Champion darts players inspire Kalgoorlie-Boulder locals in new tournament

Three of the country’s biggest names in darts travelled to the Goldfields last month in the hope of inspiring the next generation of champions.

Goldfields Dart Events organiser James Dillon, alongside darts legend Tony Glass, brought former world champion Tony David and Australian champion Raymond Smith to Kalgoorlie-Boulder for a new competition.

While here, they showed off their playing skills and coached locals during the inaugural AMCT Darts Premiership Kalgoorlie.

Mr Dillon said having a trio of champions spend time with local players helped build interest in the game and brought new skills to the board.

“They’re the biggest faces in darts in Australia,” he said.

“To have them at this competition, it’s just massive. Just to have them opening my competition brings a lot of excitement to the players around town.

“Bringing these kinds of players in to coach the younger ones gives them a lot of inspiration.”

David told the Kalgoorlie Miner he had enjoyed visiting the Goldfields and seeing what locals had to offer.

“To be a part of this is also good for me, getting to see the up-and-coming players and give a few tips is a wonderful thing as well,” he said.

“It’s just awesome to be here. I love Kalgoorlie — it’s my second time here and I’ve enjoyed it (because) it’s always welcoming.”

Goldfields Dart Events had its first tournament — Kalgoorlie SportsPower Champions League of Darts — at the Boulder Ex-Serviceman’s Club across a period of five months concluding on September 15.

This is the second event darts enthusiast Mr Dillion has organised with a prize pool, with this tournament encouraging men and women to compete alongside each other.

“The biggest thing I’m trying to do is start these events and hopefully eventually we can bring our own players out of Kalgoorlie to start competing with the likes of Raymond,” Mr Dillon said.

“We’re trying to give them a reason to practice and to play for something so to have money behind that is obviously a big (motivator).”