STEEL-TIP SECTION: March 2008 Thorn Report THORN: G’day mate! Who might you be? T: Craoiky, that’s a good SEWA name! Where exactly are we? I flew into Sydney, headed toward Wollongong, and now where am I? T: Well it certainly looks like a great place! Beaches, boats, waterfront, and the temperatures seem really comfortable - I always thought Australia was hotter. How did you end up finding this little piece of paradise? T: (holding pen, looking stupefied) that’s your “long story”!? I think you meant to say, “It’s a nice story”. Coloring books have longer stories than that! Do you know Art in Nova Scotia? You guys could write a book together - just rip out the matches first! Ok, anyway, that sounds lovely - lots of that internet thing happening these days, isn’t there? Amazing. So, that’s great, new love, family nearby, sounds idyllic. What do you do for work? T: Sounds like a good gig to me. So, so far, the Internet has given you love and a livelihood. What else is there? And what’s so special about you and our favorite game? Tell me about darts. T: (fake snoring, peeking out one eye) Huh? What? Oh, I must have fallen asleep - that story was waaaaaay longer than the first long story! No, seriously, that’s awesome Warren - I’m impressed, jealous, and amazed. First, anyone that pushes the game is a pal of mine. Second, running Web sites and writing for Unicorn - I’m envious… (whispering) they need any more writers? Third, battling a debilitating condition all your life and then doing so many dexterity-demanding activities, especially with a transplanted finger tip! I hope those modern methods can decrease your discomfort. How long have you been contributing to SEWA? T: Wow! I joined the same month! Well, how good are you? T: Let’s hear some claims to fame - got any favorite memories or big accomplishments you’d care to share? T: (wiping pretend sweat from brow) Whew! I thought I was going to have to tease you some more for being so thoughtful and sensitive! Thank goodness you got back on the bragging track - and Bam! - you followed it up with a revenge fueled threat! No, I think the friendships are a big part of it too… and almost beating Bob Anderson after just missing the DB on a 161 out attempt! (shaking fist) I’ll get you someday Bob! I will avenge… uhhh, me! Ok, I feel better now. So, what about the big picture? Looking back on life, what makes you say “Bullseye!” inside? T: You had me going there again; Warren… all that standard sappy stuff - although completely true, I’m sure - but then you pulled it out again with some solid smack talk! (jogging, arms raised like Rocky) I am Warren, hear me roar! I love it Wazza180. Ok, so, the point of these interviews is darts around the world. What’s the sport like here? T: Nice! Sounds like a competitive place to play, and obviously, a big British influence, right? Ok, Warren, let me put you on the spot. You’re a writer, right? How about you make up five questions you would like to ask yourself for this interview, and then answer them too? Ready? Go! T: (disgusted, throwing pencil) you just had to go back to the mushy stuff didn’t you?! You were doing so well! Well, I forgive you - Thorn’s got a sentimental side to him too - but don’t tell anyone! Promise? How about a high five with that amazingly talented right hand of yours! Thanks a lot for sharing your time and stories Warren. It has been a pleasure taking the time to do this interview and I would do it again as its been MY pleasure.
