Rotorua darts players have home advantage

Geyserland Darts Club players Victoria Tahau (left), Pera Mason, Mary Teddy, Maureen Stone and Richie Shedlock are representing Bay of Plenty at the NZ Dart Council Nationals. Photo/Stephen Parker

New Zealand's best darts players will converge on Rotorua during the next week for the New Zealand Dart Council Nationals.

The event, being held at the Energy Events Centre from tomorrowto Friday has attracted players from 17 different regions.

A squad of 18 will represent Bay of Plenty, including Rotorua's Richie Shedlock, Brian Corbett, Pera Mason, Mai Jonathan, Victoria Tahau, Maureen Stone and Mary Teddy.

Shedlock said trials for the squad were gruelling, with 42 men and 29 women playing for places.

"We all played each other, so the men played 41 games each, all in one day. It was a long day. It was close, there was some good competition.

"I think it's a good team, it's a strong team. Bay of Plenty were runners-up last year, we've been the bridesmaid quite often in the past. It's been quite a few years since we've won it, playing at home it would be good to try and win this year.

"It is social, off the oche. Once you're on there it's a different story, the social side goes out until the game is finished and then it's good camaraderie."

Players will compete in team, pair and individual divisions. The main events, the men's and women's singles, will be played on Wednesday with a total prize pool of $7480 up for grabs.

Mason started playing in April this year and said he enjoyed the relaxed environment of the sport. He was looking forward to representing Bay of Plenty for the first time and said it would be "a good challenge".

Stone has been playing darts since 1986 and has represented Bay of Plenty at multiple tournaments. She said she enjoyed the company and the best way to practise was to compete.