Darts Masters returns to Shetland

The ever-popular event, which is running for the sixth time in seven years, has attracted some of the biggest names in the darts world including Gary Anderson and Michael van Gerwen.

These showcase elites will be competing against returning players Terry Jenkins, Paul Nicholson and Vincent van der Voort.

There will also be three new faces – Scott Mitchell, Stephen Bunting and world number eight Michael Smith.

The draw was made earlier this week. The first round sees Smith take on Jenkins, van Gerwen against Mitchell, Anderson squaring off against Bunting and van der Voort opposing Nicholson.

Repeat visitor Anderson said he was “looking forward to going back to Shetland for what is a really great event and on a par with some of the best stages around the world”.

He added: “I would love to win the Shetland Masters and will be doing my very best to do so.”

Dutchman van Gerwen was also looking forward to visiting the isles again, and was hoping to put a spanner in the works of Anderson’s title hopes.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to coming to Shetland again for what is one of the best events outside of the PDC tour. I can’t wait to get on the great stage at the Clickimin Centre and hopefully take home the Shetland Masters title.”

The event is organised by local company SDM Promotions Ltd, which is headed by Gideon Ward and Martin Watt. This firm is enjoying some success in the world of darts promotion as of late, also organising the Granite City Darts Masters mirror event in Aberdeen the evening before the Shetland competition.

This sell-out event at the Beach Ballroom will feature six of the eight players making the trip to the isles for the Shetland Darts Masters.

With a stellar line-up who are in it to win Ward was convinced that the competition would not disappoint.

He said: “I’m looking forward to the masters once again. We have a good and varied line-up with some familiar faces and some fresh faces.

“I hope everyone has a great time and we hope to do it again some time in the future.”

SDM Promotions has also teamed up with a mainland agency SJ Media Group in order to ensure a smooth and exciting event for all attendees.

Steve Mottershead of SJ said: “The highlight of the darting calendar outside of the PDC tour is without doubt the Shetland Masters event. All the players are really looking forward to seeing the fans in Shetland, and will no doubt give a great show again.”

The Shetland Times has two silver hospitality tickets for the event (which will include a central seating position and a drinks allocation) to give away. To be in with a chance of winning answer the following question: Who won the 2015 Shetland Darts Masters event? Email your answers to editorial@shetlandtimes.co.uk before Wednesday 30th March. The first correct entry drawn from a hat will win the two tickets.