February 2008 HOMEPLATE TAVERN; TACOMA, WA By James Hudecek Friday, January 11 - Sixteen people showed up to play in the Blind Draw Steel Tip Tournament to kick off Home Plate’s 2nd Annual South Sound Winter Open. Divided into two brackets of four teams each, two would advance to the Finals. Debra Straub and Paul “Bofa” Straub, Mike Harris and Tony Howe moved forward to face the top two teams out of the other bracket; Dana Cammerano and Dan Baker, Mike Baxter and Bill Anderson. Bofa/Debra and Mike/Tony both advance to the finals, but it was Mike Harris and Tony Howe who came out on top to claim bragging rights and $50 for their fine shooting. The very next morning, 24 men and seven women played for the unofficial title of Singles Champions to the NW Singles Tournament Series. Four brackets were drawn up with six men in each of the morning qualifier brackets. The top two would advance to the Finals at 7pm. Moving on were Kevin Luke (9), Bob Ross (7), John Hussman (10), Tom Anderson (7), Brian Smith (8), Tony Howe (6), Peter Clark (10), and Jim Nelson Jr (6) after winning the tiebreaker. The women played in one bracket of seven. Kelly Papuzza (9) wins the tiebreaker against Deb Parker (9) to take the higher seed in the Finals. In the second qualifier at 2pm, 18 men and seven women. The men break up into two flights of four and two flights of five, with the top two advancing to the Finals. They were Tyler Hayne (7), Steve Arionus (5), Massey Bentz (8), Robert Thayer (5), Pat Breithaupt (6), Mike Due (4), Louie Owen (4), and Dan Baker (3). The women played one bracket with Carole Herriott (10) and Debra Straub (9) moving to the finals. During the break, between the second qualifier and the Finals we ran four Mini-8 tournaments awarding $25 to 1st Place and $15 to 2nd. 1st Mini-8: 1st: Steve Arionus, 2nd: Brian Smith. The first round of the Finals start on time at 7pm with John Husman beating Dan Baker 3-0, Tyler Hayne beating Jim Nelson Jr. 3-0, Brian Smith beating Mike Due 3-0, Bob Ross beating Massey Bentz 3-2, Robert Thayer beating Kevin Luke 3-2, Pat Breithaupt beat Tony Howe 3-0 Peter Clark beating Steve Arionus 3-1 and Louie Owen beating Tom Anderson 3-2. In the second round, John Husman beats Tyler Hayne 4-1, Bob Ross beats Brian Smith 4-2, Pat Breithaupt beats Robert Thayer 4-0, and Peter Clark beats Louie Owen 4-2. In the Semi-finals, we see John Husman and Bob Ross square off. John wins 5-1. In the other Semis, Peter Clark battles Pat Breithaupt and wins 5-4. Then it was a showdown between John Husman and Peter Clark. It was all that was expected between these two competitors; John wins by the narrowest of margins over Peter 5-4. John Husman takes $410 and the First Place trophy, while Peter takes home a respectable $200. Pat and Bob each receive $100. On the women’s side of the Finals, we saw Debra Straub defeat Kelly Papuzza 4-2, and Carole Herriott beating Deb Parker, also 4-2. The Finals were best of nine between Debra and Carole. In the end, it was Carole coming out on top winning 5-2. In the men’s consolation round, Luis Lincko took 1st Place ($60), Paul Straub took 2nd Place ($34), Dave Hunt and John Butler each received $20. In the women’s consolation round, Tabitha Townsend took 1st Place ($24), Christina Oakley took 2nd Place ($13) Alice Ramos took 3rd ($8). By Sunday morning at 11am, we had 11 teams show up to play the Mixed Doubles event, dividing into two brackets, five in one and six in the other, with the top two teams advancing. Pat Breithaupt and Debra Straub advanced with 11 wins, along with Massey Bentz and Naomi Bentz, seven wins. In the second bracket, we saw Kevin Luke and Christina Oakley emerge with 13 wins and Ken Till and Deb Parker. Massey and Naomi beat Kevin and Christina to advance to the Finals. Pat and Debra beat Ken and Deb to advance, meeting Massey and Naomi. Massey and Naomi come out on top to win the Mixed Doubles and put fifty bucks in their pockets. We look forward to seeing everyone at the 3rd South Sound Open on Feb. 29-Mar. 2, 2008.
