Darts: Top players come to Dunlop

Jun 19 2009 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

PREPARE to be dazzled at Dunlop’s Auld Hoose on Friday when two of the darts world’s biggest stars come to town to take on the locals.

Best pals Darryl ‘The Dazzler’ Fitton and Tony ‘Silverback’ O’Shea will be at Alexa McGregor’s pub from about 7pm onwards.

Fitton, who is a regular on the BDO circuit and is number three in their rankings, usually enters a stage dancing to the Madness song ‘One Step Beyond’ wearing sunglasses.

Most recently he reached the semi-finals of the 2009 BDO World Darts Championship, beating Mark Salmon in the first round and defeating 12th seed Simon Whitlock in round two.

He followed up with a 5-4 win over fourth seed Scott Waites before bowing out 6-4 to his best mate Tony. Fitton then claimed the 2009 Dutch Open title, beating Willy van de Wiel in the final.

O’Shea is ranked second in the BDO and fifth in the world at the moment. He was runner-up in the 2009 World Championships and in May 2007, he managed a televised nine-dart finish against Adrian Lewis during the International Darts League.

The occasion was made even sweeter as he was celebrating his 46th birthday. Tickets for this must for any darts fan are available now, costing £5 for spectators and £20 for players. Alexa will throw in a finger buffet too, so arrows fans won’t go hungry.

Alexa’s pub is fast becoming a firm favourite with the darts community.

Last year she hosted Gary ‘Dreamboy’ Anderson and Gary ‘Robbo’ Robson, and two years ago, the blingtastic Bobby George was a huge hit with the locals.

For more information call Alexa on 01560 484951.