FA Cup of darts open for entrants (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

FA Cup of darts open for entrants

11:53am Friday 8th March 2013 in Sport

The “FA Cup of darts” is officially open for amateur players to enter, UK Open sponsors Speedy can now confirm.

Any player hoping to realise a lifelong dream and play on one of the world’s most famous oches can now take their first steps by clicking on sports.speedyservices.com and registering for one of Speedy’s four qualifying events.

Speedy, the UK’s leading equipment rental and support services company, has enjoyed a highly successful sponsorship of UK Open since 2011.

Hoping that this year’s competition will be an even bigger success, Speedy will be hosting the qualifiers at some of the UK’s most famous sporting venues. Once registered, players will embark on a 15 dart challenge with the highest 16 scores then playing three games of 501 to decide who will make it through to play in Bolton.

Eight players will qualify from each of the events in April at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Old Trafford in Manchester, Wolves Civic Hall in Wolverhampton, and Alexandra Palace in London.

Reigning UK Open champion Robert Thornton, who beat world number one Phil Taylor to win the tournament last year, will be in attendance at the Hampden Park event.

Speedy’s Head of Brand Marketing & Communications, Dan Walmsley, said: “We can’t wait for the qualifiers to begin! We will be supported by Robert, who will be at our Scotland qualifier to offer tips and advice to the players.

“In previous years we have held the qualifiers at our depots, but due to the overwhelming response we’ve had over the past 2 years, we’ve had to look for bigger venues, and that’s why we have chosen to visit some of the UK’s most iconic homes of sport.

“There are a limited number of slots available for our qualifying events so players will have to be quick. Anyone who wants to take part will need to pre-register at sports.speedyservices.com.”

The Speedy Services UK Open Qualifiers will be held on the following dates: Monday 15th April – Hampden Park.

Wednesday 17th April – Old Trafford.

Tuesday 23rd April – Wolves Civic Hall.

Wednesday 24th April – Alexandra Palace.

Tickets for the Speedy Services UK Open will go on general sale on Monday 11th March. Full details can be found by visiting www.pdc.tv/speedy-services-uk-open.