Thorn Report Interview with Art Martell THORN: (breathing deeply) Ahhhhh! I love being on at sea! The smell, the rocking waves. I was born with sea legs! So, thanks for bringing me out here — tell everybody your name! T: Nice to meet you in person Art! It’s gorgeous out here. I bet I’m lucky to come on such a nice blue-sky day, huh? Seagulls chasing us, chopping through the ocean swells. Love it. So, when you’re not out here, where do you call home? T: Whoa, that’s a lot of names. Guess you gotta be specific in the more remote parts of such a big country, right? How did you come to be here? T: And what kind of job do you do? Wait! Let me guess. You’re an aquatic archeologist looking for sunken Viking ships in order to prove they discovered North America. No! You work for the Canadian Border Patrol guarding against illegal immigrants from Greenland! Or, maybe… T: Well, that’s cool too! (drooling, moaning) Mmmmm, lobster. In fact, they’re all yummy. Make sushi, or dipped in garlic butter, or just baked with lemon. Delicious! It must be adventurous working on the high seas. What kind of interesting, unusual, or amazing things happen? T: Nine hundred pounds on a fishing rod?! Was that a record? How big can tuna get? T: Whoa. Well, it’s awesome you finished school too. And dangerous working conditions? Like what? Icebergs? Perfect storms? Rogue nuclear submarines? Undead Pirates? Maelstroms? Battling the Kraken? T: Ever seen St. Elmo’s Fire or the Green Flash? T: What about marine life? Whales? Dolphins? What else? T: What about darts? Do you have a board on the boat? Or can you get on the internet when you’re at sea? T: How long have you been a SEWAnaut? That’s my unofficial term for SEWA members. T: And you’re a good dart player? Describe your skill. T: Don’t hold back on us now Art. What are your best darting accomplishments? T: Man, you’re tougher to open up than a tuna can with a toothpick! Ok, besides darts, tell me - with as much passion and excitement as you can muster - what are the best things about your life? Think about it. Ready? Go! T: (silent, staring) T: Well, a wife, son, and rewarding job are certainly worthy of applause. And, you did use three different adjectives. Seriously, that’s beautiful - it’s more than many ever have. So, back to the game... what’s the dart scene like in Gabarus, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada? T: All right! I’m starting to sense a little descriptive energy! Quick! What’s your most unforgettable moment ever? T: (sniffling) That’s beautiful, man (blowing nose). T: So, have any other hobbies? T: You sound like a man born, raised, and living in the exact spot you were meant to be. Best wishes for your wife, your son, your job, your game, and your future. Wow, look at that sunset. Thanks for talking with me. T: By the way, do they say “eh” out here? THORN: Well, thanks Art, bye, eh! Until next time at the next place, bon voyage! Over and double out.
January 2008 COOPER’S ALEHOUSE; SEATTLE, WA By Debra Straub ECDO Competition Secretary At 3:00pm on December 8, 2007, 32 players signed up for Emerald City Darting Organization’s blind draw event at Seattle’s Cooper’s Alehouse. Upon signing up, each player was given five tickets for our raffle of Christmas presents, and of course everyone was welcome to purchase extra tickets for a chance to win even more presents. We drew our teams and then broke them up into four groups of four. Each group played two games, taking the top two out of each group. Here’s how it played out: On Board 1 Ken M and Corey - 1st place (4 wins) There was a playoff of one game between Shannon and Pat vs. Andy and Ken C. to make it out of this bracket. Shannon and Pat won the playoff game! On Board 2 Carole and Todd - 1st place (6 wins) On Board 3 Deb and Deb (1 win) On Board 4 Mike By and Dwarf - 1st place (5 wins) Taking the eight teams we then played knock-out, best of three. Congratulations to the winners: We saw many players with multiple gifts, so additional tickets were definitely sold over and above those that were given away. We actually raised $135 to donate to Ronald McDonald’s house this Christmas. Great job everybody! As I was cleaning up and packing away my files, I noticed a great deal of players were still hanging around and playing high boxes. Which is a fun and fast game where everyone gets to compete in a large group. I’m glad everyone had a great time. This being the biggest tournament I’ve ever run, I hope no one minded the mistakes I made along the way.
