Top darts players due in Shetland again for popular competition

Some of the world’s best darts players will be coming to Shetland for a prestigious competition this summer.

Clickimin is hosting its third major darts event in as many years when seven players from the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and one from the British Darts Organisation (BDO) come together to compete for the SRT/Simpson & Ward trophy on Saturday 14th July.

Two-times SRT/Simpson & Ward champion Phil “The Power” Taylor is returning for the third year in a row to defend his title in what promises to be an entertaining day for fans of the sport.

An impressive field of talent will be aiming to knock Taylor from his perch in a bid to claim the much-coveted trophy and prize fund believed to rival any prize pot on the circuit.

Current Premier League champion and home favourite Gary Anderson returns to lead the challenge to Taylor. Also returning to compete again this year are James Wade, Simon Whitlock and Mark Webster.

Newcomers to the tournament include Scottish fans’ favourite Raymond Van Barneveld who is sure to get the usual Scottish “Barney Army” reception that he seems to attract at all venues north of the border.

First-time visitor and proclaimed “bad boy of darts” Paul Nicholson will also receive a large support at the Lerwick venue. Completing the line-up and also a first time visitor to the isles, representing the BDO, is the famous darts villain Ted “The Count” Hankey.

Clickimin manager Robert Geddes said: “I’m delighted to welcome some of the finest darts players in the world to Shetland once again. Last year’s event was a great success and I’m excited about the calibre of players which have been secured and in my opinion the line-up is better than the recently announced Premier League line-up.

“The tournament format is yet to be finalised but we’re looking to take a fresh approach and enhance the crowd’s experience on the day.”

Promoter Steve Mottershead said: “Once again the Shetland Recreational Trust and Simpson & Ward must be commended for their commitment and enthusiasm to bring some of the world’s best sportsmen to the islands again.

“All of the players really enjoyed the tournament and commented on the hospitality shown to them and the passion of the darts supporters up in Shetland. I’m confident the players will put on a show and reward the crowd with high averages, big checkouts and hopefully a nine dart finish or two.”