Good players and good guys

27th February was the Tyne & Wear Open at the Rainton Meadows Arena. With close to (if not in excess of) 300 players, it was by far the largest tournament I had participated in.

Once I got there and registered, I got the important stuff out the way by familiarising myself with where the boards, facilities and the bar were. First pint was consumed at 10.45 and I took a wander over to the A180 stand. I looked at a set similar to my own except they were 23g (mine are 24g) and don't have the "divet" at the top of the barrel (Taylor Phase 3's) As I held them, they just felt good and succumbed to the pressure as I parted with some hard earned cash.

So I was now in the biggest tournament of my career with darts I had never used before. Only time would tell if this was going to turn out to be a good idea. Well they felt good in practice and whilst didn't go in the T20 (or even the 20) they were going straight. Looking around, I could see Phil Nixon, Steve Bunting, Gary Robson and Robbie Green as the big name players I recognized.

With registration closed and the draw put up, I got a bye in the first round so decided to get involved with chalking one of the games. Best of 5 for the early rounds. It was painful and left me thinking "why oh why couldn't I play you guys" Board 12 (the one I was on) the loser of the previous game did a runner so I chalked this one aswell. Turned out to be Robbie Greens match and I got a glimpse of what seperates the good and the very good. 180 starts in 2 of the 3 legs, T20 taking a bit of a hammering, 100+ checkouts, alot of fun to chalk. He even thanked me for chalking.

It seemed to be taking a long time to get through the games so I spent most of the time watching the games, drinking the Strongbow and just keeping loose. 4.15pm (3.5 hours after the tournament start and 5.5 hours after I'd got there) my first game was on. By this time I'd had a couple of drinks!! My opponent was Ray Pearson, him to throw first

First leg, he shot off like a train. 80+, 100+ scores whilst I was a little slower out the blocks however kept in touch with him. Missed doubles cost him as took out 60 in 2. 1-0 to me. Second leg we both got off to great starts (140 100 from him, 100 100 from me) 60's and 80's this time missed doubles cost me as took out D10. 1-1. 3rd leg much the same with the scoring (though a few 45's creeping in) I missed the Bull for a 126 out and took his outshot leaving me 2-1 down. 4th leg saw me hit 100 140 and kept it ticking along. Set up tops and took it out first dart. 2-2 and I was 2 doubles in 3 darts. 5th and final leg. He had the throw. He hit nearly everything and left himself 32 after 15. I went 100, 85, 100, 100 to leave 116 after 12. My turn to throw. S20 (had to clarify with the chalker if it was in the single of treble) T20 then I took a step back, composed myself; could I learn the lesson from last week??. Released the dart..........right in the bottom corner of D18!!!!

I was elated, he was gutted but he was very gracious. He had alot of support there and all them shook my hand and congratulated me. To take out 116 under pressure was very satisfying, 15 darter to boot. Decision to use the new darts vindicated. 4 darts, 3 doubles

Needed to calm down so another trip to the bar and some air to stop the adrenaline flowing. Took a wander over to the fixtures see who I had next. My reward for that effort was a 3rd round clash with..........Robbie "Kong" Green.

No lose situation for me. Either I lose and its expected or I win and its the biggest win of my career so far. Either way, I was getting to play a big name in a competitive match. I was determined to enjoy this.

Match is called up, I'm there early and I feel ok. He's just a guy with 3 darts I kept telling myself. Soon I'm stood behind him with a large picture of King Kong staring back at me, start getting a little nervous but this is natural. He gets to throw first by calling the flip of the coin correctly. Un-surprisingly he had the support and he soon got into his stride whilst I struggled. 45's 60's 66's just not enough to keep pace and I was quickly 1-0 down. More of the same second leg but I was hitting 60's more regularly and the occasional 100+ but 1-0 became 2-0 but I was under 100 left. Put up a better fight in the 3rd hitting 3 100's in a row to leave 32 but it wasn't enough to prevent a 3-0 whitewash. Very nice guy at the end, shook my hand congratulated me and even posed for a photo. Everyone said hard luck to me, think it was more of appreciation that I played Robbie Green and earned the right to. Robbie did a professional job and treated me with due respect.

I chalked the next game which was a high quality one. 15 darter, 180's, 100+ out (Alan Norris I think his name was, won - really good player) Afterwards as I went to look at my photo of myself and Robbie, it wasn't there!! Guy taking it pressed the wrong button. Gutted!!!! However, I ran into Robbie outside, explained the situation and he was very happy to take it again. He congratulated me on a good effort again and I wished him all the best for the future.

I was critical of Robbie for losing the masters final against Adams. Can't criticise him as a person, top quality throughout. Not sure who won as I left before the end (it was 7pm and they were only down to the last 64)

Overall I had a fantastic time, topped off by being able to play Robbie. Over the moon with how I played, just wish I could have given Robbie a closer game but massive experience for me.

Can't wait for the next one :)