Thorn Report Interview: Henry of Scotland (SEWA inFESTation) THORN: (shocked and screaming) Ahhh!! (panting) Don’t sneak up on me like that!? (calming down) Who are you? HENRY: I am Henry, “InFESTation”, a bloke trying to delay getting to middle age. When does that start anyhow, how do you know you’re at your middle age? T: Don’t ask me. I was born on a leap day. I don’t know why we had to meet out by this foggy lake. So, what’s your deal? H: I am an Englishman living in Morayshire, Scotland, home of the world’s finest Malt whiskeys, which isn’t such a bad thing. If you’re visiting, do visit some of the distilleries on the whiskey trail, and don’t be afraid of the smaller distilleries, they tend to do a better malt than some of the more famous brands, even if some of the blends are better. There, that’s me. Finished doing the tourist speech. T: Wooo! Good stuff. So, what made you move up here? H: I was brought up here from Cumbria, England to live and work for the first time back in 1994. Then, after a short break, back again in 1996, and have been here ever since. T: It’s gorgeous here. A lot more rugged than I thought. So, what kind of work - Whoa, what was that?! Something, right there. See the ripples (eyes darting apprehensively)? What’s your job? H: At the moment, I am just about to change careers; I am just finishing fifteen years service in Her Majesty’s finest, THE Royal Air Force, where I was an aircraft electrical technician. My new path is taking me to the seas as a ROV, Remotely Operated Vehicle Pilot/Tech - big boy toys, basically in the North Sea to start with, then, who knows, all over the world hopefully. T: (sarcastically) How boring! Is there anything interesting about you and your life? H: Now this is a tough one; I have been that busy in the last year or so. I am trying to complete some self-study courses to be a network geek - that was supposed to be my next career path. But, between family, a new job, present work and trying to move back down the country, I seem to be a little short of hours in the day to do anything else. So, the amazing thing is the fact I still have a fantastic family waiting for me each day, and they haven’t gone and upped sticks on me. T: Upped sticks? Uh-oh, where’s my English-to-English dictionary? Sounds bad, whatever it is. So, how long have you been a member of His Majesty’s SEWA Service? H: I came across SEWA, I think it was around the middle of January, ’07. I had been away from darts for nigh-on ten years by then. I popped in a few times before, joining at the start of February and been a regular visitor ever since, even if not a very active poster. T: I’ve seen plenty of your posts. What’s the reason behind the capitalized letters in your nickname, “InFESTation”? H: I had a previous nickname “Fester”, apparently there was a passing resemblance when my hair was trimmed to a little below regulation. Smile, this though is a popular nickname, so it was combined with the way I used to swarm all over the opposition when playing football or rugby. So “InFESTation” came into existence, ready to swarm all over the board when at the oche. T: Ah, now I get it. So, what your skill level like on the oche? H: I like to think I am at the higher end of average, but to be honest, far too inconsistent still, at the moment. Like others, I seem to have memories of being a lot better, but that may be part of this approaching middle age. T: The middle ages are for monks and maidens. You’re approaching modern age. Speaking of history, what are your best memories or biggest accomplishments in darts? H: Biggest memories of darts was probably from the league team I played in the late 90’s. It was mainly made up of service members, and we narrowly missed winning the league that year, which was a shame as that was when we lost our support from the committee and the team folded; everybody moved onto different teams, and I started a family, so I stopped playing for a while. But in that year, I managed the high check in a local charity/memorial tournament. That was it’s first year and has since got bigger and bigger each year, now attracting some top players. I also held a shield trophy for a year, sponsored by a local business, by winning the final leg with a 167. So, I suppose finishing darts that year on a high is the reason I have some happy memories. T: I had a high check once. But I passed it so the cop let me go. Seriously, I poked the 170 out once, but only in a pub game. I just missed a 161 out against Bob Anderson, but I had him gawking good when I was looking at the DB. Even missing, it was a thrill. Along