Local darts player, Tony Brown, will compete in the National Darts Championships which commence this weekend in Brisbane.
Tony is part of the NSW team of 16 men and women players who will compete against teams from all Australian states and territories, along with players from across the Pacific region.
Tony will compete in the Men’s Singles tournament along with Men’s Doubles, with Brad Johnson from Newcastle, and in the Mixed Doubles, with Melissa Harrison from Grafton.
He’ll also compete in teams events in the Peter Mac Cup and the Pacific Masters.
“They get some big names from New Zealand that come across to compete,” Tony said.
It’s the third consecutive year Tony has been selected in the NSW squad and he’s currently ranked “somewhere in the mid 40s” (he’s not sure exactly) in Australia.
Last year he was ranked the No 22 player in Australia and finished 7th in one event, which won him $50 prizemoney.
Getting to Nationals has been a big process for Tony.
He has competed at numerous tournaments over the past year, including making four trips to Foster, to earn enough Darts NSW and Darts Australia points to get recognised by the NSW team selectors.
Tony said the Nationals are a great opportunity to mix with a lot of top players including the current Australian Men’s No 1 ranked player, Raymond Smith.
Tony has unluckily drawn Smith for his first round of Singles which take place at the back end of the nine day tournament.
“I’ve played him before and took a leg off him,” Tony said.
The Cobar Services Club and the community have gotten behind Tony and held a fundraiser on Saturday which raised over $4,000 to help with his travel, accommodation and nomination fees.
“It was brilliant, more than expected, but quite welcome and I’m very humbled,” Tony said.
You can keep a track on Tony’s progress at the Nationals tournament through DartConnect with the finals to be televised.
