THE prestigious WDF World Darts Championship will once again have a Teesdale representative when Middleton’s own Kirsty Hutchinson steps up to the oche at the famous Lakeside Country Club in Frimley Green.
Kirsty sensationally reached the final in 2022, only being defied by the now world number one and darting sensation Beau Greaves.
This year’s tournament runs from November 29 till December 8.
Kirsty has qualified as the 14th seed and is hopeful she can show off her skills on the biggest stage.
“I went into last year’s competition even after reaching the final the year before with no expectations; I just wanted to play well and that’s my aim this year.
“I’ve been practising hard and will continue to do so, and I’m really hopeful of another good run.”
Records from the tournament stretch back to 1978 with darting legends such as Eric Bristow, Phil Taylor and Raymond Van Barneveld all picking up the men’s trophy on multiple occasions.
In the last couple of years, the women’s renewal has been dominated by Beau Greaves, but Lisa Ashton has also won here four times, and record breaker Trina Gulliver has taken the title home ten times.
Kirsty plays for the Forresters pub in Middleton as her local team but has also picked up the Swedish Masters this year, beating multi-tournament winner Aileen De Graaf in the final.
“That was undoubtedly the highest point of the year. It’s not been the easiest year, and I’ve picked and chosen which events I’ve wanted to play,” said Kirsty.
“It got a little bit tense when it came down to finding out if I’d qualified for Lakeside, but we’re here now and I’m really excited.”
Despite a brief hiatus away from the Lakeside in 2020, the tournament will be played once again at the famous Lakeside Country Club, and this is an attraction for all members of the darting community.
“It’s definitely the home of world darts in the WDF, and it’s the reason we all travel around Europe to pick up the points so we can play at this prestigious venue.”
There will be tough competition throughout the draw, but Teesdale hopes will be high for another successful run for Kirsty at one of darts’ oldest tournaments.