those lines, darts aside, what memories and accomplishments do you consider to be highlights in your life? H: Memories? There are a few, happy and sad, but ultimately, they make me who I am, and just this time, I will keep them where they should be. Accomplishments? I will probably go with serving Queen and Country, doing fairly well in it, and getting off to a great start in my initial trade training. And helping to bring up what are looking like will be two fine young men. T: Cool. Humble yet impressive. Good answers. (whispering behind hand) Readers love that stuff. So! Tell us what the sport is like in Scotland. H: The darts around here are of a high standard - all ‘01 games with some interesting post-pot games. These are some of the reasons I have joined the SEWA “Flight School” to help with my return to the game of darts. I haven’t played in a league this year, mainly because I only picked the game up again halfway through the season and didn’t think I was good enough, and the Summer Leagues are a hard one to fit in. So, roll August and September, hopefully, I will be back down to the Lake District and hopefully get a team slot there. T: How you get into darts in the first place? H: In the alcove on either side of the fireplace, my father had quite a few trophies. As I grew up I said, “I want to get a few of those,” so my father got us an old dartboard to hang in the back garden. That served its purpose for the next couple of years until I was hooked as far as a young bairn could be, between football (the proper version using your feet) and rugby (again, the proper version, no pads and use your hands). Then there was a program that started on telly called Bullseye. This was great. We got a cabinet, and it came with one of the paper dartboards, and I used to play against the Bullseye competitors in the points sessions. For those not too familiar with the program: teams of two, a dart player and non-player, the player threw three and the highest got a question, if answered correctly, won the score in pounds! Later in the show, there was the 101 in six darts, non-player throwing first. I can’t remember how I faired but it was enjoyable. I used to talk my father into trying to beat the celebrity darts player in the charity throw. Ahh, them were the days, eh!? But that was how I started. Thing was, school, then working for a living always seemed to take priority, but there has always been a board in the house. Even the ten years not throwing, the board was in the loft keeping a patch of floor clear of dust. T: (flipping pages) Found my dictionary. Let’s see… ”up sticks” means “to leave”. Hmm! And “bairn”, “a child”, and “telly” must be the boob tube right, the television? Don’t you get that confused with the telephone? Nevermind. Do you have any dart dreams you’re still chasing? H: My ambition ever since watching Eric Bristow and Jockey Wilson has been to play on the Lakeside stage, for myself and probably a lot of other folk in Europe, if not the world. This is the darts Nirvana, and always seemed to have that bit of magic about it. I’m sure some of the PDC players that have played there would love to be on that stage again, so here’s hoping, maybe one day… you gotta have a dream. T: Cheers to that! Any unexpected pleasures in your return to the game? H: Getting several other people into the game, mainly for selfish reasons, so I had somebody else to play against at work, then watching their face when they hit their first 180 or ton+ finish. T: Oh yeah. I love teaching the game, and that rookie look you describe - I don’t know who’s happier, me or them. Have there been any negatives? H: (laughing) My dart collection has been greatly depleted! But, as mentioned, there was selfish reasoning to it. In the end, they weren’t being used, so good to see they are being used for their designed purpose - even when they did get around to beating me - which came along far too quickly. They, in turn, have gotten others interested in the game. So it may only be a small corner, but I have taken it somewhere else, which then gets them taking a wider interest, hopefully keeping the bar mangers happy, and maybe, eventually enough to make another team up for the leagues. T: That’s what it’s all about. This was a great interview. I’m glad we met at this creepy lake. Good idea Henry. Thanks. HENRY: An absolute pleasure! Glad to meet you and share a dream, but it’s getting late and as far as the local stories go, you might not want to stay here too much longer, so I will make a move and hopefully see you up at the bar for a throw and another dr... (splash!)
