Players step up to oche at resort

THE world’s leading darts stars will be stepping up to the oche as one of the sport’s major events returns to an East Riding venue.

For the past two years, the Winmau World Masters darts championships have been held at Bridlington’s Leisure World.

Now, the British Darts Organisation’s (BDO) premier tournament is returning to the town’s Spa following its £19.5m refurbishment.

Toni Compston, operations manager at the Spa, said: "We are all very excited the tournament is coming back.

"I think the success of holding it at Leisure World has helped us keep the tournament in Bridlington.

"The championships always have a great atmosphere and the supporters are brilliant characters.

"The staff always look forward to it."

It is the largest event held in the resort and generates £1.5m for the local economy, with almost 300 players from more than 30 countries taking part.

The competition will be televised by the BBC this weekend.

Top players at this year’s event include Gary Anderson, Martin Adams, Ted Hankey and Scott Waites.

Organisers have also announced prize money has been increased to £61,000.

There will be four separate finals – men, women, boys and girls, which will attract darts players, officials and supporters from around the globe to the resort.

Ian Flack, sales and marketing director of the Winmau Dartboard Company, said: "We first came to Bridlington in 2002 and now regard the resort as the home of the World Masters.

"It is wonderful to be back at the Spa, which has to be the best venue in Yorkshire."