DARTS: The Gunnedah Men’s Dart League conducted its inaugural Phoenix Open Tournament at the weekend, with players travelling from as far away as Brisbane, Orange, Mount Pritchard, Kyogle, Inverell, Sydney and Gulgong.

Players from Curlewis, Quirindi and Tamworth also took part, with a strong local contingent from Gunnedah which was well represented in both women’s and junior ranks.

After the qualifying rounds on Saturday, 64 players took to the boards on Sunday morning for the knock-out stage, all keen to win the $2000 first prize.

Spokesperson John Campbell said the semi-finals were a battle between local Justin Frey and Australian representative players Mitchell Clegg from Sydney and Graham Parker and Geoff Simson, both from Tamworth.
“In a hard-fought game Mitchell defeated Justin to advance to the grand final along with Graham Parker who overcame Geoff Simson in the other semi-final,” Campbell said.

“While Graham went on to win the grand final 7-4, it was closer than the score indicated.

“Congratulations go to Graham for his efforts over the two days and commiserations to Mitchell also for getting so close.

“All players said they enjoyed themselves and will be returning next year –  I guess that means we have to organise it again (no problems).”

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