Bangor darts amateur reaches final of nationwide tournament

Dave 'The One and Only' Openshaw was one of 11 regional finalists competing for the title, a £5,000 prize, and the chance to play against world number one, Luke Humphries.

The tournament, organised by Marston's, saw amateur players from across the country take on a timed 'around the clock' challenge.

The grand final took place on Friday, March 28, with Mr Openshaw representing Wales.

The tournament was won by Nile 'Hotshot' Gott from Darlington, who took home the title, cup, and £5,000 cash prize.

The competition was held in partnership with Luke 'Cool Hand' Humphries, and saw players from 700 pubs across the UK compete for a place in the grand final.

The final was hosted at Marston's pub, The White Hart, in Ashby.

Mr Openshaw was one of four players who automatically progressed to the quarter-finals after completing the challenge in their local pubs in the fastest times.

He said: "It was an amazing day and I really enjoyed the experience.

"Everyone was so friendly, and we’ve really clubbed together.

"It hasn’t felt like a competition, it’s just felt like we’re all mates in a pub playing darts - how it should be."

READ MORE: Bangor pupils to set up new North Wales radio station

The winner also had the opportunity to play Luke Humphries in the best of five legs in traditional 501 darts in the final game of the night.

None of the finalists went home empty-handed, as second place Matt 'Rocket' Stevenson, from Belper, received a £150 Marston’s gift card, third place, James 'Jambo' Walton from Hull, received a £100 Marston’s gift card, and all finalists received a set of Luke Humphries Red Dragon darts.

Neil Campbell, chief operating officer at Marston’s, said: "We’ve loved watching punters up and down the country get involved in the Cool Hand Cup and it was a pleasure to host the 11 finalists in Ashby for the Grand Final.

"The atmosphere was fantastic, with a very exciting final match to finish off proceedings.

"On behalf of Marston’s, I’d like to offer huge congratulations to all our finalists and of course to Nile ‘Hotshot’ Gott."