Monte Carlo Tavern; Kent, WA – Hot Shot Cup Challenge

By Kristine Crawford

On January 23rd, John Ericson, Doug Steinberg, Steve Bell, and Keaty Kutter of Monte Carlo in Kent, defended the Hot Shot Cup for the first time. Cactus Moon of Everett sent their best down, Teresa Heskind, Linda Sadoski, Mike Husman, and Chris Pittman, hoping they would be victorious.

From the starting bell, it was Keaty who was in charge of the music and would not let it stop. The mix of classic rock, upbeat pop, new country, and dance songs was just right to keep everyone happy. Dart players are known to blame lack of good music for their sloppy darts on occasion. There was no chance of that today.

With the stage set, quarters in the board, and hands shaken, the match was off. Cactus jumped out to a large lead, 4-0. In game five, John and Steve couldn’t miss, and were hitting triple after triple to give Monte Carlo their first win. Apparently, that was all it took to boost them up. Keaty took a SB, S17, D15 out in Cricket to put the score at Cactus 4, Monte Carlo 3. Both John and Steve took out nail-biting 501 games to give Monte Carlo a six-game streak. Then Linda took out game 11 with a S15 after a battle on both sides.

In game 13, Mike hit the first Hat Trick of the match. With the score now at Cactus 7, Monte Carlo 6, we were looking at a very long day of darts. Both teams were now warmed up and in their fighting corners. Steve’s Hat Trick in game 14 got the see-saw going. Doug would hit a 7-Count in Cricket that was countered by Mike’s 6-Count. Keaty’s Black Bull out would tie up the score at 10-10.

Teresa and Linda were on fire against John and Doug in game 22 to tie it up, 11-11. Monte Carlo went into a team huddle and came back with a no-lose attitude. Cactus was able to pull off one more game, but Monte Carlo was solid and working together to pull off their 17-12 victory. Each game was close and unpredictable until the screen flashed the final winner.