Dart players from five African countries clashed during the African Continental Tour and hit the bull’s eye with the South African winning champion that ended on Sunday 24 September in Claremont.
The African Continental Tour 2 started in Cape Town on Saturday 23 September and was organised in partnership with the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) based in the United Kingdom (UK).
Participants from South Africa (SA), Kenya, Botswana and Zimbabwe gathered at the John Tyers Hall to compete for a share of R40 000 prize money as well as gaining maximum points in the Order of Merit Ranking.
The competition was tight and an African record was set with a 114 average by Vernon Bouwers in his game against Jayden Moodley.
In the end, the final was contested by Cameron “Javelin” Carolissen and Vernon “Terminator” Bouwers with Carolissen being crowned as victor, taking home R12 000 sponsored by the PDC.
Nicole Alcock, the managing director for the African Darts Group, told People’s Post: “The weekend didn’t end there, and the African Darts Group then hosted the all important PDC World Cup Qualifier with 64 entries battling it out to win the coveted opportunity to play on the international stage. The straight knockout format players had to ensure that they played every game to their best ability”.
She addded: “Once again this qualifier delivered the goods with the internationals showing that they are contenders to be reckoned with, such as Nathan Njeru, Manpreet Kalsi, Evans Wambui and Benson Ngari from Kenya making it to the final eight.”
Alcock mentioned, however, that their South African counterparts were a little too tough and they were not able to progress any further.
The finals were contested by Simon “the Saint” Adams and Stefan “Assassin” Vermaak from Gqeberha with Adams taking the spoils and the opportunity to represent SA at the Paddy Power PDC World Championships.
These championships are set to take place at Alexander Palace in the UK during December this year.
As the local ward councillor in attendance Mikhail Manuel formed part of the prize giving ceremony and had this to say:
“Darting is popular across Cape Town. I remember playing darts as a teenager with my uncle and father at family braais. It is great to see darting grow as a professional sport and inspiring to see its developmental potential.
The City is proud to sponsor this event. We are looking forward to seeing professional darting go from strength to strength.”
