John Abbott, of Wightlive events, left, with winner Tony Broughton.
DARTS
TONY Broughton swept aside all challengers to be the first Islander to qualify for the IW Pro Masters next month.
Tony, 36, of East Cowes, did not drop a single game over four matches to book his place alongside the likes of Raymond van Barneveld, Adrian Lewis and James Wade at Lower Hyde, Shanklin, on March 1.
He said: "I am really excited about taking part. It will be a massive test for me and will show me how far I’ve come. I’ve played Simon Whitlock before and lost 6-4, but the player I’d really like to face is Adrian Lewis."
Tony, who is sponsored by the Falcon Inn, Ryde, and Darts Performance Centre, began playing tournament darts five years ago and has qualified for the televised PDC UK Open qualifiers the last three years. His best achievement came last year when he came second in the BDO England Open.
In the qualifier, held at Ryde’s Simeon Arms, he defeated Chris Blabey in the last 16, before sweeping aside Andy Palmer in the quarter-finals. He knocked Dan Smith out in the semi-finals, before facing his Superleague mixed doubles partner, Brenda Dyer, in the final, winning 4-0.
Brenda, the only woman in the 18-strong draw, produced some great performances, knocking out Nick Popham 4-1 in the preliminary round before beating James Fleming 4-3 in the last 16. In the quarter-final she beat John Bridge 4-2 before defeating Matt Stokes by the same score to qualify for the final.
She also hit the most 180s during the tournament, an impressive five times.
There are two more qualifiers coming up, the next being at Mad Cow, Shanklin next Saturday, February 16,.
Registration is 1.30pm to 2.30pm, with the action starting at 2.45pm.
The final qualifier is at Southern Vectis Social Club, Newport, on February 23.
• Results and more pictures in the Friday, February 8, County Press.
Reporter: sport@iwcpmail.co.uk