Andy 'X-Factor' Boulton

The Friday morning saw an early start to this year's World Masters. With 37 countries involved it is always a great competition to be in. Playing and meeting different dart stars from all over the globe, makes for one of the best tournaments in the darting calendar.

The X-Factor only dropped 1 leg in his opening encounter and defeated Sweden's Markus Korhonen by 3 sets to 0. Again The X carried through his form in the second round where he overcame Scotland's Derek Cunningham 3-1. Next set up a clash with talented Dutchman Fabian Roosenbrand, but again The X proving just too strong and only dropped a single leg in his 3-0 victory. Now it was into the group final where his opponent was PDC hopeful Vladimir Andersen. Although The X had been warned about his gamesmanship beforehand, this totally spoilt the whole game, in which the Danish International came out on top. Vladimir is a very talented youngster with a bright future who surely only needs to let his darts do the talking. This proved costly to him in the next round where he fell short to Irelands Connie Finnan.

Was great to see Robbie 'Kong' Green reach his potential and achieve a major final. A big man with a big heart who is greatly respected on the circuit. But again the experience of Martin 'Wolfie' Adams came through yet again and he defended his World Masters title. Great also to see someone from the Philippines do well, Lourence Ilagan losing out in the Semi Final. Certainly a character we will probably see more of, although it would be appreciated if he didn't use The X-Factor shimmy!

Linda Ithurralde was the surprise winner of the Ladies event defeating Trina Gulliver 4-3 in the women's final. The Boys Masters crown went to Jamie Lewis of Wales, the 2008 runner-up changing his fortune with a 4-1 win over Jeffrey Stigter of the Netherlands. England's Zoe Jones took the Girls Masters beating Scotland's Emily Davidson 4-1.

LAKESIDE QUALIFIERS - 3rd SEPTEMBER 2009

Down to Bridlington in Yorkshire for another eventful day at the Spa, too see who would qualify for this year's Lakeside World Championships. The X-Factor had not competed on the whole circuit this year, so this was his last chance saloon, if he was to return to the famous Lakeside stage. A very tough opening round saw The X on top form as he swept aside England International Steve 'Tractor Boy' Farmer. The X only dropping one leg in his 2-0 victory (3-0, 3-1). Next was a clash against an unknown Lourence Ilagan from the Philippines. As we saw later in the weekend Lourence was a very tough opponent, but fortunately The X came through 2-0 (3-2, 3-1). The X ran out of steam though in round 3 and although taking a 2-0 lead in both sets, he lost out to Welsh International David Smith-Hayes 0-2 (2-3, 2-3).

Welsh captain Martin Phillips was the conqueror of The X-Factors section. Joining Martin in qualification for the Lakeside were Brian 'Pecker' woods, Republic of Ireland International Martin McCloskey, Scotland's John 'Hendo' Henderson and the standby player who also qualified was Holland's Willy van de Wiel. Great news for all who cemented their place in this year's World Championships.

It will be interesting to see what the 'organised' B.D.O. come up with now. With 4 of the 5 players mentioned above already qualifying through rankings, does this mean they will just go further down the list and include number 30/31 in the table. My guess is that they now have an excuse to include overseas players again and they will try to accommodate an American or an Australian. Let's hope for all involved, they reward the players who have supported the circuit all year round and actually use their own ranking table!

The ladies qualifiers were England's Deta Hedman and Rhian Edwards of Wales. Scotland's Frances Lawson won through to take the standby place but unfortunately loses out to Linda Ithurralde who became the World Masters Champion. Well done Frances for what is still a great achievement and I'm sure that chance will come around again for this very talented dart player. 

LADBROKES GRAND - 16th AUGUST 2009

Airdrie Working Men's Club was again the venue for another top class darts tournament. This time with the great sponsor of Ladbrokes, ensuring the first prize of £1,000. Another successful turnout for a great venue and a superbly run competition.

