do a creditable job but that is limited to those events which they sponsor here.
How would you blog readers like good coverage of events at a major U.S. dart tournament, with pictures and stories, within a few days of when it ends? I love to write, so I will give it a shot. I won't cover every event, but I will try to cover the later rounds of the men and women's singles. That should be interesting. I hope to see some of you at the tournament. Leave a comment if you are coming.
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