UK Open heat set for Wolverhampton

Local players are to get the chance to play in the 'FA Cup of darts' and represent Wolverhampton in a Sky Sports-televised tournament against the PDC pros.

The regional qualifiers of the UK Open are to be held at the city's Rileys Sports Bar, Broad Street, and darters who sign up today will receive a 50 per cent reduction on the £10 entry fee.

But those wishing to take part still have until March 31, before players to fight for the right to be the outright winner on April 10 and earn a spot for the grand finals at Bolton Wanderers' Reebok Stadium.

The 32 regional qualifiers will receive a trophy on the night and then head to Bolton on June 2.

The UK Open sees 128 players compete in a single elimination tournament to be crowned champion where, because there are no seedings for the pro players, the minnows can come against the big boys at any time, with a random draw taking place after each round.

Phil Taylor is the current holder of the title, after beating Gary Anderson in the final of last year's tournament to earn the £40,000 winner's prize money.

For more information on how to enter the Wolverhampton heat, call 01902 310 521 or go to www.rileys.co.uk/tournaments.