Storey and Picture from: The Andover Advertiser After eight hours of the highest quality darts, Dennis Smith confirmed his return to form with a magnificent performance in lifting the fourth Andover Invitation Darts Classic, sponsored by Transplus.
It was fitting that Smiffy (29.89) clinched the £1,000 prize with a 12- darter, 136 finish in the final leg of the fifth and deciding set against the talented and popular Mark Walsh (28.74).
Testament to the quality of the 64 player field was that many top name stars failed to make it onto the stage.
Last year's winner James Wade was beaten 5-4 in the quarters by Aaron Turner who also collected the £350 highest check out award sponsored by BTLS Hayley with 149. Turner had earlier accounted for Wes Newton 5-4, and the rising Blackpool star subsequently donated his £50 winnings to Andover's Unicorn Darts Academy. Southampton's Mark Haskett played well all day to take board four before succumbing to Walsh in the semi- final.
Wiltshire's Paul Cook, Hampshire's Paul Gibbs and Surrey's Lionel Sams could only reach the last 16 as could Andover's father and son pairing of Colin and Arron Monk. Monk junior continues his excellent progress and picked up the best Andover award with Academy awards going to the fast improving Charlotte Burgess, Dominic Ware and Monk. The collective progress is still apparent with some fine performances from both senior and Academy players. Ali MacDonald, Peter Bailey and Arron Monk all rubbed shoulders with a dozen professionals in the last 16. Dennis Simpson, having comfortably beaten John Brine should then have beaten Peter Evison while Trevor Lewis's 130 check out against Dennis Smith showed real character.
Dale Headech never looked out of place against Smith, Dominic Ware was unlucky not to take more than his one leg off Walsh, Gary Thorne performed well against Eddie Edmondson and Jamie Kelling had to be in excellent form to get past Colin Denyer, last year's best Andover performer.
It was fitting that Smiffy (29.89) clinched the £1,000 prize with a 12- darter, 136 finish in the final leg of the fifth and deciding set against the talented and popular Mark Walsh (28.74).
Testament to the quality of the 64 player field was that many top name stars failed to make it onto the stage.
Last year's winner James Wade was beaten 5-4 in the quarters by Aaron Turner who also collected the £350 highest check out award sponsored by BTLS Hayley with 149. Turner had earlier accounted for Wes Newton 5-4, and the rising Blackpool star subsequently donated his £50 winnings to Andover's Unicorn Darts Academy. Southampton's Mark Haskett played well all day to take board four before succumbing to Walsh in the semi- final.
Wiltshire's Paul Cook, Hampshire's Paul Gibbs and Surrey's Lionel Sams could only reach the last 16 as could Andover's father and son pairing of Colin and Arron Monk. Monk junior continues his excellent progress and picked up the best Andover award with Academy awards going to the fast improving Charlotte Burgess, Dominic Ware and Monk. The collective progress is still apparent with some fine performances from both senior and Academy players. Ali MacDonald, Peter Bailey and Arron Monk all rubbed shoulders with a dozen professionals in the last 16. Dennis Simpson, having comfortably beaten John Brine should then have beaten Peter Evison while Trevor Lewis's 130 check out against Dennis Smith showed real character.
Dale Headech never looked out of place against Smith, Dominic Ware was unlucky not to take more than his one leg off Walsh, Gary Thorne performed well against Eddie Edmondson and Jamie Kelling had to be in excellent form to get past Colin Denyer, last year's best Andover performer.
Another two highlights came from Sean White and Charlotte Burgess. White had to be at his best to dispose of Academy captain Steve Turner then went even better by taking two legs off James Wade. Charlotte Burgess had a raucous crowd enthralled and at 2-2 gave Wes Newton a magnificent game.
In reflecting the standard, sportsmanship and atmosphere, it was without doubt the best Classic to date and Andover darters and sponsors should take great credit in the esteem the town is now being held.
Champion: £1,000 Dennis Smith.
Runner-up £500 Mark Walsh.
3/4 £250 Aaron Turner and Mark Haskett 5/8 £125 Sam Rooney, James Wade, Kev Ede, Peter Evison.
9/16 £50 Paul Gibbs, Colin Monk, Peter Bailey, Lionel Sams, Paul Cook, Wes Newton, Ali MacDonald, Arron Monk.
Highest checkout: £350 Aaron Turner.
Best Andover: Arron Monk.
Academy Achievement Awards: Charlotte Burgess, Arron Monk, Dominic Ware.
Andover Invitation Darts wish to thank the players and spectators who spontaneously raised £300 for the Academy.
In reflecting the standard, sportsmanship and atmosphere, it was without doubt the best Classic to date and Andover darters and sponsors should take great credit in the esteem the town is now being held.
Champion: £1,000 Dennis Smith.
Runner-up £500 Mark Walsh.
3/4 £250 Aaron Turner and Mark Haskett 5/8 £125 Sam Rooney, James Wade, Kev Ede, Peter Evison.
9/16 £50 Paul Gibbs, Colin Monk, Peter Bailey, Lionel Sams, Paul Cook, Wes Newton, Ali MacDonald, Arron Monk.
Highest checkout: £350 Aaron Turner.
Best Andover: Arron Monk.
Academy Achievement Awards: Charlotte Burgess, Arron Monk, Dominic Ware.
Andover Invitation Darts wish to thank the players and spectators who spontaneously raised £300 for the Academy.
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