Take A Chance On Me

Posted: 24.08.11 in Anthony Urmston-Toft Blog category

Rising star Anthony Urmston-Toft reports back from The Swedish Open-Sweden is the home of the 70's pop group Abba of course and Anthony came back with some money money money!

Hello one and all.

Sorry about delaying this little ditty but with job interviews and what not, it’s all been a bit manic.

Anyhow.

I got back from my holiday in Newquay, which was very nice, thank you very much. Then it was another early train, this time to Stanstead. I met up with good buddy Clive Barden along with Kevin Hill and Paul Jennings. We were booked on a Ryanair flight, I know, how very rock and roll. Also on the flight were Deta Hedman, Lorraine Farlam, Scott Waites, Martin Atkins, and Garry Thompson. We landed in Stockholm and it was lashing down, good job I packed my  jumper and raincoat with me.

The hotel was nice enough apart from the giggling receptionist, (scary man) but nice all the same. I slept well and felt really good, the holiday had obviously made me more relaxed. I got to the venue which I think used to be a warehouse. It was bigger than the venue in Belgium so not as hot.

I just practised a bit doing checkouts and “other trebles” but only threw a few darts at t20. My first round was against Gorren Erikson, not Sven before you chuckle. I threw really well and I won 4-1 with some good steady scoring and good finishes. The next couple of games were 4-0 and I won my board/group. Then I played against Steve West; I knew I would have to play my a/b game to have a chance. I scored really well and so did Steve but my doubles were better and luckily I won (4:0) to get into the last 16 of a major comp for the first time in a while. Next up was Jamie Lewis. It’s three times now that we have played and this time it was another win for me, 4-1 with my scoring proving to be too much for Jamie. He is a very good player mark my words.

Next game for me was Paul Jennings. He had beaten me 4-0 in Belgium and it was time for me to better that and better it I did. I won a very scrappy game 4-3 both of us having hot spots and cold spots; it was a case of who could hold their nerve, on this occasion it was me that held it. That put me into the semi-final against Scott Waites, a player who needs no introduction, but he did get one from the Swedish MC and made his way to the dartboard. I got introduced myself by the MC which was greeted by a warm reception from the crowd. The first 4 legs went with darts but Scott’s power scoring was too Hot for me and he prevailed 5-2.

I have to  say I enjoyed every minute of it and it made me realise what some people have been saying to me for a while; that I am a good player. There were lots of pats on the back and inspirational words from Tony West. I’m starting to make a name for myself amongst the pros. I have a good reputation now and I feel respected by the better-known players, which is a good feeling to have, and a great boost to my confidence.

I got back early Monday morning by trains, planes and automobiles, and saw the best two supporters any player can dream of, my wife and son.

Well folks, if you feel inspired or feel some money burning a hole in your pocket, I am looking for sponsors for the 2011-2012 season. If you want to help a potential professional please contact me through the website-paul@dartsperformancecentre.com.

(Paul Gillings here- we have a great package available for a sponsor/s to back Anthony in his quest to rise up the BDO rankings-Please get in touch for a comprehensive range of benefits and the chance to get all your sponsorship money back!)

Wishing you all the best

Anthony Urmston-Toft 

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