After a superb run of form the X-Factor found himself in the last sixteen without dropping a leg all day. In the last sixteen the X faced the Fife youngster Colin Feely and although losing the first leg he came out on top with a 3-1 victory. At the last eight stage, the eight players remaining all went into the hat and the quarter finals were redrawn. This saw the X drawn against Scottish International, Derek Cunningham. The X-Factor produced some excellent darts and secured a place in the semi finals with a 4-1 win. The semi final opponent was another Fife star, Rab Shaw, but again the X-Factor proved too strong and made his way to the final winning 4-0. The final saw the X take on Greenock's talented youngster Michael Malone. Michael producing some outstanding darts to win the match 4-1. Michael earlier this year winning Scotland's 18-25 Championship, now added the Ladbrokes Grand Title to his achievements. Another good day for the X although falling at the last hurdle. Almost Happy Days!

A quick mention for Davie Lister who although lost early in the competition was fortunate enough to find that Mrs Lister had an undated 20p piece in her purse! This apparently is worth a few quid....another 20p towards the Holiday Fund! Lucky Days!!

BELGIUM OPEN - 8th AUGUST 2009

CONGRATULATIONS TO JOHN 'HENDO' HENDERSON!! Hendo has secured his second Open win of the season, this hopefully booking his spot in the 2010 Lakeside World Championships! He defeated John 'Boy' Walton 2 sets to nil in the final. Happy Hendo Days!!

Congratulations also go to Deta Hedman who defeated Karen Lawman 5-0 in the ladies final to take the title.

THE RITZ OPEN - 8th AUGUST 2009

A journey up the Scottish coastline to Stranraer for the first ever Ritz Open. With a turn out containing many Scottish County Players the stage was set for a great day of darts. After some good performances the X-Factor found himself in the quarter final, where he faced fellow West Ayrshire team mate Dean 'I'm not a truck' Lawrie. After sharing the opening two legs the X came out on top winning 3-1. The semi finals saw a clash with Ayrshire county player Len Wilson, the X playing his best darts of the day and securing his place in the final with a 4-0 victory. In the final the X-Factors opponent was 1994 Lakeside semi finalist Ronnie Sharp. In a close high scoring game the first four legs all going against the throw before the X-Factor broke this jinx and held his throw to take a 3-2 lead. The X then took a 4-3 lead and completed a 12 dart finish in the eighth leg to win the match 5-3 and become The Ritz Open Champion. Happy Ritzy Days!!!

In the women's event West Ayrshire Kylie Brown had a good day by reaching the final but unfortunately run into Ayrshire's Margaret Ferguson. Margaret winning the final 5-1.

It was also good to see some youngsters toeing the oche. The pick of the bunch was Owen McNiven, a sixteen year old who eventually lost out in the quarter finals. With the right guidance a player we could hear a lot more of in the future.

Well done to Andy Hastie and all involved for a well run tournament. See you all next year!

ENGLAND MASTERS - 19th JULY 2009

A trip to the home of Stockport County was the venue for the first ever England Masters. Edgeley Park was a superb venue with plenty of room. But it has to be said that the E.D.O. do really need to sort out, what are very shakey boards!

Bad news though for The X-Factor as he was beaten in the second round by local player Paul Taylor. Brian 'Pecker' Woods was crowned as The England Master when he defeated Dave Chisnall 6-3 in the final. Trina Gulliver taking the womens title with a 4-3 victory over Lisa Ashton.

The England National Singles was held the day before and it was good news for the X-Factor camp. Ian 'Diamond' White continued his excellent season by taking the title, beating Lancashire captain Dougie Smith 4-1 in the final. Happy E Days! Trina Gulliver again defeating Lisa Ashton (3-1) in the final to win the womens event.

PORTLAND OPEN - 10th to 12th JULY 2009

My first ever visit to the infamous Portland Open. I had always been told what a great weekend this was, so we took the trip up to Inverness to the ever popular Portland Club.