December 2007 KENNEWICK, WA By Erik McVay Way back in 2006 when the Mid-Columbia Open was in it’s second year and first time as an extended format event, Debra Straub ran into Darci McVay in the finals. Darci was on form and unwilling to give. But this year, 2007, Debra was having none of that and steamrolled her way to victory over a tough field of ladies. The final was a ‘best of nine’ legs pro-style match played on the Mid-Columbia Championship board - complete with Dart-Stop Back Board and Nuvolux Circumluminator. And chalked by Paul ‘Bofa’ Straub, Debra’s hubby. The crowd (at least 25 players and non-players alike) watched as the match played out. And though Iona put up one heck of a fight, it was clear that Debra was intent on making this year hers! In the beginning the nerves were high, but after two wins in the opener, Debra began to relax and reeled off another two before Iona struck back with some wins of her own. The Tri-Cities fans were clearly pleased to see their favorite strike back and get some momentum. However, it wasn’t enough and Debra fought back hard, winning the match handily. This makes Debra the third lady to win the Mid-Columbia in three years! Now that’s a cool stat. Ladies Singles 501 (11 entries) 1st Place: Debra Straub - $110
Rainman Refuses the Three-peat By Erik Mcvay Kevin ‘The Rainman’ Luke came into the 3rd Annual Mid-Columbia Open joking that we might have to rename it the 3rd Annual Kevin takes second tournament, but apparently he decided not to comply! After getting knocked out of the qualifier on Friday night by Steve Arionus (Steve checked out a 170 to stop Kevin from advancing), a visibly upset Kevin came back on Saturday with a vengeance! 1st round of the Knockout, Kevin ran into Steve Arionus again, but this time The Rainman brought the rain and left Steve holding the bag, er umbrella. Next up was Alex Redman, a relative newcomer to the steel tip world. Actually Alex played steel as a kid and has come back to it. He plays in the SEWADL A Division and is 2nd overall on the Monday night league. Alex was unable to slow Kevin down and The Rainman kept on counting (the time to his next victim). Tyler Hayne had played well all weekend and despite his 180’s in the qualifier, and steady throw throughout the main event, he was no match for The Rainman and went down in a flood - The Rainman cometh! Jim Nelson Jr. was looking for his first big win when he met Kevin Luke on the finals board, and despite some stellar legs throughout the match it just wasn’t to be. But wait, there’s more! The 1st leg of the match went like this: 100 to Kevin, 100 to Jim, 100 to Kevin, 100 to Jim, 100 to Kevin, 100 to Jim... and I said “The big boys came out to play!” We were off in the 3rd annual running of the extended format, best of 11 legs, Mid-Columbia Open Men’s Singles 501 Final! And what a show! Big finishes, big shots, big laughs. Oops sorry, wasn’t supposed to talk about that! All around top notch darts was the order of the day as these two Northwest heavyweights smacked each other around on the oche and punched the sisal full of holes with solid tungsten arrows. It was a classic match that many will remember and in the end it was raining all over Jim Nelson Jr’s parade as Kevin ‘The Rainman’ Luke counted dollar bills faster then a Ferrari goes 0-60. Don’t throw matches on the floor when The Rainman walks in folks, but if you do, pull your tungsten out and be prepared to count the tons! Great show Kevin! Next year we might call our little extravaganza ‘3rd Annual Rainman takes second’ tournament, but this year you certainly rained on our parade!
A&L TAVERN; PORTLAND, OR By Debra Straub Portland, OR - Paul and I arrived at A&L Tavern in Portland just before 10:30am on Saturday, November 17. When we went inside, I could tell already there were some big players at this event. I took off my jacket and dug out my darts to start warming up. As I walked through the crowd to find an empty board, I said hello and hugged friends. Christina, Wayne (I always get a peck from him), Del and Kelly (oh, wow I haven’t seen them in years), Mike, Jim, Pat (my teammate from Molly’s), Randy, Brian (another peck), and Hudy. I share a board with Alice Smith from Tacoma. Well, that’s two women so far. At the far end, I see another woman come in I don’t know, that makes three. I’m hoping Darci from SEWA will be coming also. Sure enough a few moments later Darci and Erik show up. I hug Darci, and as we warm up we chat away. Forty-four men and four women showed up to play in this event. They separated us in to eight groups of six, each group playing two legs against each player. I got Mike, Bob, Joe, Ian and Sean in my group. Mike and Bob I know. And knowing how well they shoot, it might be tough getting out of this bracket. I get Mike first; I’m struggling to hit the high numbers to my out, he takes two games off of me. I then play Ian, he’s a really good shot, but he leaves himself a 5 and can’t clean it up in the second game. By now I’ve resorted to bulls and I win my first game. My next opponent is Sean; he’s a soft-tipper and has never played steel-tip. I take the first game, only because he doesn’t know his outs. But then he gets some help from the peanut gallery and I lose the second game. Bob is my next opponent and I know I don’t have a prayer of at least taking one off of him. Last is Joe. I’m already out and have no chance of advancing. I don’t know why they just didn’t have me forfeit this match. Oh, well. Joe and I split. Out of my bracket, Bob, Mike, Joe and either Sean or Ian made it to the next round. I checked with Paul to see how well he did in his bracket. He did about as well as I did. We decide to go home. We say our farewells until next time. Here’s what happened later: The 32 men (notice there were no women) played the knockout rounds. I’m guessing best of three. Down to 16 and it’s best of five. Down to 8 and it’s best of seven. Giving us the top four, playing best of nine. Jim Nelson and Steve Arionus being taken out by Pat Breithaupt and Sean Smyth. With these four great players, it would have been some great darts flying! Pat and Sean playing the best of 11 legs. Whew! That’s a lot of darts! Congratulations to Sean for taking the Bragging Rights 2007 title! Following the Bragging Rights tournament was the Turkey Shoot blind draw event. Kevin Luke and Bob Ross took second. Sean Smyth and Mike Baxter took first place. A great time was had by all, thank you Christina and Craig! And I look forward to seeing all of you again in Tacoma!
