Bobby George dazzles city pub

The PDC's Wayne Mardle and Peter Manley were joined by the popular George and Tony O'Shea, of the BDO, at the Cleveland Arms on Stowheath Lane last night.

George, twice a runner-up in the BDO world championship, stopped playing regular tournaments in 1986 and became the sport's first full-time exhibition player.

Just 10 days previously, O'Shea was playing in his third BDO World Championship final but once again failed to win the title, defeated 7-1 by Scott Waites in sets.

The George family name was carried on by his son Richie, who made his debut in the same competition and reached the semi-finals, losing 6-1 to Waites.

'The Bobby Dazzler' said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed coming here, it's a great venue and the people here do so much for the sport. Not even the weather could spoil it.

"I have always enjoyed exhibitions and it still gives me a buzz when people sing 'there's only one Bobby George.' Until next time, may the darts be with you!"

Over 300 punters braved the conditions to see the darts stars in the flesh at the Cleveland. Pub manager William Adamson estimates they have held over 40 exhibitions.

He said: "What a great night, four of the great entertainers of the game giving our customers they want, they are the people's champions. People from 18 to 80 had come to see Bobby.

"It's the first time we have had Bobby here and, on the whole, it was probably the most fun of all the exhibitions we have had. He might be 67, but he still carries on like a 23-year-old!"

O'Shea evened up the 'Battle of the Commentators' as the voice of BDO darts on the BBC, George, went up against PDC pundits and former players Mardle and Manley.

As a player, Mardle reached four World Championship semi-finals between 2004 and 2008 and was World Matchplay runner-up in 2003 before retiring last year.

Manley has been a World Championship runner-up three times in 1999, 2002 and 2006 and is yet to stop playing, but works with Mardle at PDC events on Sky Sports.

The quartet were jostling for position before they even got to the oche in a 'Walk On Challenge,' where their musical entrances were judged on crowd reaction.

George's 'We Are The Champions,' O'Shea's 'Hey Baby,' Manley's 'Is This the Way to Amarillo' and Mardle's 'Hawaii Five-O' theme were real crowd-pleasers.

Of course, George's entrance was rated as the best with warm applause but experience could have been key - he's had the best part of 40 years to perfect it.

The show finished with a competition game between the two duo's and, for once, the BDO came out on top, O'Shea sealing victory in the doubles match on tops.

But Mardle and Manley hit 180s on the way - and celebrated by doing a lap of the pub to the strains of Morecambe & Wise's theme tune. The fans loved it.