The weekend started on the Thursday night with a 4 man team event. This was won by the team of Ted Hankey, John Walton, Tony West and Derek Cunningham. Obviously we couldn't make it till the Friday!

The triples event was held on the Friday night. A good run for The X-Factor, as he teamed up with John Henderson and Alan Brown, (Team Gadgee) to unfortunately fall short and lose out in the semi finals. The team that beat them was Gordon Morison, Steve Mitchell and Derek Cunningham, who went on to take the title beating Robert Thornton, Mark Webster and Paul Nicholson in the final.

Saturday and it was time for the singles tournament. A record amount of entries started the day and they would all play off for 16 places. These 16 then met up with 16 seeded players to make the last 32. The X-Factor was lucky enough to be seeded number 10, with last years winner John Henderson being the number 1 seed. The X was able to win in the last 32 by 5-1, but the dreaded double trouble struck in the last 16 and he eventually lost out to the number 7 seed Tony West. The title went to Scotlands Robert 'The Thorn' Thornton, who beat Ted 'The Count' Hankey in a nail biting final. Robert eventually winning 5-3 with a 105+ average.

It was time for doubles on Sunday, The X teaming up with John Henderson. The day didn't start well though and it was a loss in the opening round where they lost 5-3 to Alan 'Chuck' Norris and Barry 'The Toothpaste' MacLean. (Sorry Barry) But every cloud an all that, saw team Gadgee go on to win the consolation doubles event. Hendo had won the consolation doubles the year before, so we had decided to concentrate on this so he could defend his title! Honest!

I went up to Inverness with great expectations and may I say I was not disappointed. A superb weekend was had by all! Gordy Morison and all involved should be very proud of a great tournament. This will definately be the first of many Portland Opens for The X-Factor!

GRANITE CITY OPEN - 3rd to 5th JULY 2009 

HAPPY DAYS! HAPPY DAYS! HAPPY DAYS! HAPPY DAYS! HAPPY DAYS!

The X-Factor became The 2009 Granite City Open Champion. Only the 5th person to do so in the 7 year history. After playing the singles on the Saturday, 'The X' only dropped four legs all day to book himself a place in Sundays Final. In the final he would meet 2001 World Champion John 'Boy' Walton. In a 5 set thriller, 'The X' became the champion winning in the deciding leg of the final set. Also 'The X' narrowly missing double 12 along the way for the magical 9 dart leg, hitting it with the 10th dart.

On the Friday night it was another good run for Mr & Mrs X in the mixed doubles. The run eventually coming to an end when, the overall winners Scott Campbell and Deta Hedman, took the last leg in 13 darts and ended the excellent run!

Well done to all involved, a great tournament, well run with a great venue and friendly atmosphere! Happy Days!

ENGLAND OPEN - 26th to 28th JUNE 2009

Selsey was again an excellent venue for the second England Open. The weekend started on the Friday evening with a warm up singles. The only thing that spoilt a superb weekend was the silly excuse for a marquee, which had been set up to hold extra boards. This was where we were stuck on Friday, just fortunate there was no fire drill! 'Every cloud has a diamond lining' as Ian White took the warm up crown and the very impressive £600 that went with it. Nice one Whitey!!

Saturday and it was time for the main event. The X-Factors form seemed to continue from Brean, as he found himself cruising through to the group final. Here he met Brian 'Pecker' Woods. Brian though couldn't keep his Pecker up!  'The X' took his place in the last 16 with a 3-1 victory. Next up was an unknown quantity in Scott Marsh from Kent. Scott is currently BDO world ranked number 37, so 'The X' knew he had a game on his hands. After a very high scoring encounter The X-Factor came through winning 3-2. Scott Marsh definitely a name to remember if he keeps scoring like that! Into the Quarter finals, where it was a battle with my old Cheshire captain Tony 'Silverback' O'Shea. Missed darts at double 16 in the first leg proved to be costly as the current world number 1 can do no wrong. Tony in the end winning the match 3-2. Tony went onto yet another final for the second tournament in a row running into Ted Hankey. Ted became England Open Champion beating Tony 5-0.

