Last two PDC UK Open places at Rileys
The last two places on offer from the Black Country for the 'FA Cup of Darts' will be decided in Wolverhampton on Saturday.
Pub chain Rileys Sports Bars are working alongside the PDC to produce 32 'wildcards' to join the latter's professionals at the UK Open, writes Craig Birch.
This year's finals returns to Butlins in Minehead, broadcast on ITV4 from March 3-5, and plans are gathering pace to determine the 128-player field for the competition's 15th year.
The top 96 from the UK Open Order of Merit, played between the PDC pro at the organisation's own UK Open qualifiers, make up the rest of the entrants.
Four will prevail from two tournaments at Rileys Wolverhampton, on Broad Street in the city centre, with two already generated from the first competition on January 21.
They were both winning semi-finalists, whittled down from a total of 95 entrants who turned up to play on the day.
Tividale-based Brummie Neil Smith, a 47-year-old welder, defeated Dan Astbury 4-2 in his last four clash and hit a staggering 13 180s in ties across the day.
He was joined by Gareth Pass, 34, who was born in Macclesfield but now lives in Stone. 'The Pass Master' beat Brendan Laight 4-1 to secure his glory.
Two more will be going to Minehead after this weekend's second chance for throwers at Rileys Wolverhampton, but arrangements must be made in advance.
Anybody aged 16 or over (on January 1) can compete in the qualifiers, but you cannot enter on the day. The online cut-off is 48 hours before the event at www.rileys.co.uk/tournaments.
You can also apply in person at Rileys until 12pm the previous day. Their contact number is 01902 310 521. Entry is just £6, including a free drink on selected brands.
There is a strict dress code of trousers, shoes and either a shirt or polo shirt. Those playing in this month's PDC's Qualifying School cannot enter, but Challenge Tour card holders can.
Doors open at 10am on the day and players must sign in by midday, ahead of the 12.30pm draw. They will toe the oche by 1.30pm.
Operating under the 501 format, all ties are a first-to-four leg race until the semi-final, which will become best-of-nine.
