CLACTON Sports Bar hosted a quality field of players for their inaugural ‘Open’, including 2011 PDC Players Championship winner and 2004 PDC World Championship Finalist Kevin “The Artist” Painter.
It was former PDC Premier League player Painter who went on to be crowned the overall winner.
More than 70 entries were received in total, with an abundance of talent on display at the first Clacton Sports Bar Darts Open. Amongst the lineup there was a total of 8 former PDC UK Open Qualifiers, 18 past and or current senior County players
As importantly, the event was supported by many quality players from both Superleague and local leagues, along with representatives from County Youth and Youth academies. Kev certainly didn’t have it easy and had to overcome a very difficult draw throughout the day.
The Artist kicked off winning his first round match 3-0 against Steve Hammond before he ran into current Essex County ‘A’ player and 2019 UK Open qualifier Shaun Fox, winning through with a 3-1 victory.
Next up was Essex Youth County player Ronnie Gunyon. Gunyon fresh off a final appearance at the recent Brightlingsea community centre competition, put up a great fight against Kevin but experience may have counted as the World Seniors regular edged through 3-2.
The quarter and semi finals this threw another quality opponent into Painters path, as he defeated former England International and PDC player Jamie Robinson and Essex ‘A’ player and 2022 PDC UK Open qualifier Matt Good, both 4-0.
Onto the final where Painter would now face his good friend Kevin Edwards, this match would be worthy to grace any stage.
Edwards holds a Darts CV that many a player would be proud of, a multiple UK Open Qualifier, former PDC player, World Seniors Tour event winner and a serial Open winner. Along with multiple TV appearances on Both Setanta Sports & MODUS Super Series.
But is was Painter who continued his brilliant form on display throughout the day to push for the victory winning 4-1, to win the battle of the Kevs and claim the inaugural title.
Clacton Sports Bar Darts Open
Summary
Winner: Kevin Painter £350
Runner-Up: Kevin Edwards £150
Losing Semi-finalists: Matt Good £50 & John Guy £50
Scratch Pairs
28 Scratch Pairs entered to add an extra event for both entertainment and with a decent prize, Matt Stewart & Curtis Hammond ran out the winners.
Winners: Curtis Hammond & Matt Stewart £110
—–ENDS—–
Images: As Supplied
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