Another good tournament for A+E in the doubles. A great run which was unfortunately ended in the Semi finals by Yorkshires Dean Winstanley and Brian Dawson. Dean and Brian went on to take the England Open doubles titles. A good day again spoilt by the dreaded marquee, where they decided to play the doubles once we got to the Quarter Finals. The women had to put up with this all day as their singles was played in 'The Tent' also. Definitely a problem that needs sorting out for next time!

Well done all for a good weekend apart from the one obvious thing! All results and winners can be found on the EDO website!

SCOTTISH MASTERS - 20th JUNE 2009 

Another trip to Bannockburn for this years Scottish Masters. But for the second time in a row Bannockburn wasn't kind to The X-Factor. A few missed doubles meant a first round exit to Bob Dall form Angus. Well done to Harry Todman and Sharon McKinnon who beat off the opposition to become the Scottish Masters. Harry well deserved the title with some excellent darts all day long! Harry Days!!!

BDO INTERNATIONAL OPEN - 13 & 14th JUNE 2009

Brean Sands in Somerset was again the venue for this years open. As always a red hot venue (weather wise that is) produced some red hot darts.

The first round produced some upsets, most notable being Darryl Fitton, Brian Woods and Paul Hogan. Also it seemed more than ever every round was drawing great names together and producing some classic encounters.

The X-Factor made his way to his Board Final where he met Yorkshires Dean Winstanley. The X went into a 2-0 lead, only for it to be brought back to 2-2 by Winstanley. Hitting the Bullseye to hold the throw for the last leg proved to be crucial as the X got to and hit the double first. This saw him win a place in the last 16. His last 16 opponent was the pink monster that is Scotty 'Dog' Mitchell!  After a true classic Scott won a nail biting deciding leg and his 3-2 win saw him win a place in the Quarter Finals. The X-Factor unfortunately finding double 11 instead of double 8 to take the match in the last leg.

Cheshire's Tony O'Shea became the BDO International Champion 2009 when he defeated Ted Hankey in the final. This also establishing Tony as the BDO number 1! Nice one Tony! The women's tournament saw Trina Gulliver back to form, taking the title by defeating Irina Armstrong in the final. The Yorkshire pairing of Garry Thompson and Karen Lawman took the Mixed Pairs crown.

Also well done to Cheshire's Josh Tunnicliffe. Josh had a great day by reaching the semi finals of the youth event, losing out to the eventual winner Chris Aubrey. I'm sure the first of many final appearances for the talented youngster! HHHHHappy Days! 

AYRSHIRE OPEN - 6th JUNE 2009

After travelling back from Bolton it was down the road to The Water Sports Club in Irvine for this year's Ayrshire Open. My first time at this event saw mainly a mix of Ayrshire and West Ayrshire county players trying to take the top prize. The X-Factor went all the way to the final, where he would play Ayrshire's Andy Hastie. The X-Factors run of good form continued and he became The Ayrshire Open Champion, winning 3-0 in the final. Happy Days!

In the women's event it was another great performance from Mrs X, Kaileigh Brown just falling short again, losing in the final to Ayrshire's Cath Purdie.

Well done to all involved! A very enjoyable day and very well run tournament!

UK OPEN FINALS - 4th JUNE 2009

Off to The Reebok Stadium in Bolton for my second attempt at The UK Open. My first round draw was against an unknown PDC player to me, local boy Darren Latham. Despite missing darts at double 8 to take a 4-0 lead, Darren came back very strong but the X-Factor was able to hold on to win 6-5. This set up a clash with another local Wes 'Av It' Newton in round 2. With the score standing at 3-3 Wes threw an 11 dart leg against the throw, this turned out to be the only break of throw in the game. Therefore Wes was the winner by a 6-4 score line.

For anyone that didn't see, 'The Power' won the event overall beating Colin Osbourne in the final. Good to see Colin finally do well in a major TV event, Happy Wizarding!

