Major darts event to celebrate 50th anniversary

Bridlington Spa has hosted the darts competition for the last 21 years

The British Open Darts will celebrate its 50th anniversary in Bridlington later this month.

The tournament will be held at Bridlington Spa from 19 to 22 September, attracting around 1,000 competitors and fans from around the world.

The East Yorkshire venue has been the home to the event for the past 21 years with organisers claiming it is the world's longest-running darts competition.

England Darts chair Tommy Thompson said: "The event gives players of all abilities the opportunity to participate in a world ranking championship on this historic milestone."

The tournament, which started in 1975, has featured some of the sports biggest stars including Raymond van Barneveld, Gary Anderson, Trina Gulliver and Fallon Sherrock.

In 2023, the men's event was won by 16-year-old Luke Littler just months before he became the youngest player to reach the PDC World Darts Championship final.

Luke Littler won the men's event at the Bridlington tournament two years ago

The three-day competition includes categories for men, ladies, and youth boys and girls and will feature elite players battling to become the "Golden Champion".

It will provide players the opportunity to qualify for the 2025 World Championships at Lakeside, Frimley Green, in December.

The event will begin on the Friday afternoon, with The England International Men's Trial, followed by The British Open Pairs in the evening.

On Saturday, the British Classic Men's and Ladies, the British Open Youth, and the World Para darts British Open will take place.

Sunday will feature the British Open Men's and Ladies, followed by the grand finals, which will be broadcast live worldwide.

East Riding of Yorkshire councillor Nick Coultish said: "'Some of the best darts players in the country will be taking part and I would encourage darts enthusiasts to come along and watch the world class sporting action at our iconic location."

Tickets, which are free for Friday and £10 each for Saturday and Sunday, are available from the box office at Bridlington Spa across the weekend or online.

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