DARTS – THE stage has been set for the best in the world to compete at the second Bahrain Darts Masters tournament, with some intriguing matchups being set up for the opening round.
The first round of the two-day tournament, which kicks off tonight at 7pm, will feature 16 of the best that the sport of darts has to offer facing each other in a best of 11 series at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC).
The tournament’s draw was made during a special meet and greet, held last night at the Bahrain Rugby Football Club, where fans got to interact with their favourite darts players.
Among the favourites for the tournament is reigning Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) world champion “Cool Hand” Luke Humphries, who is coming off the heels of a world title win at the Alexandra Palace in London earlier this month.
Humphries will open his Bahrain Darts Masters campaign by competing against Bahrain’s own Abdulla Saeed.
“It’s taken a couple of weeks for me to settle in and for me to believe in my mind that I am world champion,” he told the GDN.
“It’s the best feeling ever and I have really enjoyed being world champion.
“I have been in really good form as of late, and I am hoping to win again.
“I have a few wins on the trot and I want to keep the run going.
“I am looking forward to the tournament, and especially to testing myself against some of the best the sport has to offer.”
Meanwhile, aiming for a second successive title is defending Bahrain Darts Masters champion “Bully Boy” Michael Smith, who is confident ahead of his tie against the Philippine’s Paolo Nebrida. “I feel good,” he told the GDN.
“Had a week in Dubai to relax and get rid of last year’s jitters, and now I am ready to defend my title.
“I’m confident, even if I’m not playing my best, and there is no reason why I can’t win again.
“I am not bothered much about who I am facing, my aim is to reach the final and do it again.”
Also aiming for a successful tournament is 16-year-old sensation Luke “The Nuke” Littler, who reached the final of the PDC World Championship, only to go down fighting to eventual world champion Humphries.
Littler will make his world series debut in Bahrain, where he will face Hong Kong’s Man Lok Leung.
“I am looking forward to it,” he said.
“I have not thrown a dart since the world final, so whatever happens happens.
“I am feeling confident even though I have not had time to practise, but I will get some in before the tournament starts.
“The important thing is to go one step at a time, but I would like to win the opening round and play the best eight players in the world.”
Other matchups in the first round will feature bouts between Gerwyn Price (Wales) and Reynaldo Rivera (Philippines), Nathan Aspinall (England) and Lourence Ilagan (Philippines), Michael Van Gerwen (Netherlands) and Hasan Haji (Bahrain), Rob Cross (England) and Tomoya Gota (Japan), and finally between Peter Wright (Scotland) and Haruki Muramatsu (Japan).
Meanwhile, BIC chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa expressed his delight for the tournament’s success thus far, stating that the number of tickets sold has surpassed last year’s number.
“We are very honoured to have him back,” he told the GDN.
“This is a very special time for us. We had no idea what to expect when we started this last year, but the people did not disappoint, showing up in fancy dresses and having a good time.
“This year, our ticket sales are even better than last year, and there are only a few seats left open.
“We encourage people to come and join the fun. It’s a great event, and the players are amazing.
“I am very happy with how everything is going and I am looking forward to what should be a great tournament.”
Those wishing to attend this weekend’s 2024 Bahrain Darts Masters but still haven’t purchased their tickets or hospitality packages can still do so on bahraingp.com or through the BIC Hotline on +973-17450000.
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