Overall another memorable experience for The X-Factor. Although a shame to see some games spoilt by crowd participation. Everyone can cheer on their favourite, but surely it's only respectful to give all players the same order. After all it's not the supporters who are losing winnings!

INVERCLYDE OPEN - 23rd MAY 2009

A short trip too Greenock for The Inverclyde Open. After a very long day The X-Factor eventually lost out in the semi finals to Drew Callery. Despite an 11 dart second leg from the X, Drew kept up an unstoppable performance to book his place in the final with a 3-1 win. Unfortunately for Drew he couldn't keep up this form and lost out in the final to Scotland International Craig Baxter. Baxter taking home the £500 first prize.

In the women's event, it was another good day for team X, as Kaileigh Brown had another great run, but eventually lost out in the final to Scotland International Sharon McKinnon. Nearly Happy Days!

WELSH OPEN - 15th to 17th MAY 2009

Another trip to Pontin's, Prestatyn for a not so sunny weekend in Wales. Friday evening and it was time for The Mighty Force of A+E to step up and try and defend their Welsh Open Doubles titles. After a long evening of darts A+E were in the Final for the second year in a row. Their opponents were Yorkshires Brian Dawson and Dean Winstanley, who defeated Scott Waites and Gary Thompson in the Semi's. After a great start in the opening leg of the final with Ian 'Diamond' White hitting back to back 180's, The Mighty A+E went on to complete a 2-0 victory and become Welsh Open Doubles Champions for the second time. A great achievement to win a major open doubles just once, but to complete a second in succession is surely a monumental A+E moment! Happy Double Days!

In the singles on the Sunday the X-Factor had an early start and very capable opponent in Tony Burrows of Lancashire. After a very high scoring encounter the X-Factor came out the victor with a 3-1 win. The X-Factors form continued all day, until in the group semi final he ran into the Welsh Captain Martin Phillips. A real nail biter this one where great darts saw them tied at 2-2. But in the deciding leg despite the X-Factor leaving just 60, Martin finished a 13 dart leg to take the match.

The overall winner was Scotland's Ross Montgomery who defeated fellow countryman Mark Barilli in the final. Congratulations also go to my old Cheshire mate, Stu Kellett. Another good tournament saw the talented Cheshire ace eventually lose out in the Semi Finals. Happy Kooster Days! 

TYNE AND WEAR OPEN - 9th MAY 2009

Off we went to Durham for the fourth Tyne and Wear Open. The X-Factor struggled today and eventually lost out in the Last 32. Stephen Bunting made his second successive final but this time losing out to Paul Williams by a 5-4 score line.

This was my first Tyne and Wear Open and I would definitely say it is well up there with the very best. Rainton Meadows Arena providing one of the best venues in darts and also an extremely well run event. Well Done to all involved!

THE SHED OPEN - 7th MAY 2009

A Thursday Evening and a trip to Annan, near the Scotland/England border. This was the night of The Shed Open Finals, where the last 16 would play off to decide the champion. Prior to this night 8 qualifying weeks were held, two players each week qualified. The X-Factor lucky enough to qualify on his first attempt in week 5!

The X surged his way to the semi final but then ran into an unstoppable Paul Knighton. Paul playing what I can only describe as awesome darts, thrashing The X 5-0. Although The X had darts at a double in two of the legs Paul was the runaway victor with his worst leg being just 15 darts.

Paul continued his form in the final again not dropping a leg, to become The Shed open Champion and claiming £550 in prize money! Happy Knights!

Rumour has it that this venue is to hold a tournament boasting £5000 in prize money, probably in November. Let's hope so because The Shed is a great venue and just as important has great prices. A Super Sports Bar that's well worthy of holding such an event!

FIFE OPEN - 2nd & 3rd MAY 2009

Glenrothes in Fife was the destination this weekend for The X-Factors second attempt at the Fife Open. It was another big turn out for what is one of the most popular competitions in the Scottish calender. The aim on Saturday was to acheive a place in the last 16 to enable your return for the Finals on Sunday. With a very strong field, including 3 of the current BDO top 10, play got underway with everyone in high hopes.

