A Swanage darts player is off to Manchester later this month to compete for a national title after winning through in a competition staged online because of Covid restrictions.
Ricky King, 30, a welder from Swanage, has been playing darts for ten years, but this is his first shot at a national title. The event takes place in front of a live audience at the Manchester Botanical Gardens on Friday 23rd July 2021.
As long as Covid restrictions are eased as planned, a contingent of around 25 from Swanage will be making the journey to support him as he competes for the Modern Amateur Darts (MAD) England title.
Ricky King has won a chance to try for a national title
“Just stood there in the kitchen”
Ricky said a year of lockdowns gave him plenty of time to practise. He said the online version of the sport, where players set up cameras to video their throws, clearly suited him:
“It was hard to get used to, really hard, but the more you play the easier it gets.
“The hardest bit was not having any pressure. I was just stood there in the kitchen.”
An online tournament because of Covid gave Ricky his chance
“All very proud of him”
David Elm, secretary of Swanage Darts, which meets at the British Legion Club, said it was a huge achievement:
“We’re all very proud of him. To get a shot at the national title is massive. We’re all rooting for him.”
Ricky is up against a top England professional darts player Darryl ‘The Dazzler’ Fitton in the final and he knows it will be a tough match.
He said:
“It will definitely be a bit nervy but usually I thrive on that sort of pressure. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Swanage Darts team is entering the Dorset Super League
Super League beckons for Swanage
Swanage darts is on the up at present. The club has entered the Dorset Super League in September for the first time for 15 years.
David Elm said:
“It’s a big thing for us. We’ve got some really good players and we feel we’re ready. They will be competing with the best in Dorset.”
The club is on the look out for sponsors to help with registration and travel costs. Two sponsors Ideal Skip Hire and Planet Purbeck have already come forward. They will benefit from logos on shirts and promotion on the club’s social media.
