Home comforts for Chris

Local player Chris Hurds battled his way through to win the first ever Welsh ranking event held at Newtown Football Club – the John Bellerby Memorial Darts Open.

A huge entry of 72 players produced some stunning darts, but it was Newtown Premier League player, Hurds, who become champion and earned the £500 first prize and 12 Welsh ranking points.

Hurds defeated Welsh international Mark Layton in the quarter-final and Llanidloes player, Barry Hamer, in the semi-final.

It was another Welsh international and Newtown Premier League player who awaited Hurds in the final, Mitch Butler from Welshpool, but Hurds prevailed to come out victorious 5-1.

To top his day off, Hurds also tied for the highest checkout of 145 with Layton.

A first round losers plate was won by Rob Hopkins from Newtown after he beat Welshpool’s Dave Boyle in the final.

During the plate section, Ellie Jones hit the maximum checkout of 170 and Sally Anne Rogers, from Welshpool, won the furthest lady award.

“A special thank you to the sponsors Val Davies, formerly Bellerby, and Newtown Football Club who made this event possible,” said a spokesperson.