The X-Factors run of good form continued as he booked his place in the last 16, only dropping 1 leg along the way. As in any tournament there were plenty of shocks along the way, as this was to be no exception. With Ross Montgomery, Alan Norris, Dave Prins and Mark Barilli, to name just a few, all failing to make the last 16.

Onto the Sunday where The X-Factors last 16 opponent was the ever consistent Alex Lister, a closer game than the scoreline would suggest with The X winning 3-0. Then in the Quarter Finals the long list of Listers continued, when my opponent was North Lanarkshire Open Champion Dave Lister. The result this time was a 3-1 win for The X. After then winning in the Semi Final 3-0 over Clackmannans Benny Keenan, this set up a Final clash with Scotland captain Mike Veitch.

After sharing the opening legs the score was 1-1, then The X took the third leg with a 96 checkout. The fourth leg saw The X have a shot at 51 to take the title, but missed 2 darts at a double, but thankfully Mike also missed 2 darts at double 10 for an 80 outshot and this giving me another shot. The first dart lands in double 8 to make The X-Factor the 2009 Fife Open Champion!!!!!! Happy Days!!!!

Another great result for team X, was when partner Kaileigh Brown teamed up with Katie Laird. The duo losing out in the end in the ladies pairs final to Sharon and Mary McKinnon. Another good result for the West Ayrshire massive! Happy Lady Days!

Frances Lawson took a more than well deserved Fife Open Ladies Title and Craig 'The Mighty Quinn' Quinn teamed up with Alan 'Chunk' Norris to lift the Mens pairs crown. Another really enjoyable and very well run tournament, well done to everyone involved!

UK OPEN QUALIFIERS - 26th APRIL 2009

After an unsuccessful day at Bannockburn it was off to Salford in Manchester on the Saturday night. 'The Willows' was the venue on Sunday for The UK Open qualifiers. A great venue overlooking The Salford City Reds Rugby League Stadium. One of four venues over the weekend, where players from up and down the country would play off for one of the thirty two qualifying places.

More than 100 turned out at this northern area final to compete for 8 places. The X-Factor was drawn out on board 4 and would just need to win three matches to return to The Reebok Stadium in Bolton for his second appearance in this event. After a convincing 5-0 win in his opening game it was an all West Ayrshire clash in the Semi Final. I would play one of my practice partners Ian Gunion Jnr, all this way to play a game we could of just played back home. Ian got off to a great start and after missing nothing stormed into a 4-1 lead. But thankfully I was able to hold my nerve and come back to clinch the tie 5-4, with my last 4 legs being 12, 13, 14 and 17 dart finishes. Always tough to play a good friend to qualify and this was no exception, but I do know Ian will bounce back and is more than talented enough to once again qualify for Bolton, just like his first visit there in 2007.

It was onto the Final where Dave Blenkarne also a 2007 Qualifier was the opponent. But The X-Factors good run continued and although losing the opening leg I came out on top winning 5-1. Well done to all that qualified and I will see you all at The Reebok on June 4th. Watch this space to see if Boulton can win in Bolton! Happy Days!

SCOTTISH SINGLES - 25th APRIL 2009

Off to Bannockburn for my first crack at The Scottish Singles. But as quick as I had got my darts out, it was time to put them away again! The talented Alan Soutar defeating The X-Factor 3-0 in the very first round, good finishing and three 17 dart legs saw Alan take his place in round 2.

West Ayrshire had 4 qualifiers in today's event, but all fell at the first hurdle apart from Alan ' The Legend ' Brown who eventually lost out to losing Semi Finalist Andy Murray.

