The 2009-10 APFSCIL Darts Singles Championship for the Howard Gleave Trophy

Held at the Horseshoe, Clerkenwell, 22/3/09

A report by E. I. Addio, our man on the oche

The 2009-10 Howard Gleave Singles KO competition took place on Monday 22nd March at the Horseshoe, Clerkenwell. The winner was Paul Ebblewhite (Ipswich Town), who beat defending champion Neal Hodges (Manchester City) 3-0 in the final. Paul warmed up for the event by completing a 16 hour, 100,001 darting marathon to raise money for Sport Relief. It's not too late to donate, which you can do through Paul's Fundraising Page.

Nineteen players representing eight teams entered, with Ipswich Town providing a particularly strong looking contingent of four. Despite dire warnings that anyone not present at seven sharp when the draw was done would be refused entry, there were still a few laggards. Their bacon was saved when the organizer managed to botch the draw not once but twice, and they were let in.

In the top half of the draw the defending Champ Neal Hodges (Man. City) progressed serenely enough to the semis with victories over Chris Farthing (Ipswich) and Richie Cockton (Sunderland). Here he overcame team mate Nick Edser 3-1 to reach the final for the second year running.

In the bottom half Champion of two years ago Chris Harp (Exeter City) struggled in his opening match against John Last (Ipswich), but eventually prevailed in three. An easier victory over Heather Bedford (also Ipswich) got him to the quarters, but he was no match for Paul who won in straight legs having beaten Daniel Cross (Gills) and Woody (Burnley) on the way. The other semi-finalist was Chris Kent (Gills) who beat Jim Shepherd (Gills) and Scott Walker (Ipswich) to get there, throwing a 180 maximum on the way. But here he was overpowered by Paul who won in straight legs.

Paul was clearly throwing the best darts on the night, and this form continued in the final where he swept aside Neal to complete victory without dropping a leg all night. By the final leg his confidence was so high he narrowly missed throwing a fifteen darter. Most definitely a worthy champion.

Many thanks to The Horseshoe who provided playing facilities and light refreshment free of charge.