November 2007 JANET POMEROY CENTER; SAN FRANCISCO, CA
By Debra Straub The 2007 San Francisco Open was held at the Janet Pomeroy Center, October 5-7, which looked like an auditorium in a grade school - a very small space with only around 25 boards. Here are the top four results: Draw Doubles 501 Men’s Singles Cricket Draw Doubles Cricket Men’s Singles 501 Women’s Doubles 501 Women’s Singles Cricket Men’s Doubles 501 Top 4 Money Winners: SFDA already has next years open in the works. You can check it out at http://www.sfda.org/index.htm.
DOUBLETREE HOTEL; DENVER, CO
By Debra Straub I would first like to thank all of those who helped with my expenses for my trip to Nationals in Colorado September 28-30, 2007. I appreciated every penny! ADO Nationals The Open With over 30 boards to play on, there were a lot of people from all over the United States. I met people from Virginia, New Orleans, Cleveland and Arizona. I even met a man from Alaska that I found out went to the same high school I did. Wow! What a small world. For a full report on the winner’s list, check out this link http://www.adodarts.com/results/
Interview: Nick Williams THORN: Ok, I’m here with, uhhh, why don’t you tell us who you are? T: Right on! Wait. Which one is your nickname (snickering), get it? Seriously, classic SEWA name. So, which place do you currently call home? T: Excellent! The home of the sport, right? How is it you came to be there? T: (chuckling) I agree! It rains a ton where I’m from too—we can spot the tourists because they all look depressed and have umbrellas! What kind of work do you do? T: Interesting! Your imagination must be one of your strengths. Is your personal life as creative as your job? T: Give us the address! T: (writing, mumbling) Dot C O dot U K. Got it. Uhhh, so how long have you been a SEWA member? T: Erik? Who’s that? Just kidding. McVay does a great job running SEWA. I remember first meeting Erik at a big tournament back home. I beat him (polishing knuckles, chuckling). Seriously though, I remember him with an arm around his son, giving him tips. I thought it was so cool I took a picture. Dare I ask “mista-double” what your dart skills are like? T: (sighing) Can’t we all? I relish those big challenges, like Erik, and always regret letting up on lesser opponents. But, that’s sport isn’t it? What are your best memories or biggest accomplishments in darts? T: That’s pretty cool having a brother that’s a pro! But, this is your turn in the spotlight Nick. What about beyond darts? What about your life is better than hitting that double? T: Beautiful. Well, so you live in the heart of dart country. How’s the sport doing? T: As a veteran player of many years, leagues, and situations, are there any aspects of the game you still find difficult? If so, what and why? T: I hear that! So, I see a lot of your input on the internet. What do you find most valuable about communicating by computer? T: Totally. Okay, one more Nick. You pick: Who’s the best player you’ve ever met in England? OR Who’s the best player you’ve ever beaten? T: I played Bob once too! What a gent. Well, this has been a bloody good interview! By the way, are you working on your PhD so you can become Docta-double? T: Thanks Nick. We’ll look for you in the forums. Give my best to the Queen, and put an extra lump in your tea for me. THORN: (chortling) Of course, but when you have time. Right then! Which way to the Chunnel? Tally-ho everybody. Over and double out.
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