With Brian 'Pecker' Woods defeating Andy Murray and John 'Hendo' Henderson beating defending champion Mike Veitch, the two then went onto the Final to see who would become the New Champ! Pecker went into a 2-0 lead but was unable to find a winning double and despite 3x180s could not stop the Henderson come back! With Hendo hitting tops in the deciding leg, he became Scottish Singles Champion 2009, with a 3-2 win. Much to the delight of the slightly one sided crowd! Happy Days Hendo!

Lost Property - Next time when visiting Bannockburn could people beware and on the look out for a bottle, it would appear that during the Scottish Singles Final Pecker lost his!!!! Lol. Sorry Peck I just couldn't resist!

NORTH LANARKSHIRE OPEN - 19th APRIL 2009

It was away to Airdrie to try and defend The North Lanarkshire Open. This was my first tournament win when I moved to Scotland last year and I was in high hopes that I could repeat last year's performance when I defeated Robert Thornton in the Final.

Another good turn out for this tournament meant that 138 toed the oche for the £600 first prize. With a strong field and early exits by a number of Scottish Internationals, The X-Factor made his way to the Semi Finals. This saw him clash with the inform Scottish International Ewan Hyslop. After losing the opening leg I was able to take the match with a 3-1 win and move forward to my second successive final. The second Semi Final saw Dave Lister defeat Drew Callery 3-0.

But unfortunately the defence of my title fell just one game short as Dave Lister proved too good after a very long day, as he won The North Lanarkshire Open taking the Final winning 4-2. At least Dave got some more proceeds to his Holiday Fund! Happy Holidays!

NEW CUMNOCK TOURNAMENT - 12th APRIL 2009

A small competition in Ayrshire was held in the town of New Cumnock, a place only about half an hour away for me. The first pleasing thing that was noticed at the start of the day was the number of young entrants in the draw. It's always good to see more young people (like myself) taking up the game. 

As the tournament neared the end, the Semi Finals contained 3 Ayrshire County 'A' team players and myself, flying the flag for West Ayrshire. The X-Factor took on the young and very talented Cameron Menzies. In a very high scoring game I was able to come through as the victor, but only after being pushed all the way by Cammy. Well played Cammy! A player that could have a great future in darts!

The winner of the second Semi Final was former, World Championship Semi Finalist, Ronnie Sharp (Sharpy!). Thankfully The X-Factors run of good form didn't desert him for the final, as he was able to overcome Sharpy by winning 3-1. The pick of the legs being the final leg where I was able to checkout a 161 completing a 12 dart game! A good day and a cheap bar! Happy Days!

Also well done to my partner Kaileigh Brown who was unfortunate to lose out in the Semi Finals of the women's event. Ayrshire's Margaret Ferguson claiming the overall women's title!

THE JOE KENNEDY MEMORIAL TROPHY - 5th APRIL 2009

It was a return to Paisley to play in this Memorial tournament. I never got to meet Joe Kennedy but by all accounts, a greatly respected and very much missed member of the darts community! This was shown yet again by a great turn out despite being held on the same weekend as Berwick and Elgin. Last year The X- Factor lost out in the Final to Dave Prins, so this time was hoping to go one step further!

After overcoming a Major Crisis! (This being when the venue told us they had run out of LAGER!!!!!!!!) I was able to hang on in there to find myself in the Quarter Finals where I played the West Ayrshire legend that is Alan Brown! Thankfully I was able to retain the form that I showed all day and came out a 3-0 winner. In the Semi Finals this set up another all West Ayrshire clash as I took on Ian 'I look like Joey Ten Berge' Gunion! A good game thankfully saw me defeat Joey, sorry I mean Ian 4-1. A good day's work for Ian who has shown this season he has what it takes to have a great future in darts!  

The Final saw me take on the ever present Paul 'Polly Boy' Handvidge. After a very long day Paul struggled a little in the Final which meant I was able to go one step further than last year and claim The Joe Kennedy Memorial Trophy! Thanks to all for a great day and hopefully I will be back next year to defend the title! A tournament is always nice to win but its extra special when you win something which is in memory of someone who obviously meant so much to so many!