The countdown has started to the start of the 29th Isle of Man International Darts Festival at Villa Marina complex on Douglas’ sea front, which runs between March 6-9.
Action will get underway at the four day event on the Thursday evening with a new rankings competition –
Over the following three days there will be mixed, ladies and men’s pairs competitions, the island playoffs for the Winmau World Masters youth competition plus the prestigious men’s and women’s singles.
Prize money for this the 29th tournament has been increased to a record ?28,500 with Specsavers and Quids Inn joining those backing the tournament.
The new event on Thursday evening offers early arrivals the chance of a cash bonanza, plus BDO Category C rankings points. The men’s and women’s singles will be sponsored by Okells Brewery and Specsavers respectively. Prize money will be paid down to the last 16 in each event.
Twenty four hours later and the action on the oche will focus on the mixed pairs, while under-18s eyeing up a future in the sport have the opportunity to make their mark in the Winmau youth playoffs, with a ?500 top prize and qualification to the World Masters finals in the north east of England on offer to the winner.
On Saturday the palatial Villa Marina venue will play host to the prince and princesses of dartness as the prestigious men’s and women’s singles will be held.
Many of those who featured in January’s BBC-televised, Lakeside World Championship at Frimley Green will toe the oche in what should be an absorbing encounter.
With defending champ Stephen Bunting - crowned Lakeside World Champion in January - opting to move from the British Darts Organisation to the rival PDC, it means there will be a new name inscribed on the Manx trophy this year – but who?
Martin Adams, who has never won the Isle of Man title will be keen for a good run in the Manx title while Tony O’Shea, Darryl Fitton and 2013 world champ Scott Waites will be keen to make up for their disappointing performances at Frimley Green.
Scotland’s Ross Montgomery – winner of the Dutch Open – would like to become only the third Scot to lift the title.
And much interest will focus on former Manx champ Ted “The Count” Hankey who has returned to the BDO after a spell with the PDC.
Action will be equally keen in the women’s singles and defending champ and former world champ Anastasia Dobromyslova can anticipate a tough struggle to retain her title.
Leading the challenge will be world champion Lisa Ashton from Lancashire but former Manx winners Trina Gulliver MBE, Deta Hedman and Julie Gore likely to lead the challenge.
In addition to a plethora of international players – including a large contingent of Dutch sharpshooters, there will be a whole host of county players from the UK, keen to make the big breakthrough in the sport.
For the first time there will be a cash bonus for the player – man or woman - achieving the highest checkout during the action on Saturday. The popular Quids Inn public house in Douglas is offering ?250. In addition the pub will be offering a special ?100 prize to the best checkout provided by an islander – whether in the men’s or ladies competition.
And in order to encourage islanders to test their skills in the prestigious international singles, the Steam Packet Company are offering ?150 and ?100 for the best performance from an islander in the men’s and ladies competitions.
Tournament director Les France of LF Promotions said: “Although we have now been running this event for 29 years, I never get tired of the tournament and every year get extremely excited and genuinely look forward another competition.
“The quality of the field each year and the fact that a number of overseas internationals join the large number of players from the UK for the event at the Villa Marina, simply illustrates the prestige and regard everyone has for international festival. And it also a big thank you to the commitment and support provided by the island’s tourism team for almost three decades.
“I am also grateful to the support provided by the Winmau company for their support over the past decade, the IoM Steam Packet Company, Okells Brewery, and our new sponsors – Specsavers and Quids Inn.
“We have always championed the cause of women’s darts and this year there is a good prize purse for the ladies and we expect them to turn out in force to show their support to those willing to back women’s darts.
“It would be nice as we approach the 30th year of the tournament that we could see a record number of entries for the 2014 festival of darts,” said Les.
Admission to the Villa Marina is free of charge for spectators. The closing date for player entries is 22 February 2014.
To keep up to date with tournament news follow the festival’s Twitter and Facebook accounts - @iomdartsfest and https://www.facebook.com/IOMDartsFestival.
Further information and entry details are available from 0161 793 6909 or lfpromotions501@btinternet.com.
Photo - 2013 ladies singles’ winner Anastasia Dobromyslova.
