Geelong to host first ever Wizard’s cup

AUSTRALIA’S top darts players will descend on Geelong this weekend in a national-first tribute to one of Australia’s greatest ever players.

Geelong Greyhound Racing Club will welcome the inaugural Simon Whitlock Trophy this weekend, with players to toss the tungsten over three days of competition starting Friday (April 28).

The trophy is named after Simon ‘The Wizard’ Whitlock, whose career included a World Cup championship and two appearances in the final of the sport’s most prestigious international tournament, the PDC World Championship.

GGRC manager Ray Bartolo said the club was thrilled to secure the debut event at the Beckley Centre.

“It is a real coup for our club to be hosting a national darts competition.”

“We are looking forward to witnessing the extraordinary skill, precision and sportsmanship from some of our country’s finest players.”

Dartplayers Australia national tournament director Wayne Weening said the peak national body wanted to pay tribute to one of its greats through the new contest.

“Simon has been a trailblazer in the world of darts for over 20 years,” he said.

“Sometimes in this country we can forget about our champions especially when they retire. Simon is still very much a champion of the sport, and this is a great opportunity to honour him in a competitive national tournament.”

Mr Weening said he was impressed with the enthusiasm from GGRC to host the event and hoped it could become an ongoing tradition.

This weekend’s event will also act as a World Series of Darts qualifier, as local players vie to win their place into the year-ending World Championship event at the sport’s spiritual home of Alexandra Palace in London.

The competition is open to amateur and professional players. Online registrations close at midnight Thursday (April 27) but limited walk-up entries will be available on Friday. Entry for spectators is free.

For more information, visit www.dartplayersaustralia.com