The British Open darts competition returns to Bridlington Spa this weekend [15th-17th September].
This will be the 20th year this world-ranking event has been held at Bridlington Spa, the first being in 2003, when the champions were England’s Darryl Fitton, and Francis Hoenselaar of the Netherlands.
The event is a favourite and an annual pilgrimage for darts players from across Yorkshire and the north of England, along with having a terrific following from Scotland, and competitors from further afield, including Mainland Europe, the US and Asia.
The British Open is part of the World Darts Federation’s worldwide tournament ranking system, which leads to qualification into their annual Lakeside World Championships.
Along with the British Classic and the newly introduced British Youth Boys’ and Girls’ Open and World ParaDarts championships, this is really a “darts for all” event.
Over the past 20 years, the event has seen major technology initiatives from the organisers and the promoters Visit East Yorkshire.
The introduction of DartConnect from US allows competitors to follow all the matches in real time on screens around the venue, along with improving viewing facilities for supporters via the internet. The grand finals will be broadcast worldwide.
The event begins on Friday [15th September] at 1pm with The England International Men’s and Ladies’ Trial. This will be followed at 6pm by The British Open Pairs.
Saturday is the busiest day of the weekend, with the British Classic Men’s and Ladies’, The British Open Youth and the World ParaDarts British Open.
Sunday begins with the British Open Men’s and Ladies’, followed by the grand finals.
Spectator tickets are available from the box office at Bridlington Spa or online.
Tickets are free for Friday and £10 per day for Saturday or Sunday. Weekend tickets are also available on request.
Councillor Nick Coultish, portfolio holder for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “I am delighted that Visit East Yorkshire have been able to work with the event organisers to bring this fantastic event back to Bridlington.
“Some of the best darts players in the country will be taking to the oche and I encourage darts enthusiasts to come down and watch the world-class sporting action in the stunning Royal Hall.
“The event is superb for tourism in the town and we are delighted to host this major competition in the East Riding for its 20th anniversary.”
For more details, visit Visit East Yorkshire: Tri Nations Darts or the Tri-Nations Darts website
